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The Sierra National forest stretches from the southern border of Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon National Park and comprises 1.3 million acres of gentle rolling foothills, the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada waterfalls, eleven reservoirs, 411 lakes, 100 campgrounds and 1,100 miles of trails.  There are bear, bobcat, deer, fox and good fishing in the forest.  Mt. Humphrey is the highest peak in the forest at 13, 986 feet.  The largest sequoia trees are in McKinley Grove.

The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway passes through the forest's most scenic areas.  It begins at Minarets Road, from Road 223 in north Fork and is paved for seventy-six of its 100 miles.  The Byway passes geologic features,  Arch Rock, Globe Rock and the Balls and Nelder Grove where there are the giant sequoias.  It also passes stunning views of the Sierra Nevada and many campgrounds. 

Sierra National Forest
1600 Tollhouse Road
Clovis, CA 93611-0532
(559) 297-0706

Sierra National Forest Hiking Trails

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The following trails have been suggested to us as particularly scenic.  All mileage is round trip.:

Easy:

• Shadow of the Giants:  A two mile trail offering a close-up view of the sequoia trees in Nelder Grove including Bull Buck, once considered the largest sequoia in the country.  From the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway take Sky Ranch Road six miles to Forest Road and bear left at the fork. 

• Maxson Trail: Except for the distance, it is considered an easy 15-mile day hike.  The trail offers good views of the high sierra mountains.  You will need a permit for overnight stays.  From Hwy. 168, go toward Shaver Lake, right on Dinkey Creek which becomes McKinley Grove Road Road.  Left at the Courtright-Wishon Reservoir sign on Forest Road 40.  Make a left at Courtright Rd. then 8 miles to Courtright Reservoir.

• Rancheria Falls: An easy 2-mile hike that goes to spectacular falls 150 high by 50 feet wide.  The trailhead is 1.2 miles up Rancheria Falls Road.

• Crater Lake:  This 3-mile hike starts at Dutch Lake on Florence Lake Road.  This scenic lake is surrounded by jutting mountain tops. 

• Florence Lake:  This pleasant  8-mile hike around the lake offers flowers, plants and woods.

• Devil's Table:  The 5-mile trail leaving from Mono Hot Springs will provide panoramic views of area mountains after reaching the top. The Devil's Table is a lava formation and volcanic ash covers the surface.

• Doris Lake:  The 2-mile trail begins at Mono Hot Springs.  Good for the family and offers good fishing.

Moderate:

• Woodchuck Trail: Follow the directions for the Maxson Trail for the trailhead except at the junction for McKinley Grove and Courtright Roads, continue on McKinley 2 miles to the trailhead.  The trail is twelve miles, but the best scenery is in the first three miles.  It provides great views of Mt. Hoffman (9,622 feet), Lost Peak (8,476 feet) and Looper Peak (10,059 feet) but the first three miles also have the greatest elevation gain.

• Nellie Lake:  10-miles and a 2,300 foot elevation change.  Nellie Lake is a scenic sub-alpine lake.  It is a day hike but a good place to spend a few nights.  The trailhead is at Huntington Lake, behind Upper Billy Creek Campground. 

• George Lake:  The lake is at the base of a high peak surrounded by granite slabs and boulders offering a beautiful setting. The trailhead is along Kaiser Pass Road and George Lake is 2 miles from Upper Twin Lake.

• Edison Lake:  A 9-mile hike that begins at the northwest end of Edison Lake.  Good views of the lake and surrounding meadows and forests.

• Mono Creek: This 10-mile hike starts on the south side of Edison Lake and goes to Mono Hot Springs.  The Mono Dam Diversion about halfway is a good place to watch animals and go fishing.

Strenuous:

• College Rock: A steep 5-mile hike that offers a view of the Huntington Lake Basin.  The trailhead is at Huntington Lake. 
• Kaiser Peak:  A 10-mile and 3,000 foot climb with a spectacular view from the Minarets Range to Kings Canyon National Park.  The trailhead is at Huntington Lake. 
• Twin Lakes:  A steep 6-mile  trail offering views of the high sierras and Huntington Lake that passes fields of blue lupine. The trailhead is on Kaiser Pass Road, 1/4 mile from Badger Flat Campground.