We think Sequoia National Park is one of the most underrated US National Parks. I’ve seen lists where it barely cracks the top 30 and many where it’s not on the list at all! This makes it the perfect park for beginners like you and us to visit!

Lucky for you, we’ve visited these giant sequoia trees more than once.  It was the second national park created, and we think it might just be the best place on earth.

Welcome to our ultimate guide to Sequoia National Park for beginners! 

A brief history of Sequoia National Park

The park was established in 1890. It was one of the first national parks established in the US!

Sequoia national park is located 75 miles southwest of Fresno, CA. 

Square Miles: 631

Annual Visitors: 1,100,000

Rank in popularity: 23

Native American Heritage:

Sequoia was the traditional lands of the Mono (Monache), Yokuts, Tübatulabal, Paiute, and Western Shoshone people. They lived in and around the Sierra Nevada for thousands of years prior to European settlers occupying the park.

Why its famous:

Native only to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, sequoia trees are famous for their massive volume. It’s a park created to protect sequoia trees. The largest tree within the park is the General Sherman, which has a volume of 52,500 cubic feet. It’s the equivalent of 16 blue whales! 

No other park – not Yellowstone, not Glacier – has left us as speechless as sequoia. 

I want you to zoom in on this picture below, and notice the specs at the base of the tree. Those are people. Teeny, tiny people. 

General Sherman Tree from a distance. Photo: Gus Tiffer

The oldest known sequoia is estimated to be between 3,200–3,266 years old. Sequoia trees can live for over 3,000 years, making them some of the oldest living organisms on Earth.

Sequoia trees can reach incredible heights, with the tallest known specimen measuring over 300 feet (91 meters) tall.

Sequoia trees are native to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. 

While the exact number is difficult to determine, it is estimated that there are roughly 70,000 to 100,000 individual sequoia trees remaining in the wild. Some numbers indicated there are less than 80,000 total remaining sequoia trees. They are considered endangered.

This is an important reminder of the importance of the conservation efforts put forth by national parks and our impact on the world. 

A fallen sequoia tree. Photo: Gus Tiffer

The primary highway that slopes through the park is called the Generals Highway. This will take you through the most popular areas of the park including the Giant Forest, General Sherman Tree, and up through the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. In the northern part of the map you’ll also see the Sequoia National Forest and the Giant Sequoia National Monument. These are part of the USDA forest service

Feel free to download the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks map over at npmaps.com 

Sequoia & Kings Canyon Park Map. Thanks to npmaps.com National Park Newbies at General Sherman!

The world’s largest living tree by volume. Standing at over 275 feet tall and estimated to be around 2,200 years old, it is an awe-inspiring sight that showcases the grandeur and longevity of the sequoia species. The best part for beginners is that it’s easily accessible via the sequoia shuttle. 

At the top of Moro Rock trail. Photo: Gus Tiffer

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the park. This granite dome offers a challenging climb up a staircase carved into the rock. You will get a stunning view of the Great Western Divide – a line of 12,000 foot peaks that divide the Kaweah River from the Kern River. It’s the best place in the park to enjoy the sunset. 

The Tunnel Log is a fallen sequoia tree that has been carved to create a tunnel for vehicles to pass through. It provides a memorable photo opportunity and allows visitors to experience the immense size of these ancient trees up close.

The Giant Forest is the centerpiece of the park. From here you have access to General Sherman and the paved Congress Trail. The giant forest is home to some of the best collections of really big trees inside of Sequoia national park. 

Roadside on the Generals Highway. Photo: Gus Tiffer

This scenic byway connects Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, offering stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and access to various attractions along the way. The drive provides opportunities to spot wildlife, explore hiking trails, and marvel at the majestic sequoia groves dotting the landscape.

The park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in central California. The two closest major cities near sequoia are Los Angeles and Fresno. San Francisco is doable, but would be a trek to get to sequoia. The best (and pretty much only) way to get around Sequoia national park is by car. Here are the best routes and driving directions to Sequoia National Park. 

• Sequoia is located 75 miles southeast of Fresno.
• You can expect to drive between 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the park.
• Driving directions directly from Google Maps here. The tolls indicated are to get into the actual park. 

• Sequoia is located 270 miles southeast of San Francisco.
• You can expect to drive 4.5 to 5 hours to reach the park.
• Driving directions directly from Google Maps here (taking the 5 South)

The three closest major airports to Sequoia are:

• Fresno Yosemite International Airport (80 miles)
• Los Angeles International Airport, LAX (200 miles)
• San Francisco International, SFO (270 miles)

Our opinion is that Fall is the best time to visit Sequoia National Park. The weather is cooler. The crowds are thinner. And it’s not quite yet the frigid winter temperatures. We wrote about this (and more) here: The perfect time to visit Sequoia National Park (link)

Definitely spend some time hiking in sequoia. Depending on how much time you decide to spend within sequoia, you can mix/match these hikes below. The main attraction of the park are the sequoia trees, but there are plenty of easy day hikes in these various parts of the park. 

Hiking through the Giant Forest. Photo: Gus Tiffer

The Giant Forest Loop Trail is perfect for beginners and offers a fantastic introduction to the park’s remarkable sequoias. This gentle 1.6-mile loop showcases the impressive General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth. As you stroll along the well-maintained trail, you’ll be surrounded by towering giants, providing a sense of tranquility and awe. 

Western Divide Peaks at Moro Rock Trail. Photo: Gus Tiffer

For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Moro Rock trail is an excellent choice. Although it requires some uphill climbing, the breathtaking panoramic views at the summit are well worth the effort. Ascend the granite stairs and marvel at the vastness of the park and the Great Western Divide stretching out before you.

The Crescent Meadow Loop is a picturesque 1.7-mile trail that takes you through meadows adorned with wildflowers and ancient sequoias. This trail offers a glimpse into the park’s diverse ecosystems, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as deer and birds.

Sequoia national park is open year-round: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Winter storms, fires, or other natural events will occasionally close the park to visitors. Be sure to check the national park service website to be sure the park is still open. 

Pets are not allowed on national park trails. But pets are generally allowed inside of the national parks. 

Yes, there are entrance fees to Sequoia National Park.

• $35 for private vehicles
• $20 per person (on foot)
• $30 for motorcycles

You can purchase an Annual National Parks Pass (also known as the America the Beautiful Pass) for $80, which gives you access to all the National Parks for a year. This is the most bang for your buck. 

The largest concentration of sequoia trees will be found inside the park. You will see them along the main highway and on several hikes. 

YES! If you’d like to stay in the park, it’s best to reserve a campsite. You can find information and availability for all the campsites inside of the park here: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Campsites.

Kind of. Because the park sits within a mountain range, it requires several switchbacks leading up to the main attractions of the park. On both occasions that we have visited, a passenger has gotten a little bit carsick (sadly). Unless noted by the rangers, park roads are generally safe to drive. Be mindful of your brakes when coming down the mountain, as you will be activating them for the majority of the way down. 

Everything in this guide! The two most important tips we have for visiting National Parks are:

• Get there early – earlier than you think!
• Visit the rangers station for the most up-to-date conditions of the park.  

General Sherman Tree. It’s the most popular area of the park. The earlier you get there, the better!

You can do the majority of the main attractions in one weekend. But if you are feeling ambitious, you can get them all done in one day! 

We are confident that once you stand beneath one of these massive trees, you will never forget them. We first visited Sequoia for the first time together in 2018. Our park guide is framed and we have it sitting in our bedroom.  You can do the majority of the main attractions in one weekend. But if you are feeling ambitious, you can get them all done in one day! 

Our very first national park guidebook!

You will breathe deeper here. Not only because the elevation is tough (ha!), but also because of the stunning views of the sequoia trees. You almost can’t believe they exist. We hope this Sequoia National Park travel guide has proven to be helpful whether you are planning a few hours or several days in the park. These are our best travel tips for beginners!

Now it’s your turn. When are you going to Sequoia national park? Email us at [email protected] to let us know (or just say hi!)