The Best Short Hikes in the Sierras

The Sierras are a wonderful place full of amazing sights and great scenery. For nature lovers out there here are a couple short hikes for you to enjoy.

The first trail is the Lewis Creek Trail. If you enjoy small waterfalls, this trail is great for you. This trail is half way between Oakhurt and Yosemite, at about 7 miles from each. To get there, head north on Hwy 41. About 7 miles past Oakhurst you'll see a sign for the Lewis Creek Trail, and a parking lot for about a dozen cars. Hit the trail and you'll soon come to a fork. Turn right and you'll head .3 miles to Corlieu Falls. Turn left and you'll head 1.5 miles to Red Rock Falls. Corliue Falls is the tallest in Madera county and offers the more impressive views of the two falls. The trail itself will lead you to the top of the waterfall, where you can look down to watch it cascade. If you're willing to scramble down some rocks you can see a nice view of the fall along with the nice pool that it flows into. Head back down the trail for a peaceful, uncrowded walk to Red Rock Falls. The trail splits a few times. I personally always stayed left. As we hiked we enjoyed the pleasant scenery. From time to time you can hear cars drive by, as the trail runs parallel to the highway. Once you reach Red Rock Falls be prepared for a small waterfall. Not exactly the most impressive, but it's pleasant. It will be a great spot to pull out your lunch and enjoy it creekside.

This next trail is a pleasant 1 mile loop to see the second largest tree in the world. If you've ever been to Sequoia you probably saw General Sherman, the world's largest living organism. Well here is your chance to see the second largest. This Giant Sequoia tree is named "Bull Buck." The great thing is this one isn't fenced in and you won't be fighting through crowds like General Sherman. To get there look for the big sign Sky Ranch Road on Hwy 41 just a couple miles north of Oakhurst. Follow Sky Ranch Road for a while and eventually the road will roughen up a little bit and you'll see a sign for Nelder Grove. The road is a little rough, so you may want a truck, but a car can make it just fine. Follow the signs toward the Nelder Grove trailhead and you'll arrive at the parking lot for this big tree. The trail is great and has many signs posted to help you learn about local trees and the giant sequoias. Keep your eyes open for the big tree, cause Bull Buck isn't marked extremely well. Make sure to take your pictures next to it, so you can show your friends how small you are.

Hope you enjoy your time in the Sierra's!