Tokopah Falls
When: June 19th, 2025
Where: Tokopah Falls / Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
**Bring plastic bags and paper towels for unexpected car sickness**
Park Fee: FREE on June 19th (Juneteenth National Independence Day)
Useful Links:
Map to trail: https://maps.app.goo.gl/odUk3ctNLr2ydncy8
Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/tokopah-falls?u=i&sh=c5gucs
Meet up Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/std4sk3MHWYLdvFB7
National Park Service-
Entrance Fees: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Tokopah Falls: https://www.nps.gov/places/000/tokopah-falls-trailhead.htm#:~:text=Tokopah%20Falls%20trail%20is%20a,most%20impressive%20in%20early%20summer.
Entrance Info:
https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/directions.htm
Sequoia National Park Toll: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yH6tB7nh1xg8nQzY9
Bathroom near trailhead:
5:00am Meet @ Starbucks
Address: 35171 7th Standard Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308
https://maps.app.goo.gl/std4sk3MHWYLdvFB7
5:30am - 8:30am Drive Time
https://maps.app.goo.gl/koxAoyLc5hTmBQfE7
No Bathroom stops/Bathroom Near Trailhead:
8:45am - Arrive to Trailhead
https://maps.app.goo.gl/odUk3ctNLr2ydncy8
9:00am- 12:00pm- Start/End Hike
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/tokopah-falls?u=i&sh=c5gucs
Like Yosemite Valley, Tokopah Valley was shaped by a glacier. This trail leads you under the canopy of pines and firs as you pass an occasional meadow and creek-crossings with the rewarding Tokopah Falls at the end. Horseback riding on this trail is not permitted.
The trail offers a good diversity of woodlands with the river running next to you and some large boulders made of granite near the end of the trail. The base of the falls from the Kaweah River are a sight to behold.
The last section can be rocky with a good bit of elevation gain, but it is shaded up until then. This is the perfect trail to get a varied landscape: a giant forest, rocky boulder areas, rushing streams, and cascading waterfalls. Many say that this is a good beginner trail for those who are not as experienced with longer day hikes in Sequoia National Park.
You can explore the Lodgepole area year-round, however keep in mind that the Lodgepole campground is closed during the winter time, so you'll have to park outside the campground and hike to the trailhead, adding distance to your trip. Other park roads can close for snow and other winter conditions. This trail is best visited from early spring through late fall. Tire chains are also required depending on the season. The Giant Forest and Lodgepole area is busiest during the summer months, and it is recommended to ride a shuttle to your destination to avoid traffic congestion and parking issues. For more information on shuttles, visit: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/parktransit.htm
Drive back home: Be safe :)
OR
Lunch Option:
Wuksachi Pizza Deck:64740 Wuksachi Way, Sequoia National Park, CA 93262
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPxLzab3nmGmBJMx7
Wuksachi Pizza Deck: https://www.visitsequoia.com/sequoia-dining/wuksachi-pizza-deck/
What to Bring/Wear:
Always bring hiking essentials
https://www.rei.com/dam/Day-Hiking-Checklist-Under-2-Hours
These items should always be on your hiking checklist:
Hiking pack
Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
Hiking footwear
Plenty of food/Snacks
Plenty of water
Navigation tools such as a map and compass
First-aid kit
Knife or multi-tool
Sunscreen
Bring a hat (This trial has some shade)