Sequoia National Park sits in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It holds some of the most stunning views in the United States. The park is home to the world's largest trees, the mighty sequoias, plus grand granite cliffs. It is a place you will not forget, no matter your age.
Maybe you hike. Maybe you love wildlife. Or maybe you just enjoy time outside. Sequoia has something for you. This guide covers the basics: how to get there, top sights, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, camping and lodging, food, safety tips, and nearby towns.
Getting There
- Sequoia National Park is in central California. It sits about 200 miles north of Los Angeles and 250 miles south of San Francisco.
- The main entrance is the Ash Mountain Entrance. It is open year-round via Highway 198 from the town of Three Rivers.
- The closest major airports are Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Bakersfield Meadows Field Airport (BFL). Both are within a few hours' drive of the park.
Getting Around in the Park
- A car is the best way to get around. It gives you the most freedom to reach all parts of the park.
- Paved roads link the main sights and visitor centers.
- In winter, snow may close some roads and buildings. Check the park's website or call the visitor center for road conditions before you go.
Must-See Attractions
- General Sherman Tree: The largest tree on Earth by volume. It stands over 275 feet tall and is about 2,200 years old.
- Moro Rock: A granite dome with wide views of the land below.
- Crescent Meadow: A calm meadow ringed by tall sequoias, with scenic trails.
- Tokopah Falls: A stunning waterfall at the end of a moderate trail.
- Tunnel Log: A fallen sequoia carved so cars can drive through it. A fun photo stop.
- Giant Forest Museum: A visitor center that covers the park's plants, wildlife, and history.
- Crystal Cave: A marble cave with rare rock shapes. You can see it on a guided tour.
- Lodgepole Visitor Center: A hub for trail info, camping, and ranger programs.
- Sherman Tree Trail: A short trail to the General Sherman Tree through groves of giant sequoias.
- Moro Rock Trail: A short but steep climb to the top of Moro Rock. The views are worth it.
Wildlife Viewing
Sequoia is home to a wide range of wildlife. You may see black bears, mule deer, gray foxes, bobcats, and many kinds of birds.
Look for animals along trails, in meadows, and in other parts of the park.
Watch wildlife from a safe distance. Do not feed them or get close. They are wild and can be dangerous.
Hiking
Sequoia has trails for every skill level and interest.
Here are some of the best:
- High Sierra Trail: A hard multi-day trek across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Expect alpine views and true wilderness. 2. Congress Trail: An easy loop through the Giant Forest, past many of the park's largest sequoias.
- Tokopah Valley Trail: A moderate hike through a scenic valley that ends at Tokopah Falls.
- Crescent Meadow to Tharp's Log: An easy hike through Crescent Meadow to Tharp's Log, a historic cabin built inside a fallen sequoia.
- Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Loop: A hard loop that joins the Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow trails. You get wide views and sequoia groves.
- Lakes Trail: A tough hike to the alpine lakes of Heather, Aster, and Emerald. Stunning views and a real workout.
- Big Trees Trail: An easy loop through the Giant Forest, past some of the park's finest sequoias.
- Alta Peak: A hard climb to the top of Alta Peak, with wide views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
- Sherman Tree to Congress Trail: A moderate hike from the General Sherman Tree to the Congress Trail, through groves and meadows.
- Redwood Canyon: A remote, less crowded part of the park. Great for backcountry camping and quiet sequoia groves.
Nearby Lodging or Camping
Sequoia has many places to stay, from lodges to campsites.
Inside the park, the Wuksachi Lodge offers hotel-style rooms. The Silver City Mountain Resort offers rustic cabins.
The park also has several campgrounds, such as Lodgepole, Dorst Creek, and Potwisha. They offer tent and RV sites. Some campgrounds are seasonal and fill up fast, so book ahead.
Food Options
The park has a few places to eat, from restaurants to snack bars.
- The Wuksachi Lodge has a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also has a snack bar with grab-and-go items.
- The Lodgepole Visitor Center has a snack bar with food and drinks.
- Food choices in the park are limited. Bring your own food and snacks, above all for long hikes or camping trips.
Safety Tips
Sequoia is a lovely place, but it has hazards. A few smart steps will keep you safe.
- Stay on marked trails and follow park rules.
- Be ready for shifts in weather. Temps can swing a lot from day to night. At high elevations, watch for signs of altitude sickness.
- You may run into wildlife. Keep your distance, never feed animals, and store food the right way so you do not draw bears.
- Carry plenty of water. Wear the right clothes and shoes. Pack sunscreen, bug spray, and other basics.
- Tell someone your hiking plan: where you are going, your route, and when you will be back. Carry a map and compass or a GPS device.
Nearby Cities and Towns
Several cities and towns near the park offer more services for visitors.
- Visalia: A larger city about an hour's drive from the park, with more lodging, dining, and shops. Visalia is also a gateway to Kings Canyon National Park, which sits next to Sequoia and offers more to explore.
- Fresno: A larger city about 2 hour's drive from the park. It has airports, hospitals, and other services. Many visitors use Fresno as a base for both Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
- Bakersfield: Another larger city about 2 hour's drive away, with lodging, dining, and shops. It is a handy stop if you come from Southern California or points south.Three Rivers: A small town at the park entrance, with lodging, dining, and other services. Three Rivers is a popular gateway and base camp for many visitors.
In short, a trip to Sequoia is one you will not forget. You can stand under the giant sequoias, roam the wild backcountry, and soak in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With its rare landscapes, rich wildlife, and endless things to do, the park is a must for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor fans of all ages.
Walk the Giant Forest. Hike to alpine lakes. Camp under the stars, or just take in the views. Sequoia offers the trip of a lifetime. So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready to meet the ancient giants of Sequoia National Park!