How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Sequoia National Park
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If you’re heading to Sequoia National Park for the first time, get ready for an unforgettable experience. This unique park is home to some of the world’s largest trees, along with diverse wildlife and otherworldly landscapes. Here are several essential things to do to help you get the most out of your visit.
- About Sequoia National Park
- Where to stay in Sequoia National Park
- Useful Tips for Planning Your Visit to Sequoia National Park
- Gear Recommendation
- Exploring Sequoia National Park’s Iconic Landmarks
- Adventurous Day Hikes in Sequoia National Park
- Scenic Drives and Sightseeing
- Wildlife Watching in Sequoia National Park
- Sequoia National Park Itinerary (Enter via Three Rivers, Exit via Kings Canyon)
- Final Thoughts on Sequoia National Park
About Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is located in the Western Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is a magnificent expanse of natural beauty, boasting towering sequoia trees (some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world!), breathtaking panoramas, and a wide array of wildlife. The park offers many hiking trails accessible to the whole family. You will probably encounter wildlife during your visit. At a minimum, you’ll see multiple deer, marmots, and perhaps even a bear.
Where to stay in Sequoia National Park
1. In-Park Lodging
- Wuksachi Lodge: Located in the heart of Sequoia, this rustic stone-and-cedar lodge offers cozy rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to park highlights like the Giant Forest. It’s open year-round and is the only full-service lodge in the park.
- John Muir Lodge (Kings Canyon): While technically in Kings Canyon National Park, it’s close to Sequoia. The lodge has cabin-inspired rooms and a relaxing atmosphere, plus proximity to both parks.
2. Camping Options
- Lodgepole Campground: A popular campground close to the main attractions, with both tent and RV sites. It has restrooms, a camp store, and showers, making it ideal for a comfortable yet rustic experience.
- Backcountry Camping: If you’re up for a backpacking adventure, wilderness permits allow for camping in more remote areas. Check with the visitor center for permits and regulations.
I stayed at the Lodgepole Campground. If you have never been to Lodgepole Campground, I highly recommend it. It’s such a magnificent campground, with most campsites situated along a meandering river adorned with numerous rocks, creating a beautiful natural spectacle. The soothing sound of cascading waterfalls further adds to the charm and tranquility of this picturesque location. The serenity and breathtaking views of nature make Lodgepole Campground an unforgettable destination to experience the wonders of outdoor camping.
Useful Tips for Planning Your Visit to Sequoia National Park
- Timing: Summer offers the best access to all areas, though spring waterfalls are beautiful after the snow melts. For fewer crowds, try visiting in early fall.
- Shuttle Service: During peak season, park shuttles are available to help visitors easily move between major sites like the Giant Forest, Lodgepole, and Moro Rock.
- Stay Safe: Be prepared with water, layers, and sun protection, as weather can vary widely, even in a single day. Also, make sure to pack out all trash to help keep the park pristine.
Gear Recommendation
Essential Gear
Camping Gear
Clothing
Safety & Miscellaneous
Hydration & Nutrition
Photography Gear
Altitude Sickness Prevention
Exploring Sequoia National Park’s Iconic Landmarks
Marvel at the Giant Sequoias
Start your adventure with the main attraction: the giant sequoias. The most famous of them, the General Sherman Tree, is the largest tree on Earth by volume. A short, well-maintained trail will lead you to this iconic tree, where you can also find interpretive signs sharing the history and biology of these awe-inspiring giants.
Tip: For a quieter experience, try visiting earlier in the day or the late afternoon.
Giant Forest Museum
This museum is a great starting point, providing insightful exhibits on the life cycle of giant sequoias, their ecosystem, and ongoing conservation efforts. After your visit, you’ll be all set to explore the surrounding trails with a deeper appreciation for these natural giants.
Big Trees Trail
This easy loop trail circles Round Meadow near the Giant Forest Museum, providing a gentle walk with interpretive signs explaining the Sequoia ecosystem. It’s a lovely spot to take in the beauty of the giant trees and is especially suited for a quick, informative hike. There’s also plenty of parking nearby and you can do this right after visiting the Giant Forest Museum, without having to move the car.
Take in the Views at Moro Rock
A hike up Moro Rock is a must-do for panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the surrounding valleys. Although the climb is steep, the steps make it accessible, and the view from the top is worth the effort. Go early or around sunset for cooler temperatures and fewer people.
The map below shows the hike to Moro Rock if you drive up to its trailhead. You can also stay parked at the giant forest museum and walk to the trailhead and then up to Moro Rock. This is the AllTrails link to hiking from the giant forest.
Tip: Stay on the trail (stairs!) and be mindful of the drop-offs. It’s a climb, but the reward is worth it!
Adventurous Day Hikes in Sequoia National Park
Tokopah Falls Trail
The 4-mile round-trip trail to Tokopah Falls is a perfect choice for first-time visitors looking for a manageable hike with fantastic views. The trail follows the Kaweah River, leading to a picturesque 1,200-foot waterfall, especially impressive in spring and early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak. Restrooms are also available in a large parking lot near the trailhead. The hike is fairly easy and very family-friendly.
Wildlife Tip: On my first visit, I saw 2 bears within the first 15 minutes of starting this hike! Well worth it, you won’t be disappointed!
Little Baldy Trail
For a quieter hike with rewarding views, the 3.4-mile round-trip Little Baldy trail offers a moderate climb and breathtaking views from the summit. This trail is less crowded and a great choice for those looking to experience the beauty of Sequoia without heavy foot traffic. I had the summit to myself on the day I hiked it, and it was one of the highlights of my trip!
Crescent Meadow and Tharp’s Log
Crescent Meadow, known as the “Gem of the Sierra,” is a lush, picturesque spot bordered by sequoias. The trail around the meadow is an easy walk and leads to Tharp’s Log, a historic cabin built inside a fallen sequoia. This short hike combines natural beauty with a touch of history.
Eagle View via High Sierra Trail
Hiking to Eagle View via the High Sierra Trail is a scenic 1.5-mile trek from the trailhead at Crescent Meadow. This relatively short hike takes you through the iconic sequoia forest before opening up to the stunning Eagle View overlook, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and surrounding valleys. It’s an ideal add-on for those exploring the Giant Forest area, offering both an easy trail and a chance to experience Sequoia’s breathtaking landscapes.
Lakes Trail
The Lakes Trail is an incredible option for those with a bit more time and an adventurous spirit. This trail takes you to several stunning alpine lakes, including Heather Lake. If you visit in early summer, like I did one July, you might even encounter snow along the way, adding a magical touch to the landscape. This trail can be challenging, but the payoff is spectacular, especially if you enjoy the beauty of alpine lakes surrounded by rugged peaks. For more on what to expect and tips for tackling this hike, check out my full blog post here!
The Best Snow Adventure: Hiking To Heather Lake
I visited Sequoia National Park for the second time in early July 2023, with the sole goal of hiking the Lakes Trail to Heather Lake. […]…
Alta Peak
The Alta Trail in Sequoia National Park offers an incredible day hike that showcases the park’s diverse beauty, making it a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts. Starting at the Giant Forest Museum, this hike takes you through the awe-inspiring Giant Forest, where towering sequoias and serene meadows surround you.
As you climb higher, the landscape shifts to stunning alpine scenery, with sweeping vistas that get better as you gain elevation. The trail leads to a junction with the Alta Peak and Alta Meadow trails, where you can continue up to the 11,000-foot summit of Alta Peak. This route is perfect as a challenging day hike, though it can also be extended into a backpacking trip.
While it’s accessible year-round, winter conditions require equipment like snowshoes or microspikes, and road closures are common. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking forest views or a rugged alpine adventure, the Alta Trail truly captures the essence of Sequoia National Park.
Scenic Drives and Sightseeing
Drive the Generals Highway
This scenic highway winds through the park, linking Sequoia to Kings Canyon and offering stunning forest views. Stop at overlooks and trailheads to take in the sights and explore the park’s unique attractions.
Tip: Drive slowly and enjoy the journey! Pull over at scenic stops and remember that snow chains might be required in winter.
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
Although technically in Kings Canyon National Park, this drive offers breathtaking canyon views and is worth the detour if you have extra time to explore nearby attractions.
Wildlife Watching in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, and spotting these creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight of any visit. Whether you’re hiking the trails, relaxing in a meadow, or simply driving along the General’s Highway, there are plenty of opportunities to encounter and photograph the park’s wild residents.
Common Wildlife Sightings
- Mule Deer: Deer are frequently seen throughout the park, especially in the meadows and near popular trails like the Big Trees Trail and Crescent Meadow. There were also plenty at Lodgepole campground before sunset time. They’re graceful, calm animals that often allow for a closer look, making for fantastic photo opportunities.
- Black Bears: Black bears roam the park’s forests and meadows, often spotted from a safe distance by lucky visitors. Bears are most active in the early mornings and evenings, especially in late summer and fall when they’re foraging for food. Remember to keep a respectful distance and practice bear safety by storing food properly to avoid drawing them near.
- Marmots: These curious, furry creatures are often seen along rocky trails and near water sources. They’re particularly common around Tokopah Falls, where they’re known to sunbathe on rocks or scurry along trails. Marmots are friendly and will sometimes let you take close-up photos, but please remember not to feed them!
- Squirrels and Chipmunks: These small, energetic animals are all over the park. You’ll likely see them darting across trails or around campsites, gathering food or playfully interacting with each other. Their quick movements make them fun to watch and challenging to photograph.
Sequoia National Park Itinerary (Enter via Three Rivers, Exit via Kings Canyon)
This itinerary is designed for entering Sequoia National Park through the Three Rivers entrance and exiting via Kings Canyon. It allows you to experience the park’s main highlights in a smooth, geographically efficient loop, maximizing scenic drives and iconic sights.
Day 1: Giant Trees and Scenic Vistas
- Morning: Start with the General Sherman Tree, then stop by the Giant Forest Museum and take a loop on Big Trees Trail.
- Afternoon: Head to Moro Rock for panoramic views, followed by a walk around Crescent Meadow to see Tharp’s Log and a quick hike on the High Sierra Trail to Eagle View.
- Evening: Catch the sunset on the Little Baldy Trail for an unforgettable view.
Day 2: Lakes Trail Adventure
- All Day: Tackle the Lakes Trail (11-mile round trip) to explore stunning alpine lakes. Be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and layers for this full-day hike.
Day 3: Waterfalls and Scenic Drives
- Morning: Start with the Tokopah Falls Trail (4-mile round trip) for a waterfall hike.
- Afternoon: Drive the General’s Highway, stopping for scenic overlooks, and then, if time allows, continue onto the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway for breathtaking canyon views before exiting the park.
This setup covers Sequoia’s must-see locations in a logical flow and maximizes your time in the park’s most scenic areas.
Final Thoughts on Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park has incredible things to do and see, so you may want to extend your trip if time allows. As a first-time visitor, plan your days around these highlights and leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural beauty around you so future generations can enjoy it too.
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