Ten natural wonders on the Sierra Discovery Loop, from giant sequoia groves and granite lookouts to waterfalls, river pools and hot springs. Tap any stop for photos, trail details and directions.
Stops on the loop
Porterville · Lake
Lake Success
Boating, fishing and camping on a desert lake just east of Porterville.
Springville foothills · River access
Tule River
Clear pools and cascades along Hwy 190 above Springville. Swim with care in high water.
Sequoia high country · Grove walk
Stagg Tree & Alder Creek Grove
One of the largest trees on Earth, tucked away in Alder Creek Grove.
Western Divide · Hike
The Needles Lookout Hike
Jagged granite spires above the Kern River canyon, with sweeping views from the trail.
Western Divide · Short hike
Dome Rock
A smooth granite dome with big views over the Kern River country.
Western Divide · Easy 1.3 mi loop
Trail of 100 Giants
An accessible boardwalk loop through Long Meadow Grove’s giant sequoias.
Side trip · Sherman Pass Rd · Trailhead
Kennedy Meadows & the PCT
Over Sherman Pass to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Before you go
No cell service past Springville or Fountain Springs
Save the loop to your phone while you still have signal. The map and every stop page will open here offline, and the PDF works in your phone’s Files or Books app.
Using Google Maps for directions? Open the route, then download the area in Google Maps (Offline maps) before you leave.
Drive times
| Porterville to Springville | ~20 min |
| Springville to Camp Nelson | ~35 min |
| Camp Nelson to Ponderosa | ~20 min |
| Ponderosa to Trail of 100 Giants | ~25 min |
| Over Parker Pass to California Hot Springs | ~40 min |
| Hot Springs Rd to Fountain Springs | ~25 min |
| Ducor and Terra Bella back to Porterville | ~30 min |
Loop map
Tap any place on the map to learn more. Drive the loop in either direction.
