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Can you die without walking? Journey to American National Parks (28) Let's go see the shining marble waterfall (Sequoia National Park)

Following on from our previous hiking route in Sequoia National Park, this time we'll be introducing a hiking trail in the same area that takes you to a waterfall with sparkling marble

Even though it's within the same park, the scenery is completely different from the previous Alta Peak Trail, and even those hiking the route are excited every time by the variety of scenery that unfolds within the park

This is a popular hiking course that is neither too long nor too short and is easy to do. It ends with a river and a waterfall, making it a perfect course for the hot summer

Sequoia National Park Marble Falls Trail Hiking Information

How to get to the park

Approximately 5 hours (approximately 380km) from San Francisco and Los Angeles

If you are heading from San Francisco, the route to the entrance to both Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park is almost the same

After the entrance gate to the national park, the road splits into two. If you go left, you will head towards Kings Canyon, and if you go right, you will head towards Sequoia

There is no signal within the park, so it will be easier if you download the places you want to go to your GPS in advance

Good things to carry on hiking

As with all your belongings, just like before, prepare the same equipment as a typical American hike.

  • Drinks (2 liters or more recommended in summer)
  • Cold weather wear that can adjust the temperature 
  • hat
  • sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Snacks and more for eating while hiking
  • If you have a regular medicine, first aid such as medicine or band-aid
  • Other things you prefer with your regular hiking equipment

Trail data

  • For intermediate and above
  • Season: May to November
  • Trailhead elevation: Approximately 2,220m
  • Round trip: 11.84km (7.4 miles)
  • Height difference: Approximately 495m (1,627 ft) 
  • Course time: 3.5 to 5 hours round trip (including breaks)

Access (car to the trailhead)

Marble Falls Trailhead (campground nearby)

Put this in your GPS and you'll reach the trailhead.

There is a campground just before the trailhead, so unless you are using the campground, you may not be able to drive all the way to the parking lot just before the trailhead. However, there is a large parking lot across the road (Generals Highway) where you can park

We parked our car in the parking lot across the road (Generals Highway) and headed to the trailhead

The area around the trailhead is a campground, and there is a sign with a warning that there are a lot of wild animals, so please do not leave food or toiletries in your car at night

Hiking departure from the trailhead (trailhead)

The trail finally begins

Just a 10-minute walk away, you'll be greeted by a spectacular view

Today we're hiking to a waterfall at the foot of a valley in the mountains deep inside

The weather is nice and the greenery is vibrant, making it very pleasant

The trail is very easy to follow and you just climb along the trail

There are some steep slopes, but if you are a good runner, even beginners should have no problem

We continue to go deeper and deeper, admiring the beautiful mountains

Gradually, you can hear the sound of the river

Once you get close to the river, you'll see

As the name suggests, it's all marble! It's hard to see in the photo, but the pure white marble glitters in the light

I was surprised because I had never seen marble spread over such a large area before

It was a very hot day, so the coolness along the river was truly soothing

Take a short break, swimming or dipping your feet in the water, then return by the same route

I was able to make the round trip in just four hours. It's an easy spot to visit and offers beautiful scenery

Notes regarding the spread of COVID-19

As of January 2022, various situations may be in place in various countries, including entry restrictions due to strengthened quarantine measures, restrictions on entry to national parks, and restrictions on domestic travel. These conditions may change without notice, so when traveling, be sure to obtain local information from each country's embassy or consulate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Overseas Safety Website (Infectious Disease Risk Information), national park websites, and other sources, and check information on transit points, countries you plan to travel to, and the areas around the places you plan to visit before making reasonable plans and taking action

Kato Sayaka

Leave your California hiking and travel plans to us. Due to my father's influence, I have always loved outdoor activities, and since I was in Japan, I was captivated by the great nature of America and Canada, and as a result, I arrived at the United States, which I had longed for. We currently run ANAMI TOURS, which offers local optional tours that can be created with customers, including completely private hiking tours with Japanese guides. We will introduce you to some special options that you can find out because you are a local resident. If you are interested, please visit the website below.

ANAMI TOURS Official Website

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