Little Baldy

★5.0

WiPhi267, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Moderate uphill trail leading to a granite dome summit with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada and surrounding forested ridges.

General Information

Hours:
Open daily year-round
Trail access from sunrise to sunset
Fees:
Vehicle: $35
Motorcycle: $30
Individual (on foot or bicycle): $20
Admission valid for 7 days and includes both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Pet Policy:
Pets are not allowed on trails; permitted only in parking lots, paved roads, campgrounds, and picnic areas on a leash no longer than six feet
Closest cities with hotels:
Three Rivers (10 mi)
Seasons:
Summer, Fall
Location:
Little Baldy, Sequoia National Park, CA
Website:
nps.gov/places/little-baldy

How to Get There

From Foothills Visitor Center (22 mi): Drive north on Generals Highway for approximately 45 minutes; the trailhead is marked by a sign on the east side of the road just past Dorst Campground.

Overview

The Little Baldy Trail is a hidden gem in Sequoia National Park, offering a rewarding hike with sweeping views and fewer crowds than more popular destinations. This 3.4-mile round-trip trail climbs steadily through mixed conifer forest before emerging onto a wide granite dome at over 8,000 feet elevation. From the summit, hikers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the Great Western Divide, Silliman Crest, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada wilderness. The trail is well-maintained and features a series of gentle switchbacks, making it accessible to hikers of most skill levels.

Best visited in summer and fall, Little Baldy provides a peaceful alternative to busier trails like Moro Rock or the Congress Trail. Wildflowers bloom along the path in warmer months, and the dome’s exposed summit is ideal for sunrise or sunset photography. While the trail is open year-round, winter conditions can make access difficult due to snow and ice. There are no facilities at the trailhead, so hikers should come prepared with water and snacks. For those seeking solitude and stunning scenery, Little Baldy is a must-hike destination in Sequoia National Park.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Little Baldy, which are released under the

-->