Sequoia National Park – Home of Giant Trees

Sequoia National Park, located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, USA, is a unique natural wonder that everyone should see. The concentration of giant trees reaching heights of dozens of meters and ages of hundreds or even thousands of years is truly breathtaking. A visit to Sequoia National Park will leave you in silent awe and etched deeply in your memory. Established in 1890, it is the second-oldest national park in the United States, after Yellowstone.

Sequoia National Park was established in 1890 and is the second-oldest national park in the United States, after Yellowstone. You’ll find it in the southern part of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, and as its name suggests, it is home to the tallest trees growing on our planet – sequoias. However, this doesn’t mean that the moment you step into this natural reserve, you’ll encounter sequoias at every turn. They grow only in certain areas.

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Fires in Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park regularly faces wildfires, which are a natural occurrence in this region. Fires play a vital ecological role here – they help the forest regenerate. In fact, sequoias literally need the intense heat from wildfires in order to grow and reproduce. Only thanks to this heat do the cones of these remarkable trees open, allowing their seeds to germinate. In recent years, however, climate change and the buildup of dry vegetation have made the fires more intense and destructive. For example, the Castle Fire in 2020 destroyed up to 10% of all mature sequoias, sparking concerns about the future of these ancient trees.

The park administration is therefore taking steps to protect the sequoia groves, not only by conducting controlled burns but also by creating protective barriers around the most valuable trees. Nevertheless, the risk remains high, and extreme fires threaten not only the park’s natural beauty but also local communities and tourist infrastructure.

15 Interesting Facts About Sequoia National Park

Here are some lesser-known facts about Sequoia National Park that will help you understand its unique features and history:

• The park is home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume, standing about 275 feet tall and estimated to be between 2,200 and 2,700 years old.
• The sequoias in the park have existed for millions of years, dating back to the time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
• Sequoia National Park was established in 1890 and was the second national park in the United States after Yellowstone.
• The park contains Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States (excluding Alaska), with an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 m) above sea level.
• In 1976, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks were designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Sequoia National Park, also known as the Giant Forest, is home to five of the ten largest trees in the world, including General Sherman.
• More than 95% of the park is designated wilderness and features diverse ecosystems, from foothill chaparral to alpine tundra.
• The park was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Monache, who used this land for thousands of years.
• Sequoia National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and more than 200 species of birds.
• Giant sequoias are adapted to fire – their thick bark protects them from flames, and fire helps clear the undergrowth, allowing young sequoias to thrive.
• The first non-native settler built a cabin in the park, which still stands today.
• George W. Bush was the first sitting president to visit Sequoia National Park, in 2003.
• A hole through a fallen giant sequoia, known as the Tunnel Log, was deliberately carved to allow cars to pass through.
• The park is home to several rare plant species, including the endangered California black oak.
• The landscape of Sequoia National Park was shaped by glaciers during the last Ice Age, creating its dramatic valleys and peaks.

Best Time to Visit Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park may not be as busy as its more famous neighbor, Yosemite, but it’s still one of the more popular parks, attracting millions of visitors each year. If you want to enjoy it in peace, avoid the summer season, when crowds are at their peak. On the other hand, visiting in winter can be quite an adrenaline-filled experience.

The park is home to some of the highest peaks in the United States, and even the sequoias themselves grow at elevations starting around 6,500 feet (2,000 m), where snow is common. In poor weather, roads can be completely closed, meaning you won’t be able to access many areas. For this reason, the best time to visit the park is in spring or fall.

We visited the park in early November and got lucky. Road closures were announced for around 4 p.m. that day due to an approaching snowstorm. We arrived early in the crisp autumn morning, explored as many places as we could in the short time we had, and left in the afternoon with dark clouds behind us and the first snowflakes falling.

But snow isn’t the only surprise you might encounter in Sequoia National Park. Fires are also a common issue here. That’s why it’s important to check the park’s official website and be prepared for these and other possible closures.

Consider the Location of Your Base Camp

In the USA, destinations are often spread far apart, and Sequoia National Park is no exception. When planning your visit, be sure to factor in driving time and distances to the places you want to see. We stayed at the Lazy J Ranch Motel (a charming, rustic accommodation with its own mini-zoo, children’s playground, and beautiful views of the surroundings) just 12 miles (20 km) from the park entrance. Even so, the drive into the heart of this incredible wilderness, to the parking lot near General Sherman, took us a good hour and a half.

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Of course, there are a few accommodation options right inside the national park, but their capacity is very limited, and you can generally expect to pay about three times the price compared to lodging outside the park. Another option, not only nearby but also cheaper, is camping.

The cheapest, though also farthest from Sequoia National Park, is staying in one of the larger nearby towns such as Visalia or Tulare. Ultimately, it’s entirely up to you—and your budget and time constraints—which option you choose.

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What to See in Sequoia National Park?

Most visitors come to Sequoia National Park to see the giant trees, but not only do you have to “climb” to elevations above 6,500 feet (2,000 m) to reach them, the park’s nature offers much more. Here are a few of the most famous spots you can visit in the park:

General Sherman Tree: The largest living tree in the world

The General Sherman Tree, located in Sequoia National Park, is the largest living tree on Earth by volume (meaning it is not the tallest). This giant sequoia stands an impressive 83.8 meters (275 feet) tall and has a base diameter of about 11 meters (36 feet), making it a true wonder of nature.

This iconic tree holds great ecological significance, symbolizing the resilience and longevity of nature. Estimated to be more than 2,200 years old, the General Sherman Tree has witnessed centuries of history, serving as a living testament to the natural world.

You can reach the tree via a comfortable, wide trail from one of the nearby parking lots. The round trip is about 2 km (1.2 miles), making it suitable even for children. Along the way, you’ll see several other giant sequoias—not just the impressive General Sherman.

Congress Trail: Among the Imposing Giants

Congress Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in the national park. It starts near the General Sherman Tree and is just under 5 km (3 miles) long. What sets it apart from other trails is its high concentration of giant sequoias. This route takes you through the heart of the Giant Forest, offering the chance to admire some of the largest sequoias in the world, including the President Tree—the third-largest tree on Earth—and well-known clusters of trees aptly named the House and the Senate.

Big Tree Trail: With Children Among the Giants

Big Trees Trail is an easy, less than 2 km (1.2 miles) loop trail in Sequoia National Park that circles a picturesque meadow in the Giant Forest area. The path is fully paved and suitable for families with children, strollers, and visitors with limited mobility. Along the way, interpretive signs provide insight into the giant sequoia ecosystem and the history of the area.

The trail offers visitors the chance to admire majestic sequoias, including the Clara Barton Tree, and to explore the surrounding flora and fauna. Although the site is close to the main road, the best parking is at the Giant Forest Museum, from where it’s just a five-minute walk to the trailhead.

Moro Rock: Panoramic View

Moro Rock is a granite dome in Sequoia National Park that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. To reach the top, you’ll need to climb a steep staircase built into the rock. It’s a workout that will leave you catching your breath, but the incredible view is well worth the effort.

The 350 steps lead you to an elevation of 6,725 feet (about 2,050 meters), where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the park’s rugged mountains, deep canyons, and distant peaks. The staircase isn’t for the faint of heart, as steep drop-offs flank both sides, but even children can manage the climb.

Crystal Cave: An Underground Adventure

Crystal Cave is a fascinating marble cavern that offers a unique underground experience. This hidden gem can only be visited with a guide. Inside, the climate remains cool, with a constant temperature of about 48°F (9°C). It’s one of the few places in California where you can explore stunning underground formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, and rare minerals.

Entry to the cave requires an additional fee, and tickets cannot be purchased on-site—they must be booked online in advance.

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More of Our Tips and Advice

• Entrance to the national park costs $35 per vehicle.
• If you plan to visit at least three U.S. national parks within 12 months, get the America the Beautiful Pass. For $80, it gives you unlimited entry to all national parks in the United States.
• On certain U.S. federal holidays, entrance to Sequoia National Park is completely free.
• No cash payments are accepted! Rangers take only electronic payments.
• Start your trip early in the morning to avoid crowds. The same applies to visits in spring and fall.
• Fill up your gas tank before entering the park—there are no fuel stations inside.
• Park only in designated parking areas; parking is free.
• Near the main trails you’ll usually find restrooms, though most are basic vault toilets. Flush toilets are available only at certain parking lots and near visitor centers.
• Store any food you bring in sealed containers. Its scent could attract bears, which are common here—signs in the park also warn of this.
• If you want to go on a multi-day hike, you must register your trip and route in advance. Instructions are available on the park’s website.
• The weather here can be unpredictable—sunshine and warmth can quickly turn into a cold storm, so plan accordingly if you’re heading far from your car.
• If you have children, rangers can provide them (at the entrance station or visitor center) with a fun activity book. Kids are tasked with spotting plants and animals, solving puzzles, and drawing. A completed book earns them a Junior Ranger badge.

And our biggest tip—enjoy every moment! Sequoia National Park is one of the most incredible places on our planet, and visiting it will be an experience you’ll never forget.