Ladybug Trail

Starting from the South Fork trailhead near the remote southern edge of the park, Ladybug Trail drops you into a world most Sequoia visitors never see. The path follows the South Fork of the Kaweah River through oak woodland and chaparral before climbing into mixed conifer forest — expect sun-baked switchbacks early on that give way to welcome shade as you gain elevation. The trail is well-worn but rocky in sections, with a few spots where you'll scramble over exposed roots. Your reward at the three-mile mark is Ladybug Camp and the surrounding grove of sequoias growing at an unusually low elevation — these aren't the towering giants of the General Sherman neighborhood, but they're impressive in their own right and you'll likely have them entirely to yourself. This one's perfect for hikers who want a legitimate workout without the tourist crowds that swarm the more famous groves.