Riding through a giant sequoia old-growth grove is an adventure that will awaken your senses, evoke emotions, and forge unforgettable connections. Wandering through these forests on horseback, the towering giants make you feel like you’re in a different world. California’s Sierra Nevada mountains offer majestic horseback experiences unlike anywhere else.
The Wonder of the Sequoias
The Sequoia National Forest features breathtaking views, rugged foothills, deep canyons, crisp alpine lakes, and blue streams. Spanning over 1.1 million acres of forest and offering over 1,100 miles of trails, the forest stretches across three counties of Southern California. It’s known for having the most significant population of giant sequoia groves on earth.
Giant sequoias are some of the tallest and oldest organisms in the world. Living for over 3,000 years, these redwoods have provided and created their own diverse ecosystem for millennia.
Growing over 250 feet high, a sequoia’s hardy red, fibrous bark can grow 3 feet thick. It absorbs carbon from the atmosphere and produces a chemical called tannin, which protects the tree against fungal rot, insect damage, and fire. Low-intensity fires are crucial for their growth and reproduction, but poor forest management creates large amounts of fuel for wildfires. Between 2015 and 2021, the forests lost well over 10,000 trees due to intense wildfires.
The Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park showcase diverse beauty, terrain, and landscapes for trail riders seeking a challenging backcountry adventure or a leisurely, peaceful stroll. You can trailer your horse and explore the vastness of the Sequoia National Forest at your own pace or book a guided horseback tour in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Saddle up for an enchanting ride through some of the most magical and untouched places.
Plan Your Ride
Bringing Your Own Horse to the Sequoia National Forest
Balch Park
Balch Park offers easily accessible trails through giant sequoia groves. There are stalls and water for overnight stays below and near Shake Camp campground. Currently not open; closed due to winter weather destruction; projected to be open in 2024.
◆ More information: tularecountyparks.org/park-cards/balch-park
Freeman Creek Trail
This longer, steeper trail takes you down to Freeman Creek Grove, home of the President George Bush Tree. Currently closed due to past fire and winter weather destruction to roads and trails.
Western Divide Trails
The Western Divide Highway is open from Hot Springs Road mile 50 but is closed past Ponderosa and not accessible from Highway 190 from Springville. There are several trails on the Western Divide Highway; however, many of these may be closed due to past fire and winter weather damage.
Visit here for updates and information on trails from the U.S. Forest Service.
Booking Guided Tour Rides in the Sequoia National Forest
Balch Park Pack Station
Balch Park Pack Station offers day trips, all-day rides, 1 to 2-hour rides, half days, specialty trips, three-day getaways, and more.
◆ More information:
- Website: balchpark.com
- Instagram: @balchparkpackstation
- Sequoia National Forest Information: fs.usda.gov/sequoia
Riding Your Horse in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
It’s an easy drive with a horse trailer to the Big Stump entrance on Highway 180 E/Kings Canyon Road.
◆ Trails to ride: the General Grant Tree, North Grove, Lion Meadow, Dead Giant Loop, and Kings Canyon Lookout.
◆ Instagram: @sequoiakingsnps
◆ Facebook: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia National Park
Driving through Three Rivers on Highway 198 E turns into Sierra Drive. This road becomes very winding and narrow. The entrance of the park becomes the General’s Highway.
Many of the trails in this park are longer and more complex.
◆ Trails to ride: Pearl Lake via Lakes, Hump and Watchtower Trail, Mehrten Meadow via Lakes, Panther Gap, and Alta Trail, Alta Peak via Alta Trail.
◆ More information on Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: nps.gov/seki/index.htm
Booking Guided Tour Rides in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Grant Grove Stables: Offers 1 to 2-hour guided rides.
◆ More information: grantgrovestables.com.
Cedar Grove Pack Station: Offers day trips, all-day rides, 1 to 2-hour rides, half days, specialty trips, three-day getaways, and more.
◆ More information: cedargrovepackstation.com
- Instagram: @cedargrovepackstation
- Facebook: Cedar Grove Pack Station
Visit here for information on equine use in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
This article about horseback riding in and around Sequoia National Park and Forest appeared in the August 2023 issue of Western Life Today magazine. Click here to subscribe!
