Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing
Follow the Trails into Winter
When snow covers Sequoia National Park, familiar trails become a whole new way to explore. Snowshoe beneath giant sequoias, glide through quiet forests on cross-country skis and discover a side of the Sierra that only shows up in winter.
When conditions allow, established winter routes throughout the Giant Forest, Lodgepole and Wolverton areas offer opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with options for different experience levels and lengths of adventure.
Bring your own gear or pick up snowshoes and poles at Lodgepole Market before heading out. Then bundle up, check current conditions and see where winter takes you.
Snowshoeing in Sequoia National Park
Take the Trail One Step at a Time
You don’t need to be an experienced winter adventurer to see Sequoia on snowshoes. When enough snow is on the ground, snowshoeing opens up established winter routes through snow-covered forests and groves of giant sequoias.
Giant Forest, Lodgepole and Wolverton are some of the primary areas to explore by snowshoe. The Old Lodgepole Road winter route connects the Lodgepole area with the General Sherman Tree area, while routes around Wolverton offer options for venturing farther into the winter landscape.
Routes and conditions vary throughout the season. Check current snow and trail conditions, use marked winter routes and choose an outing appropriate for your experience level before setting out.
Cross-Country Skiing in Sequoia National Park
Find Your Winter Rhythm
Cross-country skis offer another way to travel through Sequoia’s winter landscape, trading the pace of a hike for a quiet glide through snow-covered forest.
The Giant Forest, Lodgepole and Wolverton areas offer established winter routes for cross-country skiing when snow conditions allow. Old Lodgepole Road provides a route between Lodgepole and the General Sherman Tree area, while Wolverton serves as a starting point for additional ski routes ranging from more approachable outings to longer, more challenging adventures.
Unlike a traditional Nordic center, winter routes in Sequoia are not necessarily groomed. Snow depth, previous tracks and weather can all shape the experience from one day to the next.
Snowshoe Rentals at Lodgepole Market
Gear up for a winter adventure with snowshoe rentals at Lodgepole Market in Sequoia National Park. Adult and children’s snowshoes are available, with single-day and multi-day rental options to accommodate your plans. Conveniently located near the Giant Forest, Lodgepole Market makes it easy to pick up your equipment before exploring snow-covered trails and towering sequoia groves.
Rental availability and operating hours may vary with seasonal conditions. Check current details before your visit and plan to arrive early to make the most of your day in the snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. When snow conditions allow, established winter routes in areas including Giant Forest, Lodgepole and Wolverton can be explored by snowshoe. Conditions vary throughout the season, so check current trail and weather information before heading out.
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Yes. When there is sufficient snow, established winter routes in the Giant Forest, Lodgepole and Wolverton areas offer opportunities for cross-country skiing. Routes vary in length and difficulty, and conditions can change throughout the winter.
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Snowshoes and poles are available to rent in person at Lodgepole Market during its winter rental season. Adult and children’s snowshoes are available, with single-day and multi-day rental options.
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Not necessarily. Snowshoeing can be approachable for beginners, particularly on shorter, less difficult routes. Traveling through snow requires more energy than walking on a clear trail, so start conservatively, allow extra time and choose a route appropriate for current conditions.
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Winter recreation opportunities can be found in the nearby Lodgepole, Giant Forest and Wolverton areas when conditions allow. Check current winter trail information before choosing a route.
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Winter access varies with snow and trail conditions. Old Lodgepole Road connects the Lodgepole area with the General Sherman Tree area and can offer an opportunity for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing when conditions allow.
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Snow can completely cover familiar summer trails, so use designated winter routes and carry current trail information. Avoid relying solely on footprints or summer trail conditions to find your way.
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No. Snowshoers and hikers should avoid walking directly in established ski tracks. Boots and snowshoes can leave depressions that make the track more difficult for cross-country skiers to use.
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Dress in warm layers and wear waterproof footwear appropriate for snow. Bring gloves, a hat, sunglasses or goggles and sun protection, along with water, food and extra warm clothing. Winter conditions in the Sierra can change quickly, so prepare for conditions beyond what you may encounter when you first set out.
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In addition to appropriate winter clothing, carry water, food and current route information. Keep daylight in mind when planning your outing, especially on longer routes, and let someone know where you’re going before heading farther into the winter landscape.
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Chain-control requirements depend on current road and weather conditions and can change quickly during winter storms. Carry tire chains and check current road conditions and chain requirements before driving into the park.
STAY
A variety of places to stay inside the park keep you close to the majestic giant sequoia trees, deep canyons and soaring cliffs that make Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks famous.
DINING
Indulge in High Sierra dining options inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, from lodge dining to café counter service.