FATMAP by Strava

Tokopah Falls

At 1,200 feet tall, Tokopah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Sequoia National Park.

Hiking Moderate

Distance
6.1 km
Ascent
213 m
Descent
213 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
2.1 km
High Point
2.2 km
Gradient
Tokopah Falls Map

Tokopah Falls is notable as the tallest waterfall in all of Sequoia National Park. This tumbling cascade drops 1,200 feet "down a huge granite headwall of the glacial Tokopah Valley," according to Wikipedia. This 3.8-mile out-and-back hike offers a scenic adventure in the mountains with a stunning reward at the end!

Description

Like all waterfalls, Tokopah flows the strongest during peak snowmelt in the late spring and early summer. But unlike some falls that continue to deliver all year, Tokopah dwindles to a trickle in the late summer and early autumn. For the most impressive cascade, try to catch this hike early in the season.

The hike winds through beautiful forests and granite canyons on its way up to Tokopah. The climb to the falls "is fairly gradual, gaining 630 feet up a trail that should be enjoyable for hikers of all abilities," according to HikesPeak.com. There aren't even any junctions or turns along the way, making this hike dead easy to navigate. As an added bonus, if you're camping in the nearby Lodgepole Campground, you can even hike to the falls directly from your campsite!

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between May and October

Features

  • Picturesque
  • Water features
  • Family friendly

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area