Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
North Grove Loop
easy FamiliesSolitude SeekersPhotographers
1.5 mi Distance
Varies Estimated Time
loop Trail Type
What to Expect
The North Grove Loop is the kind of trail that makes you wonder why more people don't know about it. Starting from the Grant Grove area, you'll wander through a quiet mix of meadows and creek crossings shaded by towering mixed conifers and, yes, actual giant sequoias — without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of the more famous General Sherman area down in Sequoia. The mile-and-a-half loop stays flat and gentle, threading through groves where the trees dwarf everything around them and the forest floor is carpeted in ferns and wildflowers during the warmer months. Creek crossings add a pleasant soundtrack without any real obstacles. This is a trail for anyone who wants the giant sequoia experience without the giant sequoia crowds — families with small kids, visitors short on time, or anyone who just wants to breathe deep in old-growth forest without breaking a sweat.
Trail Details
Distance 1.5 miles round-trip
Difficulty easy
Estimated Time Varies
Trail Type loop
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead North Grove Loop
Pro Tips
Trail Tip
Start early morning or late afternoon to get the grove almost entirely to yourself — most visitors hit Grant Grove between 10 AM and 3 PM and rarely wander past the General Grant Tree loop.
Trail Tip
Pair this with the nearby Dead Giant Loop for a longer outing that still stays easy — together they give you a solid two-plus hours in the sequoia groves without repeating scenery.
Trail Tip
The meadow sections along the loop catch gorgeous sidelight in the golden hour, and the creek crossings create natural foreground elements for wide-angle shots of the sequoias — bring a polarizing filter to cut glare off the water.
