Hiking the Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon National Park is a must-do if you’re a first timer visitor! It’s family-friendly, relatively short, and educational with placards that dive into the human history of this area. 🌳
This trail has many incredible highlights include The Resurrection Tree, Old Adam, Shattered Giant, The Sawed Tree, and its namesake, the Big Stump (also known as the Mark Twain Stump).
The Big Stump Trail is easy to reach and located within the popular Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon. The main attraction along this hike is the Big Stump/Mark Twain Stump which was a living giant sequoia with a diameter of 16 feet! It was sadly cut down in 1891 – continue reading to learn why they would do such a thing.
This complete guide has everything you need to know about hiking the Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon National Park! 🙌
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Kings Canyon National Park Trip Info
📍 Location: California, USA
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: May-October
🏞️ Ideal Trip Length: 1-2 days
✈️ Closest Airport: Fresno Yosemite International (1.25 hours from Kings Canyon Visitor Center)
🏨 Where to Stay: John Muir Lodge, Grant Grove Cabins, and Cedar Grove Lodge in Kings Canyon, Wuksachi Lodge and Montecito Sequoia Lodge in Sequoia, or Gena’s Sierra Inn in Dunlap
🚙 Getting Around: Rent a vehicle from rentalcars.com or discovercars.com
💵 Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle (7 days) or buy an America the Beautiful Pass (covers the entrance fee for 1 year). There are new non-resident fees – learn more here
🤩 Check out my Kings Canyon National Park Guide for more travel, hiking, and seasonal guides
Big Stump Trail Stats and Map
The Big Stump Trail, also known as the Big Stump Loop Trail, is a stunning trail that takes your through the Big Stump Grove. This grove is different than other giant sequoia groves, such as the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park.
It was once full of old growth giant sequoias but during the logging era in the late 19th century, most of the giant sequoias were cut down. There are educational placards along the trail that provide more information about the destructive logging era.
Anyway, lessons were learned and now these beautiful giants are protected and hopefully will continue to grow and thrive for many more generations. This is a good time to mention Leave No Trace – please educate yourself on these seven principles and recreate responsibly! ☺️
Also, quick note, you will see below that I have the hiking distance as 2+ miles (3.2+ km). This is because there are several side trails and different routes you can take which can add a little bit more distance to your total hike.
🌳 Highlights along the Big Stump Trail:
- Big Stump/Mark Twain Stump: This giant sequoia tree measured at 16 feet in diameter. It was cut down in 1891 so a cross-section of the tree could be displayed in history museums in New York and London. Now what’s left is a giant stump with stairs leading to the top.
- The Sawed Tree: Loggers attempted to cut down this giant sequoia but gave up. You can still see the scars from the saw. Thankfully, the tree remains in good health!
- Shattered Giant: This giant sequoia fell along the trail a long time ago. Did you know giant sequoias are actually quite fragile, so whenever they fall, their trunk basically shatters into a lot of pieces. This fallen giant sequoia was preserved and left in its place.
- The Resurrection Tree: This tree can be found near the beginning of the Big Stump Trail. It’s one of the few old growth sequoia trees still standing today in the Big Stump Grove.
- Old Adam: I’m not sure how this giant sequoia got its name, but it’s a dead sequoia tree that has a very interesting appearance. I think they should call it the “zombie tree” because of its decaying features.
✨ READ THIS: The BEST 1-Day Kings Canyon National Park Itinerary
Big Stump Trail Stats
Starting Point: Big Stump Picnic Area
Length: 2+ miles (3.2+ km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Route Type: Loop
Pet-friendly? No
ADA Accessible? No
Highlights: Big Stump (Mark Twain Stump), The Resurrection Tree, Old Adam, Shattered Giant, The Sawed Tree, and Big Stump Meadow
Big Stump Trail Map
Kings Canyon Entrance Fee
Entrance to Kings Canyon National Park costs $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free!
For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!
FEE UPDATES! Beginning January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents (without an annual pass) will pay a $100 per person in addition to the standard entrance fee. The Annual Pass for non-US residents will cost $250.
Big Stump Trailhead and Parking
The start of the Big Stump Loop Trail is located at the Big Stump Picnic Area just 0.8 miles (1.3 km) from the Big Stump Entrance.
That short sentence contained the word “Big Stump” three times. Anyway, here’s more details about the parking situation and facilities at the Big Stump Trailhead.
✨ Travel Tip: The Big Stump Trail is a great first stop if you’re driving down the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway!
🅿️ Trailhead Parking: Parking for this hike is located at the Big Stump Picnic Area. There is a big parking lot with about 40 parking spots and a few extra big spots for buses and RVs.
🗺️ Distance to Trailhead: The trailhead is about 2.5 miles (4 km) from the Kings Canyon Visitor Center and 26 miles (42 km) from the Lodgepole Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park.
📍 Google Maps Location: Big Stump Picnic Area
🚗 Parking Tips: The Big Stump Picnic Area parking lot is fairly big. It is a popular spot, but people are coming and going often so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a parking spot. However, since it can get busy, I recommend getting here early just to beat the crowds!
🚻 Facilities: Restrooms (flush toilets), covered picnic tables, drinking water, and bear-proof lockers are available here.
👩🦽➡️ ADA Accessible Features: Although the Big Stump Trail is not ADA accessible, the Big Stump Picnic Area has extended picnic tables for those using wheelchairs, and paved/hard-surface paths lead from the picnic area to the restrooms.
🅿️ Alternate Trailhead Parking: You can also park just off Highway 180 near the Big Stump Entrance and begin this hike. I personally would prefer to park at the Big Stump Picnic Area, but the roadside parking area is a great alternative if the picnic area parking lot is full.
If you simply want to see the Big Stump/Mark Twain Stump and nothing else, starting from the roadside parking area off Highway 180 will the shortest and quickest route (0.2 miles / 0.3 km roundtrip).
Best Time to Hike the Big Stump Trail
🌷 Spring (March – May): Spring in Kings Canyon is unpredictable but beautiful. Expect daytime temperatures between 50–70°F (10-21°C) in the Grant Grove area and the possibility of lingering snow, especially in March and April.
During this time the Big Stump Trail is way less crowded than in summer. You might still need traction gear early in the season due to snow, but by late spring, the Big Stump Trail is usually free of snow.
Be aware that this section of the Generals Highway may require tire chains, even during the spring months. Always check current conditions before heading out! You can also call 559-565-3341 (press 1, then 1) for up-to-date road conditions.
☀️ Summer (June – August): Summer is the most popular time to visit Kings Canyon National Park. Days are warm (usually between 70–80°F / 21-26°C) and the Big Stump Trail is fully accessible and snow-free.
It’s a great time for hiking, but it’s also the busiest season. To avoid the biggest crowds, plan to start this hike early in the morning or later in the evening.
Late summer can sometimes bring wildfire smoke, so check the air quality conditions before you go.
🍂 Fall (September – November): Fall is a great time to hike the Big Stump Trail. Daytime temperatures range from 40–70°F (4-21°C), the summer crowds start to fade and the air is crisp and cool.
September usually still feels like summer, while October and November start to get chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Be aware that early winter storms can happen in the fall so be prepared and check the weather forecast!
☃️ Winter (December – February): This area becomes a snowplay spot, and you can snowshoe the Big Stump Trail if there’s enough snow. I haven’t done this trail in snow yet, but I bet it’s a fun family-friendly winter adventure!
⛓️ Chain Requirements: From November through March, it’s common for Kings Canyon National Park to activate chain control zones when road conditions get snowy or icy. All vehicles, including 4WD and AWD, are required by state law to carry tire chains or cables when entering these zones.
Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon: Step-by-Step Directions
Big Stump Trailhead
The beginning of the Big Stump Trail can be found on the lefthand side of the restrooms at the Big Stump Picnic Area.
The hike starts off with a nice gentle descent into the Big Stump Grove. You will soon come across the first giant sequoia stump – many of them are unnamed but the largest one (Big Stump) is easily identifiable thanks to signage.
Big Stump Trail – Shattered Giant Trail Junction
At the 0.3-mile (0.5-km) mark you will come across a trail junction. The trail heading to the right (Shattered Giant Trail) is a bit shorter and bypasses the meadow. Along this route you will see the unique Shattered Giant which is a giant sequoia tree that literally shattered when it fell across the trail.
If you’d prefer to see more of the Big Stump Meadow and more giant stumps, take a left at the trail junction. This route follows the official trail – Big Stump Trail. There’s only about a 0.1-mile (0.2-km) difference if you take the left trail versus the right trail.
If you are following the Big Stump Trail, you will soon come across two sequoia trees conjoined together. These trees were planted in 1888 by a lumberjack who lived nearby in a cabin.
Feather Bed Side Trail
At the 0.6-mile (1-km) mark, you will come across another junction. The side trail to the left leads to a “Feather Bed” – trenches dug by loggers and filled with sticks so when a giant sequoia tree fell it was cushioned by these “beds” to prevent the tree from shattering.
The Feather Bed trail is optional and adds just 0.1 miles (0.2 km) to the total hike. If you choose to go left, the side trail quickly meets back up with the main trail.
Big Stump / Mark Twain Stump
Continue following the Big Stump Trail. At the 0.7-mile (1.1-km) mark, you will come across the famous Big Stump (also known as the Mark Twain Stump).
In 1891, this poor giant sequoia was chosen to be cut down and displayed in museums in New York and London. People back then didn’t believe trees could be this huge, so they wanted proof. 🤦🏻♀️
The Mark Twain Tree, before it became a stump, measured at 16 feet in diameter and was about 1,341 years old. Can you imagine how much larger this tree could’ve been if it had lived another 1,000 years?
The Big Stump has stairs leading to the top so you can get a better sense of how large this tree really was. It is interesting to see the cross-section of a giant sequoia BUT I’d rather see the tree, alive and standing tall.
Some people retrace their steps back to the parking area from the Big Stump for a 1.4-mile (2.3-km) roundtrip hike. If you would like to complete the entire loop, continue following the Big Stump Trail.
The trail crosses Highway 180 near the Big Stump Entrance. Please be careful crossing the road! From here, the trail gains a ltle bit of elevation – it’s a gentle incline with gradual elevation gain.
The Sawed Tree
At about the 1.1-mile (1.8-km) mark, you will come across another trail junction. Take the short side trail to the right to see the Sawed Tree. It will only add about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to the total hike.
The Sawed Tree was spared during the logging era. Well, loggers attempted to cut it down, but I guess they gave up because you will notice deep cuts from a saw in the tree. Despite the deep scars, the tree remains healthy!
Finish the Loop
Retrace your steps back to the main trail and continue following for another 0.6 miles (1 km) until you reach the Big Stump Picnic Area. You will walk through a short tunnel that was constructed under the highway. Tunnels are always fun!
Near the parking lot you will come across the last trail junction. Take a left to finish up the Big Stump Loop Trail.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
🥾 Explore more of Kings Canyon National Park with these hikes!
Tips for Hiking Big Stump Loop Trail
1. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.
2. Hiking at High Elevation: You’ll be hiking at 6,500-6,700 feet, so don’t be surprised if you feel winded faster than usual. The elevation can make even a short walk feel a bit more intense, so take it slow, take frequent breaks if needed, and stay hydrated.
3. Check Road Status: This section of the Generals Highway may require tire chains during the winter months (typically from November to March, but sometimes in April and May depending on winter conditions). Always check current conditions and call 559-565-3341 (press 1, then 1) for up-to-date road conditions.
4. Download Offline Maps: This trail is not well-marked and can be a bit confusing to follow as there are several side trails and social trails (latter are those created by hikers and not official trails). I recommend downloading offline maps on AllTrails or carrying a physical map to help stay on the main path.
5. Be Bear Aware: Black bears are active within Kings Canyon. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.
🐻 Note: bear spray is prohibited in Kings Canyon!
6. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of Kings Canyon National Park.
Planning to visit Sequoia National Park? Check out my travel guides! 👇
What to Bring to Kings Canyon National Park
🎟️ Entrance Pass – You will need to purchase an entrance pass once you reach the entrance station or you can buy the America the Beautiful Pass ahead of time and use that for the entire year.
👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!
Check out my favorite tops 👇
- Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
- Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
- Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
- Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. Make sure to also pack a waterproof rain jacket – I like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.
🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.
Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇
- Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
- RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
- Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
- RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
- Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts
🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!
🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!
🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇
- Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
- Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
- Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack
🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!
❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.
🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.
🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.
🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.
🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.
💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.
🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.
🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.
🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.
🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.
🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.
💩 Waste Disposal Supplies – WAG bags, trowel, toilet paper, pee cloth, wipes, Ziploc bags – be sure to pack out everything!
Conclusion
Hiking the Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon National Park is a great option for just about everyone! It’s a relatively short, easy hike and has so many unique highlights.
Although the history of the area is very sad, hiking this trail is a good learning experience. There are informational placards along the way that educate you about the logging era. Thankfully, giant sequoias are now protected!
If this guide inspires you to hike Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon National Park, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!
🤩 Kings Canyon Trip Planning Resources
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