Hiking the Tokopah Falls Trail in Sequoia National Park
Distance (Roundtrip): 4.0 miles / 6.4 km
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.
By this, I mean that during the early season of May, June, and possibly much of July, the rivers that flow out of the high Sierra can be far too dangerous to attempt swimming. However, as the volume begins to decrease, the best swimming spots here and elsewhere, like the Mist Falls Trail in Kings Canyon, begin to open up.
Therefore, my personal recommendation is to hike the Tokopah Falls Trail in the mid-to-late afternoon hours during the late season to enjoy the water—especially when other nearby trails, such as the General Sherman Tree, are far too busy to enjoy because of the crowds.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Tokopah Falls Trailhead Parking
The Tokopah Falls Trail is located within the much larger Lodgepole area, which includes the Lodgepole Visitor Center, the campground, the picnic area, and the trail up the valley.
That being said, 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.
Google Maps Directions: Tokopah Falls Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Sequoia-Kings Canyon
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
That being said, bear spray is purposefully excluded from this list because, while the Sierra Nevadas are home to a large black bear population, bear spray is not allowed in either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Tokopah Falls Trail
From the parking lot, the Tokopah Falls Trail begins up Lodgepole Road toward the campground.
When the road splits, go left across the bridge, where the Tokopah Falls Trailhead will be found on the other side.
This is the Tokopah Falls Trailhead on the right-hand side of the road following the bridge.
Of all the day hikes in Sequoia National Park, the Tokopah Falls Trail is on the easier side, as it gains just 540 ft. (165 m) over the course of 2.0 miles (3.2 km) from the trailhead to the waterfall, which is hardly noticeable over a hike of this distance.
Since I recommend hiking the Tokopah Falls Trail midday to enjoy the cold waters of the Kaweah, this inevitably means that you’ll be on the trail when the sun is the strongest.
Therefore, I highly recommend hiking the Tokopah Falls Trail in a hooded sun shirt to stay safe at these upper elevations.
These middle sections of the Tokopah Falls Trail can be a great place to look for Black Bears in Sequoia, as I personally encountered one off the trail in this area.
Short sections like this are as steep as the Tokopah Falls Trail gets, which is why I think it can be a great family-friendly adventure!
After the Horse Creek bridge, the trees begin to thin, and Tokopah Falls starts to become more and more visible as the trail nears the end.
This boulder field toward the end is a nice sign that Tokopah Falls is just a few minutes away!
This rock always makes me think twice about resting in the shade here, but when you walk further and see how big it is on the far side, the risk of it moving 'appears' to be minimal.
During the early summer months, the long cascade that is Tokopah Falls is much more noticeable than what can be seen here at the end of July following an average snow season.
Tokopah Falls
According to the National Park Service, Tokopah Falls is 1,200 ft. (365.8 m) tall from its origins, which are well out of sight, to the lower viewpoint where the trail ends.
That being said, Tokopah Falls can vary dramatically from early to late summer, which is when these photos were taken.
This goes off the same sentiment mentioned previously, but the early-season to late-season snowmelt varies dramatically, meaning that Tokopah Falls can be a single raging cascade or as calm as these photos that were taken in late July.
I have seen both, and it’s safe to say that swimming or getting anywhere near the water is not recommended during the early summer months.
However, by late summer, a pool opens up at the very bottom of the waterfall that visitors love to enjoy!
More Sequoia-Kings Canyon Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Sequoia National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Most importantly, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is bear country, and while hiking in black bear territory generally presents less of a risk as opposed to hiking with grizzlies, it‘s important to never get complacent.
That being said, bear spray is not allowed within either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park, but storing your food properly, both on your person and in your vehicle, is not only necessary but required. For this reason, always keep your food and trash with you, and follow these basic rules from the NPS with regards to food in your vehicle.
On a different note, there is one venomous snake found in both parks known as the Western Rattlesnake, and surprisingly, I have encountered it many times, both in dry landscapes and in the meadows of both parks.
Finally, during winter months, you may be required to carry tire chains or have them on your vehicle before entering either park. In addition, micro-spikes may be necessary to stay safe on certain trails, such as Little Baldy and many others during the early and late summer season.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park website.
National Park Service: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
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