Sequoia
National Park
Sequoia National Park was established in September 1890, making it the second oldest national park in the U.S. It was created to protect Giant Sequoias which are the largest trees on Earth by volume.
These massive trees only grow on the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, between 4,000 and 8,000 feet in elevation. About one-third of all naturally occurring sequoias are found in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Giant Sequoias are part of the redwood family, which also includes the tiny Dawn Redwoods and the towering Coast Redwoods found in Northern California. While Coast Redwoods are taller, Giant Sequoias have much thicker trunks, giving them their massive size.
Sequoia At a Glance
Sequoia National Park is located just east of Fresno, California on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The closest airport will be the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), about 1.5 hours away from the park’s Foothills entrance.
Reservations are not required to enter the park, but you will need a permit for backcountry hiking and to summit Mount Whitney.
$35 per vehicle for 7 days or FREE with the America the Beautiful pass. The 7 day pass covers both Sequoia and Kings Canyon!
You can visit Sequoia National Park any time of year, but for the best access to trails and open roads, plan your trip between May and September. That’s when most, if not all, of the snow has melted and more of the park is fully accessible.
The 17 Best Things to Do in Sequoia National Park
Looking for the best things to do in Sequoia National Park? We’re sharing tons of ideas + tips to help you plan your own trip!
The Perfect One Day in Sequoia National Park Itinerary
We’re sharing the perfect Sequoia National Park itinerary if you’re short on time!
General Sherman Tree & Congress Trail: The Ultimate Giant Sequoia Hike!
No visit to Sequoia National Park is complete without seeing the park’s iconic Giant Sequoias. These are the largest trees on Earth by volume and only grow on the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, between 4,000 and 8,000 feet. So there’s no better spot to see them than Sequoia National Park!
15 Best Hikes in Sequoia National Park for Every Skill Level
If you’re dreaming of hikes with giant trees and mountain views, look no further than Sequoia National Park! This California gem is home to some of the largest trees on Earth, including the famous General Sherman Tree, but offers way more than just towering trunks. From quick and easy walks to all-day summit adventures, these hikes in Sequoia National Park have something for everyone.
Sequoia Video
We have made it to our 50th and 51st National Parks: Sequoia and Kings Canyon! And although they are two separate parks, they are right next to each other and managed together, making them perfect to explore in one trip. So we spent two days trying to see as much as we could!
