Best Things to Do in Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is one of the four national parks tucked in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The rest are Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Devil’s Postpile National Monument. 

Yosemite often humbles all others in terms of popularity. But if you’re looking for a less-crowded vacation spot that’s easier to access and packs lots of things to do, the stunning yet underrated Sequoia National Park is a better option. 

Sequoia National Park is popular for the majestic sequoia trees from which it derives its name. But beyond the giant trees, you’ll find towering granite peaks, vast caves, breathtaking rock formations, and view-studded hiking trails. These and other features create the perfect backdrop for hiking, rock climbing, sightseeing, camping, and horseback riding, among other fun activities. 

In this guide, we’ll tell you how to get to this beautiful slice of nature, where to stay, what to pack, and, of course, the best things to do in Sequoia National Park. 

Key Takeaways

• Sequoia National Park is in east-central California near Fresno and Visalia. 
• The park has two entrances: Big Stump Entrance on CA-180 and Ash Mountain Entrance on Highway 198.
• Visalia Municipal Airport and Fresno Yosemite International Airport are the closest airports to Sequoia National Park. 
• Accommodation in Sequoia National Park is offered in one lodging (Wuksachi Lodge) and seven campgrounds. Additional accommodation options are available at the adjoining Kings Canyon National Park and neighboring towns. 

Things to Consider Before Visiting Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is named after the giant sequoia trees that naturally occur only in California. It was established on 25th September 1890, making it America’s second national park. It was created to protect the giant sequoia trees from logging, thus earning the title of the first national park formed purposely to protect a living organism. 

Location and Getting to Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada in east-central California. It’s near the cities/towns of Visalia, Fresno, Porterville, Woodlake, and Three Rivers. 

There are two entrances to Sequoia National Park. CA-180 East cuts through Fresno from the west, leading straight to Big Stump Entrance. This is the preferred entrance for vehicles longer than 24 feet because Highway 180 is straighter, wider, and less steep. 

The second entrance—Ash Mountain Entrance—is accessed via Highway 198, which enters the park via Visalia and Three Rivers. Note that some road sections are limited to vehicles no longer than 22 feet after the entrance station. 

If you’re flying in, the closest airports to Sequoia National Park are Visalia Municipal Airport (40 miles) and Fresno Yosemite International Airport (65 miles). Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Jose International Airport are the closest major airports to the park. Both of these are about 4.5 hours away. 

How Many Days Do You Need to Spend in Sequoia National Park?

You need at least three nights and two days to tick off most of the best Sequoia National Park things to do. We recommend adding another day to visit the adjoining Kings Canyon National Park. 

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are adjoining and administered as one. A pass to one allows entry to the other. 

Yes, it’s possible to experience Sequoia National Park in only one day. But this would limit you to Sequoia National Park highlights only. If you want to do longer hikes and visit both parks without feeling rushed, 2-3 days are the sweet spot.

Where to Stay in Sequoia National Park

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park lodging options range from staying at a lodge to camping:

Wuksachi Lodge (Sequoia)

Wuksachi Lodge is the only lodge inside Sequoia National Park. This rustic lodge is located in the Giant Forest area of the park - a 4.4-mile drive from General Sherman Tree. The lodge is generally open year-round and has 102 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a gift shop. 

Kings Canyon National Park Lodges

Kings Canyon National Park has three lodges: John Muir Lodge is one mile from General Grant Tree in Grant Grove Village. It offers 36 hotel rooms and is open from spring through fall. 

Grant Grove Cabins are another option in the Grant Grove Village area. These cabins are half a mile from a visitor center, a restaurant, a market, and a gift shop. The General Grant Tree, Big Stump, and Panoramic Point are key attractions nearby. 

Cedar Grove Lodge is located deep in the heart of Kings Canyon National Park in a glaciated canyon. It opens from spring through fall and is less than a mile from the Cedar Grove Visitor Center. Major attractions accessible from the lodge include Muir Rock, Zumwalt Meadow, and Roaring River Falls. 

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Camping

If you’re skipping the lodges in favor of sleeping under the giant trees, there are 14 campgrounds between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. 

Choose Lodgepole Campground if you want to base your stay in the Giant Forest area. Nearby Dorst Creek Campground is a much better option because of its convenient location between the two parks.  

The Foothills area is at a lower elevation than other regions of the park. We recommend its campgrounds (Potwisha, Buckeye Flat, and South Fork) if you’re planning a winter backpacking trip in California. 

Campers looking to avoid the crowds and have the Sierras to themselves will want to consider Cold Springs and Atwell Mill campgrounds in the Mineral King area. 

What to Wear When Visiting Sequoia National Park

Keep these two things in mind when packing for Sequoia National Park. First, the weather is notoriously unpredictable in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. You can be warm and comfortable while walking, then start feeling cold when you stop. This makes layering a brilliant idea. 

Second, if you plan to use the shuttle service, you can’t leave anything in the shuttles when checking out the Sequoia National Park attractions. You must carry everything with you, so bring only what you need. 

Here’s a backpacking checklist for Sequoia National Park:

• Layered clothing. Bring two long-sleeve shirts and two short-sleeve shirts or tank tops for the upper body. Also, include one insulating layer (wool sweater or fleece) and a waterproof layer (rain jacket or poncho). For the lower garments, pack a pair of nylon shorts, a pair of pants (nylon or lightweight cotton), a swimsuit, and two pairs of underwear. Check out these women’s hiking clothing and men’s outdoor wear for stylish yet functional ideas for your upcoming Sequoia adventure.
• Supportive and broken-in athletic/hiking shoes
• Sandals to wear around camp
• A brimmed hat or baseball cap for sun protection
• Sunscreen 
• Chapstick
• Sunglasses
• A small towel 
• Insect repellent 
• Gloves
• A small headlamp/flashlight

Your camping checklist should include a first aid kit with essential items, such as adhesive bandages, medical tape, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, painkillers, and disposable gloves. Customize your first aid kit with this downloadable first aid checklist. 

What to Do and See in Sequoia National Park

Get Lost in Giant Forest

The Giant Forest is an ancient forest with trees bigger than your imagination. There are more than 30 giant sequoia groves in this park. However, the Giant Forest has the highest concentration of these giant living organisms. Plus, it’s home to half of the world’s largest trees, including the famed General Sherman Tree. It’s no shock, therefore, that the Giant Forest is a must-see in Sequoia National Park. 

The Giant Forest is at the heart of Sequoia National Park - a 2.7-mile drive from the Giant Forest Museum. There are many hiking trails around the Giant Forest area, including Tokopah Falls Trail (easy), Lakes Trail (challenging), and Alta Peak Trail (very challenging). 

Pose with the World’s Biggest Tree - General Sherman

You can’t come to this land of giants and fail to see the granddaddy of them all. Soaring 275 feet into the blue Sierra sky and with a base diameter of 36 feet, the General Sherman tree is the largest in the world (by volume) and one of the planet’s largest living things. 

Posing for a photo with this giant is one of the best things to do in Sequoia National Park. But be warned that during summer months, there may be long lines of visitors waiting for the same experience.  

The General Sherman Tree is located in Sequoia National Park's Giant Forest area. The Main Sherman Tree Parking Area is two miles north of the Giant Forest Museum. The General Sherman Tree is a half-mile downhill walk from the parking area. The trail is paved and wheelchair accessible. But keep in mind that the hike back to the parking lot is all uphill but worth the effort.

Hike the Congress Trail 

If you are unsure what to do in Sequoia National Park in the General Sherman Tree area, add this hike to your to-do list. While the General Sherman Tree is the major attraction in this part of the park, several other trees around it are just as impressive. 

The trail to these other giant trees starts at the General Sherman Tree. This is a clearly marked, 2.7-mile roundtrip, lollipop-shaped trail that is easy for the whole family. 

The first marked tree you'll come across on this trail is the President, the third largest tree in the world. About a hundredth of a mile beyond the President Tree is Chief Sequoyah, named after the creator of the Cherokee writing. 

Down the trail from Chief Sequoyah is a cluster of six giant trees called the Senate. Two-tenths of a mile from the Senate is another collection of sequoias called the House. This group is way bigger and more impressive than the first group. On your way to the last marked tree on the trail, the McKinley Tree, you'll get to walk through a live giant sequoia tree. 

Catch a Sunset Atop Moro Rock

Moro Rock is another Sequoia National Park must-see you should include in your trip. This massive rock combines a hiking challenge and stunning scenery. It takes effort to ascend the quarter-mile staircase that leads to the top. But the spectacular views of the park and the Great Western Divide are well worth the huffing and puffing. 

The Moro Rock Trail starts at the Giant Forest Museum area. It takes around an hour to hike from the museum to the base of the rock. Alternatively, you can drive (or take a shuttle) right up to the base of the rock and hope to secure a parking spot in the small parking area. 

It's a quarter-mile climb from the base via a 350-step staircase to the top. The walkway up is strenuous, but guard rails and slate steps make it safer. Plan to spend 45-60 minutes at Moro Rock. This time includes climbing up and down the rock, soaking in the views, and waiting for the perfect photo op at the top. 

Drive Through the Infamous Tunnel Log

The Tunnel Log is one of the best of Sequoia National Park and a must-visit when exploring the Moro Rock area. As you approach it from the west via Crescent Meadow Rd, you really can't fight the urge to drive under it, turn around, and go through it again. The tunnel log is eight feet tall and 17 feet wide. A bypass next to the tree offers an alternative route for larger vehicles. 

The Tunnel Log came into being after an unnamed sequoia tree fell across the road in 1937. Instead of removing the fallen tree, the creative CCC workers cut a tunnel through it, thus creating one of the best spots in Sequoia National Park. 

A cool way to experience the Tunnel Log is to have shots of your vehicle driving through it. Kids can also climb to the top of the log and pose for a family photo with the vehicle underneath them. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds, as this is a remarkably popular spot during summer. 

See the Tallest Waterfall in Sequoia - Tokopah Falls

There are five waterfalls in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park, but none are as majestic as Tokopah Falls. This 1200-ft waterfall, comprising a series of cascades, and the Tokopah Valley are among the best places to visit in Sequoia National Park.

The Tokopah Falls trail starts around the Lodgepole Campground area. It is a 1.7-mile hike through pine-scented trees alongside the cool waters of the Kaweah River. While the hike has a 630 ft elevation gain, most people find it fairly easy since the incline is gradual. The best time to see the Tokopah Falls is in spring and early summer when more water flows from snowmelt.

Final Thoughts

Sequoia National Park is begging for a top spot on your bucket list. This natural wonder has plenty of things to do for a day or two and even a week. The six activities in Sequoia National Park mentioned above are just an introduction to this spectacular place. The giant trees are magnificent and humbling, and the hikes are perfect for unplugging and relaxing in nature.

Featured image by: Mariusz Blach.