Heart of the Giant Forest Hike in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, United States

Heart of the Giant Forest Hike

Outty Ranking 65 4.6 · 11 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $134

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$134
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Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Heart of the Giant Forest Hike worth booking?

Heart of the Giant Forest Hike is a 3-hour experience in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, United States, from $134 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (11)
Duration
3 hours
From
$134 per person

Enjoy a nice walk through the Giant Forest while we walk down a paved trail to the world’s largest tree, the General Sherman Tree. From there we will walk deeper into the Giant Forest. Along the way we will learn about t

What you get

    About this experience

    Enjoy a nice walk through the Giant Forest while we walk down a paved trail to the world’s largest tree, the General Sherman Tree. From there we will walk deeper into the Giant Forest. Along the way we will learn about the wildlife and plants that call this forest their home. Keep a watchful eye for a chance to see some of them in real life. If we are lucky we might even stumble into a black bear or two! Customization is available for medical and mobility accommodations only. Trip needs 3 participants to operate.

    What's included

    Included

    • Emergency Contact Equipment
    • Knowledgeable guide with over 9 years in these Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
    • Basic First Aid Kit

    Not included

    • Snacks
    • All Fees and Taxes

    What you'll see and do

    1. General Sherman Tree

      After meeting we will walk down a sloped, paved path to see the General Sherman Tree. This sequoia is the largest single living tree by volume in the world.

      30 minutes here

    2. Congress Trail

      From the General Sherman Tree, we will walk up the paved path of the Congress Trail. We will see many sequoias and maybe some wildlife on our way. Some named trees we will pass are the Presidents Tree, the House Group, and the Senate Group.

      120 minutes here

    3. General Sherman Tree

      After hiking the Congress trail we will pass by the General Sherman Tree one last time as we walk up the hill to the trailhead.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

    This option is for ADA guests only. The only parking here is for those with valid ADA Parking Placards. I will be standing in the cobblestone median between the shuttle stop and the ADA Parking Lot.

    Meeting point

    Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

    We will meet at the trailhead which is located near the bathroom and shuttle stop. I stand next to a permanent sign that reads "Your Tour Starts Here". During June, July, and August there is a free shuttle that can take you from any parking lot in the Giant Forest to our meeting location.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    This option is for ADA guests only. The only parking here is for those with valid ADA Parking Placards. I will be standing in the cobblestone median between the shuttle stop and the ADA Parking Lot.

    Ends at

    We will meet at the trailhead which is located near the bathroom and shuttle stop. I stand next to a permanent sign that reads "Your Tour Starts Here". During June, July, and August there is a free shuttle that can take you from any parking lot in the Giant Forest to our meeting location.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 7 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Big Trees Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Hikers walking around the base of the General Sherman Tree in after a snow storm.A sequoia tree in the late afternoon sun.A male mule deer with still growing antlers foraging for food.A hiker caught smiling in front of a fallen sequoia. Showing part of its intricate root system.A black American black bear resting in a tree between meals.A young family and grandpa walk across the trunk of a fallen sequoia.

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    5 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    11 verified traveler reviews for Heart of the Giant Forest Hike. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    10
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    289kudzaid · August 2026

    Unforgettable tour!

    Scott was incredibly knowledgeable about the history and wildlife in the national park. It was an unforgettable experience and would do it again!

    via Tripadvisor

    W2269YKandrewg · August 2026

    Hiked different parks in sequoia

    Absolutely beautiful tour guide was amazing and truly made the experience (Scott)

    via Tripadvisor

    SMSTER · July 2026

    Awesome experience!

    Seeing the giant trees up close, was spectacular! Our guide Scott was great! His knowledge of and passion for the forest made my experience better than I could have expected. I highly recommend this tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    alvinpeart · June 2026

    Tour was Highlight of time in Yosemite !!

    Dont hesitate to take advantage of this tour experience with Scott. Worth evey dollar spent... You will be rewarded with great photo stops overlooked by most , fact and stories that will deepen your appreciation of Park and Tree highlights. Thank you Scott for bringing our attention to the lesser known contributors to this beautiful National Park... Al and Dee, Chicago

    via Tripadvisor

    Lenore_H · May 2026

    Disappointing. There was...

    Disappointing. There was lack of communication and no meet up point. We got a little lost and was told to take our time and never heard from them again. We still did the hike. Lovely forest and we even saw black bears! Would've been nice to have had guided information but I would suggest do the free hike and decide whether to make a donation to the park.

    Response from the operator: Hi Lenore, I am very sorry about this. There was some confusion on my part that morning but ultimately, I let you down. I am so glad that you had a great hike and were able to see black bears. I greatly encourage making donations to the National Park Service or the parks' 501c3 partners.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 65

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)47
    Booking momentum (14% weight)38
    Value for money (12% weight)67
    Listing quality (10% weight)78
    Local standing (8% weight)40
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Heart of the Giant Forest Hike: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.

    How much does Heart of the Giant Forest Hike cost?

    +

    Prices start at $134 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Heart of the Giant Forest Hike take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is not rushed.

    Is Heart of the Giant Forest Hike worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Heart of the Giant Forest Hike?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Heart of the Giant Forest Hike suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Heart of the Giant Forest Hike?

    +

    Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Heart of the Giant Forest Hike start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park?

    +

    Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park draws visitors for its landscapes, wildlife and guided outdoor experiences. Outty tracks every bookable tour here, scores it with the Outty Ranking, and shows what is worth your time, from full-day guided trips to short scenic outings. On Outty we rank every Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sequoia National Park Small-Group Tour from Three Rivers, Giant Sequoia Private Tour, Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park?

    +

    Late spring through early fall for full access and the widest tour availability, with quieter trails in the shoulder weeks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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