Cold Springs Campground

Boating

While motorized crafts aren’t allowed, there are still many awesome ways to explore these lovely waterways. Checkout our kayaking & canoeing section (and SUPing, too!).

Fishing

There are amazing fishing opportunities here with a plethora of lakes, creeks and rivers in both Sequoia and King’s Canyon. Fly-fishing is an art form here and is suitable for anglers of all ages and experience levels. Sierra Fly Fisher offers guides and gears for beginner fly fishers. The Kings River and many of the lakes have beautiful varieties of trout!

Hiking

Lace up your hiking boots and be sure to spend enough time to see the wonders that Sequoia offers-- there are dozens of trails to explore in this wilderness. Although the steep mountain trails can be intimidating, they have absolutely incredible views! Or you can take a breezy stroll under the giant sequoias. The most famous hikes are to see the majestic General Sherman tree and to climb the stairmaster Moro Rock-- a workout hike with a killer view. Check out a list of trails here and here.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is found primarily in King’s Canyon further up, but one trip goes to the General Sherman tree and the surrounding area in Sequoia. You can cover plenty of ground on horseback and see the stunning scenery while you’re at it! The nearest stable in Sequoia is in the Big Meadow Corral, and the other two stables are located in King’s Canyon. Guided day rides and multi-day adventures are available here.

Paddling

Only extreme kayakers are recommended to try the trips in Sequoia and King’s Canyon, and they should still be cautious. It is high risk and requires advanced skills because the rivers are icy cold and swift. The Kaweah River is probably the best place for a good challenge with class IV conditions in the middle fork. Be warned that some areas are difficult to get to (and from). Make sure you know what you’re doing and plan ahead before you decide to kayak here! That includes getting a wilderness permit for overnight stays. Check out some runs under Sequoia here.

Off-roading (OHV)

Off-Highway Vehicles can glide on through this national park for a joyride, but should stay on the designated road! Kern Valley is the perfect place to explore, but make sure you pick up a motor vehicle use map which you can check out here.

Climbing

The alpine El Capitan… AKA The Angel Wings, an 1,800 foot granite wall with an amazing south face that offers crazy climbing. The climbing in Sequoia and Kings Canyon are just as rad as in Yosemite, and you won’t have to worry about embarrassing yourself in front of flocks of tourists. The best climbs are Little Baldy and quartzite Hospital Rock. The most accessible is Moro Rock, but make sure to check that it isn’t closed off to climbing (typically April 1 to August 15) because peregrine falcons are nesting there! Check out some climbing tips for guides and gear here.

Snow sports

Skip that traditional snow trip to the same old spot you go to every winter and try Sequoia instead… It’ll be your new vacation spot! This summer paradise is equally amazing in the winter, with snow blanketing the ground. Do you want to build a snowman? Well here you can… and also take part in snowshoe walks (free snowshoes provided for 1 mile walk every Saturday!), cross-country skiing, and stay at the Pear Lake Ski Hut for more difficult trails. Check out the private high elevation trails from the Montecito Ski Lodge. If you’re feeling more adventurous, almost no one is out in the backcountry during the winter and you can snowshoe your way for some crazy snow camping!

Swimming

Paradise Creek is rightly named for a reason: it’s a swimming paradise! Calm pools and cascades surrounded by wildflowers... Perfect for relaxing. Hume Lake is peaceful but more of a family location with recreational activities like boating and fishing on top of swimming. The rivers, on the other hand, are INCREDIBLY dangerous so don’t even think about stepping foot in those rapids. There are some secret swimming holes near the cliffs and beachy pools over cascades...

Whitewater paddling

Rafting in Sequoia/Kings Canyon promises an exciting and adrenaline-pumping adventure with the Kaweah, Kings and Kern Rivers available. The Kaweah is the most intense-- with 85 feet drops, this is one of the steepest rivers in the US at a class V. If you’re looking for something tamer, the Kings River (more in Kings Canyon territory) boasts incredible scenery while offering some of the best family rafting trips. The Kern River is steep and wild and quite popular for whitewater rafting. If you’re looking for guided tours, the options are endless; the most reputable are All-Outdoors Rafting and Kaweah Whitewater Adventures based on Yelp reviews, but there are plenty of local companies as well!

Wildlife watching

Marmots, endangered bighorn sheep, pocket gophers and gopher snakes are only some of the 300 species of wildlife living here. With steep elevation change and various environments, the diversity of wildlife makes sense: there are rodents, 17 types of bats, beautiful fish, rare cave-dwelling invertebrates, and over 200 types of birds! But wait-- what’s that flying above? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s… a flying squirrel! Keep your eyes peeled; the wildlife at Sequoia will be sure to keep you coming back for more.