Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park

Colorado Photos: Winter Scenes

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Since the trails here tend to get icy, beginners might find the skiing in this area limiting. But it can be easily explored by snowshoe. Predictably trouble-free road access throughout the winter makes it a popular place for all kinds of snow play. A note to snowshoers: As a courtesy, please stay off the ski tracks as much as possible.

Skis, snowshoes and trail maps can be found at the Ski Touring Center in Grant Grove Village: 559-335-5500.

Panoramic Point Trail
Distance: 5 miles out and back
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trailhead: Grant Grove Village

A 1,000-foot gradual ascent along a roadbed. The route leads through fir forest and the open slopes of Round Meadow to Panoramic Point. The vista overlooks the spectacular snow-shrouded mountains of the Kings Canyon backcountry. Trails are marked by yellow circles.

Cedar Springs Trail
Distance: 4 miles out and back
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trailhead: Grant Grove Village

Begin with a short uphill loop south of the Panoramic Point Trail. Hit that trail on a downhill in a little over a mile, follow it a short ways, then branch north through Cedar. In about a mile, you will hit the road, where you can either turn around or cross it and ski back to the General Grant Tree. Trail highlight: incense cedars. The trail is marked by blue circles.

South Boundary Loop Trail
Distance: 4-mile loop
Difficulty: Difficult
Trailhead: Grant Grove Village

Start with a challenging downhill through pines and oaks to a flat stretch above Sequoia Creek. Then climb back up after the creek. A highway crossing takes you back to the village. The trail is marked by orange circles.

North Grove Loop Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trailhead: General Grant Tree

A short, rolling circle through a grove of beautiful giants, including the unusual Dead Sequoia killed by fire. The trail is marked by red circles.

General Grant Loop Trail
Distance: 3-mile loop
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trailhead: General Grant Tree

The route wanders up and down along an equestrian trail, past the Grant Tree and Gamlin Cabin. A broad clearing marks the fire break cut by the park service in 1955, to protect the old trees from a blaze that never reached the area. The trail is marked by green circles.

Ski Areas:
Giant Forest/Lodgepole
Montecito Sequoia Lodge