14 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Sequoia National Park
Discover the majestic wonders you can't afford to miss in Sequoia National Park!
Sequoia National Park, often called the "Land of Giants," is America's second-oldest national park. The nickname is fitting since the park has the world's biggest trees by volume. However, Sequoia is much more than a beautiful forest of giant trees.
Julie and I recently visited Sequoia National Park, number 22 on our visited national parks list. If you plan to visit for the first time, we will ensure you experience its can't-miss highlights.
Navigating Sequoia National Park
Before we discuss the park's must-see attractions, we must briefly cover how to get around. Sequoia National Park nestles in eastern California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Ash Mountain Entrance is 34 miles from downtown Visalia and is accessible by California Highway 198. Once inside the park, the road becomes "Generals Highway," providing access to the park's primary attractions.
Tunnel Rock
Located at Mile 2.3 on General Highway, Tunnel Rock is a large granite boulder that forms a tunnel that was once on the main road. Now, it is a fun side adventure where you can stand under the tunnel for a photo.
Hospital Rock
The Hospital Rock Picnic Area is 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. A large boulder displays their ancient pictographs, drawn hundreds of years ago.
Giant Forest Museum
Located at Mile 16.6 on Generals Highway, the Giant Forest Museum is a visitor center and a museum. Unique exhibits allow you to learn about the Giant Forest and its sequoias in a fun way. One exhibit feels like you are walking inside a sequoia, 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.
Big Trees Trail
The Big Trees Trail is just outside the Giant Forest Museum. It is a 1.2-mile loop that takes you through a beautiful forest with some of the park's most enormous trees.
Julie and I loved this hike. The trail consists of paved and boardwalk sections and plenty of benches to relax and enjoy the view.
Moro Rock
One of our favorite hikes across all national parks, Moro Rock, highlights the park's granite rock formations and breathtaking vistas. Although only a 0.5-mile round-trip hike, you must climb over 350 stairs to reach the top of the granite dome. You will encounter some narrow sections and a few areas along the edge of a cliff. While the trail looks daunting, handrails provide comfort if you fear heights like me. The trail ends at the top of a granite dome with a jaw-dropping view of the Great Western Divide and the park's western half.
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 about 1 mile. The park operates free shuttles from the museum in summer. On weekends, the park regularly closes the road to private vehicles, making the shuttle your only option.
Crescent Meadow
You will find several other must-see highlights along Crescent Meadow Road, including its namesake field at the end of the road. Crescent Meadow Loop is a 2-mile leisurely walk through peaceful alpine forests and a beautiful meadow, guaranteed to bring a feeling of serenity. Take your time and soak in the scenery. Julie and I spotted deer in this area.
Drive Through Tunnel Log
Yes, it is touristy, but you must drive through Tunnel Log. Crescent Road passes through a fallen sequoia big enough for cars to pass through. The experience is fun and makes for a great story to share.
Walk Across Auto Log
Crescent Road harbors another significant fallen giant called Auto Log. The massive tree with a base diameter of 21 feet fell in 1917. For years, people could drive on the log. Unfortunately, driving across the log is no longer safe due to rot. However, you can walk across it to appreciate its size and durability better.
Parker Group Sequoias
You will find a small grove of giant sequoias near the Auto Log. Julie and I stared in awe at their size and beauty. Standing next to the trees gives you an appreciation for their resilience and reminds you of their fragility. Nothing represents this contradiction better than their fire scars.
The tree cluster is named for 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 Young Tree
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, earning a reputation for getting things done. He and his men completed many vital projects, including the park's first wagon road to the Giant Forest and the Moro Rock Road.
A sequoia was officially dedicated to him in 2004 and renamed on July 28, 2024, to commemorate his legacy and posthumous promotion to brigadier general. Take time to visit the Brigadier General Charles Young Tree. The man and his commemorative tree deserve our gratitude.
General Sherman Tree
After seeing the attractions in the Crescent Meadow area, continue along Generals Highway to Mile 19.4.
Sequoia National Park's main attraction is, without a doubt, the General Sherman Tree. The world's largest tree by volume grows in the aptly named Giant Forest. A park visit is only complete with a selfie with the famous living landmark.
A 1.2-mile round-trip hike takes you to the General Sherman Tree through the peaceful forest. Although an easy hike, the 7,000-foot elevation may tire you more than expected.
You will 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 will regret returning home without a picture to capture the moment.
Walkthrough Tree
Many visitors are so excited to see the General Sherman Tree that they unknowingly skip the walkthrough tree. Continue along the trail below the Sherman Tree, and you will pass through a fallen tree tunnel, which is the perfect photo opportunity.
Congress Trail
You will see signs for the Congress Trail near the General Sherman Tree. If you have time, hike the 2-mile loop through giant sequoias. It is an excellent chance to escape the crowds since many visitors focus on the Sherman Tree rather than exploring the surrounding area.
Stargazing
Sequoia National Park has little light pollution, making it an excellent place for stargazing. The park's night skies are equally impressive as its giant sequoias and massive granite domes. Julie and I were astonished by the sheer volume of brilliant stars dotting the black sky. We will never forget it.
Tips for Visiting Sequoia National Park
Park entry is $35 per vehicle, or you can purchase an annual pass for $70. Another option is to buy an America the Beautiful annual pass for $80, valid at all United States national parks.
The good news is that your admission 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 can easily do this, too. Seeing Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite in the same week is one of our most cherished travel experiences.
We suggest staying in Visalia, the perfect gateway town for Sequoia and Kings Canyon. You will find plenty of reasonable accommodations, delicious food, and entertainment. Visalia has beautiful murals and other obvious nods to Sequoia National Park.
Plan Your Sequoia National Park Visit
Many people visit national parks for the wildlife. While you may see deer or black bears in Sequoia National Park, the giant sequoias are the main attraction. Their size and beauty will mesmerize you.
Beyond the trees, Sequoia offers granite domes, breathtaking vistas, and other unique experiences to give you a rounded and fulfilling experience. Stargazing, peaceful forest hikes, and the thrilling Moro Rock hike made the Sequoia National Park trip special for Julie and me. We are confident you will love it, too.
Plan your adventure to hang out with the giants. For once, feeling belittled is a good thing.
Scott McConkey is a travel writer and founder of Miles with McConkey, where he provides trip ideas and travel guides. His wife, Julie creates travel videos. They hope to inspire you to travel more.