Private Snowshoe Adventure to Bear Hill — Sequoia National Park Winter Walk

Three Rivers•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness — able to hike 2.5 miles with ~400 ft of elevation gain in cold conditions.

Overview

Strap into snowshoes and walk among Giant Sequoias dusted in new snow on a private, guided 2.5-mile excursion to Bear Hill. This four-hour winter tour blends natural history, animal tracking, and a steaming cup of cocoa at the summit — ideal for first-timers and keen hikers alike.

Private Snowshoe Adventure to Bear Hill — Sequoia National Park Winter Walk

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Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

There’s a hush that arrives with fresh snow in the Giant Forest — the quiet is almost tactile as you step out beneath trunks the width of small houses. The guide fits you into snowshoes, the straps clicking like slow metronomes, and you push off into a world where light slides between cedar and sequoia trunks and every breath comes out white.

Adventure Photos

Private Snowshoe Adventure to Bear Hill — Sequoia National Park Winter Walk photo 1

Adventure Tips

Chains and winter driving

Generals Highway can require tire chains in winter; check road conditions and carry chains if you’re driving from the park entrance.

Layer for changing conditions

Temperatures and exertion levels vary — wear moisture-wicking base layers, an insulated mid-layer, and a waterproof shell.

Footwear matters

Waterproof boots with good ankle support improve comfort in snowshoes; gaiters help keep snow out of boots.

Respect the roots

Stay on the packed trail to avoid trampling shallow roots of the sequoias — even small detours can damage fragile soil and roots.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Mule deer
Steller's jay

History

Sequoia National Park was created in 1890 to protect giant trees from logging; many of the groves you’ll visit have been protected for well over a century.

Conservation

Winter travel compacts fragile snow and soil—stay on packed routes, avoid disturbing wildlife, and pack out all waste to protect root systems and understory plants.