How to Visit the Sequoia Redwoods in California
Go inland to see the mighty Sequoia Redwoods of California, to King’s Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park and Giant Sequoia National Monument. In central California south of Yosemite National Park and east of the Central Valley, these national parks feature the sequoias that don’t usually get as tall as their coastal cousins, but often do get wider. The trunks of sequoias can be 40 feet across, while the height gets to 275 feet.
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Things You'll Need
- Camera
- Layered clothing
- Hiking boots
- Camping equipment, if camping
- Water
Instructions
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Giant Sequoias grow naturally on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Since Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park are next to each other, they are operated together. The main road through the parks is the Generals Highway. From there, you can visit the various groves such as Giant Forest Big Trees, hiking and wandering among the giants. Sequoias can have a width of 40 feet and a height of 275 feet.
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While there are some accommodations, these lesser known national parks are an excellent place to camp. You can make reservations at 1-877-444-6777. A special wilderness permit is required for the Golden Trout Wilderness. Pets are allowed in Sequoia National Forest but not in national parks. Campers are asked to leave no trace of their visit when they go.
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Fishing, hiking, river rafting, camping and just hanging out among the giants are some of the things to do in these national parks. Because these parks are less known than Yosemite National Park, they are not so overcrowded. There’s a pleasant amount of space.
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You can drive in to the parks from a number of places in the Central Valley. From Fresno on the north end, to Visalia and Porterville, to Bakersfield on the south end. The climate varies considerably. It’s hot in the summer, though likely to cool off in the evening. Some entrances may be closed in the winter due to snow.
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Tips & Warnings
Don’t miss Giant Sequoia National Monument Southern Unit.
Mountains, rivers, streams and giant trees all make Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks places not to be missed.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park, on Highway 4, east of Arnold is another excellent place to see the giant sequoias and to camp.
Resources
- Photo Credit Lois Requist
