Giant Forest and Lodgepole Winter Trails

Trails in the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas are often snowy and icy in the winter. But with the right gear and preparation, adventurous explorers can still take in the unique beauty of sequoias in the snow. Visitors can either hike on plowed trails, or cross-country ski and snowshoe on established routes.

Cross-country ski routes in the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas are designated by colored markers. Route markers and other information for specific trails can be found in the Winter Trails section below. For a complete map of winter trails, check out our Park Newspaper.

 

The General Sherman Trail is often cleared of snow, but traction devices on footwear are still strongly recommended.

NPS / Alison Taggart Barone

Want to Ski or Snowshoe?

If you'd like to cover more distance, give skis or snowshoes a try. You don't need to go far or fast, and snowshoes are easy to use. It is a great way to enjoy the sequoia forest in a very different style! Check at visitor centers for information on where you can rent equipment. When the Wuksachi Lodge is open, snowshoes and trekking poles are typically available for rent, and snowplay gear is for sale. At the Giant Forest Museum, you can also purchase a ski trail map and stock up on warm clothes and water there before heading out on your adventure.

Ranger-led snowshoe walks around the Giant Forest area are available beginning mid-January, depending on how much snow the parks get. Snowshoes are provided during the program. For more information on winter ranger programs, check out our event calendar.

Wherever You Go, Be Safe!

Whether you are skiing a groomed trail in a developed area or venturing into the backcountry, please remember that you are traveling in wilderness with all its risks: unpredictable wildlife, changing weather conditions, deep snow, and open streams. Have fun, but be prepared for any situation and know the limits of your ability. Carry a map, warm clothes, sunglasses, and water. Orient yourself before heading out and tell someone where you are going. You are on you own in the winter woods.

Trail Etiquette

• Please do not snowshoe or walk directly on ski tracks. The tread of snowshoes (or boots) can create divots and ruin carefully laid ski tracks, creating hazards for skiers.
• Fill in depressions in the snow after falling to reduce hazards to others.
• If you find the trail too difficult, turn back.
• Please do not take your skis off to walk up or down hills as the holes you will leave are very dangerous for other skiers. If you decide to continue, turn sideways, dig ski edges into the slope and sidestep either up or down the hill.

 

Keep an eye out for signs of wildlife, such as bear tracks in the snow.

NPS Photo

A Snowy Forest

This forest is used to snow. Most trees are cone-shaped, minimizing the amount of snow that catches on them. The branches are flexible, so that they bend to dump what snow does stick when it get too heavy. Be cautious when walking underneath snow covered trees.

Look for tracks in the snow. Bear, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, martens, weasels, coyotes, and squirrels may be active throughout the winter. Winter birds may greet you from the trees: ravens, juncos, chickadees, red-breasted nuthatches and brown creepers to name a few. Look for the sweep of wings in the snow where an owl caught a rodent for dinner.

 

General Sherman Tree Trail

The General Sherman Tree Trail loop is the only trail kept clear of snow in the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas. However, due to icy conditions, we highly recommend bringing traction devices to put on your footwear before you go on this hike.