Hiking California National Parks USA

Hike Crescent Meadow Loop Trail and Tharp’s Log in Sequoia (2026)

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Crescent Meadow Loop Trail and Tharp's Log in Sequoia National Park.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, family-friendly hike in Sequoia National Park that’s not overly hyped, the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail is such a gem. 💎

This easy loop trail winds through towering giant sequoias, open meadows, and even leads to the historic Tharp’s Log which is a cabin built in the 1800s by Hale Tharp out of a downed, giant sequoia log.

Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially black bears, which are often spotted grazing in the meadows. In fact, the first time my husband and I ever saw a bear on a trail was along the Crescent Meadow Loop! 🐻

Even though it’s located in a busy area of the park, near Moro Rock and the General Sherman Tree, Crescent Meadow doesn’t get nearly as much love.

This is one of my favorite hikes in Sequoia and I know you’ll love it too! 😍

Read my blog post to learn everything you need to know about hiking the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail and Tharp’s Log in Sequoia National Park.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting the blog! 🫶

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Crescent Meadow Loop and Tharp’s Log: Trail Stats and Map

Crescent Meadow Loop Trail Stats

Crescent Meadow sign with Crescent Meadow in the background in Sequoia National Park.
Crescent Meadow

Starting Point: Crescent Meadow Trailhead (also known as the High Sierra Trailhead)

Length: 1.8 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 220 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Hiking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Route Type: Loop

Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed

Hike Features: Crescent Meadow, Tharp’s Log, Chimney Tree

Crescent Meadow Loop Trail Map

Sequoia National Park Entrance Fee

Entrance to Sequoia 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.

Crescent Meadow Trailhead and Parking

The Crescent Meadow Trailhead (also known as the High Sierra Trailhead) is located at the very end of Crescent Meadow Road, about 2.6 miles from the Giant Forest Museum. There are restrooms and picnic tables at the trailhead.

I know I said earlier this trail doesn’t “get enough love”, but it is still a popular area for both day hikers and backpackers so the parking lot can fill it up fast! Either get there early or take the free Sequoia shuttle.

During the busy summer season, your best bet might be to park at the Giant Forest Museum and hop on the Sequoia shuttle.

Shuttles run regularly to Crescent Meadow and Moro Rock, and on summer weekends, the road closes to private vehicles, so shuttle access is the only option.

On weekdays, you can drive your own vehicle all the way to the trailhead, but again, parking is limited. So, either arrive early or plan to use the shuttle system for a stress-free visit.

Best Time to Hike Crescent Meadow Loop Trail

🌷 Spring (March – May): Spring in the Giant Forest is unpredictable but beautiful. Expect temperatures between 50–70°F and the possibility of lingering snow, especially in March and April.

Wildflowers begin to bloom, and the trails are less crowded than in summer. You might still need traction gear early in the season, but by late spring, the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail is usually free of snow.

✨ READ THIS: Best Sequoia National Park Winter Hikes

☀️ Summer (June – August): Summer is the most popular time to visit Sequoia National Park. Days are warm (usually between 70–80°F), the skies are mostly clear, and the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail is fully open and snow-free.

It’s a great time for hiking, but it’s also the busiest season. To avoid the biggest crowds and score a good parking spot, plan to hit the trail early in the morning.

Late summer can sometimes bring wildfire smoke, so keep an eye on air quality conditions before you go. If you’re not a fan of busy trailheads, consider using the free park shuttle to avoid the hassle of finding parking.

Giant sequoias along the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail in Sequoia National Park.
Giant sequoias along Crescent Meadow Loop
Woman hiking along the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail in Sequoia.
Hiking Crescent Meadow Loop Trail in summer

🍂 Fall (September – November): Fall is a great time to hike Crescent Meadow and Tharp’s Log. Temperatures range from 40–70°F, the summer crowds start to fade, and the crisp air and golden light give the forest a peaceful, magical feel.

While giant sequoias stay green year-round, you’ll still spot some colorful foliage from dogwoods and other nearby trees.

September usually still feels like summer, while October and November start to cool off, 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): Visiting Crescent Meadow and Tharp’s Log in winter is a completely different experience. The trail is quieter and the landscape transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland.

Temperatures can get really cold so dress appropriately and pack plenty of layers, and the trail may be icy and slippery so bring microspikes. If you’re up to a fun winter adventure, use snowshoes to explore the trail in deep snow.

Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road closes in the winter, so Crescent Meadow is only accessible by hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing.

❄️ Chain Requirements: From November through March, it’s common for Sequoia 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.

Crescent Meadow Loop and Tharp’s Log: Step-by-Step Directions

The Crescent Meadow Loop Trail starts at the Crescent Meadow Trailhead (also known as the High Sierra Trailhead).

Start by following the High Sierra Trail for about 0.2 miles then take a left at the Crescent Meadow-High Sierra Junction.

You will see a lovely sign that indicates Crescent Meadow is right in front of you. You will be hiking alongside this meadow plus another one.

Crescent Meadow wooden sign with Crescent Meadow in the background in Sequoia National Park.
Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park

You’ll reach another junction at the 0.3-mile mark. Continue right to hop on the Tharp’s Log Trail.

At the 0.8-mile mark, you will reach Tharp’s Log. This historic cabin was built into a fallen sequoia by Hale Tharp in the 1800s.

Woman hiking along the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail in Sequoia National Park.
Crescent Meadow Loop
A cabin, known as Tharp's Log, built into a fallen giant sequoia in Sequoia National Park.
Tharp’s Log

Continue along the Tharp’s Log Trail. At the 1.2-mile mark, you’ll reach the Chimney Tree which is a burned-out, hollow giant sequoia.

A meadow near Tharp's Log in Sequoia National Park.
Another meadow near Tharp’s Log
Chimney Tree along Crescent Meadow Loop Trail in Sequoia National Park.
Chimney Tree

To finish the loop, you have several options.

  • Option 1 – You can take a left at the junction by the Chimney Tree to get on the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail where you’ll meet back up at the Crescent Meadow sign. From here, take a right to return to the trailhead.
  • Option 2 – Continue following the Tharp’s Log Trail until you reach a junction at the 1.4-mile mark. Take a left to get onto the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail. Follow it for about 0.2 miles where you’ll return to the parking area.

Congrats, you did it! 🥳

🥾 Explore more of Sequoia National Park with these hikes!

Tips for Hiking Crescent Meadow 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. Take the Shuttle if Lot is Full: If parking is unavailable, park at the Giant Forest Museum and catch the free Sequoia Shuttle. It runs every 15 minutes and drops you right at the Crescent Meadow Trailhead.

Remember, during peak season, you will have to take the shuttle on weekends since the Crescent Meadow Road will be closed!

3. Hiking at High Elevation: You’ll be hiking at around 6,500 feet, so don’t be surprised if you feel winded faster than usual. The elevation can make even a short walk feel more intense, so take it slow and use the benches to rest.

4. Be Bear Aware: Black bears are active within Sequoia. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.

🐻 Note: bear spray is prohibited in Sequoia!

5. 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 Sequoia National Park.

What to Bring to Sequoia

🎟️ 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 👇

🩳 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 👇

🥾 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 👇

🥢 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.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a peaceful, family-friendly trail that showcases the best of Sequoia National Park without the massive crowds, the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail is it! 🤩

Between the towering giant sequoias, serene meadow views, and the historic Tharp’s Log, this trail packs a lot of beauty and history into a short, easy loop.

Even though it’s located near popular spots like Moro Rock and the General Sherman Tree, Crescent Meadow still feels like a hidden gem.

It’s one of my favorite hikes in the park, and I think it’ll becomes one of yours too. This trail deserves a spot on your itinerary! ✍️

If this guide inspires you to hike the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail and Tharp’s Log, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!

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This blog post is a complete guide to hiking the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail and Tharp's Log in Sequoia National Park.
This blog post is an ultimate guide to hiking the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail and Tharp's Log in Sequoia National Park.