14 Best Things to do in Sequoia National Park
If you want to reconnect with nature, Sequoia National Park is the place to do it.
I just got back from a multi-day trip to this park in the southern Sierra Nevada region of California, and my visit (re)confirmed just how special it is. There’s something magical about getting up close to some of the biggest trees in the world…even just driving through the dense forest is a treat!
If you’re starting to plan your visit, my guide covers all of the absolute best things to do in Sequoia National Park. There’s a lot to do, but I’m here to help break down the must-dos to make your planning a breeze!
Of course, you’ll see the most famous giant sequoias (hello, General Sherman!) and hike underneath other towering trees in the heart of the Giant Forest.
But don’t worry…there’s more to Sequoia than trees! We’ll cover other cool hikes in the park, amazing viewpoints, a super unique cave tour, and more.
At the very end of this guide, I’ve also included helpful tips for finalizing which trails and activities you should add to your itinerary, based on your interests and how much time you have in the park.
Quick note: this page may contain affiliate links, which means I can earn a commission if you click on the URL and make a purchase (at no additional cost to you!). This helps me run this site and continue to provide free travel guides. You can read my affiliates disclaimer for more info. Thank you!
Want to See the Best of California?
Sign up for monthly newsletters and to get my FREE local’s guide on must-visit destinations in Southern California & the Central Coast!
Quick Tips for Your Sequoia Trip
Before we dive into the must-dos, let’s talk through a few key Sequoia travel tips and things to keep in mind as you are planning your visit:
- Be Aware of Shuttle Operations: Fare-free Sequoia National Park shuttles operate from the late spring through the summer, as well as around some holidays. These are super helpful for navigating the park during the busy season, as you can park once and use the shuttle to get around. Note that Crescent Meadow Road (which leads to Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, and a few other key spots) closes to all cars except for shuttles when they are operating during the day.
- Check Road and Trail Closures Before You Go: As with any national park, it’s important to refer to the official Sequoia and Kings Canyon (aka SEKI) National Park website before your trip. This will give you any key info about road and trail closures that may impact your visit. This is especially important for winter visitors (as there are some seasonal closures for snow), but you should check no matter when you’re visiting!
- Consider a Tour for a Guided Experience: A tour can be a great way to experience Sequoia National Park with the help of a knowledgeable guide. You also won’t have to worry about transportation, which is a plus! I recommend checking out this 4-hour private Sequoia tour that starts in the park (it’s run by a family-owned company operated by former National Park Rangers!), or this small-group 7-hour Sequoia tour that departs from Three Rivers.
- Fill Up on Gas Before Entering the Park: Unless you book a guided tour or take the paid Visalia Sequoia Shuttle from nearby Three Rivers, Lemon Cove, or Visalia, a car is essential for getting into the park. There aren’t any gas stations within the park, so plan ahead!
- Bring Food and Water: There are just a few places to get food in the park (all of which are in the northern section, outside of the Giant Forest), so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty to eat and drink throughout the day.
- Buy Your Entrance Pass In Advance: Save yourself a bit of time at the entrance by purchasing your pass in advance online. America the Beautiful Passes are also accepted at the park.
1. See General Sherman (the Largest Tree by Volume in the World!)
This is an absolute must-add to any Sequoia National Park itinerary. The General Sherman Tree is the world’s largest tree (by volume), and stands at more than 270 feet tall. You really can’t understand just how massive it is until you see it in person!
There are two easy ways to get to the tree. You can park at the General Sherman Tree Parking Lot and walk down to the tree. It’s about a half mile walk from the parking lot, and the path is paved.
Alternatively, if you take the shuttle to the General Sherman Tree Trailhead stop, it’s an even shorter walk up to the tree. Both Route 1 and Route 4 stop at the trailhead.
As you might expect, this is one of the most popular attractions in Sequoia NP. I recommend arriving first thing in the morning to see the tree without the crowds, especially if you’re visiting in the summer or on a holiday weekend.
My last visit was over Labor Day weekend…in the early morning (around 7am) there were just a few people there, but when I returned in the afternoon, it was an absolute zoo.
2. Hike the Congress Trail to See the Mature Sequoias
This hike (which starts right by General Sherman) is my favorite trail in the park. It’s considered to be one of the best hikes in Sequoia National Park, as you get to explore the beautiful sequoia groves!
The Congress Trail is an easy, 2.9-mile paved hike. It goes by numerous groups of mature sequoia trees, including the House and Senate groups. You’ll also see massive trees like Chief Sequoyah and McKinley Tree.
Since it’s right by General Sherman, this trail can be accessed via the General Sherman Tree Parking Lot or the General Sherman Tree Trailhead shuttle stop.
General Sherman | The House Trees | The Senate Trees
3. Hike the Big Trees Trail & Learn About Sequoia Trees
Another amazing trail in the heart of the Giant Forest is the Big Trees Trail. It takes you up close to both mature and (relatively!) young sequoia trees.
This paved easy hike is just about three-quarters of a mile long. Beyond the beautiful trees, what makes this trail stand out are the educational signs along the path. You’ll learn more about the life cycles of sequoia trees, and what environments they thrive in.
The trailhead can easily be accessed from the Giant Forest Museum shuttle stop, or the parking lot right across the street from the Giant Forest Museum. The walk from the Giant Forest Museum to the trailhead is about a quarter mile long.
4. Visit the Giant Forest Museum
This is a fun quick stop to make, especially if you’ll be parking nearby or stopping at the Giant Forest shuttle stop!
In the Giant Forest Museum, you can learn even more about the life cycle of sequoia trees and the history of the park. It’s small, but it’s definitely worth stopping inside. If you want to bring home a souvenir, there is also a small gift shop inside!
5. Take the Crystal Cave Tour
This is such a unique experience that I highly recommend doing, especially if you have more than a day in the park. It’s unlike anything else you’ll do in Sequoia!
Crystal Cave is a gorgeous marble cavern. While there are approximately 240 caves within the national park, this is the only one accessible to the public.
On the guided Crystal Cave tour, you’ll follow a half-mile loop through the cave, going through the different “rooms” while learning about the formation of the cave.
Tours of the cave are offered through Sequoia Parks Conservancy, a non-profit partner of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Tickets need to be purchased in advance online. I recommend buying them early, especially if you are visiting on a weekend or around a holiday! I bought my tickets about a month before my visit, and some time slots were already sold out.
Note that tours of Crystal Cave are typically only operated from around the late spring to the late fall. For the 2026 season, they had to close right after Labor Day Weekend due to construction on the road leading to the cave.
6. Check Out Tunnel Log
Tunnel Log is one of the most popular spots to snap a photo in Sequoia! In the late 1930s, the giant sequoia fell naturally onto the road. Park officials carved a tunnel through the tree to allow cars to pass through (so long as they are under 8 feet tall…there’s a bypass lane if not!).
If the shuttle is running during your visit, Crescent Meadow Road (the road out to Tunnel Log) will be closed to other cars during the day. This means you won’t be able to drive through the tunnel, but you can still check it out (and walk through it) by taking the shuttle!
The Sequoia shuttle schedule doesn’t officially include Tunnel Log as a shuttle stop. That said, when I was visiting, shuttle drivers would drop people off right by the log.
If your shuttle doesn’t make a stop, you can get dropped off at the Moro Rock stop (via Route 2) and walk the half mile paved road over to Tunnel Log.
7. Hike on Top of Moro Rock
The Moro Rock Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park. It’s a totally different vibe than a lot of the other top trails, pretty much all of which go through sequoia groves.
It’s a short trail at just half a mile long out-and-back, but it does require some physical effort. You climb around 350 steps to get to the top of the massive granite dome, where you are met with amazing panoramic views. A lot of people love to head here around sunrise or sunset, but the views are amazing at any time!
When the shuttles are operating, Route 2 stops right at the trailhead. Otherwise, you’ll be able to park at the small lot at the trailhead, or on the road. Just note that it can get crowded!
8. Do a Short Hike to Hanging Rock
Just down the street from Moro Rock is the Hanging Rock Trail. The trail is super short at just 0.3 miles out-and-back.
Beyond seeing Hanging Rock (a large piece of granite perched on top of a granite surface), what’s cool about this hike is that you get a really nice view of Moro Rock from the side. Look closely, and you’ll see hikers making their ascent!
I wouldn’t call this quick hike an absolute must-do. That said, it is super quick and fun to do if you’re also planning on visiting Moro Rock!
End of the Moro Rock Trail | View of Moro Rock from the Hanging Rock Trail | View from the Top of Moro Rock
9. See the Parker Group Sequoias & the Buttress Tree
Right on Crescent Meadows Road are the Parker Group Sequoias and the Buttress Tree. These spots are a short walk from the Hanging Rock and Moro Rock trailheads, so it’s worth stopping by when you’re in the area!
The photo-worthy Parker Group Sequoias were named after the family of Captain James Parker, who was the acting superintendent of the park in the late 1800s.
A few feet away is the Buttress Tree. This massive sequoia fell in 1959, exposing its roots. It makes for a very cool photo!
10. Hike Around Crescent Meadows
The beautiful Crescent Meadow is one of the largest meadows in the park. There is a really nice, easy 1.3-mile loop trail that goes around the meadow.
If you want a longer hike, the loop is connected to other trails. This includes a short off-shoot that goes to the Tharp’s Log Cabin, which was built on a sequoia tree in the mid-1800s, as well as the Chimney Tree, which was hollowed out by a fire in the early 1900s.
It’s super common to see bears in the meadow, especially in the spring and summer. If you see bears anywhere in the park, remember to keep your distance (and in general, be sure to read up on bear safety before your visit!).
I’ve heard that this hike is especially beautiful around June through August, when corn-lilies, lupines, and other wildflowers are in full bloom. I’m hoping to visit during a wildflower bloom for my next trip!
When the shuttles are operating, the Route 2 shuttle stops right at the trailhead. Otherwise, there is a small parking lot at the start of the trail.
Crescent Meadow | Buttress Tree | Parker Group
11. Hike to Tokopah Falls
I really love the Tokopah Falls Trail, as you get a gorgeous, varied landscape through the trail (that’s different from other popular hikes in the park!). This trail is just around 4 miles long and is rated as moderate.
You hike along the Marble Fork Kaweah River and underneath the fir and pine trees (no sequoias here!), enjoying scenic views of the valley along the way. At the end, you hit the cascading 1200-foot Tokopah Falls.
If you are visiting sometime from the mid-summer through the fall, there’s a good chance there will be little (if any!) water going down the falls. That said, I still highly recommend doing the hike. The views along the entire trail are beautiful!
This hike is also known for being a great spot to see wildlife. I saw a bear on the hike, as well as some deer.
While you’re hiking, I highly recommend walking down to the Kaweah River and dipping your feet in the water. It’s super refreshing, especially on a warm day! Of course, be cautious, and avoid stronger currents.
You can access the trailhead via the Route 1 and Route 3 shuttles. Take these shuttles to the Lodgepole Campground stop, which is right by the trailhead.
There is also lots of parking right at Lodgepole Campground, as well as the Lodgepole Visitor Center & Market right down the road.
12. Drive by the Four Guardsmen
This is less of a stop, and more something to keep your eye out for as you make your drive into the park!
Soon after you enter the Giant Forest, you’ll pass by the Four Guardsmen, a group of giant sequoia trees. Three of the sequoias flank either side of Generals Highway, with the remaining tree intersecting the two lanes.
These are the first giant sequoias you’ll see as you get into the heart of the park, and it’s fun to take a photo (or video!) as you drive past.
13. Take in the Views of the Valley from Generals Highway
It’s worth taking a stop along Generals Highway to enjoy the views of the valley, either when you are driving into the park or at the end of the day when you’re leaving.
You’ll pass by different pullouts along the road, but one particularly popular spot worth highlighting is Amphitheater Point View. You get sweeping views, and you’ll see Moro Rock up above. Another nice spot that is just a bit up the road is simply labelled Vista Point on Google Maps.
14. Snap a Photo with the Sequoia National Park Sign
Be sure to get your national park sign photo! The Sequoia National Park Sign is located just a quarter mile past the Ash Mountain Entrance to Sequoia.
Explore the Best of Sequoia with a Tour
Take the stress out of planning and transportation by booking one of these Sequoia tours:
- Private Family-Owned Sequoia Tour: This tour company is operated by former National Park Rangers, so you know you’re in good hands! The private tour is around 4 hours long, and starts at either Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia or John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon.
- Small-Group Sequoia Tour: This tour has a maximum group size of 10, so you’ll still enjoy a more intimate experience. It departs from the town of Three Rivers (which borders the Ash Mountain Entrance), so you don’t have to deal with any transportation within the park.
Choosing the Best Sequoia Spots for Your Trip
For a first-time visit, I’d definitely prioritize seeing General Sherman, and hiking the Congress and Big Trees trails. After all, Sequoia is all about the trees…and this is where you’ll see some of the most magnificent sequoia trees in the park!
If you only have one day in Sequoia National Park, I’d add those spots to your itinerary, along with Moro Rock and Tunnel Log (and Crescent Meadows if you have the time!).
Alternatively, if you’re interested in doing the Crystal Cave Tour, I’d spend one half of the day with General Sherman, the Congress Trail, and the Big Trees Trail, and the other half doing the cave tour. Depending on your timing, you may also be able to fit in a stop at Moro Rock at sunset.
If you are planning a two day (or longer!) trip, you can fit all of the spots on my list in your itinerary. In my opinion, two full days is the perfect amount of time for exploring the best of Sequoia National Park! If you have more than two days, you can dedicate some of your itinerary to exploring Kings Canyon National Park, which shares a border with Sequoia.
For more national parks and outdoor adventures in California, take a look at these guides:
- The Perfect Lake Tahoe Summer Itinerary: A Complete 2-Day Guide
- The Top Things to do in Red Rock Canyon State Park, California
- Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve: The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide
- How to Plan the Perfect Channel Islands Day Trip (Santa Cruz Island)
- The Perfect Weekend Trip to Joshua Tree National Park
