Big Baldy: Panoramic Views in Kings Canyon

Big Baldy, reaching an elevation of 8,209 feet (2,502 m), is a granite peak located in the Grant Grove area of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The Big Baldy Trail, also known as the Big Baldy Ridge Trail, is a favorite due to its mild elevation gain and beautiful panoramic views from the summit. The trail is 2.2 miles (3.4 km) each way, making it a 4.4-mile (7.1 km) round trip. The path is relatively easy to follow and not too steep, with the 650 feet (183 m) of elevation gain confined to several short climbs near the start. The summit and various viewpoints along the way allow fine views over a large section of the Sierra Nevada mountains, from chaparral-covered lowlands in the west to the snow-capped peaks of the Great Western Divide in the east. The Big Baldy Trailhead is located off the Generals Highway (CA 198), about 8 miles (13 km) south of Grant Grove Village. Parking is available in a small layby next to the main road. The trail starts by crossing a belt of pine woodland and climbing a little to the west side of the ridge, where the view opens out to a vista of Redwood Canyon. While giant sequoia trees may be the main attraction in the Grant Grove section of Kings Canyon National Park, Big Baldy offers a different perspective, with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The trail is generally less crowded than others in the area, especially at sunset.