Sequoias - Unbelievably Big and Picturesque

Updated: Jan 12, 2023

My main purpose for writing these blogs is so I could easily share tips and suggestions -- and not have to write then re-write (or re-text) everything each time I rave about something or someplace. In this case, Sequoia National Park: I can just point friends and family to this blog and save myself time and energy. Also, I'm a hoarder of photos, notes and tips, you know, 'coz you never know when you're going to need it.

This post is a long time in the making: I've raved about the giant Seqouia trees and this park for years, made the trek for several out-of-towners, wrote must-sees and gave tips... and only now did I manage to make this post.

You might say "Too late. You've already spent so much energy in the past; no need to make this post."

I beg to differ: Sequoia & Kings National Park will not stop being awesome and there will always be someone out there who hasn't been, but would probably want to.

Met a new friend while watching a baby black bear frolic with its mama bear and ended up finishing the trail with said new friend. We ended up exchanging mailing addresses with this family too!

One of my favorite stories about Sequoia NP is telling someone they should make the long 3 hour drive here. She asked me what is there to see and I answered "Trees."

I can't explain it any other way: These are the most impressive trees you'll see in California, maybe even the US, but essentially, yes, you are driving to look at trees.

If you give yourself three days to explore this park, it should be a good action-packed three days. If you want a more relaxing schedule, give yourself another day or two, especially if you plan on setting your own camp site.

Must-Sees, Must-Dos & Tips

Crystal Cave (linked!)

Tickets are NOT sold at the cave. You have to buy your tickets ahead of time. If you know when you're going, I suggest you buy your tickets online as soon as you make your decision to come here.

Make time to drive to the site. Though it's only about 13 miles from Lodgepole Visitor Center, but the drive there takes about 35 minutes because the road is narrow and curvy.

Then you have to park, put your stuff in bear-proof-lockers, and hike down to the cave entrance to wait for your tour guide. There are no self-guided tours.

More instructions will be provided when you buy your tickets (e.g. bring a jacket, a flashlight, etc.).

The tour lasts about an hour. All in all, it will likely take half your day.

My favorite part was when we all turned off our flashlights and experienced, for the first time in my life, the total absence of light.

Moro Rock

You're climbing a rock - this counts as rock climbing right?!?!

Seriously though, they couldn't have made it easier for us: steps all the way to the top! There are hand rails too. There are still plenty of opportunity to fall off the side of this mountain, but with reasonable care, you should survive this relatively easy hike.

And the view is sooooo worth it. The high jagged peaks of the southern Sierra Nevadas stretch far into the horizon, it looks like it goes on forever and ever.

General Sherman

General Sherman is the largest tree in the world (by volume, not by height) and can be found in the Giant Forest sequoia grove. It's an easy, fairly short trail to get to General Sherman from wherever you parked. While you're in this grove, make sure you walk through the Big Trees Trail - it will take your breath away!

General Grant

The General Grant tree, along with other notable trees, are in the Grant Grove. If you're keeping track, this is far from Crystal Cave; this is all the way in Kings Canyon portion of the National Park. It's an easy walk from the parking lot if you're in good walking condition, but if you're like my arthritic mom, this will be quite the workout, but entirely doable with enough time and breaks.

Cedar Grove

Cedar Grove is located at the end of Highway 180 in Kings Canyon. It takes some driving and effort to get there but it sure is beautiful. Try the Mist Trail, if you have the time. Or you can grab one of the picnic tables and relax there.

Crescent Loop

It's accessible by car or by shuttle but make sure you check the website because sometimes, it's closed to private vehicles. This loop has sooooo much stuff going on. The Tunnel Tree, where you can drive your car under a fallen tree, is found here. This is also where you can find Morro Rock. Also, there is a beautiful meadow full of wildflowers and is good for wildlife viewing. This is also where we found this beautiful fallen giant with beautiful exposed roots (see photo at the bottom).

Tip 1: It's not easy getting around the park without some sort of motorized vehicle; not if you have a lot of to-do items and you only have three days total. There are many things to see and they're spread throughout both Sequoia and Kings National Parks. Sometimes, depending on where you are and where you're going, you might have to "leave" the national park and then enter it again. Use the shuttle service or drive your own car.