Overview
Located in the southwest Sierra Nevada mountain range, Sequoia National Park is home to the largest trees in the world. Connected to Kings Canyon National Park, the two parks combined span 1,353 square miles and cover elevations from 1,370 ft to 14,494 ft. While a weekend in Sequoia is certainly not enough to see it all, you’ll have time to hit the highlights and see why they call this place the “land of giants.”
Logistics
Location: Sequoia National Park, California
When to go: June – October to beat the snow (Although personally I’d love to see the Sequoias covered in snow)
Costs: $35 park entrance fee + $22 campsite fee + $16 Optional Guided Tour of Crystal Cave
Where to Stay: There are 14 developed campgrounds available, but I would recommend Lodgepole ($22/night) as it’s only 2 miles from the Giant Forest area, home to the largest sequoias. It’s adjacent to the Lodgepole Market Center which has food, gifts and public showers/bathrooms. If Lodgepole is full, check out Dorst Creek Campground ($22/night) as it’s the second closet to the Giant Forest. Most campgrounds in the park are first come first served except Lodgepole, Dorst Creek, Potwisha, and Buckeye Flat which are available for advance reservation. For winter camping, you’ll have to stay at Potwisha located in the foothills of the park. See all campsite options here.
Dogs Allowed: Yes (in campgrounds but not on the trails)
Wildlife in Park: Black bears, gray fox, bobcat, skunks, deer, squirrel, mountain lion, marmot, & many more!
Water: Available in the park
Fires: Allowed at designated NPS fire grates/grills unless a fire restriction is in place (Firewood is overpriced but available at Lodgepole Village for ~$12.50/box)
Tips
If you want to be guaranteed a place to camp, reserve one of the available sites online months in advance. Lodgepole is the most popular campground and the best sites are farthest away from the visitor’s center by the river.
Save the offline Google Maps of Sequoia National Park to navigate when you lose service.
Be sure to fill your car with gas before entering the park as there are no stations within the park.
Everything is much more expensive within the park. I recommend purchasing food and firewood outside of the park. Note: Firewood should still be bought locally to avoid transmitting invasive diseases and species.
Be bear aware! Black bears (which can also be brown or blonde) are common sightings in the park and in my experience are not aggressive. Learn more about them and how to be prepared here.
Current Trail & Park Conditions
Day-By-Day Breakdown
Day 1 (Friday night): Arrive at Lodgepole Campground (or alt. campground) and set up camp. Hit the Lodgepole Visitor’s Center for current trail conditions on the way in (if it’s still open). Note: the drive from the Foothills Visitors Center to Lodgepole will take almost an hour as you climb a windy road. You may consider taking non-drowsy Dramamine if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Day 2 (Saturday): Pack a lunch and head out on one of the longer day hikes. Tip: Start the day early to beat the heat and the crowds. Suggested day hikes below:
Option 1: The Lakes Trail AKA Heather Lake, Emerald Lake & Pear Lake Trail (11.8 miles roundtrip, out & back): Scenic trail passing 3 lakes. Along the hike you have the option of taking the watchtower or hump route (both arrive at the same destination). For variety, take one on the way in and one on the way out. Note: both Emerald Lake and Pear Lake have pit toilets you can use.
Option 2: Tokopah Falls (3.5 miles roundtrip, out & back): This easy hike to a cool waterfall is most full in the spring.
Option 3: Alta Peak Trail (14.9 miles roundtrip, out & back): The peak at the end overlooks Emerald lake from above. It’s a long trail with 4,064 feet of elevation gain, so make sure you get an early start!
After a long day of hiking, head back to your campsite to cook dinner and make s’mores over the fire. Optional: Both the Lodgepole Market Center and fancier Wuksachi Lodge have dining options available (I heard the lodge has a “pizza deck” if you’re craving a pizza and a cold beer).
Day 3 (Sunday): Saving the best for last, today you’ll get to see the largest tree in the world, the 2,000 year-old General Sherman Tree. I recommend packing up your campsite before heading out for today’s activities.
Stop 1: Congress Trail Hike (3 miles roundtrip, out-and-back) – Easy stroll through the forest showcasing some of the best Sequoias in the park including: General Sherman, The President, Chief Sequoia, The Senate, and The House. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a bear! I’ve done this hike on 3 separate occasions, and seen bears on 2 of them. I’ve also heard it’s a great snow-shoe hike in the winter.
Optional: If you’re looking for a longer hike through the trees opt for the Giant Forest Loop Trail instead (7 miles roundtrip, out-and-back).
Stop 2: Moro Rock (.4 miles roundtrip, out-and-back) – Ascend the 350 steps up a giant dome-shaped granite rock to take in a fantastic view of the Great Western Divide. Parking is limited but people come and go pretty quickly. Tip: It’s best to hike on a clear day so you can see the view at the top.
Stop 3: Visit the Giant Forest Museum on your way out of the park to learn more about the incredible Sequoia trees.
Optional Tour of Crystal Cave:
If you have time during your weekend at Sequoia, Crystal cave is not to miss! The only way to explore the underground cave is through a 45-minute guided tour hosted by the Sequoia Parks Conservancy. Learn more and buy tickets here. Tip: To guarantee your spot on the tour, make reservations in advance. Tickets are also sold at the visitors center but not at the cave itself.
