Sequoia National Park

Located in central California and covering a section of Sequoia National Forest, Sequoia National Park (and the adjacent Kings Canyon National Park) is an ideal wilderness escape from San Francisco or Los Angeles. You can wander through the giant sequoia groves on a day hike and backpack through the dense forest. Don't forget to explore the deep caverns of Crystal Cave and climb the granite dome of Moro Rock. 

Rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing are also popular activities in the park. For a particularly challenging and rewarding experience, follow the John Muir Trail through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

• Sequoia National Park is a must-see for nature lovers.

• Remember to bring sun protection, comfortable hiking shoes, and plenty of water.

• When camping, you must keep all food, trash, and scented items in bear canisters or designated food storage boxes.

• You must purchase Sequoia National Park tickets to visit the park, but it's not necessary to make a reservation. 

• You must make a reservation to stay at designated campgrounds, and wilderness permits are necessary if you plan to camp outside of these areas.

• The rivers in Sequoia can be dangerous and require advanced skills to navigate via kayak.

Sequoia National Park is roughly 4.5 hours from San Francisco and four hours from Los Angeles by road. The visitor center is accessible via Highway 198. A free shuttle provides transportation within the park. To see General Sherman—the tallest tree in the world—take the Generals Highway.

The park is busiest in summer, when the weather tends to be hot and sunny. During this time, opt for an early-morning or weekday visit to avoid crowds. With fewer crowds and mild temperatures, mid-September and October are the best times to visit. Portions of the park close during winter, but some areas remain open for activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

It's the giant sequoia trees that draw many visitors to Sequoia National Park, including the General Sherman tree at the north end of Giant Forest: It's the largest tree on earth. The General Grant Tree is another giant among the towering sequoias, located in the Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park.

Yes, there are tours of Sequoia National Park—guided tours range from hiking with Master Naturalists to private excursions tailored to each visitor. In the winter, Sequoia National Park becomes a snowy playground where visitors can snowshoe and spot wildlife tracks among soaring tree trunks.

Exploring Sequoia National Park’s 40 giant sequoia groves is a must for visitors, who can drive, hike, or stroll between soaring trees. Options for day and overnight hikes abound, and the park also has campgrounds, visitor centers, and picnic areas. Some areas, including Grant Grove and Cedar Grove, are wheelchair accessible.

No, you don’t need a reservation for Sequoia National Park. Entrance passes may be purchased in advance or upon arrival at various prices for pedestrians, motorcyclists, and drivers. Annual National Park pass holders, including seniors, military, and fourth graders, don't need to pay an additional entrance fee.

Warm, clear weather means the summer months from June through August are gorgeous in Sequoia National Park—but they're also busy. While the shoulder season months of May and September bring cooler nights and more frequent storms, they’re an excellent option for travelers seeking sunshine, mild days, and uncrowded conditions.

Yes, you can drive through Sequoia National Park from spring until fall, when the roads are generally cleared of snow. The park’s windy mountain roads can be slow, so it takes at least two hours to drive the scenic Generals Highway between its southern and northern entrances.

Don’t miss the General Sherman Tree, which stands 275 feet (83 meters) tall and is considered the world’s most giant tree by volume. Two trails lead to the General Sherman Tree, including the paved half-mile (.8 kilometer) Main Trail and a shorter, wheelchair-accessible trail that starts at a nearby parking lot.