How to Enjoy a Stay at Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park, situated above the southern portion of California’s San Joaquin Valley, is the nation’s second oldest national park. Due to the proximity of Kings Canyon National Park, some information about both parks is included in this article. Towering sequoias, majestic mountain peaks, meadows full of wild flowers, rushing waters and abundant wildlife are all here. Different seasons mean different scenery and activities but a visit to this park is always enjoyable and interesting. Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain peak in the Lower 48, is located here, as is the “Nation’s Christmas Tree.” This giant sequoia tree is the third largest in the world and attracts thousands of year-round visitors. Many make the “Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree” every December. The largest living tree in the world is also here, the General Sherman Tree. Although not the widest, nor the tallest sequoia in the world, it’s considered the biggest because of its sheer volume. About 2100 years old, it weighs in at about 2.7 million pounds and is almost 275 feet tall.

Things You'll Need

• California map
• Park map (can be obtained when entering the park)

Instructions

1. Camp year-round at the Lodgepole Campgrounds. It includes a Visitor Center with summer ranger programs and there is a market, snack bar, showers and laundry for your convenience. Lodgepole is only two miles from the Giant Forest Sequoia Grove, at 6,700 ft. elevation and is on the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. There are several other seasonal campsites. Each campsite includes a fire grill, picnic tables, bear-proof storage boxes for food but no hookups. Reservations are accepted for the Lodgepole and Dorst Campgrounds; all others are “first come, first served.” Stay year-round at the Wuksachi Lodge and Mountain Resort if you prefer not to camp. On the premises there is a restaurant, cocktail lounge, retail/ski shop and event facilities. The rooms are well designed and offer all the amenities of an upscale resort–private baths, telephones with data ports, TVs, coffee maker and mini refrigerator, ski rack, central heat, and daily maid service. Soaring peaks surround the entire property and you’ll find spectacular views from various areas of the resort. Nearby are many of the park’s main attractions (see Resources).

2. Hike into Sequoia’s backcountry for an overnight stay at the Bear Paw High Sierra Camp. It’s 11.5 miles one way and is considered a moderate hike with elevation starting at 6,700 ft. going up to 7,800 ft. It starts at Crescent Meadow and includes creek crossings and spectacular views of the Great Western Divide. You’ll need a wilderness permit which can be obtained at the Visitor Center. Accommodations are tent cabins with wood floors, canvas sides and outfitted with twin beds; each can sleep three with one person on the floor. There is a central bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. Breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate and box lunches are available for purchase also (see Resoureces).

3. Tour Crystal Cave while you’re at the park. You’ll see the underground beauty of Sequoia National Park, walk through large subterranean rooms, view stalactites and curtains, and see what was once limestone now turned into beautiful marble. You must be part of a guided tour and purchase tickets prior to arriving at Crystal Cave. Tickets must be bought in person at the Foothills or Lodgepole Visitor Center. Allow about 90 minutes to arrive at the cave. It’s situated off the General’s Highway between the Ash Mountain entrance and Giant Grove. You’ll drive down a winding, paved road to the parking lot and then walk a half-mile to the cave entrance. Sturdy shoes and a jacket (cave temps dip to about 50 degrees) are suggested. No trailer or vehicles over 22 feet are allowed on the Crystal Cave Road (see Resources).

4. Walk the 2-mile paved trail at the Giant Forest and marvel at the massive, towering sequoias. This is where the General Sherman Tree is and you’ll see others almost as large. Their exact age is unknown but they’re estimated to be 1800 to 2700 years old, having survived fires, drought and disease. Visit the Giant Forest Museum for more information about this area and its magnificent trees.

5. Climb to the top of Moro Rock, a large granite dome near the Giant Forest area. There is a quarter mile trail with almost 400 steps to the top. Magnificent views of the Great Western Divide can be seen from the top. There are many other things to do here so you’ll want to return.