Little Baldy leads to another granite dome in Sequoia National Park, much like Moro Rock, but the major differences are that this is a longer, more difficult, less visited and more varied trail. This trail give you a much more secluded experience, and you feel like you’ve worked more for your views. When I asked Matt which he preferred, he said you can’t choose! They’re both great and you have to do them both! And, to be honest, I think he’s right. Keep reading to find out why we loved Little Baldy just as much as Moro Rock.
Quick Info About Little Baldy Trail
TRAIL LENGTH: 3.4 miles total, this is an out and back trail
TRAIL DIFFICULTY: This trail is rated as moderate. I would say that is a fair rating, especially going up as it’s just switchbacks up for most of it. That said, I also had a 20+ pound kid on my back, so it may be easier than I realized.
ENTRY FEE TO SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK: To do the Little Baldy trail, you’ll have to pay the entry fee which is $35 for a private vehicle, $30 for a motorcyle and $20 for pedestrians or bicyclists. Or, if you plan to visit multiple national Parks in a year, I highly recommend picking up an America the Beautiful National Park Pass.
TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS: The major highlight would be the 360 views from the granite dome at the top. I did also love walking through the forest at the beginning of the trail as well.
IS IT KID-FRIENDLY? This is one of those trails that I would say is good for 5+, if your kiddo is good at sticking close by and you keep a good eye on them. Especially atop the granite knob. We used our Deuter Kid Comforts, but I definitely wouldn’t have let our toddler take this hike on. Read more about why we love our Deuter Kid Comforts here.
IS IT DOG-FRIENDLY? It is not. Dogs and other pets are not permitted on any of the trails in Sequoia National Park, so know this before bringing your pup along on a trip to Sequoia National Park.
Our Experience on Little Baldy Trail
When we first got to Little Baldy trail, we were the only ones at the trailhead. Upon arriving in Sequoia we were promptly warned about the “very active” bear population in the park. I have to tell you that my biggest fear while hiking is BEARS. So, of course, hearing this sent me into fear overdrive. So, seeing that we were the only ones at the trailhead led me to believe that, obviously, we were going to be eaten by bears because nothing had scared them away. So much so that I called my parents to tell them which trail we were on if they didn’t hear from us by that evening. A little dramatic? Maybe. But that’s how afraid of them I am.
We set out anyway, as this was a hike at the top of my list. The trail starts through a small section of thick, green forest. That section is actually pretty short, which made me feel a little less terrified of bears. A series of switchbacks that rises above those trees follows the forest section of the trail and takes you up through sections of wildflowers – lots of small aster blooms in September.
At the top of the switchbacks you finally reach a section of forest that was burnt from wildfires before finally cresting the top of the mountain. Up there, is another small section of forest where the trail flattens out. Through this section, you can start to see glimpses of the mountain views the trees, until eventually Little Baldy becomes visible. At the end of the trail is one last little stretch of uphill – going up the granite rock face.
The last little section up, Little Baldy, is a bit of a rock scramble, but not difficult, just be sure to watch your footing as it is just a big rounded granite dome. Once you get to the top you’re rewarded for your efforts. Sweeping 360 degree views take your breath away. Although Moro Rock is the more popular hike, and it also has 360 degree views, they’re different from the views you get here. So, I would still highly recommend taking on both hikes. Unfortunately, we were there
Going back down feels so fast and easy peasy because it’s essentially all downhill. On the way back down, we did end up finally passing one person. This was one of the first times that we only saw one other person on a trail. On the way up, it made us nervous, you know, because of the bears. But once we were there and safe, we realized just how special it was to have such a beautiful, scenic trail all to ourselves.
Gear We Recommend For Hiking Little Baldy Trail
This is gear that we use and recommend for hiking for ourselves and our kiddos.
Little Baldy is the perfect granite dome hike for anyone looking for a stunning mountain overlook. Especially, if you’re looking to experience it with far fewer people than you see from atop Moro Rock. It’s a great and unforgettable hike in Sequoia National Park.
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