Walking Among Giants in
Sequoia National Park
You will see them with your own eyes and touch them with your own hands, but be prepared for an emotional and mind-boggling experience.
Why Visit Sequoia National Park?
If you love hiking, backpacking, camping, picnicking, sightseeing, or just road tripping, Sequoia National Park has something for you. The cost to enter the park is $35 US per vehicle.
Visiting Sequoia National Park is an experience that will involve all of your senses. From the foothills all the way to the top, make sure to take in the beauty and calmness of the elements.
Feel the warm California sunshine on your skin and the fresh mountain breeze on your face. Smell the fragrant mountain air, with hints of oak leaves and pine needles. Listen to the sound of birds or the rustle of the wind in the treetops.
Meander wonderingly through groves of gentle giants. Look anywhere and be greeted by breathtaking sights. Walk down paths leading to cascading rivers. Dip your feet in freezing streams.
For the full experience, you can even taste the acorns that were the staple food of the Yokuts. They used to live off of what the mountain provided them with. You can find out more about them at Hospital Rock.
Popular Sights
There are many sight at Sequoia National Park. Some of them are not far from each other and can be visited in succession. Some are a bit more of a drive to get to and need more planning to visit. Depending on the time you have available, decide beforehand on what you really want to see. We loved the Congress Trail and Hospital Rock the most, for the hike and sights. The kids easily followed along and had a blast exploring.
Giant Forest Museum and Trail: Learn more about the history and importance of sequoia trees and enjoy a walk amongst them.
General Sherman: The largest currently living tree on earth and an impressive landmark.
Congress Trail: A 2 mile (3.2 kilometres) trail that will take you through a serene forest and over trickling brooks. There are sequoias of all ages on the trail.
Hospital Rock: A nice picnic area. The Yokuts left behind signs of their daily life, which are explained at Hospital Rock. There is also a trail down to the river which is worth exploring, for its many caves under giant boulders.
Tunnel Log: When a sequoia fell over the road in 1937, a tunnel was carved in it to let the traffic through instead of cutting it all away.
Crescent Meadow: A picnic area and beautiful grassy meadow lined by majestic sequoia trees.
There are more trails and more sightseeing to be found. Let your feet and heart guide you to what you love the most.
Safety Tips
- Sequoia National Park is home to deer, bears, rattlesnakes, mountain lions and more. Never feed or approach wildlife.
- In high elevation, the temperature changes rapidly. Dress with layers of clothing.
- Drink lots of water and give yourself plenty of time for hiking, especially if you are not used to altitude. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Suggestion
Since you are already there, why not make it a complete trip by visiting the adjacent National Parks? King’s Canyon, Yosemite and Death Valley National Park all have unique sights and landmarks.
For a peaceful and surreal experience among magnificent giants, plan a visit to Sequoia National Park. It will capture your heart and surpass all your expectations!