Beetle Rock Sidewalk Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Bears are active here. Store food and scented items in food storage boxes in the parking lot. If you picnic here, keep all food within arm's reach.

Restrooms and water-bottle filling stations are outside the Giant Forest Museum across the street from the parking lot and there is an additional vault toilet at the lower parking lot.

This is a narrow, paved trail so there are very few obstructions to have to worry about. The biggest hassle will be passing families or people on the trail who are going out to Beetle Rock.

Beetle Rock Sidewalk Trail starts on the left side of the parking lot opposite the Museum. A paved trail, this is good for runners. The trail makes its way out toward the Beetle Rock Education Center, which hosts park events and classes.

The trail breaks off to the right and goes out to Beetle Rock, where views of the western side of the park and if clear, the San Joaquin Valley, can be seen. This is a good place to watch sunset, but don't be surprised if the views are obstructed by smog even on "clear" days.

After taking in the views, you can return to your car or you can continue to follow the Beetle Rock Sidewalk Trail down to the lower parking lot, where there is a vault toilet and additional parking if the parking area is full. From here you can follow the road back up to your car or extend your adventure by taking the Beetle Rock Trail deeper into the woods via a singletrack dirt trail.

If you have to park in one of the lower overflow lots, this is a good alternative to following the road up to the Giant Forest Museum as it provides you nice views while avoiding the traffic on the road.

Deer and bear can be seen routinely in the area.