The West Coast has a long list of scenic national parks, so what's so special about Sequoia National Park? It's home to some of the biggest trees in the world, including the famous General Sherman Tree. Not only that, but Sequoia also features caves, streams, rock formations, and more to see.
Any traveler planning to explore Sequoia National Park should do their research and prepare before heading out. There are so many things to see in Sequoia National Park; start here!
Things To Do
Sequoia National Park offers some of the most unique adventures in the state; here's what to do and see while visiting.
General Sequoia National Park Information:
- Entrance location: Ash Mountain Entrance; Highway 198 via the town of Three Rivers
- Entrance Fees: $35 per private vehicle
- Note: Roads are narrow, winding, and may close depending on weather conditions
1 Get A Briefing At Foothills Visitor Center
Foothills Visitor Center is a veritable gateway to Sequoia National Park, and there's a lot of information to glean here. Visitors can chat with a park ranger, shop for gifts and souvenirs, and learn the history of this National Park.
- Location: 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271
2 Marvel At Tunnel Rock
Tunnel Rock is one of the most photogenic features at Sequoia National Park that isn't a tree. Rather, this giant rock naturally forms a tunnel that visitors can walk under (or climb on). At one point, drivers could pass under Tunnel Rock, but the road has since been re-routed.
- Location: Sequoia National Park, Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271
- Can you climb Tunnel Rock? Yes—but follow posted safety signs and stay on the marked paths.
Poison Oak is abundant around Tunnel Rock, so take caution when traveling any path—and stay on the paths.
3 Catch Your Breath At Vista Point
Vista Point sounds like any other scenic lookout but be prepared to have to stop and catch your breath. The views from Vista Point are picturesque and even wild; many visitors have spotted bears passing through the area.
- Location: Sequoia National Park, 12 Generals Hwy, Sequoia National Park, CA 93262
Parking is limited and directly off the highway; be cautious and courteous.
4 Schedule A Stop At Sunset Rock
Sunsets are magnificent almost anywhere in Sequoia National Park, but the aptly named Sunset Rock is a highlight for many visitors. It does take a bit of a hike to get there, so come prepared and set off well in advance of the sun setting.
- Location: H6GF+VP Red Fir, California
- Hike length: 1.6 miles roundtrip, according to AllTrails
5 Dive Into History At Giant Forest Museum
The Giant Forest Museum is a visitor center in Three Rivers and introduces travelers to the National Park. View exhibits, explore interpretive trails, and take plenty of photos.
- Location: 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271
As of May 2023, the Giant Forest at Sequoia National Park is closed.
6 Meet General Sherman
General Sherman is an impressive 275 feet tall, making it one of the largest trees in the entire world. It's a sight to see, and one of the park's highlights.
- Location: Parking lot, Generals Hwy, Sequoia National Park, CA 93262
Be sure to park at the General Sherman Tree Car Park; parking can be crowded on weekends so come early.
7 View The Landscape From Moro Rock
The Moro Rock Trail hike is hands down one of California's most impressive sights. A rock-cut stairwell leads up to the summit, and this trail is accessible for most, though it's rated moderately challenging.
- Location: G6WM+PP Three Rivers, California
- Hike length: .5 miles, per AllTrails
8 Drive Through The Tunnel Log
Driving through the Tunnel Log is a must-do while visiting Sequoia National Park. The tree fell (due to natural causes) in 1937, and the following year, a path for vehicles was carved out.
- Location: Crescent Meadow Rd, Sequoia National Park, CA 93262
- When driving through, plan for at least a 30-minute trip.
For visitors with a personal vehicle, time a visit in between the park shuttles; this earns you at least 20 minutes of solitude at the site.
9 Go Underground At Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is an unlikely highlight at this tree-centric national park. This off-the-beaten-path excursion is exclusive and must be booked in advance, but it's worth the physical exertion and the trip out.
- Location: H5P9+XR Three Rivers, California
- Cost: Tours start at $17 per person for a standard tour
- Be sure to purchase advance tickets; they are not available on-site.
Tours are only available during dry and safe conditions. Snowfall and precipitation can close the caves, and tours will be unavailable.
10 Hike To Tokopah Falls
In warm weather, Tokopah Falls is a highlight of Sequoia National Park. The scenic meadows and flowing waterfalls make for gorgeous views on the hike up (and back).
- Location: J864+F6 Red Fir, California
- Hike length: 3.8 miles roundtrip, per AllTrails
- Plan at least two hours to get there and back.
Keep an eye out for bears and other wildlife.
11 Hop Over To Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia National Park has plenty to offer on its own, but it's worth noting that Kings Canyon National Park is only a short drive away. Also, consider a drive along Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to see the sights from afar.
- How far is Kings Canyon from Sequoia? The drive takes about 17 minutes; it's just over ten miles away.
Travelers may want to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks on the same trip; there's so much to do in both parks.
12 Head Over To Fresno (And Other National Parks)
Fresno might be a big city, but it's an excellent jumping-off point for exploring multiple National Parks in the area. For those who enjoy exploring cities as well as national forests, Fresno offers adventures like gardens, subterranean passages, a zoo, and parks.
- Yosemite National Park is also close enough for a day trip.
13 Best Time To Go
- What is the best month to go to Sequoia National Park? Summer is the best time to visit Sequoia National Park since the weather is ideal.
Given the park's elevation—which ranges from a mere 1,370 feet all the way to 14,494 feet—temperatures and even weather conditions can vary widely from place to place and throughout the day.
Wear layers in all seasons, and avoid traveling when it's raining or snowing.
14 Best Ways To Get Around
Travelers can get to Sequoia National Park through various means, whether by car, plane, bus, or even train.
Private Car
A car is recommended to visit Sequoia National Park; the park is so big, it's impossible to hike even part of it to see all the sights. Entrance fees are more affordable per vehicle ($35) versus per person ($20).
Arrive By Plane
Travelers coming in from out of state (or farther away in the state) can get to Sequoia National Park by flying into Fresno Yosemite International Airport or Visalia Municipal Airport.
Both airports are within 1 1/2 hours' drive, and in the summer, buses bring travelers to the Visalia Transit Center where they can catch the Sequoia Shuttle.
Get to Sequoia National Park by Bus
Greyhound buses, Visalia's city bus, and Tulare County Area Transit all offer service to get visitors to Sequoia National Park. Upon arrival, visitors can use the Sequoia Shuttle to get around.
Does Amtrak Go to Sequoia National Park?
Amtrak doesn't quite reach Sequoia National Park, but travelers can take the train to Fresno or Hanford. Then, bus connections will get travelers to the park.
Sequoia Shuttle Around the Park
In the summer, the Sequoia Shuttle brings travelers to the park. Roundtrip tickets are available from Visalia, and visitors can ride the internal buses (operated by Sequoia National Park) each day.
- Sequoia Shuttle costs $20
- National Park Service buses are free
15 Where To Eat
Because it's a National Park, Sequoia does not have amenities like restaurants or hotels. Visitors will need to plan ahead for meals and accommodation and even drive to nearby towns for sit-down meals.
Restaurants Close to Sequoia National Park
The Peaks Restaurant
- Location: 64740 Wuksachi Way, Sequoia National Park, CA 93262
- Open daily from 7-10 AM and 5-8 PM
The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge
- Location: 45978 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA 93271
- Casual breakfast, lunch, & dinner plus bar
Grant Grove Restaurant
- Location: 83923 CA-180, Hume, CA 93628
- Open daily from 7 AM to 10 AM and 11:30 AM to 8 PM
Totem Market & Gifts
- Location: 45186 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA 93271
- Open daily 8 AM to 7 PM
- Deli offerings
Pinehurst Lodge Bar and Grill
- Location: 53783 CA-245, Miramonte, CA 93641
- Open daily 12 to 8 PM
- Full bar plus lunch and dinner
16 Where To Stay
Where should you stay if you visit Sequoia National Park? There are plenty of accommodation options ranging from cozy motels to lodges to remote campsites.
Budget-Friendly
- Location: 40105 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA 93271
- Cost: From $131/night
- Amenities: Scenic views, short drive to the park
- Location: 43175 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA 93271
- Cost: From $145/night
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, picnic area, complimentary continental breakfast
Mid-Tier
- Location: 45176 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA 93271
- Cost: From $162/night
- Amenities: Scenic views, short drive to the park
- Location: 39625 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA 93271
- Cost: From $200/night
- Amenities: Private patios, outdoor pool, garden
Higher-End
The Parks Inn Bed and Breakfast
- Location: 33038 Sierra Highway 198, Lemon Cove, CA 93244
- Cost: From $232/night
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, terraces and garden, complimentary continental breakfast
The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge
- Location: 45978 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers, CA 93271
- Cost: From $249/night
- Amenities: River views, proximity to park
Camping Near Sequoia National Park
Between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, there are 15 campgrounds to choose from. The nearest campgrounds to the main Sequoia attractions include:
- Atwell Mill Campground
- Cold Springs Campground
- Buckeye Flat Campground
- Potwisha Campground
- Dorst Creek Campground-Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
17 Tips To Know When Visiting
Sequoia National Park is a gorgeous destination, but it's also in a rugged area of the Sierra Nevadas. Travelers should be prepared for a lack of amenities and cell service and pack plenty of warm clothing, food, and water, even for a day trip.
Also keep in mind that elevation changes can make uninitiated travelers dizzy, plus the elevation means severe temperature swings throughout the day, especially in spring and fall.
- What major city is near Sequoia National Park? Fresno is the nearest big city, and it's about an hour and a half's drive away.
18 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Sequoia National Park
There's so much to see at Sequoia National Park that it's hard to narrow it down to a single day's adventures, but a good plan is to start out at the visitors center. Head to Foothills Visitor Center to learn a bit about the park and all the adventures to be had here.
Prepare with a picnic, then set out to see, at minimum, General Sherman and the Tunnel Log. Enjoy lunch in a quieter spot along a trail or in a picnic area, then take an afternoon hike to a waterfall.
Before departing for the evening, stop by Sunset Rock to—what else?—catch the sunset. Some visitors also recommend stopping at popular sites near sundown to avoid crowds, but travelers should be cautious given the abundance of wildlife in the park.
In the evening, hunker down at your campsite or enjoy dinner out at a local restaurant before returning to your lodging.