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Garfield Grove Trail

Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#giant-sequoias#foothills#spring#quiet
Distance
8 mi
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Garfield Grove is a giant sequoia grove most visitors never see: a 4-mile climb from the South Fork campground to some of the park's largest trees, with the Hockett Plateau's meadows above. An early-season classic when the high country is still snowbound.

Highlights

  • Giant sequoias away from the crowded Mariposa Grove and Giant Forest
  • Wildflower displays along the lower trail in spring
  • The Hockett Plateau's remote meadows above
  • Good early-season hiking when the high country is snowed in

Logistics

  • Trailhead: South Fork Campground Trailhead · parking: South Fork Campground off Highway 198 near the park's south entrance
  • Water: Garfield Creek and seasonal sources; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Three Rivers has services below.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the South Fork entry applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: Advance reservations via recreation.gov; walk-ups when quota remains.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 9,000 ft in the Kaweah drainage unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: April, May, June, October.

Snow: Accessible most of the year barring winter storms.

Heat: Warm in summer; spring is ideal.

Bugs: Ticks and poison oak in warm months.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Ticks and poison oak are present in warm months
  • Water is seasonal — check sources before relying on them
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Wilderness Trail Descriptions — Foothills. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/traildesc.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Garfield Grove Trail description, first allowed campsite at Snowslide (4 miles), giant sequoias at Garfield Grove, and the climb toward the Hockett Plateau.
  3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445857. Accessed 2026-09-07. Permit requirements, fees, food-storage rules, and fire guidance.
  4. Wilderness Regulations and Minimum Impact Restrictions. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/minimum-impact-restrictions.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Camping and campfire restrictions across the parks.