Parking
No road-accessible parking was confirmed at the mapped start. The named spur begins at a remote backcountry junction; its approach from a roadside trailhead is not included in the mileage and was not verified.
Overview
About Funston Lake Trail
Why go
- Finishes at Funston Lake in a high alpine basin.
- A short mapped spur once you reach the remote junction.
Heads up
- Unmaintained tread, poor visibility and unverified hiking access make this a route-finding objective.
Map & elevation
The route
Loading the Sequoia map
Full mapElevation10,761–11,493 ft
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
Safety
8 active Sequoia alerts
- CautionStage 1 fire restrictionsStage 1 fire restrictions are in effect due to high fire danger and catastrophic-wildfire risk; the restrictions reduce the possibility of accidental human-caused fires that could threaten visitors…Official details
- ClosureGrant Grove trails and areas closed for prescribed burnSome trails and areas around Grant Grove and the General Grant Tree are closed for safety during a prescribed burn and until they are cleared of hazards.Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Sequoia Tour Guide
Your drive to Funston Lake Trail, narrated.
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Sequoia National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
See the Sequoia audio tour- 71 audio storiesacross Sequoia’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
- Wildlife heatmapsfor Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and 13 more
- Works offlinemaps, 99 trails, 68 places, and audio download before you lose signal
- CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
“…The kids and my husband and I all agree that the narration really added to our experience driving through the parks. We learned so much about the history and the flora & fauna.”
Trail guide
Hiking Funston Lake Trail
The lake spurFunston Lake Trail is a 6.84-mile out-and-back on the mapped 3.
Funston Lake Trail is a 6.84-mile out-and-back on the mapped 3.42-mile one-way spur between a remote junction in Forgotten Canyon and Funston Lake. That mileage covers the lake spur only; it excludes the approach from a road-accessible trailhead. Allow about five to six hours for the spur itself, then add the approach time.
A remote routeThe mapped line runs west from the junction through open alpine terrain to the lake shore, then…
The mapped line runs west from the junction through open alpine terrain to the lake shore, then returns the same way. The route line agrees with the 3.42-mile map measurement and reaches the mapped lake shore. A 1986 Park Service stock-use plan lists Forgotten Canyon–Funston Lake as unmaintained. Current public hiking access and passability have not been confirmed, and the mapped tread has poor visibility. Check with the park before committing; don't expect maintained wayfinding.
High-country effortThe spur reaches about 11,507 feet and gains roughly 750 feet on the way to the lake.
The spur reaches about 11,507 feet and gains roughly 750 feet on the way to the lake. That elevation and uncertain tread make this a serious backcountry objective despite the modest mileage. If your approach requires an overnight stay, wilderness permits and seasonal entry rules apply. Pets are prohibited on park trails.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Sequoia
691 sightingsBlack BearMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
17 sightingsMountain LionMost seen around 6 AMSighting map
18 sightingsBobcatMost seen around 7 PMSighting map
24 sightingsCoyoteMost seen around 7 PMSighting map
15 sightingsGolden EagleMost seen around 11 AMSighting map
20 sightingsSpotted OwlMost seen around 7 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Sequoia. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
