Welcome to Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park, located in California’s southern Sierra Nevada, is home to the largest trees on Earth, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Established in 1890, it is one of the nation’s oldest national parks and shares a boundary with Kings Canyon National Park. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly strolls among giant sequoias, challenging alpine hikes, or scenic drives, this park offers unforgettable experiences.
Top 10 Attractions in Sequoia National Park
- General Sherman Tree – The world’s largest tree by volume.
- Giant Forest – A grove of over 8,000 massive sequoia trees.
- Moro Rock – A granite dome with a stairway to panoramic views.
- Tunnel Log – Drive through a fallen sequoia tree.
- Crescent Meadow – A peaceful meadow surrounded by sequoias.
- Crystal Cave – A marble cavern with guided tours (seasonal).
- Tokopah Falls – A 1,200-foot cascading waterfall.
- Mineral King Valley – Remote hiking and alpine scenery.
- Congress Trail – Easy loop showcasing some of the largest sequoias.
- Lodgepole Visitor Center – Exhibits, maps, and park information.
Top 10 Hikes in Sequoia National Park
- Crescent Meadow Loop – Easy, family-friendly walk.
- Congress Trail – 2-mile loop through sequoia giants.
- Moro Rock Trail – Short climb with dramatic summit views.
- Tokopah Falls Trail – 4-mile round trip to a spectacular waterfall.
- Lakes Trail – Challenging hike to Emerald and Pear Lakes.
- Alta Peak – Strenuous hike with sweeping Sierra views.
- Marble Falls Trail – Moderate hike to waterfalls near Potwisha.
- Big Trees Trail – Educational loop around Round Meadow.
- Panther Gap – Moderate trail with excellent vistas.
- Monarch Lakes – Alpine lake hike in Mineral King Valley.
Visitor Tips
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for full access.
- Snow may limit road access in winter; chains may be required.
- Cell service is limited – download maps before arrival.
- Altitude varies – take time to acclimate and stay hydrated.
- Wildlife safety: Never feed bears or leave food unattended.
- Book lodging and campground reservations well in advance.
- Shuttle buses run in summer to reduce traffic in popular areas.
- Pack layers – mountain weather changes quickly.
- Entrance fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days, includes Kings Canyon).
- America the Beautiful annual passes are accepted.
Getting There
Sequoia National Park has two main entrances: the Ash Mountain Entrance (near Three Rivers, south) and the Big Stump Entrance (shared with Kings Canyon, north). Roads are winding and narrow; allow extra driving time.
Driving Distances & Times
- Los Angeles: ~220 miles, 4.5–5 hours via I-5 and CA-99 to Visalia, then CA-198 east.
- Sacramento: ~240 miles, 4.5–5 hours via CA-99 south, then CA-180 east.
- San Francisco: ~280 miles, 5–6 hours via I-580/I-5 south, then CA-99 to Visalia.
- San Jose: ~230 miles, 4.5–5 hours via CA-152 east to CA-99 south.
- Fresno: ~80 miles, 1.5–2 hours via CA-180 east.
- Bakersfield: ~130 miles, 2.5–3 hours via CA-65 north to CA-198 east.
Public transportation is limited. The Sequoia Shuttle runs seasonally from Visalia to the Giant Forest. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest major airport. Your second closest airport option is Bakersfield Meadows Field Airport (BFL). If you are doing a full tour of California, you also may consider flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Book Travel, Lodging and Rental Car Now (Booking.com)
|
|
Other Useful Information
- Nearest towns with lodging: Three Rivers (west entrance), Visalia (gateway city).
- Elevation ranges from 1,300 feet at foothills to 14,494 feet at Mount Whitney.
- Park is open year-round, but access varies by season.
- Bring reusable water bottles – refill stations are available in developed areas.
- Pets are allowed only in campgrounds and paved areas, not on trails.