Best things to see and do in Sequoia National Park
Jody Vandergriff
Sequoia National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike, offering an array of exciting activities and sights to explore. The park's most popular attraction is the Giant Forest, home to General Sherman, the world's largest tree, which stands at a staggering 275 feet tall and is over 2,000 years old. Other must-see sights include Moro Rock, a granite dome offering stunning panoramic views of the park, and the Crystal Cave, a breathtaking underground cavern filled with stunning rock formations. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities, from hiking to horseback riding, camping to stargazing, and even snowshoeing in the winter. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles, making it a nature lover's paradise. Here is a list of our favorite things to see and do in the majestic Sequoia National Park.
Tags: Family Travel, National Parks, Nature, Slow travel, Exploring, Hiking, Wildlife
Sequoia National Park Ash Mountain Entrance Station in Three Rivers, United States
Hume Lake, United States
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Located just outside the boundaries of Sequoia National Park, Hume Lake is a popular destination for visitors seeking a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the park. The lake offers an idyllic setting for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, surrounded by towering trees and scenic mountain views. The nearby Hume Lake Christian Camps provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, horseback riding, and zip-lining.
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Giant Forest, United States
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The Giant Forest is just as magical as it sounds. Congress Trail will take you past many of the famous trees in the park, starting with General Sherman, the park's main attraction for most people. For this reason, this part of the trail gets super crowded, but if you continue on one of the many trails that take you into the denser parts of the forest, it will become remarkably quiet and the trees are just as humbling.
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Giant Forest Museum in Three Rivers, United States
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The Giant Forest Museum is an excellent starting point for visitors to Sequoia National Park, providing a wealth of information about the park's most famous attraction, the giant sequoias. The museum features interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the history, ecology, and cultural significance of the giant trees, providing a fascinating insight into their unique characteristics and adaptations. Visitors can also pick up maps and brochures, and seek advice from rangers on the best trails and sights to see in the park. The museum is an excellent educational resource for visitors of all ages, and a must-visit destination for those seeking to learn more about the park's natural wonders.
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Grant Grove Stables, United States
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Head to Grant Grove Stables for a guided trip on horse! $50 for one hour, $90 for two hours. Be sure to book in advance!
Big Trees Trail, United States
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On Big Trees Trail, you’ll be surrounded by numerous old-growth trees on this 1.5 mile trail among the giants.
Mineral King Valley, United States
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Mineral King Valley sits at 7,800 feet and is the highest spot you can drive in the park. Here you can enjoy a subalpine valley and many beautiful hikes begin out of here.
Foothills Visitor Center in Three Rivers, United States
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Foothills Visitor Center is typically the first stop after entering Ash Mountain Entrance of Sequoia National Park. They are open 7 days a week, year round.
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Zumwalt Meadows, United States
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Head to Zumwalt Meadow for a mellow walk among the steep granite walls, incredible talus, a lush meadow, and the windy Kings River.
Sunset Rock, United States
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Sunset Rock is an easily accessible trail and a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. Be sure to bring bug spray and a headlamp for the journey back down.
Amphitheater Point, United States
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At Amphitheater Point, you’ll have phenomenal views of Moro Rock, as well as vast views as low as the foothills and up to the high-alpine peaks.
- chiefseeker Amphitheater Point is accessible by car making it an easy and enjoyable things to do in Sequoia National Park with young kids. It's an easy first or last stop in Sequoia National Park.
Crystal Cave (Sequoia National Park) in Three Rivers, United States
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Walk amongst fragile formations through Sequoia’s own Crystal Cave. Plan to spend a half day exploring this area and be sure to book the guided tour ahead of time.
Mount Whitney, United States
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Embark on the 23 mile round-trip journey, gaining over 6000 feet up Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous 48 states. Be sure to plan ahead and get a permit if you want to do this hike.
Grizzly Falls in Cedar Grove, United States
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Technically, Grizzly Falls are in Kings Canyon National Park as they are located right past the entrance sign. The falls are just a short walk from the parking lot, making this an accessible attraction for visitors of all ages. This 75 foot waterfall is best viewed in the spring.
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Sequoia National Park's Tunnel Log, United States
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Not to be mistaken with the fallen tunnel tree in Yosemite National Park, this fallen sequoia log (AKA, Tunnel Log) is in the Giant Forest at Sequoia National Park and is large enough to drive your car through. This mighty sequoia tumbled due to national causes in 1937 and has been a major tourist attraction ever since.
- chiefseeker Another easy stop after Moro Rock Trail, Tunnel Log is another top 5 sights in Sequoia National Park.
Moro Rock Trail, United States
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Climb up the steep stairway of Moro Rock Trail (over 300 steps!) to see vast views of the foothills, the San Joaquin Valley, and the deep mountain wilderness.
- chiefseeker Moro Rock Trail looks intimidating but as long as you don't look down it's pretty do-able for all ages. It's a must see as one of the top 5 things to do in Sequoia National Park.
General Sherman Tree in Three Rivers, United States
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As the largest tree in the world in terms of volume, General Sherman stands 275 feet tall, is over 36 feet in diameter at its base, and is estimated to be over 2.5 million pounds.
- chiefseeker General Sherman is one of the most popular things to see in Sequoia National Park and certainly is a must see, but the Giant Forest is full of awe-inspiring moments.
The Ash Mountain Entrance Station is the gateway to Sequoia National Park, offering visitors a warm welcome and a glimpse of what the park has to offer. At the entrance, visitors can pick up maps, brochures, and other information about the park's attractions and activities. The station also features interpretive displays, providing insight into the park's history, geology, and ecology. From here, visitors can embark on a journey to explore the park's breathtaking natural beauty, including the towering sequoias, crystal clear rivers, and stunning mountain vistas.