Packsaddle Cave Trail: A Hidden Gem in Sequoia National Forest

Quick Stats

Trail Type: Out & back
Distance: ~3.9 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: ~1,300 feet
Time Required: 2–3 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes (leash recommended; tick warning)
Trailhead Location: Across from Fairview Campground
Parking: Roadside across from campground (see notes)
Water on Trail: None — bring your own
If you're looking for a moderate half-day hike with a wild twist at the end,

Packsaddle Cave Trail should be on your radar. Tucked into the heart of Sequoia National Forest, this lesser-known hike ends at an actual walk-in cave that’s surprisingly large, cool (literally and figuratively), and rewarding to explore. Add in lush forest, wildflowers, creek crossings, and solitude—and you’ve got one of the most underrated trails in the area.

Trailhead & Parking Info

To get there, navigate to Fairview Campground in Sequoia National Forest. The trailhead isn't inside the campground, but directly across the road from it. Look for a small dirt turnout with room for a handful of cars. There’s no formal sign at the parking spot, but a short use-trail leads to the official trail.

👉 Heads-up: This area has no official trailhead signage or restrooms, so come prepared. Also, be cautious when parking — traffic along this stretch of road can move quickly.
📍 Coordinates (approximate): Google Maps Link
🛑 Note: No water, no trash services — pack in, pack out.

Trail Breakdown

The trail itself is a gradual to moderate incline the entire way to the cave, gaining about 1,300 feet over 2 miles. It starts with shaded forest and a creek crossing (dry in late summer), then climbs along a dusty singletrack with views through the trees. Expect a mix of pines, manzanita, wildflowers, and occasional wildlife—we saw deer on our last trip.

In spring and early summer, the trail is lush and green with lots of flowers. However, this is also peak tick and bee season, so long sleeves and repellent are recommended. If you're hiking with dogs, do a thorough tick check after the hike—especially around the paws and belly.

The Cave

The payoff is at the turnaround point: Packsaddle Cave, a naturally formed cavern nestled into a cliffside. It’s wide, tall, and deep enough to walk around inside (bring a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to explore). The temperature drops noticeably at the entrance—a welcome reward on hot days.

Inside the cave, you’ll find:

Cool air and shade
Rock formations and walls to climb/sit on
A metal ammo box containing a logbook, drawings, and stories from past hikers

It’s a fun and unexpected destination. Just be mindful of your footing inside the cave—it’s rocky, uneven, and can be slick near the entrance.

Timing Tips & Best Seasons

Start Early: This is a south-facing trail, meaning it heats up fast—especially in summer. We started at 7 AM and it was already warm; 6 AM would have been even better.
Best Time to Go:
- April–June: Best for greenery and flowers
- September–October: Great weather, fewer bugs
Summer: Hot, dry, and exposed after the first mile — not ideal unless you're starting at dawn.

Camping Nearby

If you want to turn this into an overnight trip, both Fairview Campground and Headquarters Campground are just minutes away.

🏕️ Fairview Campground – Closest to the trailhead
🏕️ Headquarters Campground – Just down the road, quieter and well-shaded
🔗 Book at Recreation.gov

What to Pack

1–2L of water
Headlamp or flashlight (for the cave)
Hiking shoes with grip
Dog leash + tick repellent
Camera for the summit view and cave interior
Sunscreen + hat (last half is exposed)

Final Thoughts

Packsaddle Cave Trail offers the kind of adventure that’s hard to find in SoCal: a manageable workout, beautiful scenery, few people, and a unique destination. If you’re already visiting Sequoia National Forest, or camping at Fairview or Headquarters, it’s the perfect morning or late afternoon outing.

It’s also a great reminder of how much variety California hiking has to offer—from cave scrambling to forest creeks, all in under 4 miles.

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