South Fork Kaweah

Overview

Giant Sequoias, views of granite mountains and rock outcroppings abound. You'll hike through lush terrain on a mostly dirt tread, although some portions of trail are rocky. Generally a great trail that's perfect for big single-day adventures or backpacking!<br><br>There is less shade near the beginning of the trail so be sure to bring a hat, especially in the summer. There is water all along the trail, although you should start with at least two liters!<br><br>At the trailhead, you'll see bear boxes and a map. Make sure you take the trail on the right of the lot. The trail starts out pretty smoothly for about 1/4 of a mile before it begins to ascend. The elevation gain is quite substantial, but it is very gradual. You'll be surrounded by oak trees and if you look to the North at many points along the trail, you'll see "Homer's Nose," a huge granite rock. <br><br>You'll cross some small streams which may or may not be flowing, depending on what time of the year you go. There is also a spring about a mile in though I didn't happen to see it. Continue chugging uphill and about three miles into the ascent, you'll start getting to the main event: the Garfield Grove! <br><br>This is the most spectacular part of the trail. There are a few campsites that people have created throughout the grove just a stone's throw from the trail. Keep following the trail - many of these giant trees are right along the trail. If you keep an eye out, there is a tree that a bear scratched and you can to see its entire paw! Continue out of the grove uphill, there may be another intermittent stream after leaving the grove. I saw one of the bears shortly after passing this stream. <br><br>Continuing uphill, the trail begins to flatten out with the occasional burst of uphill. You'll soon arrive at the Kaweah River crossing. At this point, the river is pretty flat with nothing to worry about. Simply cross the cold refreshing water and continue on. You can continue following the trail or take a minor detour to the Hockett Lake - a very seclude

Trail Stats

Photos

Giant sequoia at Garfield Grove.

Giant sequoia at Garfield Grove.

Upper Garfield Trail to South Fork Camground.

Upper Garfield Trail to South Fork Camground.

Spring Flowers in August at South Fork Meadow - Near Headwaters of Kaweah River South Fork.

Spring Flowers in August at South Fork Meadow - Near Headwaters of Kaweah River South Fork.

Bear Paw in Sequoia.

Bear Paw in Sequoia.

View of Homers Nose.

View of Homers Nose.

Leopard lily and lupine broadleaf.

Leopard lily and lupine broadleaf.

Giant Sequoias

Giant Sequoias

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