Muir Grove

Overview

If you want big trees without big crowds, Muir Grove is your move. Named for John Muir, this mid-sized sequoia grove delivers a quiet, intimate stand of old-growth giants at the end of a mellow forest walk. The trail is generally moderate and shaded, and the payoff is a serene cluster of massive trunks with that hushed, cathedral feel.

Trail at a Glance

From Dorst Creek Campground, the hike is about 4.0–4.5 miles round-trip with roughly 320–500 feet of gain, usually 1.5–3 hours depending on pace. When the campground is closed (common in recent seasons), you’ll park along Generals Highway near the entrance and walk the paved campground roads to the signed trailhead—plan on adding about 2–3 miles round-trip to your total.

What You’ll See

The first half is classic mixed-conifer forest with a couple of small creek crossings and a granite outcrop roughly halfway up. Pause here for wide views toward Big Baldy and Chimney Rocks and, across the valley, the rounded crowns of sequoias. The trail then slips into the grove itself, where the official path ends amid old-growth sequoias. In mid-summer, lupines can color the openings between cinnamon-barked trunks, especially nice in late-day light.

Fire History (Why the Grove Feels Open)

During the 2021 KNP Complex Fire, firefighters applied protective, low-intensity burning near the ridgetop to reduce fuels. The result you’ll notice today is a thinner understory and a more open-looking grove with minimal visible canopy impact along the visited route—good news for both sequoia regeneration and your sightlines.

Season and Best Time to Visit

• Best seasons: Summer into fall, when the road into Dorst is open and snow is gone. Wildflowers (including lupine) tend to peak mid-summer.
• Daily timing: Start early for cooler temps and solitude. Late afternoon brings warm light on the bark and pleasant shade on the return.
• Winter: Access to Dorst and the trailhead is often closed.

Logistics You Should Know

• Access: Trailhead sits inside Dorst Creek Campground. If gates are closed, budget extra time for the approach walk from Generals Highway.
• Facilities: When Dorst is open, expect flush toilets and potable water at the campground. When closed, there are no facilities—fill bottles and use restrooms before you drive out.
• Shuttle: In some summers, a free park shuttle has served the Lodgepole/Wuksachi–Dorst corridor. Service varies year to year—confirm current routes and times before relying on it.

Wildlife and Etiquette

This is black bear country—keep a respectful distance and manage food properly. Near sequoias, stay on durable surfaces to protect shallow roots, and turn around where the maintained trail ends if you’re not confident following faint paths.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a peaceful sequoia experience away from the marquee crowds, absolutely. The added walk when Dorst is closed weeds out traffic, making the grove feel wonderfully unhurried. If you’re short on time and want instant gratification, the headline groves are easier—otherwise, this one’s a rewarding, underrated detour.