Long Meadow Loop
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Black bears are active throughout the Giant Forest area, especially near meadows at dawn and dusk. Store all food in bear boxes and never leave snacks in your daypack unattended.
The trail can be snow-covered and icy well into May or even June in heavy snow years — check current conditions with the Lodgepole Visitor Center before heading out.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start from the Wolverton Road trailhead rather than the General Sherman parking area — you'll dodge the tour bus crowds and have the meadow mostly to yourself for the first stretch.
Hit this trail in the early morning or late afternoon when the low-angle light turns the meadow golden and the sequoia bark glows that signature cinnamon-red. Midday sun washes everything out.
Combine this with the nearby Hazelwood Nature Trail or Circle Meadow Loop for a longer outing without any real additional difficulty — you can easily string together a half-day of flat sequoia wandering.
