Redwood Meadow - Bearpaw Trail

Overview

This is a quiet, seldom-traveled spur that drops from Bearpaw Meadow down to the remote Redwood Meadow Grove, then returns the same way. Plan for roughly 9.8 miles total (out-and-back) from Bearpaw to the grove and back. It’s a wilderness-feeling walk with a real highlight—standing among giant sequoias in a meadow you’ll likely share with very few people—balanced by a stout climb back and a tricky creek crossing.

Trail Experience

From the Bearpaw High Sierra Camp area, the route descends through cool, dense pine forest, passing a backpackers’ camp that’s functional but dusty and not particularly scenic. After a significant creek crossing that may require a ford, the trail eases and enters sunnier, open woods. Here you’ll get the best views of the day: glimpses of the Great Western Divide and down-valley toward Moro Rock.

Redwood Meadow Grove itself is serene rather than spectacular. Expect a handful of large sequoias right off the trail and many smaller trees around a scenic, fenced meadow (the fence keeps stock out). A junction within the grove hosts a campsite tucked beneath two big sequoias, and each trail leaving that intersection passes at least one impressive tree before the grove thins. When the nearby horse camp (cabins and a corral) isn’t active, the grove is wonderfully quiet.

Is It Worth It?

If you love sequoias and solitude, yes—this grove’s remoteness is the draw. If you’re chasing the park’s biggest, most dramatic groves, temper expectations: the trees here are fewer and the approach is more about the journey than grand, in-your-face scenery.

Best Time to Hike

Time your visit for lower water and longer daylight. The unbridged creek can be impassable at high water, and the return climb is much kinder when you’re not racing sunset. Weekdays typically feel extra quiet around the grove.

Planning Notes

• Route is out-and-back from Bearpaw; there’s no road access to Bearpaw itself. Many hikers reach Bearpaw via the High Sierra Trail, while others link in from Mineral King through the Redwood Meadow side.
• Expect sandy, dirt singletrack and an unbridged ford; the crossing can shut down plans when water runs high. Carry dry socks and be prepared to turn around.
• If your itinerary uses or continues along the High Sierra Trail corridor beyond the junction, plan permits accordingly.
• Equestrian use exists; you may see stock near the grove and horse camp.