With a population of over 60,000 and located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valle, the city of Tulare, CA is the perfect base for hikers wanting to explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the nearby national parks of the region. Whether you are planning a day trip or a weekend adventure with your friends or family, these amazing hiking trails are great spots to immerse yourself in nature and disconnect from the city for a while.
1. Mill Creek Trail
Located within the limits of the Sequoia National Forest in southern California, the Mill Creek Trail has a length of more than 15 miles and a difficult terrain that makes it popular among experienced hikers. This path goes through some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes of the area and is popular among visitors from Bakersfield, Fresno, and other nearby towns and cities. In order to access this trail, you will need a Sequoia National Forest pass.
While the Mill Creek Trail is an excellent spot for some outdoor exercise, the Sequoia National Forest has enough activities and attractions to keep you entertained for an entire weekend. Some popular activities in the area include mountain biking, birdwatching, and camping. If you are in the area, do not miss the giant sequoia groves, which have become a well-known landmark of this national forest and a photographer’s paradise during the misty mornings.
2. Kaiser Wilderness Trail
Established in 1976, the Kaiser Wilderness Trail is located within the territory of the Sierra National Forest in southern California. It has a length of more than ten miles, going through some of the most photogenic landscapes of the area, including mountains, pristine water lakes, canyons, and creeks with stunning views of the region. Most visitors begin their hike at the trailhead located near Huntington Lake, where most overnight accommodation facilities are located.
Getting to the entrance of the Sierra National Forest from downtown Tulare takes a little under an hour and a half by car, following routes CA-99 N and CA-168. In order to enter the area, you will need to purchase a $5 daily pass at the entrance of the national forest. Apart from hiking and mountain biking, visitors to the area can also go fishing, boating, skiing, and camping at several designated areas.
3. Buena Vista Trail
Located less than 75 miles away from downtown Tulare, the Buena Vista trail is the easiest of the list, with a total length of two miles and a path that goes through thick forest within the territory of the Kings Canyon National Park. Once you get to the peak, you will enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and small towns in the area.
If you are looking for a new car to drive around California’s national parks and natural escapes, stop by Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC and check out the inventory of new and used vehicles we have available for you. Ask our colleagues for a test drive and a financing plan that goes according to your needs.
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