Sequoia National Park, also called the ‘Land of the Giants’, is the second oldest national park in America. The nickname is appropriate because the park has the largest trees in the world by volume. However, Sequoia is much more than a beautiful forest with gigantic trees.
Julie and I recently visited Sequoia National Park, number 22 on our list of national parks visited. If you are planning to visit for the first time, we will make sure you experience the highlights that you cannot miss.
Navigating Sequoia National Park
Before we discuss the park’s must-see attractions, we should briefly discuss how to get around. Sequoia National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in eastern California. The Ash Mountain Entrance is located 35 miles from downtown Visalia and is accessible via California Highway 198. Once inside the park, the road becomes ‘Generals Highway’, providing access to the park’s main attractions.
Tunnel rock
Located at Mile 2.3 on the General Highway, Tunnel Rock is a large granite boulder that forms a tunnel that was once on the main road. Now it’s a fun side adventure where you can stand under the tunnel for a photo.
Hospital Rock
The Hospital Rock Picnic Area is located at Mile 6.0 on Generals Highway. This area was once a village where hundreds of people from the Mono, Yokuts and Tubatulabal tribes lived. On a large boulder you can see ancient pictographs drawn hundreds of years ago.
Giant Forest Museum
The Giant Forest Museum, located at Mile 16.6 on Generals Highway, is a visitor center and museum. Thanks to unique exhibitions, you can learn more about the Giant Forest and its sequoias in a fun way. One exhibit makes you feel like you’re walking into a redwood, and another compares the height of the Statue of Liberty to the park’s towering trees. It is also an excellent opportunity to talk to a park ranger if you have any questions about the park.
Great Tree Path
The Big Trees Trail is located just outside the Giant Forest Museum. It is a 2km loop that takes you through a beautiful forest with some of the largest trees in the park.
Julie and I loved this hike. The trail consists of paved and boardwalk sections and plenty of benches to relax and enjoy the views.
Moro Rock
One of our favorite hikes in all national parks, Moro Rock highlights the park’s granite rock formations and breathtaking vistas. Although it is only a 0.5 mile round trip hike, you will have to climb more than 350 stairs to reach the top of the granite dome. You will come across some narrow sections and some areas along the edge of a cliff. Although the path looks daunting, handrails provide comfort if you’re afraid of heights like me. The trail ends at the top of a granite dome with breathtaking views of the Great Western Divide and the western half of the park.
To access the trailhead, take Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road from Generals Highway, near the Giant Forest Museum at Mile 16.6. Your drive from the museum is approximately 1 mile. The park offers free shuttles from the museum during the summer. On weekends, the park regularly closes the road to private vehicles, making the shuttle your only option.
Crescent Meadow
Along Crescent Meadow Road you’ll find several other must-see highlights, including the field of the same name at the end of the road. Crescent Meadow Loop is a leisurely 2 mile walk through peaceful alpine forests and a beautiful meadow, guaranteed to bring a sense of tranquility. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. Julie and I have seen deer in this area.
Drive through tunnel log
Yes, it’s touristy, but you have to drive through Tunnel Log. Crescent Road passes through a fallen redwood tree large enough for cars. The experience is fun and makes for a great story to share.
Walk over automatic log
Crescent Road is home to another important fallen giant called Auto Log. The enormous tree with a base diameter of 6.5 meters fell in 1917. For years people could ride on the tree trunk. Unfortunately, driving over the tree trunk is no longer safe due to rot. However, you can walk over it to better appreciate its size and durability.
Sequoias from Parker Group
Near the Auto Log you will find a small grove of giant sequoias. Julie and I stared in awe at their size and beauty. Standing next to the trees appreciates their resilience and reminds you of their vulnerability. Nothing represents this contradiction better than their fire scars.
The tree cluster is named after the eight members of the Parker family. Captain James Parker served in Troop B, 4th Cavalry of the United States Army. He was also the acting superintendent of Sequoia National Park from 1893 to 1894.
Charles Jonge Boom
Before we had park rangers, the military guarded our national parks. Captain Charles Young was America’s first black national park superintendent, and his troops were the first black Americans to protect a national park.
Young was known for his energy and dignity, which earned him a reputation for getting things done. He and his men completed many crucial projects, including the park’s first wagon road to the Giant Forest and the Moro Rock Road.
In 2004, a sequoia was officially dedicated to him and renamed on July 28, 2024, to commemorate his legacy and posthumous promotion to brigadier general. Take time to visit Brigadier General Charles Young Tree. The man and his memorial tree deserve our gratitude.
General Sherman Tree
After seeing the attractions in the Crescent Meadow area, continue along the Generals Highway to Mile 19.4.
The main attraction of Sequoia National Park is without a doubt the General Sherman Tree. The largest tree in the world by volume grows in the aptly named Giant Forest. No visit to the park is complete without a selfie with the famous living monument.
A 2-mile round-trip hike takes you through the peaceful forest to the General Sherman Tree. Although it is an easy hike, the altitude of 2,000 meters may tire you more than expected.
You’ll likely encounter a line of people waiting to take photos in front of the legendary tree. It may seem touristy, but I encourage you to stay. You’ll regret it if you come home without a photo to capture the moment.
Walk-through tree
Many visitors are so excited to see the General Sherman Tree that they unknowingly skip the walkthrough tree. Continue along the path under the Sherman Tree and you will pass a fallen tree tunnel, which is the perfect photo opportunity.
Congress route
You will see signs for the Congress Trail near the General Sherman Tree. If you have time, hike the 2-mile loop through giant redwoods. It’s an excellent chance to escape the crowds, as many visitors focus on the Sherman Tree rather than exploring the area.
Stargazing
Sequoia National Park has little light pollution, making it an excellent place for stargazing. The park’s night sky is just as impressive as the giant redwoods and massive granite domes. Julie and I were amazed at the sheer number of beautiful stars in the black sky. We will never forget it.
Tips for visiting Sequoia National Park
Admission to the park costs $35 per vehicle, or you can purchase an annual pass for $70. Another option is to purchase an America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80, valid in all United States National Parks.
The good news is that your entrance fee also covers the adjacent Kings Canyon National Park. Although Sequoia and nearby Yosemite often overshadow Kings Canyon, I firmly believe it is one of America’s most underrated parks. Do yourself a favor and take another day to explore Kings Canyon.
Julie and I added a third national park to our road trip by driving the Majestic Mountain Loop. You too can easily do this. Seeing Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite in the same week is one of our most cherished travel experiences.
We recommend staying in Visalia, the perfect gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon. You’ll find plenty of reasonable accommodations, great food and entertainment. Visalia has beautiful murals and other clear nods to Sequoia National Park.
Plan your visit to Sequoia National Park
Many people visit national parks for nature. Although you may see deer or black bears in Sequoia National Park, the giant sequoias are the main attraction. Their size and beauty will enchant you.
Beyond the trees, Sequoia offers granite domes, breathtaking vistas, and other unique experiences to give you a well-rounded and fulfilling experience. Stargazing, peaceful forest walks and the exciting Moro Rock hike made the trip to Sequoia National Park special for Julie and me. We are confident you will love it too.
Plan your adventure to hang out with the giants. For once it’s okay to feel slighted.
