Crescent and Log Meadows Trail

Indulge in the beauty of this natural sanctuary in the Sequoia National Park awaiting exploration. At the top of many hikers’ to-do lists, you will be hard-pressed to find the Crescent and Log Meadows Trail without dozens of visitors, so come prepared to share the route! Early morning and late evenings usually offer a more secluded experience.

When hiking in the summer months, be sure to pack bug spray, as this trail has been known to be a bit buggy! Additionally, the section of the path that meanders along the meadowlands is exposed, so SPF is necessary on sunny days. Note the park demands an entrance fee which costs $35USD per vehicle or $20USD per person for pedestrians or cyclists.

Explore the meadow that John Muir once referred to as the “Gem of the Sierras” along the Crescent and Log Meadows Trail. Providing a variety of scenery, this trek stimulating trek is sure to impress. Easy-going and short, hikers of all ages and skill levels can explore this route—boasting the perfect excuse to get the family out into the fresh air.

Setting out from the High Sierra Trailhead, the Crescent and Log Meadows Hike follows the High Trail southwardly over Crescent Creek and along the blossoming meadow. Soon after your departure, you will encounter an intersection; veer left here onto the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail. Before continuing your trek, enjoy the expansive overlook of the Crescent Meadow sprawling in the north.

Appreciate the beauty of the field framed by towering conifers, then follow the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail northwardly. After crossing over Crescent Creek again, you will veer right, being diverted onto the Tharp’s Log Trail. This route guides you along the western perimeter of Log Meadow, bisected by the meandering creek.

Once you eventually reach Tharp’s Log, we encourage you to climb inside and explore the rustic refuge in the hollowed sequoia. Explore the unique cabin, then turn left at the junction. Now wandering west, you will shrink as you trek amongst towering old-growth sequoias. Soon you will reach the Chimney Tree, a unique conifer hallowed by wildfires.

Take a picture in the sequoia, then continue along the trail, marveling at the beautiful forest. When you ultimately reach a juncture with the Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, turn left and hike this path south along the western boundary of the lush meadow. Traveling this route, you will pass the picnic area before being delivered back to the trailhead.

Trail Highlights

Tharp’s Log

Tharp’s Log is a hollowed-out fallen sequoia in Log Meadow. Located in the Giant Forest Grove of the Sequoia National Forest, the empty sequoia became a refuge for early pioneers—named for Hale D. Tharp, the first non-Native American to enter the Giant Forest in 1858. Tharp frequently stayed in the rustic accommodation, and nowadays, visitors can explore the unique cabin.