Sequoia National Park - Complete Guide

Discover Sequoia National Park, a paradise surrounded by mountains and home to the largest tree in the world (General Sherman). In this guide I will give you some tips on how to get there and make the most of the place.

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Where is Sequoia National Park?

The forest is located east of the state of California – USA. Staying at a distance of 350 KM from Los Angeles and 442 KM from San Francisco.

How to get to Sequoia National Park?

There are a few ways to get to the park, it will depend on your point of origin. If you are leaving Los Angeles or San Francisco.

As the park is located further east of California in the area of sierra nevada, you will have to go a little further from the coast to Visalia (closest town, 55 km to the park entrance).

When to visit Sequoia National Park?

Sequoia National Park is located open year round, but the best time to visit the park is in spring between may and june. During the winter, snowfall can occur and block the park's roads, so it is not recommended to go during this time.

If you go during the summer or on US holidays, get there early!! The park is always crowded with queues of up to 1 hour to enter.

How much does it cost to enter Sequoia National Park?

Ticket to enter the park is valid for 7 days. I recommend you buy the 'America The Beauty Pass’ so you can enter any US national park for a year. But to be worth the money invested in the annual pass, you will have to go in at least 3 parks. (you can enjoy and visit Yosemite, Grand Canyon and etc..)

Pass for car – US$ 35
Individual pass (entering on foot or by bicycle) – US$ 20
Non-commercial Travel Groups (maximum transport of 15 people) – US$ 15
Bike pass – US$ 30

Where to eat in Sequoia National Park?

The park has several restaurants, but I recommend you to take some snacks. As you are going to walk a lot inside the park, it is essential that you have food and water in your backpack.

Caution: Do not leave food on tables or in the car, it is very common for bears to appear in the area, looking for leftover food from tourists.

Where to stay in Sequoias National Park?

You can stay in a city close to the park or make the most of the place and to camp!!

Dorst Creek Campground

Dorst Creek Campground is the largest campground near the redwoods. It is about 40 km from the park. The big advantage is the number of vacancies in the camping, giving more security to have a vacancy for when you go.

The overnight stay is US$ 22 per tent and for large groups it is US$ 60.

Dorst Creek Campground

Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA

What to do in Sequoias National Park?

There are several places to visit in the park, one more spectacular than the other.

Below I will list the essential places for you to visit in a full day itinerary.

General Sherman Tree
tunnel log
Giant Forest Museum

General Sherman

It is the park's main attraction and the largest tree in the world. With your 83 meters high and more than 2500 years old.

To get to the place you need to take an incredible trail inside a forest full of giant sequoias.

Don't worry, when you enter the park you will receive a map with all trails from the park.

tunnel log

In 1937, a giant sequoia fell onto one of the park's roads. Instead of clearing the road, they decided to beautify the park even more by creating a tunnel in the tree.

Giant Forest Museum

It's a small but amazing museum to learn about the history of the place.

Travel itinerary spending 1 day in Sequoias National Park

Here it will depend a lot on your starting point and what adventures you want to enjoy. I'm going to show you one of the coolest scripts I've done in the USA.

RoadTrip from Los Angeles to San Francisco (upstate and back along the coast)

If you're staying in California alone, this is the best way to see the entire state.

Leaving Los Angeles, you head straight east towards Sequoias National Park. Just one day in the park is enough to see all of it. But remember that if you have time, you can camp and enjoy the night in the park.

On the second day of the trip, head to Yosemite National Park. Here you will need at least two days to get to know the whole place. Yosemite park is amazing!

Following your trip, if you have time, go to Redwood (as it is far from San Francisco, it can take two days to travel there).

If you're only scheduled for 10 days in the US, head straight to the coast for the city of San Francisco.

San Francisco is very big, so you can stay from one to 10 days in the city. Everything will depend on your time.

Leaving San Francisco, we entered one of the most beautiful highways in the world, the ONE. Here you will return to Los Angeles through it, passing through several cities and incredible landscapes.

Where to stay in Sequoia National Park

I did a search on booking and found several options with good prices and well located! Check the offers:

Booking.com

Why is Sequoia National Park famous?

Sequoia National Park is famous for being home to the largest and oldest trees in the world, the giant sequoias, with emphasis on the General Sherman Tree.

Furthermore, the park offers spectacular landscapes, such as Moro Rock and crystal caves, attracting visitors for hiking, camping and nature appreciation.

What is the best month to go to Sequoia National Park?

The best time to visit the Park is spring and autumn are considered the best periods. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and lush vegetation, while autumn offers stunning colors in the trees.

Summer is popular but can get crowded. Winter is less recommended due to snow and trail closures. Check park conditions before planning your trip.

Are Yosemite and Sequoia the same park?

Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park are not the same park. Both are located in California, but they are distinct national parks with unique natural features. Yosemite is known for its rock formations and waterfalls, while Sequoia is famous for its giant trees, the giant sequoias. Both parks are popular destinations for outdoor activities and nature appreciation.

Is Sequoia park free?

No, you need to pay for delivery.

Pass for car – US$ 35
Individual pass (entering on foot or by bicycle) – US$ 20
Non-commercial Travel Groups (maximum transport of 15 people) – US$ 15
Bike pass – US$ 30