1. Shirley Lake Trailhead

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Squaw Valley, CA

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Shirley Lake Trailhead

4.7 (9 reviews)

Shirley Lake Trailhead Photos

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Some fall color.
Jan W.

We did this yesterday and got a great workout. We did the out and back to Shirley Lake. During summer you can hike to the lake and then hike to the tram at Squaw Valley and take that back down for no cost. It is closed now. Be aware on this hike that it is not clearly marked in areas where the trail is primarily granite. Look for boulders that have a blue painted stripe. In areas where the trail is more forest look for blue painted rocks. You really have to be aware of where you are. We met up with other hikers who also looked for markers. The granite sections are physically demanding. Take your time and enjoy the views. Your reward at the lake is worth it.

Waterfall

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Crystal Cave - Second inside room

Crystal Cave

4.3(90 reviews)
195.8 mi

First time coming to this beautiful historic relic Crystal Caves. This cave is very interesting, it…read morehas been there for more than 100 probably even thousands. The tour guide was very nice and very patient and very professional. He took the time to show us and to explain in detail all about this historic place. They only open in summertime. You have to reserve and buy tickets online. Go to the Sequoia National Park website and find the link to buy your tickets. They tell you to arrive 30 min before your tour time. They don't let you come in with a backpack or extra sweaters on hand. You have to wear it. You can take a bottle of water but you don't even get thirsty because it's kind of chilly inside. You get to walk like half of mile to get to the cave. Be prepared to do a little hike. At the entrance there is a souvenir shop where you can buy pins, postcards, and different types of souvenirs. They have books too. The prices are very affordable. The walking inside the cave is not that long. Anybody can do that. With no problem. They say at the entrance "If you are claustrophobic maybe don't go in", but it is not that bad. It was very impressive, and the guide told us all the history of when they think this appeared it goes back to the 1800s. The caves were or haven't been damaged by any earthquakes. The tour was for about an hour I believe. Take comfy shoes and get there on time. Highly recommend.

Absolutely stunning and incredible experience! I personally don't enjoy tours, but let me tell you…read moreeveryone needs to experience this tour at least once in their lifetime! My 5 year old and 7 year old did just fine. I honestly can't fully articulate how I felt during the experience, but it was 100% worth the drive. Our tour guide was amazing! She explained everything in such simple terms that even my children could completely understand what she was talking about. I was amazed knowing that I was standing underneath a natural cave it was such an incredible experience! It can get pretty chilly inside, but since we went during summer break, it actually felt perfect. Definitely an experience I'm glad we got to share as a family

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Crystal Cave - This one looks like the abominable snowman!

This one looks like the abominable snowman!

Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave

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Panoramic Point - Info on Panoramic Point Trail...

Panoramic Point

4.0(5 reviews)
181.3 mi

First, I did not see any signs from the 180 leading to this point, but it's Panoramic Point Road,…read morethe opposite direction of Grant Tree Road that intersects 180 near Azalea Campground about 2 miles from the visitor center. If the road isn't closed, just drive up and keep going up until you get to the parking lot. The paved path is a paved, pine-tree shaded, steady uphill climb of 100 feet, a 1/2 mile roundtrip. If my dad had walked this path when he was a kid, it would have been uphill both ways. A sign reads "...high mountains and deep canyons, the rocks, the hills and valleys, the result of forces (tremendous earth upheavals, erosion, the movement of ponderous glaciers and raging rivers, the winds and changing temperatures) operating over millions of years." A display points out the Obelisk, Mount McGee, North Palisade, Eagle Peak, and Spanish Mountain (which Trump is trying to build a wall around). You can also see spires along Tombstone Ridge, bald patches caused by landslides (or wearing a hat, my dad says), and a cradled Hume Lake 2,300 feet below (12 miles away/33 min drive). The view of the Sierra Nevadas look just like the beer label. Panoramic Point is one of many sites on the north half of the park including Big Stump (which you passed to get here), General Grant Tree (the opposite side of 180), plus continuing up 180: Junction View (11 mi up), Hume Lake (12mi), the Scenic Byway and Boyden Cavern (20mi), Grizzly Falls (25mi), Roaring River Falls (32 mi), and Mist Falls near Road End (35mi).

The panoramic point was closed in last April and finally we could check it out this time. My hubby…read morehas been there before so he wanted to take me there. This place is hidden gem! You can choose to hike start from the trailhead at the end of Panoramic Point Road, 2 miles up from the park visitor center and market at Grant Village. We chose to drive up to the parking lot instead. It was about a 10 minute drive up on a narrow road from the John Muir Lodge. Gorgeous overlook and amazing views from the top. Highly recommended!

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Panoramic Point
Panoramic Point
Panoramic Point - Here in Grant Grove, you can find the passageway to Panoramic Point.

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Here in Grant Grove, you can find the passageway to Panoramic Point.

Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks - Giant Tree Museum - also has restrooms and exhibits.

Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks

4.6(565 reviews)
202.1 mi

We came to Sequoia 2nd week of October. It was a perfect time to come. Thurs was drive day…read more Friday/Sat/Sunday in the park. Thursday was by far the best day as far as amount of people in the park and entry times/popular spots. That being said. It really didn't feel over crowded. I would definitely come back this time of year again. Also the weather app said it would be cold! 50-60's the whole time. It was only that temp Sunday. And when you're hiking you're warm. It was near perfect weather. For anyone researching when to come we would like to come in spring after the snow melt so that the waterfalls would be a bit bigger and maybe things aren't so dried out after hot summer. This was a magical experience felt like we landed on another planet and were walking in avatar world. The trees are magical. Great trails. The food at the lodges was surprisingly good and decently priced. (We shared a pizza). Same prices as things outside the park. No real price gouging. We got to see most everything in 3 days both parks. If you want to do every trail in the park and you won't be exhausted you could easily spend 5 days. For the main attractions 3 days was perfect. The only "negative" thing was the staff at Wuksachi Lodge. We were considering staying there but glad we didn't. We also saw another lodge and looked old and run down. We got Airbnb in 3 rivers and happy we did. Defiantly will come back again!

Never say never! In 2020 I wrote a review on Sequoia National Park and essentially mentioned that I…read morewould never come back for various reasons. I can honestly say that six years later, my perspective completely changed. The first time we went, I was with my young boys and they did not enjoy the long hike. The Park Ranger had given us a suggestion to go through trails that were too difficult for our family. This time, we parked at the Giant Forest Museum and followed the trail to the Big Trees Trail. This trail is 1 km long and the trail circles the Round Meadow. It was amazing! This was exactly the type of trail would have loved in 2020. This time, I brought my aunt with me and we did our research to ensure we embarked on a trail that was easy for everybody. The Big Trees Trail is exactly that! There were people on wheelchairs, young children, and families. There are plenty of large sequoias for amazing pictures, fallen over trees that children can walk through like a tunnel, and there was even a tree trunk with a smooth interior, and children were using it as a slide. Big rocks were sprinkled throughout the trail, and kids and adults were climbing on them and taking amazing pictures. It took about one hour to get through this trail, and it was breathtaking. After that, we drove to the General Sherman Tree parking lot and walked to see it. One thing I would change for our next visit: purchase pass online to save some time at the gate.

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Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks - To the top of Moro Rock

To the top of Moro Rock

Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks

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Tokopah Falls - Lizard

Tokopah Falls

4.8(41 reviews)
202.1 mi

The trail is relatively easy even for beginners, though be prepared for a consistent incline as you…read morehead towards the falls. There is plenty of shade along the way to stop for breaks, which is great because while the majority of the trail is well-shaded, you will encounter some strong, direct sunlight once you get closer to the destination. A few tips for your visit: Timing: If you're hiking in the spring or summer, do yourself a favor and arrive early. You'll get much easier parking closer to the trailhead near the bridge, plus you get to enjoy the cooler morning weather before it heats up. What to expect: It's a beautiful, rugged environment with a well maintained trail, with Yellow-Bellied Marmots out loafing in the sun. Even if you visit in late spring or early summer, don't be surprised to see patches of snow lingering in the shaded sections. Family note: The trail is definitely kid-friendly, though you'll want to keep a close eye on the little ones toward the end of the trail, as there are some ledges to navigate. The whole experience gives off major Skyrim vibes. It feels like you're walking toward Riverwood, just with a bit more uphill climbing. It's an absolute gem of a trail and well worth the effort.

Tokopah Falls Trail was pretty easy, about 2 hours roundtrip. A huge majority of the walk is along…read morethe water, and the views are amazing every step of the way. I had to keep stopping to take photos and enjoy the view. There's an area with a bunch of rocks that might be difficult for some. The waterfall was beautiful and there is plenty of photo opportunities. It's a great place to just sit on a rock and relax after you finish your hike, enjoying the breeze from the waterfall. You walk back the same way you came. On our way back, we came across a marmot, which is basically a giant squirrel. It was my first time seeing one. So adorable.

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Tokopah Falls - Tokopah Falls 08.05|23 Sat

Tokopah Falls 08.05|23 Sat

Tokopah Falls
Tokopah Falls

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Shirley Lake Trailhead - hiking - Updated October 2026

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