Hiking

Weaver Lake above Three Rivers.

Get Outside Hiking

Story by Lifestyle Staff | Photos by JJ Fry

Whether you like out-and-back trails or the full loop, hiking is a beautiful way to see nature, work up a sweat, and spend time with friends and family (or your thoughts). Read on for more info on some of our favorite local trails. Bookmark these tips for your next free day so you can take in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.

Skyline Trail

Skyline Trail - Beginner

6.2 Miles | 3-3.5 Hours

Skyline Trail, located off Skyline Drive on Hwy 198 in Three Rivers, is popular for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, but it’s also a local gem for mountain biking. It’s known for being a peaceful hike and is most beautiful in spring. You’ll want to start early and bring plenty of water if adventuring during summer. There are ponds and meadows with picnic tables at various points of the trail, making it dog- and picnic-friendly. There’s a good workout on the steep uphill and downhill sections. Downloading a map is recommended to avoid getting off trail at the criss-crossing paths. A hat and walking sticks can come in handy, too!

Needles Lookout Trail

Needles Lookout Trail - Intermediate

4.4 Miles | 2-2.5 Hours

Near Springville, following the northern slope of Needles Ridge, the Needles Lookout Trail offers spectacular views stretching to Mt. Whitney. The best time to visit is between May and October, making it an ideal summer hike. The road out to the trailhead can be a bit rocky, so make sure you have a vehicle with a little bit of clearance, or you can hike the road, adding about four miles to the overall hike. The biggest challenge of this hike is the elevation change, which can be a bit intense as the trail winds up and down several hundred feet. If you can push through the hike, though, the views at the end are breathtaking, as long as you aren’t easily spooked by heights! A fire lookout station used to sit atop one of the rock formations, but it burned down in 2011 when an ember escaped from the fireplace and landed on the roof. You can still traverse the thin staircase up to the lookout for the best views, but the lookout’s foundation is gated off for safety reasons. If you bring your dog, keep it on a leash, and keep a map of the trail downloaded for any unclear path areas.

Jennie & Weaver Lakes Trail Loop

Jennie & Weaver Lakes Trail Loop - Advanced

17.5 Miles | Full-day or Overnight

This 17.5 mile loop is a great backpacking trail with multiple areas ideal for pitching an overnight tent. This loop starts near Big Meadows in Sequoia National Forest, just off of Generals Highway between Hwy 180 and Hwy 198. Big Meadows offers designated camping areas as well as dispersed camping, and even a horse corral for those that like to experience the trails on horseback. Heading around 6.5 miles up the trail you’ll get to Weaver Lake, a natural lake with a gorgeous shale rock mountain backdrop. There are plenty of designated camping spots around the lake, but you’ll need to carry all of your gear, food and water up the trail with you. Continuing on the trail you will eventually make it all the way to Jennie Lake with more camping areas available there, but be wary of “poop out pass,” a section of trail that is steep and rocky, where even horses get tired. Take it slow and make sure you have plenty of water to stay hydrated!