Tokopah Falls: Hiking Guide to Sequoia’s Hidden Gem

Introduction

In Sequoia National Park, there is a stunning waterfall called Tokopah Falls. Depending on your pace, hiking the short trek to the falls will take more than an hour. With picturesque vistas of the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, the route winds through a pine and fir forest. It eventually leads to the waterfall, with sporadic meadows and brook crossings.  Although it’s a reasonably simple walk, it gets crowded during the busiest travel season. Waimano Falls is another great spot to explore with family and kids.

Tokopah Falls

Sequoia National Park

sequoia park cali

Among the undiscovered regions of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California is Sequoia National Park. A wide variety of animal species and stunning landscapes surround the park. For any traveler, whether planning an exciting climb, a leisurely tour, or just needing to spend time in nature, Sequoia Public Park is an amazing destination. In this guide, we’ll cover Sequoia Public Park’s top attractions, offer advice on how to plan your trip, and suggest ways to make the most of your trip. Cataract Falls is another top fall to visit.

Tokopah falls trail

Tokopah Falls trail

A map and pictures of the Tokopah Falls Trail region are displayed on this trailhead orientation panel. The 1.7-mile Tokopah Falls route has a moderate climb. Through the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, it leads to the breathtaking granite cliffs and cascading waterfall of Tokopah Canyon. Early summer is when Tokopah Falls, which is 1,200 feet high, is most breathtaking. Be cautious while you’re close to the water.  A 4-mile stroll along the river and among beautiful forests. It’s a lovely walk at any time of year. Waimoku Falls is another beautiful spot to explore.

Tokopah falls hike

Tokopah Falls hike

The Tokopah Falls Trail, also known as the Tokopah Valley Trail, is one of the best day hikes in Sequoia National Park on a hot summer day. This is because the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River can be one of the best places to cool off in the mid-summer months, but, this is typically only true when the snowmelt from the high Sierras has significantly subsided from its peak.

Tokopah falls trailhead

The Tokopah Falls Trail is accessible to most hikers due to its modest elevation and 1.7-mile length. The route leads to the picturesque Tokopah Falls by following the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River after crossing a bridge. It is around 3.4 miles roundway.

Tokopah Falls Trailhead Parking

The Tokopah Falls Trail is located within the much larger Lodge Pole area, which includes the Lodge Pole Visitor Center, the campground, the picnic area, and the trail up the valley. The parking lot for the Tokopah Falls Trail is among the biggest of anywhere Sequoia National Park, meaning that finding a spot to park is typically not an issue. Airtopia Adventure Park is another beautiful place in California for kids and families to visit.

Tokopah falls camping

You can camp near Tokopah Falls by heading to the Lodgepole Campground, which is accessible from the Lodgepole Visitor Center. From there, the Tokopah Falls trail is about 3.4 miles round-trip, offering a scenic hike with a slight incline to the viewpoint of the falls.

Tokopah falls swimming

Tokopah Falls swim

Swimming at Tokopah Falls is not recommended during the early summer months due to high water conditions, but it may be safer by late summer when the water levels decrease. It’s essential to check current conditions before planning any swimming activities.

Tokopah Falls trail length

The Tokopah Falls Trail is approximately 4.1 miles long and has an elevation gain of about 530 feet. It is typically considered a moderately challenging hike.

Tokopah falls weather

Tokopah Falls weather

Tokopah Falls is located in Sequoia National Park, which has a temperate climate with cold, snowy winters and nice, sunny summers. While the summer months offer warmer and more pleasant conditions ideal for walking and visiting the falls, the winter months usually bring snow and harsh temperatures. Throughout the year, the weather might fluctuate significantly.

Tokopah Falls Trail map

Nearby attractions to Tokopah Falls include several key sites in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Notable spots include the Giant Forest Museum, the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow, and the historic Tunnel Log. Additionally, there are numerous hiking trails that offer beautiful scenery and opportunities for exploration.

Places to Visit in Sequoia National Park

Nearby attractions to Tokopah Falls include several key sites in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Notable spots include the Giant Forest Museum, the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow, and the historic Tunnel Log. Additionally, there are numerous hiking trails that offer beautiful scenery and opportunities for exploration.

Moro Rock

There are more than 350 steps that go up to the top of Moro Rock via a stone and concrete staircase. A little distance from the parking area, and above the forest canopy, are the peaks of the Great Western Divide. Ascending, the views broaden, reaching from the eastern wildness to the western foothills and San Joaquin Valley. The trek adds a lot of elevation despite being rather brief.

Giant Forest Museum

giant forest region

In Sequoia National Park’s Giant Forest region, the Giant Forest Museum is situated along the General’s Highway. Visitors may learn about the local natural history and the gigantic sequoias at this teaching center. The largest tree in the world, a 275-foot-tall Giant Sequoia that is 36.5 feet broad at its base, can be reached after a mile-long journey.

Crescent Meadow

crescent meadow sequoia park

Crescent Meadow is a scenic area featuring a 1.3-mile loop trail located near Hartland, California. The trail is generally considered easy, taking around 30 minutes to complete, and it leads through a beautiful meadow surrounded by giant trees. The Crescent Meadow Picnic Area offers accessible restrooms and designated parking, although the parking spots are steep and there are no extended picnic tables available.

Tokopah falls hotels

There are several hotels near Tokopah Falls, including Lazy J Ranch Motel, Wuksachi Lodge, The Darling Hotel, Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia Kings Canyon, and John Muir Lodge. For more options and details, consider checking comparison sites for room rates and reviews.

Tokopah falls reviews

Tokopah Falls is generally well-reviewed as a pleasant hiking destination. Hikers have noted that the trail is well-maintained, easy to follow, and not too difficult. The landscape is described as beautiful, especially the boulder and rock formations. However, some visitors have mentioned that water flow can be quite low at certain times, making the waterfall less impressive. Some stated that It’s a nice hike and not very difficult. The only problem was when we got there the waterfall was barely a trickle.

Conclusion

Tokopah Falls, a popular hiking destination in Sequoia National Park, is accessible from the Lodgepole Campground. The walk is generally regarded as being moderately difficult. The entire experience might be impacted if the waterfall’s flow changes or occasionally merely trickles. Despite being mostly level, the Tokopah Falls climb was interesting because of the continuously changing landscape. Tokopah Falls is a family-friendly trek in Sequoia National Park that culminates in a breathtaking waterfall. This trek starts in Sequoia National Park’s Lodgepole area.

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