Lost Grove

Overview

Lost Grove is a roadside sequoia grove near the park’s northern edge, split by Generals Highway. It’s one of the denser stands of giant sequoias, with trees looming right beside the pavement—perfect for a quick pullout, a stretch, and some big‑tree gawking without a long hike.

There are highway pullouts and small parking areas here, and a vault toilet exists at the pullout (its status has varied since the 2021 fire—have a backup plan). This spot sits near the Sequoia National Forest boundary and tends to feel calmer than the marquee stops.

The Hike

From the pullout or Dorst Creek Campground, you can drop into the grove on the Lost Grove Trail (~4.3 miles out‑and‑back, ~915 feet of gain; around 2 hours if you keep moving). The route follows the Dorst Creek drainage through meadows and sequoia stands before climbing back toward the highway.

Past Dorst Creek the path is not maintained, brush can be thick, and the tread fades—expect route‑finding, downed limbs, and occasional push‑through vegetation, especially where 2021 fire impacts linger.

What You’ll See

• Towering sequoias right from the road, plus a more immersive feel if you hike into the drainage.
• A creek‑and‑meadow mosaic in the mid‑elevation sequoia belt.
• Occasional wildlife—deer are common, and you should travel bear‑aware.

Current Conditions & Caveats

User reports call the trail brushy and faint beyond the creek—some even joke it needs a machete. Wear long pants and sturdy footwear, and bring an offline map/GPS and a compass. If it looks too rough, there are easier big‑tree walks in the Giant Forest and Grant Grove areas.

Best Time to Visit

• Year‑round when roads are open, but winter storms can bring heavy snow and poor visibility, and road access may close.
• For photos, early or late light slips nicely through the grove; mid‑day is fine for a quick roadside stop.
• Summer weekends can tighten parking; weekdays are usually more relaxed. Some summers feature a shuttle in the Lodgepole/Giant Forest area—verify if it reaches this stretch before counting on it.

Practicalities

A park entry pass is required. Generals Highway and the side road to Dorst Creek can close in winter—check current conditions. The restroom here has existed but hasn’t always been open since the fire; plan alternatives. If you’re aiming for the trail, download a track in advance and expect slow‑go sections.