Sequoia National Park

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

Must-see trees in Sequoia National Park

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.

Ways to explore

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, and kayaking are all popular activities in the park. For a particularly challenging and rewarding experience, you can follow a portion of the John Muir Trail through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Accessibility

The park offers several accessible trails and viewpoints, such as the paved paths to the General Sherman Tree and the Big Trees Trail. Visitor centers, restrooms, and some campgrounds have accessible facilities.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, camera, binoculars, snow chains in winter

What to wear

Comfortable, moisture-wicking layers and comfortable walking shoes/boots

Not allowed

Feeding wildlife, pets on trails (apart from service dogs), collecting plants or rocks, drones

Amenities

Ranger programs, picnic areas, restrooms, gift shops

Address 

Sequoia National Park is located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Driving

From the south, look for the Ash Mountain entrance off Highway 198/Sierra Drive from Visalia; from the north, look for the Big Stump entrance off Highway 180 near Fresno. Note that the park doesn’t have gas stations or chargers, so be sure to top up before entering. In winter, you’ll want to check the park website for road closures—and you’ll need snow chains.

Public transportation

There’s a paid shuttle service from Visalia—about 36 miles (59 kilometers) away—and free shuttle service throughout the park.

Best times to visit

Early morning and late afternoon give the best lighting for photography. Midday will be crowded at popular sites such as the General Sherman Tree during peak season.

Best days to visit

Weekdays, particularly Tuesday–Thursday, have lighter crowds and easier parking. Summer weekends can be very busy, especially in the Giant Forest area.

Best months to visit

May through June and September through October offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds than summer. Winter is magical and snowy, though many roads close and tire chains are required.

Special events

National Park Week in April features free entrance days and special programs. In summer, look for full-moon hikes and stargazing programs; winter brings snowshoe walks with rangers.