National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS/Paul Johnson
Sequoia National Park
Home to the world's largest trees, Sequoia National Park features the iconic General Sherman Tree, towering granite cliffs, and deep caves. From the giant forest to the rugged peaks of the Great Western Divide, the park offers a stunning range of landscapes and wildlife.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
2 mi · loop
A paved loop near the General Sherman Tree offering excellent opportunities to see hundreds of giant sequoias including notable named trees.
Starts at: General Sherman Tree Area
0.5 mi · 300 ft gain · out & back
A 300-foot vertical climb via stairway to the granite dome summit offering spectacular views of the Great Western Divide.
Starts at: Moro Rock Parking Area
3.4 mi · out & back
An easy walk along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to a stunning 1,200-foot waterfall, most impressive in early summer.
Starts at: Lodgepole Campground
8 mi · 600 ft gain · out & back
Follow the glaciated South Fork Canyon through forest and chaparral to one of the largest waterfalls in Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
Starts at: Roads End (Cedar Grove)
Upcoming Events
Big Stump Basin Hike (Grant Grove Area)
Step into the stories that shaped this landscape as you walk past massive stumps and mountain meadows. The hike lasts for 1.5 hours covering a distance of 1.4 miles (0.8 km) roundtrip.
Canyon Critters (Grant Grove Area)
Overlook a meadow while discussing some of the amazing animals found in the park.
Creature Feature (Giant Forest Area)
Program DescriptionLearn about one of the park’s animals in this short talk that uses stories, behaviors, and natural clues to reveal how the species survives, thrives, and helps shape the landscape. Program DetailsLength: 20 to 30 minute talkLocation: Outside the Lodgepole Visitor CenterSeating: Limited bench seating is available Getting ThereDrive: The Lodgepole Visitor Center is along Lodgepole Road. Take Generals Highway to Lodgepole Road. Parking is available at the visitor center. Additional parking is available in the Lodgepole Campground Overflow Parking Area.Shuttle: The free Sequoia Shuttle operates in Giant Forest and Lodgepole during the summer season. Take Route 1 to reach the Lodgepole Visitor Center. All shuttle buses and routes are wheelchair accessible. Check your park newspaper or bulletin boards for route information.Walk: Take an easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) trail from Sherman Tree to Lodgepole or an easy 3.1-mile (5.0 km) trail from Wuksachi to Lodgepole. Trails maps are located in the park newspaper. AccessibilityThis program is ADA accessible. There is limited seating for this event on backless benches. There are ADA accessible parking spaces at the Lodgepole Visitor Center and a paved path leads to the front of the visitor center. The path is about 150 feet (46 m) long.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: March, May, September, October, November
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Because of the extreme elevation range in the parks, weather conditions vary widely between areas. In summer, the sequoia groves have comfortable temperatures and the foothills are hot and dry. Snow lingers on high-mountain passes well into summer. In fall, conditions can range from summer-like to winter-like. Winter brings snow to sequoia groves and rain to the foothills. Be prepared for tire chain requirements. Spring is a great time to hike in the foothills and snow begins to melt at higher elevations.