If you didn’t already know I’m a National Park fanatic! So when I found out California was home to 9 national parks, I got all giddy with excitement. To start off, Alex and I embarked on an adventure over Memorial Day weekend to explore Sequoia, and boy what an adventure it was! Keep in mind, I had been once years ago so this was going to be my fiance’s first time visiting. So naturally I wanted to make sure he saw the best of the best like Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, General Sherman Tree, Big Trees trail and so much more! If you’re visiting Sequoia for the first time these are the top things, and frankly the best things, I recommend to do.
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Sequoia National Park
I love that every National Park has its own uniqueness that distinguishes them from the rest; Sequoia is no exception. Established as an official National Park back in 1890 it consists of Alpine landscape, rugged foothills, caverns and is home to the giant Sequoia trees. At about 4 hours from Los Angeles, it can be accessed from CA 198 coming up from Three Rivers. From San Francisco, the park is about 5 hours away and can be accessed via the CA 180 heading into Kings Canyon.
But First Things First…
Let’s get some of the “house keeping” items down before you start heading out and exploring. Usually, I’m pretty good about downloading maps prior to trips, but since this trip was super last minute both of us forgot and we sort of regretted it later. So before you head out the door make sure you have the following items ready to go:
- Download that map! If you’re lucky you’ll be one of the very few who actually gets reception up at the top of the mountain, but don’t risk it and download that map and while you’re at it download that playlist! Trust me, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- There is no gasoline inside the park – so get gas before entering the park
- Now if you’re road tripping from home I recommend packing a cooler with extra waters, lunch and snacks. The park has a convenient store, but does charge a hefty price for the convenience.
- Most importantly make sure you have a place to stay!! Sounds pretty obvious right? More on this later
- Don’t forget that phone charger
- The roads to the park are narrow, winding and steep so be prepared if you’re prone to motion sickness
Entrance Fees
One last thing, to enter the park there will be a fee to cover at the entrance station. You can either purchase this online or in person once you arrive. The fees are as followed just to give you a feel of what you can expect:
- 7-day vehicle pass for $35
- Individual Entry Pass for $20 (valid for 7 days) – only applies if entering the park by foot or bike
- America the Beautiful National Park and Federal Land Pass $80 – I highly recommend getting this pass if you visit National Parks quite often throughout the year
Best Things to do in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia is, what I consider, a pretty laid back National Park, unless you go backpacking of course. It’s great for families with little ones and for anyone looking for a relaxed adventure trip. Here are a few of the top things to do in Sequoia as a way to get you started on your adventure:
Moro Rock
At 6,725 feet above elevation, Moro Rock offers some of the best mountain views in the park. If you’re looking for a challenging hike with rewarding views Moro Rock trail is for you. The 0.5 mile roundtrip trail is found on a dome shaped granite rock with a staircase that leads to the summit. Keep in mind this trail is heavily trafficked and has narrow and steep ways.
Tunnel Log
Tunnel log is exactly what it sounds like, a tunnel within a log. Other than it being an “instagram worthy” picture there isn’t much to it. You typically go through it on your way to and from Crescent Meadow. If you’re wanting that whimsical picture I suggest getting there first thing in the morning when there aren’t many folks around. We were told by a park ranger this site tends to cause a bit of a traffic jam since everyone tends to get out from their cars to take a picture, just a heads up.
Big Trees Trail
The Big Trees trail is 1.3 miles long roundtrip with gorgeous views of some whimsical Sequoias. You’ll feel super tiny next to these giants! The trail head can be found next to the Giant Forest museum, honestly, this is the easiest way to get on the trail. Once you’re on the trail you’ll make a left at a fork and then cross the street.
This was an unexpected, but pleasant, trail we came across with. It’s on flat ground so no inclines making it a lot easier for those with strollers, and little ones. The Big Trees trail can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes to complete.
Crystal Cave
Now if you want to explore the underground world of Sequoia check this place out. This hidden wonderland is only open in the summers and can be accessed with a tour guide. Tickets are required at least two days ahead of time so make sure to check out their website for more information.
General Sherman Tree
Ah yes, the star of the show, the General Sherman tree! At only 275ft in height and over 36ft in diameter this not so little guy is the world’s largest tree, in volume. And what’s cray to me it’s that it is believed to be anywhere from 2,300-2,700 years old!!! That’s insane!
The General Sherman tree can be found north of the Giant Forest Grove amongst many other beautiful sequoias like the Tough Twins. To get to this site, you will have to park at the Lodgepole campground and take the free shuttle. You can only park near the General Sherman tree if you have a handicap pass.
My advice, make sure and arrive EARLY so it can you can have some of these trees to yourself before it gets busy. Alex and I stopped mid-trail and laid on the ground to admire these awe-inspiring beauties. It was a peaceful sight, and a moment I’ll treasure forever. In my opinion, this was the best thing to do in Sequoia National Park.
Take a Hike!
Taking a hike is the best way to see as much of the Sequoias as possible. Here are a few other trails you can check out next time you visit:
- Crescent Meadow trail – easy, 1.7 mile loop
- Congress trail – moderate, 4 miles out and back
- Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake – hard, 12.3 miles out and back
- Tokopah Falls trail – moderate, 4 miles out and back
- Giant Forest Loop Trail -easy, 7 mile loop
- Mineral King to Eagle Lake trail – hard, 6.5 miles out and back
- Alta Peak trail – hard, 14.9 miles out and back
- Marble Falls trail -moderate, 7.4 miles out and back
- And of course, the Big Trees trail!
Map of Attractions
Things I’d do differently…
So you might have noticed I only listed recommendations for Sequoia and not Kings Canyon. Well, that’s because we never got to Kings Canyon (womp, womp). Remember when I mentioned to secure your lodging prior to taking off? Yeah, well, we didn’t. We took off with a pending AirBnb request optimistically hoping it would get approved. It never did and we didn’t even realize it until we got out of the park.
It makes up for a funny story now, but next time we will not take off unless we have secured a place to stay! That way, we can actually take advantage of a three day weekend, explore Kings Canyon and not have to make the 4 hour drive back to the city. But rest assured, I will be back (she said in her best Terminator voice) until then, make sure to check out my travel guide for Yosemite! Since it’s about a two and a half hour drive from Sequoia National Park to Yosemite you can make a weekend trip out of it.
Let me know if you end up making your way out to Sequoia to check out any of my recommended sites like Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, and Big Trees trail. As always, thank you so much for dropping into my little slice of the internet for travel related content. Stay tuned for more adventures coming soon.
