Why Go to Sequoia National Park
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Standing among the giant sequoias is a humbling experience. Sequoia National Park, about 80 miles southeast of Fresno in California's southern Sierra Nevada, protects some of the largest trees on Earth. Established in 1890 to save the giants from logging, it was America's second national park, and it's managed together with neighboring Kings Canyon National Park.
The trees are the stars. The General Sherman Tree is the largest living tree on Earth by volume, about 275 feet tall and more than 36 feet across at its base. Walk among the giants of the Giant Forest on the Congress Trail, and drive through the Tunnel Log. Climb the nearly 400 steps to the top of Moro Rock for sweeping views of the Great Western Divide, explore the marble formations of Crystal Cave on a guided tour, and hike to waterfalls and alpine meadows. In winter, the park becomes a peaceful place for snowshoeing among snow-dusted giants.
The park is open year-round, though some roads close in winter. I'll plan your lodging, route and timing, and pair Sequoia with Kings Canyon and Yosemite.
BEST FOR
Families, hikers, photographers and nature enthusiasts
BEST MONTHS
June–September
EXPLORE
Giant Forest contains famous sequoia groves; Lodgepole serves as a trail and services hub; Grant Grove in neighboring Kings Canyon holds additional notable trees.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Sequoia National Park
North America › West Coast › USA › California
Giant sequoias and spectacular Sierra Nevada landscapes
Forest
Hiking
Trees
Mountains
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
High elevation can cause fatigue: drink water, take time to acclimate and check current park road notices.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Arrive early for limited parking; the paved approach still involves some walking at elevation.
General Sherman Tree
One of the world’s largest living trees by volume is reached via a developed walking route.
Bring warm layers even when foothills are hot, and check road conditions before entering.
Giant Forest
A grove of enormous sequoias with established trails.
Choose a shorter loop if time is limited; keep to marked trails to protect tree roots.
Congress Trail
A popular walking route among giant trees near General Sherman.
The staircase is steep and exposed; avoid climbing during thunderstorms, snow or icy conditions.
Moro Rock
Granite dome staircase with wide mountain and valley views, weather permitting.
Drive only where allowed and follow posted traffic rules; do not stop in the road for photos.
Tunnel Log
A fallen tree with a cut-through opening along a scenic park road.
The main hotel-style lodge within Sequoia National Park, near Giant Forest and key sequoia attractions. A convenient choice for visitors who want to stay amid the mountain scenery rather than commute from outside the park.
Wuksachi Lodge
Sequoia National Park / Giant Forest area
Hotel Tags
A rustic mountain lodge in neighboring Kings Canyon National Park near Grant Grove and the General Grant Tree. Useful for exploring both parks, though travel times vary with seasonal road conditions.
John Muir Lodge
Kings Canyon National Park / Grant Grove
Hotel Tags
Simple cabins in Grant Grove provide a forest setting near giant-sequoia walks. Best for travelers prioritizing location and an outdoorsy experience over resort-style amenities.
Grant Grove Cabins
Kings Canyon National Park / Grant Grove
Hotel Tags
A family-oriented mountain lodge in Sequoia National Forest between Sequoia and Kings Canyon, with outdoor recreation and meal-inclusive packages on some stays. A good option for active families.
Montecito Sequoia Lodge
Sequoia National Forest / Between the parks
Hotel Tags
A secluded rustic cabin property in the Mineral King area, offering mountain scenery and trail access. Best for adventurous travelers comfortable with remote access and seasonal operating conditions.
Silver City Mountain Resort
Mineral King / Sequoia National Park vicinity
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Sequoia National Park
High 52°F · Low 31°F · Rain 3.9 in
Winter closures may begin; verify roads, facilities and shuttle availability. For a destination-specific November plan, consider Moro Rock.
Late spring through early fall offers broader access; snow can close mountain roads in colder months.
Best Times to Visit Sequoia National Park
WHEN TO GO
06
Remote Trailheads
Mineral King and other backcountry approaches are separate, often slow drives. Carry fuel, supplies and offline navigation.
05
Snow and Chain Controls
Winter snow, fallen trees and maintenance can restrict access. Confirm live NPS road alerts and California chain requirements.
04
Parking at Major Groves
Parking near popular sequoia groves can fill early. Use signed lots and any operating shuttle rather than parking on vegetation.
03
Seasonal Park Shuttles
Park shuttles may run on selected corridors during operating seasons. Check routes and service dates with the National Park Service.
02
Planning tip
High elevation can cause fatigue: drink water, take time to acclimate and check current park road notices.
01
Arrival and getting around
Driving is common, with seasonal park shuttles in some districts; chain requirements and road closures can affect access.
Driving is common, with seasonal park shuttles in some districts; chain requirements and road closures can affect access.
Getting Around Sequoia National Park
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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