Sequoia National Park: Wander In Wonder Through An Ancient Forest In California
By Jessica Wick|Updated on March 06, 2023(Originally published March 01, 2023)
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Jessica Wick
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
There are certain places that exist not only to remind us of how powerful nature is but also of how small we really are. Spending time in East-Central California’s Sequoia National Park will do both of those things, along with offering a hefty dose of beautiful lifelong memories. This is a place to visit when you need to renew your spirits, surround yourself with groves of some of the world’s oldest trees, and reawaken your sense of wonder.
The first thing you'll notice as you enter Sequoia National Park is how dramatic the rugged landscapes are.
There's a lot of diversity in these 631 square miles. You'll see looming mountains (including Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48), rugged foothills, deep canyons, caverns, and some of the world's largest trees.
It can be overwhelming at first. Move as slowly as you need to, this isn't a space that requires rushing. Take deep breaths and feel your surroundings fully.
The highlight of the park is Sequoia National Forest, a 1.1 million-acre forest with 34 distinct groves.
John Muir, who was known as the Father of National Parks, remarked that the sequoia groves are "not like places, they are like haunts." Giant Forest is the largest of the 34 groves, with Redwood Mountain Grove and Atwell and East Fork Grove not far behind it. Indeed these beautiful and massive trees are a little like ghosts, they've been around for so long and they've seen so much.
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The park is even home to the largest known living single-stem tree on Earth, nicknamed General Sherman.
General Sherman is estimated to be about 2,700 years old. It was named after the American Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman. There's so much ecological history here it's incredible.
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Sequoia National Park was the second national park established in the United States, preceded only by Yellowstone National Park.
It was established in 1890 to protect the region's trees from logging. These days, 84% of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are designated as wilderness. We're lucky the national park system was established. The United States has so many beautiful spaces that have been preserved through that system.
Much of the park is not accessible by vehicle, but with a whopping 105 hiking trails to choose from, it's best to park the car and lace up your hiking shoes.
The Trail of 100 Giants is an easy, family-friendly hike that's only about 1.5 miles long. Unfortunately, parts of the trail were recently closed due to wildfires; however, it will open again as soon as possible. Be sure to check the National Park site before heading to the area, you'll find important information about safety and closures there.
The Eagle View Trail is a gorgeous 1.5-mile trek that's a bit steeper, but the views are well worth the climb.
You can combine this trail with others to create one beautiful and lengthy loop. No matter how much of the forest you're able to hike, the views are absolutely incredible. There's no part of this park that's disappointing.
Scenic driving routes are easy to find. The Generals Highway connects Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, and the Majestic Mountain Loop will take you past some of each park's finest scenery.
You can also take a peek at what's below the surface at Crystal Cave, a cavern of ornate marble decked out with curtains of icicle-like mineral formations and soft mounds.
Crystal Cave is one of 240 known caves in the park, but it's the only one open for tours. It's fascinating to see what the earth looks like underneath, where the roots of these magnificent trees go.
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Crystal Cave tours are only available in the summer months, and the cave had a period of closure due to COVID-19.
However, when the weather and current conditions allow, it's definitely a tour worth taking. Tours range from 50 minutes to 2.5 hours, and most are suitable for all ages. There's a lot to do in the park that's family friendly.
While day trips are certainly possible, spending a night or two in the park will allow you to truly immerse yourself in nature.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon have 14 campgrounds, three of which are open all year. Tent, RV, and trailer campsites are available by reservation. There's nothing quite as magical as sleeping under the stars.
If you'd rather sleep indoors, the John Muir Lodge is an excellent choice.
The massive stone fireplace has a redwood mantle salvaged from a historic cabin in Sequoia National Park. The comfortable guest rooms are furnished with handcrafted wood furniture. Best of all, this property is dog-friendly. There are so many different ways to experience this natural wonderland, almost anyone can find a way that works for them.
The nearby Wuksachi Lodge is Sequoia's signature hotel.
Located in the heart of the park, the property is surrounded by a vast sequoia forest and towering Sierra peaks. This is also a dog-friendly property. Maybe a night of camping and a night at one of the lodges is the perfect compromise.
The park hosts lots of regular events that are worth checking out and you can enjoy some fantastic fee-free days in the year to come.
The Sequoia Parks Conservancy also offers a broad array of programs throughout the year, and the ranger-led programs are perfect for children and teens.
Sequoia National Park is located in California’s southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. It sits adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park, and it’s quite common for visitors to see both of them on one trip. It isn’t every day you can hike through groves of some of the oldest and most massive trees on Earth, which is why Sequoia National Park deserves a spot on your bucket list.
General Information:
Accessibility: The park staff is making a continual effort to make the accessibility of Sequoia and Kings Canyon’s trails and facilities available to all.
Pet Friendly: Pets are permitted in parking lots, campgrounds, picnic areas, and on paved roads. Leashes are required. However, the park staff recommends leaving your pets at home if possible for safety reasons.
Parking: There are numerous parking areas around the park, but they fill up quickly in the summer. Parking lots near popular attractions often fill by noon, and sometimes earlier. Your best bet is to pay your entrance fee online and try to arrive on a weekday morning.
Seasonal Access: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Occasionally, winter storms, wildfires, and other circumstances may cause the parks to close temporarily.
Cost: A vehicle pass costs $35 and is valid for up to 7 days. A single person traveling on foot or by bicycle will pay a $20 entrance fee. A motorcycle pass is $30 for 1-7 days, or you can purchase an annual pass for $70 which admits all passengers in a private vehicle.
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More to Explore
National Parks In California
CC|March 06, 2023
What are other natural wonders in California?
Sequoia National Park is one of the most exciting national parks in the state, but there’s a lot more to see. After your visit, consider checking out these other natural sites in California.
The North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve in Butte County
Little Backbone Creek, Shasta Lake
The Mattole Campground, Kings Range National Conservation Area
Always check the park's website before visiting to make sure there aren’t any closures or changes you need to be aware of before arriving at your destination. Wear comfortable and robust hiking shoes, bring lots of water, and carry a trail map with you.
