Guide to visiting Sequoia National Park: What to know

This iconic national park in California is renowned for its dense groves of giant sequoias and scenic hiking routes, among other unforgettable experiences. When you visit Sequoia National Park, you can walk among ancient trees that date back to early human history and explore magnificent natural scenery.

Find out more about the best time to visit, park entry details, and must-see spots. From avoiding long lines to discovering hidden gems, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to Sequoia National Park.

Know before you go to Sequoia National Park

1. When is the best time to visit Sequoia National Park?

The best time to visit Sequoia National Park is June through August when the weather is warmer. Although the park is open all year round, conditions in the winter can be difficult to manage due to the possibility of significant snowfall. However, there are still many reasons to visit the national park during colder months. If you’re visiting during high season, avoid crowds on weekdays, or arrive at the park before 9:00 AM or after 3:00 PM.

2. What are the park’s opening hours?

Sequoia National Park is open 24 hours a day, all year round, although some roads are closed during the winter. Check the National Park Service website for updated information on road closures.

3. How much time should I spend at Sequoia National Park?

Aim to spend at least two days in Sequoia National Park. This will give you enough time to see all of the park’s natural wonders, including the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and the Tunnel Tree, plus embark on one or two hikes. If you have more time, you can spend up to a week or longer in the national park.

4. How do I get to Sequoia National Park?

If you’re traveling by car, take Highway 198 to enter Sequoia National through the town of Three Rivers. If you’re traveling from Fresno, take Highway 180. Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest airport to the park. However, you can also book a tour from Los Angeles or San Francisco.

5. Should I buy a pass in advance?

Entrance passes for Sequoia National Park can be bought online or in person at entrance stations and some visitor centers. Depending on how often you would like to enter the park, you can choose between a daily pass or an annual one. Buying a pass in advance can be more convenient, as you will not have to wait to purchase one when you arrive.

6. Is a tour of Sequoia National Park worthwhile?

If you love nature, giant trees, and beautiful scenery, a tour of Sequoia National Park is definitely worthwhile. You can learn more about the fascinating history of the giant sequoia trees, and a private guide can guide you through the canopy that has been growing for thousands of years, providing more information about the sequoia tree’s unique function within its ecosystem.

7. Is Sequoia National Park wheelchair accessible?

The Foothills, Lodgepole, Kings Canyon visitor centers, and the Giant Forest Museum are all wheelchair-accessible. Wheelchairs can be borrowed from any of these locations for free on a first-come-first-served basis. Two paved trails, the Big Trees Trail in Giant Forest and the Grant Tree Trail in Grant Grove, are open year-round.

8. Can I visit for free?

Veterans, people with disabilities, and fourth-graders can all visit the Sequoia National Park for free. There are also several days each year when visiting National Parks in the US is free, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day. For more information about who can visit for free and when you can do so, see the National Park Service website.

9. How long is the line at Sequoia National Park?

The park can get especially busy during the high season and holidays, particularly during spring break (late March to early April), summer (June to August), Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July Weekend, Veteran's Day Weekend, Thanksgiving Week, and Christmas Week. If you are visiting during any of these periods, be aware that there can be queues of 2 - 3 hours.

Highlights at Sequoia National Park

10. What should I not miss at Sequoia National Park?

Be sure to visit the Giant Forest Museum, which serves as a starting point for everyone who wants to learn more about the giant sequoia trees that dominate the park. There is a 1-mile self-guided interpretive trail around the museum. Another must-see is the spectacular General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth by volume. For those interested in hiking around Sequoia National Park, try the stunning Tokopah Falls or Moro Rock trails for panoramic views. The famous Tunnel Log on Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road in the Giant Forest area is also an essential stop for many visitors.

11. Where is the best place to see giant trees in Sequoia National Park?

Some of the most impressive sequoia trees in the park are in Grant Grove and the Giant Forest, home to the largest groves of sequoia. While the Giant Forest is the location of the biggest tree in the world, Grant Grove is home to the equally awe-inspiring General Grant Tree, the second-largest tree in the world.

12. Which park is better, Kings Canyon or Sequoia?

Both parks offer equally unique experiences and are worth visiting. The parks are next to each other, and a single-entry pass grants access to both. Sequoia National Park is known for its groves of giant sequoias, while Kings Canyon is famous for its dramatic canyons, valleys, waterfalls, and peaks. Both are a must-see for nature lovers visiting Sequoia National Park.

History and facts about Sequoia National Park

13. What’s the history of the giant sequoia?

The giant sequoia, also known as a giant redwood, is an endangered species of tree, found primarily in the Sierra Nevada region of California. However, they have been planted in other locations. It is the largest tree species in the world, with the largest tree being comparable to the size of a 31-story building, and weighing an estimated 642 tons.

14. How old are giant sequoias?

The giant sequoias are among the oldest living organisms in the world, and the oldest living tree is around 3,200 years old.