Not every hike needs to be 15+ miles. Not every hike needs to have 4000+ ft of elevation gain. Not every hike needs to be deserted and in the middle of the wilderness.

I’ve mentioned it in previous blogs jokingly, but I really do have zero chill. I physically and mentally do not know how to relax. I get stir crazy on “veg-out” days, and restless legs syndrome comes in full force. I get bored. I eat out of boredom. At the end of the day, I feel like I wasted a day to get out and live. To top it off, I can’t fall asleep that night because I haven’t tired myself out.

A hike in late April reminded me to appreciate the shorter strolls and flatter ground. I’d wanted to do Tokopah Valley to Tokopah Falls for a long time, but figured it would be a hike I’d hit up on my way out of Sequoia as an add-on after a more grueling trek.

I forecast a beautiful weekend in the 60s for the mountains, but there was still too much snow in most of the park so hiking options were limited. It was the perfect time for Tokopah.

I decided to drive down to Visalia and go in through Highway 198. I’ve done the drive in on 180 many times, and sometimes it’s good to have a change in scenery.

The construction in the southern part of the part held us up for about 20 minutes, but it was a beautiful wait.

We drove into the campground past the Lodgepole Visitor Center. There were a few cars parked around, but it was generally not busy.

The Kaweah River was flowing strongly, and it was so pleasant hiking next to the rushing water.

The trail winds mostly through the woods. It’s just over a mile and a half to the end of the trail and the falls. The last few tenths open up and it becomes a little rocky with views of the towering cliffs above.

At the end of the trail is the cascading falls. It is such a nice place for a picnic, with flat boulders everywhere that are easily climbed for a perfect area to stretch out.

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This was the only place where wildlife made its presence known. I know they are pesky, but I really love those yellow bellied marmots.

Yellow bellied marmot

“Please, lady, may I have some of your trail mix?” NO!

There were several people at the falls, and more kept coming and going. It’s definitely a busier hike, but it’s great to be sharing the trail with so many people who are having such a great time in nature.

I thought we had a late start to the day, and we hiked back around 2 PM. It seems like that is the popular time to START walking, as the trail was far busier on the way out. So many people were just beginning their hike.

And that was the day. No crazy story, no adventurous trail-finding, no cardio killer hill.

Just a relaxed day hike to leave you feeling refreshed and accomplished. I highly recommend Tokopah Valley for a laid-back day!