Sequoia National Park In One Day: The Best Itinerary for a Stunning Trip with your Partner

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Are you looking to visit Sequoia National Park in one day? You’re in the right place! In this itinerary, you will find everything your need to know about your day trip in Sequoia National Park.

Actually, this itinerary is even better than that. As you may know, Sequoia Park shares a border with Kings Canyon National Park. This itinerary is built in a way that you get to see both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks so you can tick both off your bucket list!

Sequoia National Park is one of my favourite parks I’ve visited on trips to the USA. It is still a bit under the radar and has lots to offer. We recommend adding it to your USA West Coast road trip.

What you will find in this post:

• A complete itinerary of all the best things to do in Sequoia National Forest in one day, in a logical order so you don’t waste time
• Recommended amount of time to spend at each landmark and viewpoint
• How to see sequoia national park in one day and whether you should use a car or public transportation
• The best time of the year to visit Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
• How to visit Sequoia National Park in one day while staying safe on bear territory
• Suggestions of things to do in the park if you want to stay longer
• Suggested itinerary if you can only stay for a half day
• Suggestions of romantic activities in the park to enjoy with your partner
• Tips on how to see black bears in the park
• Where to stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
• Where to eat in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
• Tips from our experience exploring both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Quick facts and what to see in Sequoia National Park in one day

Before we dive deep into our Sequoia National Park one day itinerary, we wanted to give you a few quick facts about the park and what to expect from your Sequoia National Park visit.

Sequoia National Park is located in California and often overlooked by visitors who prefer heading straight to Yosemite. It’s about 404,000 acres big and welcomes over 2 millions of visitors each year, mostly between May and October. With this itinerary, you will see the main lookouts, viewpoints and landmarks of Sequoia National Park in about 100km which is about 1h30min to 2h of driving (not including time at each spot). It’s a really good park to see lots of what it has to offer without having to drive for hours! 

Both Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are located on indigenous land and specifically on the Mono, Paiute, Yokut, Tübatulabal, and Western Shoshone peoples. 

The closest cities to Sequoia Tree National Park are Visalia and Three Rivers. The closest airports to the park are Visalia Municipal Airport and Fresno Yosemite International Airport. 

The park offers a range of walks and hikes. Most of the ones to the landmarks are accessible and easy to do. The park has installed wooden boardwalks so you can get the best out of your experience with minimal efforts. During our trip to Sequoia National Park, we never walked more than 10 to 15min to get to a point of interest.

Highlights of Sequoia National Park include the General Sherman Tree, the Giant Forest, Moro Rock, Tunnel Log and Crystal Caves.

Is visiting Sequoia national park in one day a good destination for couples on a budget?

To put it simply, I highly recommend doing a Sequoia National Park day trip no matter who you are traveling with. Unfortunately, the park is often overlooked by visitors who prefer focusing on San Francisco or Yosemite National Park. However it’s a true underrated gem with stunning sceneries that is worth stopping by for at least one day.

Is Sequoia good for a romantic trip?

As far as travelling as a couple, I think Sequoia park is a great idea. There are lots of trails in the park which are perfect to go on nice walks together while you’re surrounded by incredible sceneries. Some areas (which we’ll dive into below) are breathtaking and you’ll probably want to share those once in a lifetime moment with your partner! It’s a pretty romantic park with lots of spots to have picnics or just sit in each other’s presence and appreciate the views. Sequoia National Park is actually one of the top elopement places in the USA for couples who want a stunning but smaller wedding ceremony.

Of course, you can also stay the night at one of the very nice cabins or the famous A-frame cabins in the park like this one. This riverfront cabin is also perfect for a romantic night as you’ll be able to enjoy the hot tub right on the riverfront! 

There are also lots of romantic things to do just a few hours from Sequoia such as this romantic sunset boat cruise in the San Francisco Bay. Don’t forget to use one of our sunset sky captions for your photos.

Couples on a budget

When it comes to being a couple on a budget, spending one day in Sequoia National Park is overall pretty cheap. Although we go into more details of the costs in the next section, note that once you’ve entered the park, every viewpoint is free to access. Note also that when you’re visiting Sequoia National Park with this one day itinerary, you’re also visiting Kings Canyon so you’re checking two national parks off your list at once!

Budget for all the things to do at Sequoia National Park

A one day trip to Sequoia National Park is quite a cheap travel idea. In this section, we tell you about the costs to expect and how you can save money based on our mistakes (lol). 

• Entry Fee: Sequoia National Park Day Pass costs $35 per vehicle. The pass is valid for 7 days and you can come back anytime and as much as you want during that period. We recommend buying this pass if you are visiting less than three national parks on your trip. 
• National Parks Pass: If you are going to visit more than three national parks or recreational areas in the USA during your trip, we highly recommend buying the national parks pass. You can buy it on the National Parks Service website for $80 and it gives you access to over 2000 parks. The pass is also available at the parks entrances.  It’s worth it if you’re going to visit over 2 parks. We didn’t get that pass on our road trip across the West Coast of the USA and ended up spending more money than we should have!
• Free Entrance: Entrance to Sequoia National Park is free five times a year on special occasions. You can check the free entrance day dates here. 
• Lodge night stay: If you end up staying longer that a day in the park, you can choose to stay at one of the lodges. Although the cheapest lodges cost around $120 a night, most of them are in the $200-$400 range. 
• Gas: One thing you’ll have to account for in your budget for Sequoia National Park is gas. Although there are lots of trails in the park, you will drive about 100km to see Sequoia National Park in one day (including Kings Canyon). One way to mitigate that cost while exploring the park is to make use of the free shuttles around the park. Sequoia Park schedules four free shuttles from the end of May to the beginning of September which take you around the park to all the main landmarks and trails. You can see the different shuttle routes and schedules here. 
• Shuttle from Visalia: If you don’t have a car or do not want to drive into the park, you can use the shuttle from Visalia to the park. The ticket costs $20 per person and gives you access to the shuttles inside the park as well. 

Map to visit Sequoia National Park in one day

How many days should you spend in Sequoia National Park ?

How many days you should spend in Sequoia National Park will greatly depend on your interests and whether you are a hiker, a camper, or you like the tourist life. Although we do like the outdoors and hiking in nature, we visited Sequoia Park on a road trip across the USA (Nashville to Hawaii to be precise) so we were subject to a defined schedule that only gave us one day in the park.

Can you do Sequoia National Park one day?

The short answer to this question is yes. During our trip across the USA, we only spent one day in Sequoia National Park between Los Angeles and Yosemite National Park. In one day, we were able to see all the main viewpoints, walk the main trails and see every main landmark of the park. 

One day in Sequoia National Park will allow you to see all the main landmarks and walk the main trails. However, if you have got the opportunity to, I would highly recommend staying longer. 

How long do you actually need in Sequoia National Park?

My answer would be that one day is an absolute minimum. Two or three full days would, in my opinion, be the sweet spot. This duration would allow you to do more than juts stopping at the nice spots. It would allow you to go on a couple of longer hikes or even do a specific activity like horseback riding through the park. I wouldn’t recommend staying longer than three days as there wouldn’t be enough to do to fill that time. 

Can you do Yosemite and Sequoia in a day?

Visiting Yosemite and Sequoia in one day would be a no for me. Although technically, you could, you would just be wasting your time driving and barely seeing anything in the parks.  One day to visit both Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks would amount to a half day in Sequoia which wouldn’t allow for much time to visit even the main stops. Both Sequoia and Yosemite are very beautiful parks and they each deserve at least one day to visit. 

How to get to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park

Transportation to Sequoia Park

For this one day trip Sequoia National Park itinerary, we recommend going to the park by car. Using a car will allow you to be on your own schedule and visit every spot you’re interested in. That said, you can also get to Sequoia National Park by using the shuttle from Visalia. The round trip from Visalia costs $20 per person and gives you access to the free shuttles in the park as well. 

Entrance to Sequoia National Park

There are two ways to enter Sequoia National Park. The first Sequoia National Park entrance is located in the south of the park and is called Ash Mountain Entrance. This entrance is closer to Three Rivers, Visalia and more accessible if you’re coming from Los Angeles.

The second entrance is called Big Stump entrance and is located in the north of the Park on the Kings Canyon National Park side. This is the best entrance if you are coming from San Francisco or Fresno. 

Although this itinerary is based on our experience and starts at the Ash Mountain Entrance, you can use either entrances to spend one day in Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia park.

How to get around Sequoia National Park

As you’ll only have one day in the park, your mean of transportation is quite important as it can impact your schedule and how much time you spend going around. 

Going around Sequoia National Park by car

Most visitors, like us, choose to visit the park by car. There are plenty of carparks all around the park and close to the main trails and landmarks. This is, in our experience, the most efficient and independent way to visit the park.

Going around Sequoia National Park by shuttle 

A great way to go around the park without having to drive around is to use the free shuttles available. There are four routes that take you to every main trail and viewpoint. These are very handy and come every 8 to 30 minute depending on the route. 

Going around Sequoia National Park by bicycle

Bicycling through Sequoia National Park is another pretty efficient option to visit the park. Although you cannot actually rent bikes in the park, you can bring your own and travel with them around the park. 

Going around Sequoia National Park by walking

Walking to and around the park is another option. Note that the park is quite large and distances can be demanding. I would not recommend this option if you’re not a hiker. It’s also not the most time efficient mean of transportation and won’t allow you to see everything on this itinerary.

Sequoia National Park in one day itinerary

You might be wondering what is there to do in Sequoia National Park besides looking at trees. Well, in this section, you’ll find a detailed itinerary (ours) to visit Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park in one day. From stunning landscapes to memorable hikes, this will make for the perfect day to share with your partner. 

1. Sequoia National Park Sign, the start of your 1 day itinerary in Sequoia National Park

Your first stop on your one day itinerary sequoia national park is the park’s sign. Although I’ll agree there isn’t much to do here as such, stopping by the park’s sign and taking a photo with it is tradition. 

The sign is located by the Ash Mountain Entrance which is the entrance you’ll have to take for this itinerary. It was carved out a sequoia tree by craftsmen and tells the name of the park.

There is a carpark right next to the sign where you can easily park for free. 

Time recommended: 15min

2. Foothills visitor centre 

Your second stop on this Sequoia one day itinerary is the Foothills Visitor Centre. It is located before any of the relevant viewpoints and is a good place for a first stop. Here you will find a number of rangers on duty that can answer any questions you may have and provide any help you may need. You’ll also find informational panels about the park which is great to read first so you know what you’r looking at later. There is also a gift shop in the centre.

We recommend stopping here to grab a map and read the informational panel.

Time recommended: 20min

3. Tunnel rock, for a fun visit of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in one day

Tunnel rock is essentially what its name says it is: a large rock that forms a tunnel. The rock is a large granite boulder that forms an arch over the road creating a tunnel for visitors. It is a popular spot for photos.

Although cars used to be able to drive under the rock, they no longer have access to this portion of the road as they became too big for the tunnel. You will need to park close by and walk on the paved path to the boulder. It’s a short and easy walk and a fun part of the Foothills.

Time recommended: 15min

4. Moro Rock, one of the best Sequoia National Park day hikes

Moro rock is a giant granite boulder that stands high over Sequoia National Park. It is similar to Yosemite’s Half Dome and is one of the best viewpoints you should see on your one day at Sequoia National Park.

The first way to see Moro Rock is on your way to the Giant Forest. From the road, you’ll be able to peak at Moro Tock and the surrounding areas. That said, one of people’s favourite ways to discover Moro Rock is by hiking to the top. 

The Moro Rock trail is one of Sequoia National Park best day hikes. It includes a trail section and a staircase section. During the summer, you can park at the Giant Forest Museum and use the free shuttle that takes you to the beginning of the staircase. Outside of summer, you can drive to the Moro rock carpark and hike up the stairs from there. You can also park at the Giant Forest Museum and start the trail through the sequoias before reaching the beginning of the staircase but that is a longer route. 

The hike to Moro Rock is essentially 350 step narrow staircase that takes you on a 300 meters elevation. The round trip takes 45 minutes on average but it highly depends on your physical condition. Note that the staircase is just going up the whole way to the top which can be tiring. The staircase is made of concrete and rock though so it is comfortable to walk on. 

From the top, you’ll see beautiful views over Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon, and the Great Western Divide which is a mountain range that is part of the border between the two. 

Time recommended: 1h30min

5. Tunnel Log, one of the fun things to do in Sequoia National Park

Next on your way is Tunnel Log. Tunnel Log is located in Crescent Meadow. It is a sequoia that fell over the road in 1937 and that was carved out to make a tunnel for cars. 

As it is quite fun to drive through, this has become a popular photo spot so expect a bit of delay here as people stop to take their shot. 

Time recommended: 20-30min

6. Crescent Meadow Road

Crescent Meadow is an easy and flat loop trail that takes about 45 minutes to complete. This is a peaceful trail that will let you appreciate the park one step at a time. Along the way, you’ll see giants sequoia trees along with Chimney Trey, a burnt Sequoia that is still standing and that you can actually enter (yes, it is that big).

Time recommended: 45min

7. The Giant Forest & Museum

The Giant Forest is an area of Sequoia National Park that is home to over 8,000 giant sequoia trees. The sequoia trees represent half of the largest and oldest trees in the world. This is where you’ll be spending most of your time in Sequoia National Park as it is  one of its most impressive areas. 

By the road, you’ll also find the free Giant Forest Museum which will teach you all about the trees at Sequoia and the differences with the redwood trees. You can also enjoy Round Meadow from the museum. 

8. The Sentinel tree

Known as a “very average” sequoia tree, the Sentinel Tree is a sequoia located near the Giant Forest Museum. Although its size is considered average, the tree will still blow your mind by how tall it is! There is an opening in the middle of the tree where you can stand and appreciate its size. This will also make you realise how large the other sequoias are.

Time recommended: 30min

9. Crystal Cave (optional)

Located in the Giant Forest area, Crystal Cave is a marble cavern with stalactites and stalagmites. It is a fun visit to do although we personally decided to skip it as we preferred exploring the outdoor world instead. That said, we have heard great things about the tour. 

Time recommended: The guided tour lasts 50min. 

10. Big Trees trail, for memorable Sequoia National Park holidays

The Big Trees trail is a trail to see…the big trees (the suspense was killing us!). Seriously, if you want to see giant sequoia trees, you have to take a walk on the Big Trees trail. The trail is easy and flat with comfortable boardwalk that take you around the big sequoias. 

On your way, keep an eye out for the tree with a rock growing in it and the Big Stump. 

Time recommended: 30min

11. Congress trail

Congree trail is one of the top 10 things to do in Sequoia National Park. It is a two mile loop that starts behind the General Sherman Tree and takes you around some of the biggest trees in the park. This is the most breathtaking trail out of all the meadows in my experience. I recommend taking your time through the loop and really taking in the views and atmosphere. Depending on how much time you have, you can also do only a section of the loop although we do recommend going all the way around.

Time recommended: 1h30min

12. The General Sherman tree, one of the highlights of visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon in one day

The General Sherman tree is without a doubt, the main attraction of Sequoia National Park. Also known as the King of the Forest ( and you will soon understand why), this tree is over 2,000 years old, 275 feet tall and about 100 feet wide. This is one of the biggest trees I have ever seen. It is so big that it was extremely difficult to manage a decent photo because no matter what way you take, it just won’t fit or you’ll be standing here trying to take a panoramic photo for a while. 

Time recommended: 30min

13. The General Grant tree, Kings Canyon National Park 

The General Grant Tree, also known as the Nation’s Christmas Tree, is the second largest tree in the world and is located in Grant Grove in Kings Canyon. You can walk up to the tree and stand nearby to really appreciate how big it is!

Time recommended: 30min

Are you only staying a half day in Sequoia National Park? 

Doing a Sequoia National Park half day tour is quite short to be able to see everything the park has to offer. To make sure you get the best of this short time on site, we have made a selection of the top 3 spots to see in Sequoia National Park. 

One of the top things to do at Sequoia National Forest is seeing the General Sherman Tree. Two other of the Sequoia National Park best things to do include the Big Trees Trail and the Giant Forest. 

Do you want to stay 2 days in Sequoia National Park or more?

Considering how beautiful the park is, it is understandable that you would want to do a 2 day trip to Sequoia National Park or that you’d be looking for a Sequoia National Park 3 day itinerary. In this section, we go over some landmarks we think would be great to add to this itinerary. 

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park 2 day itinerary

If you are wondering what to see in Sequoia National Park in two days, rest assured that you won’t be disappointed. We recommend adding the following to your second day in Sequoia.

Tokopah Falls

Located in Sequoia, the Tokopah Falls are about 1,200 foot high and fall down a large wall of granite. the trail is 1.7miles/2.7km long and is quite easy.

Grant Grove hiking

Grant Grove is a large area that is home to numerous trails. From meadows to creeks and coming up close to giant sequoias, you will love hiking here. Highlights include the Buena Vista Viewpoint which, as its name indicates, provide a beautiful 360 degree view of the high Sierra, Redwood Canyon and Buck Rock Fire Tower.

Cedar Grove hiking 

Cedar Grove is another area that is great for hiking with lots of meadows, bridges and waterfalls. Highlights include hiking Don Cecil Trail for views of Monarch Divide, Lookout Peak or Mist Falls trail which leaves to one of the biggest waterfalls in the park. 

Drive the Majestic Mountain Loop

This three day loop itinerary connects the park with other parts of California including Yosemite. although this takes three days to complete, you can drive parts of it if you are spending more than one day in the Sequoia region. 

Panoramic Point road

As its name indicates, this scenic drive is great for panoramic views of the park and canyon. It ends at Hume Lake, a reservoir of the Sierra Nevada. Popular activities at Hume Lake include fishing, biking and swimming. It is open year round so if you are visiting in the summer, you might want to go for a dip! 

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

This is the name given to Highway 180. The road is carved into granite boulders and is about 50miles long. It is one of the best scenic drives in California as it goes across canyons, waterfalls and even follows a river. With trees surrounding you and mountains in the backdrop, it’s a beautiful drive!

What is there to do at Sequoia National Park in 3 days?

We would say that staying 3 days in Sequoia National Park is a bit long as there might not be much to do on the third day. If you decide to stay here 3 days, we would recommend taking that opportunity to relax at one of the lodges or go on a new hike. Your third day could also be dedicated to resting and immersing yourself in the slow life of the park.

Now if you like to remain active and want to see more of the park, why not see more of the park from a different perspective? Sequoia National Park offers horseback riding experiences at Grant Grove Stables or Cedar Grove stables. This can be quite a romantic and fun experience to share with your partner!  

Where to see bears on your Sequoia National Park full day tour

This might come as a surprise to you but Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are bear territories. This means that bears live here and roam freely. One of the best things you could do while visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia in one day is witness one of these beautiful animals in their natural habitat!

Where to see bears while visiting Sequoia National Park in a day

Black bears are present throughout the park. Some of the main spots where you can them include the Giant Forest (around the Lodgepole Pine forest), in the Mineral King road area and on the Roosevelt Creek Trail. Note, however, that they can pop up at any moment.

During spring, bears are attracted by grass, roots and forbs as they look for insects. So you’ll find them around the meadows at that time of the year. During summer, they look for berries so you’ll see them for in the bushes. During fall, you might be able to spot black bears in oak trees as they look for acorns. 

How to know if a bear is around

While in Sequoia National Park, you should just assume that there are bears around. That said, there are ways to assess whether they are around or not. Signs like overturned rocks, torn wood logs and tracks in the mud are all indicators that a bear has been here. 

What to do at the Sequoia National Park if you see a bear? 

Black bears in Sequoia National Park are wild animals. If you see one, keep your distances and do not attempt to feed, touch or approach them. Use your zoom, that’s what it’s for!

Our experience seeing bears in Sequoia National Park

I was lucky enough to see several bears in Sequoia National Park and it definitely is one of my favourite memories of this park! We parked near one of the trails and I was just kidding saying I was going to check if there were bears nearby before we embarked on the trail. Of course, there were none at this moment. 

Coming back from the trail, I noticed something was moving in the forest, a couple of meters from the carpark. I moved into that direction and saw a bear cub digging into a tree log for some snacks! Although we were at a distance, we had a clear view on the bear which was having the meal of his life!

After a couple of minutes, we saw the mother bear walking down to the meadow. On the trail in the meadow, we saw them from afar continuing on their quest for snacks. 

In our experience, bears come really close to carparks so make sure you leave no food apparent in your car during your Sequoia National Park one day visit and that you throw any waste into the bear proof garbage containers in the park. 

Logistics for your 1 day trip Sequoia National Park itinerary

• Is Sequoia National Park open today? The short answer is yes. Sequoia National Park is open 365 days a year and 24/7. It only closes if there is a safety issue, for example, caused by fires. Note that although the Sequoia National Park hours are 24/7, the free shuttles in the park start at 8am. 
• Where to get information in the park: The park features two visitor centres called Foothills and Lodgepole Visitor Centre, along with the Mineral King Ranger station and the Giant Forest Museum. You can find information and ask questions about the park at any of these facilities. 
• Weather: If you want to visit Sequoia National Park in 1 day and have limited flexibility around dates, we recommend checking out the weather and whether trails are open on the official website here. Trails are sometimes closed due to fires, snow or animal events and you want to make sure that your visit won’t be impacted. 
• Gas stations: There are no gas station in the park so make sure you fill your tank before reaching the entrance. 
• Permits: In some instances (especially if you want to do certain hikes), you will need to obtain a wilderness permit. You won’t need one for this Sequoia National Park one day trip though. 
• Food and water: There are facilities in the park but they are limited so we recommend bringing plenty of food and water with you. 
• Cell reception: Cell reception can be limited in the park so we recommend downloading any maps that you would need and letting your close circle know where you are. Remember to adopt a safe approach when meeting wildlife as well a you may not be able to call for help right away!
• Booking needed: Campsites, lodges and certain permits require a booking. We recommend booking in advance especially if you are visiting during the high season.

What to wear for one day in Sequoia and Kings Canyon

What you wear on this Sequoia National Park 1 day itinerary will vary greatly on the season you choose to visit. In the summer ( our experience), you can wear shorts and tank tops with sandals or sneakers. None of the walks in this itinerary require hiking shoes or any particular equipment as they are all flat, short and easy. In the winter, you’ll want to pack on the layers as the park gets quite cold and is often covered in snow. So dress a you would for a long day outside in the cold. During the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), you’ll want to wear an outfit similar to summer but bring a light jacket or sweater as days can be cooler, especially in altitude. 

None of the best things to do in Sequoia National Park included in this itinerary require any special gear. That said, if you do decide to go on long hikes, or to explore by climbing, you’ll want to do your own research as to what gear you need. 

Where to eat on your 1 day in Sequoia National Park

Restaurants for your one day visit Sequoia National Park itinerary

There are several restaurants in Sequoia National Park which are:

• The Peaks Restaurant
• Grant Grove Restaurant
• Lodgepole Café
• Cedar Grove Snack Bar
• Wuksachi Pizza Deck

What we recommend to do for lunch

Although you can definitely stop at one of those to grab lunch (or dinner), this itinerary is built in a way that you probably own’t have much time to sit down for two hours.

We recommend that you bring your own lunch for the following reasons:

• Save money: Bringing your own lunch will allow you to save money and stay on budget. As you know, one of our tips to save money is to bring our own food with us. Restaurants and food in general in parks and big attractions is often overpriced so it’s usually not worth it unless it is traditional food. 
• Optimise your time: Bringing your own lunch will allow you to optimise your time in the park and see a much as you want without having to make detours to a restaurant. This will allow you to make the most of your one day in Sequoia. 
• Immersion in the park: If you bring your own lunch, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the picnic areas in immersion in the park which is, in our experience, a much more memorable experience than sitting at a touristy restaurant.

Of course, if you bring your own food, you must abide by the safety rules of the park. In particular, you should hide the food in your car when going on trails so bears can’t see it. Once you’re done eating, you should throw away any waste and garbage into the bearproof garbage containers. 

Where to stay in the park: Sequoia National Park lodging cabins

There are quite a number of accommodations available inside and outside Sequoia National Park. Staying inside the park is usually more expensive as the number of lodging is lower. In this section, you’ll find a range of accommodations both inside and outside the park. 

Sequoia National Park lodging inside the park

In the park, you’ll find some independent lodging options along with lodges that belong to the park. 

Independent lodging in the park

• This lodge is located right in the centre of the park between Kings Canyon and Sequoia Forest and is just 23 minutes from the Giant Forest. This is an ideal accommodation if you want to stay the night in the park. You can check if your dates are available here.

Sequoia National Park lodges

• The Wuksachi Lodge is a symbol of Sequoia National Park. You can find more information here. 
• The John Muir Lodge is only open between March and October and is located in Kings Canyon. You can find more information here.
• The Grant Grove Cabins, also located in Kings Canyon are open from April to October. You can find more information here.  
• The Cedar Grove Cabins are also located in Kings Canyons and open from May to October. You can find more information on Sequoia National Park lodging reservations here. 

Sequoia National Park lodging outside but near the park

• Located in Three Rivers, this ranch is a popular accommodation for travellers with a lower budget but who want to stay the night close to the Ash Mountain Entrance. The ranch features a pool and also offers horseback riding experiences. You can check if your dates are available here.
• Located just 13 minutes from Sequoia National Park is this lovely three bedroom accommodation. The home is fully equipped and niched in a beautiful space where you can see deer and have direct views on the mountains. You can check if your dates are available here.
• With an outdoor pool, a hot tub and modern rooms, a suite at this hotel is great for couples who are looking to relax after exploring the park. Check available dates here.
• With an outdoor pool and hot tub, this is a smaller hotel with a lovely outdoor space and homy rooms, perfect for one night. Check if your dates are available here.

Our experience

We were on a full on West Coast road trip and decided to do a one day trip to Sequoia National Park from Los Angeles. From LA, we drove to Fresno where we stayed at this hotel. It was very comfortable and budget-friendly. We would recommend it for couples who are looking for a modern hotel near the park.  La Quinta by Wyndham Fresno Northwest

Best time to visit Sequoia National Park

The first thing I’d like to say is that Sequoia National Park is a gorgeous park all year round. As it is opened 24/7 year round, you can visit at any time of the year. That said, certain seasons come with certain challenges so let’s debunk everything weather related in this section.

Summer in Sequoia National Park

This is the best time to visit if you want to make use of the shuttles, enjoy the park to the fullest, stay in the park, and want to explore safely.

There are the most things to do in Sequoia National Park in summer. From late May to mid-September, the park operates at full capacity; lodges and museums are open with long hours, ranger programs are on and shuttles to the park and in the park operate from morning to night.

Summer is also when the weather is the best. With temperatures around 25°C, you’ll have warm temperatures and sunny days to explore and enjoy the park. Sequoia National Park is perfect at that time since the tall trees provide lots of shade. It’s also the season where roads are most accessible. 

One last thing, summer is the time of the year where wildlife is out and about so this is your best chance to spot black bears and deer. 

The downside of summer is that the park can get busy so you won’t have the spots to yourself. That said, we visited during summer and it wasn’t too crowded. There was plenty of space on the trails and at each viewpoint. 

Fall and Spring in Sequoia

Fall and Spring can be good times to visit although the park doesn’t operate at full capacity. Come October, some of the park facilities reduce their opening hours and the number of shuttles also decreases. Note that the park has experienced snowfalls as soon as October which can reduce accessibility to the park. Regardless of the weather, the Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas close during that time of the year.

At that time of the year, the Sequoia National Park weather gets cooler with decently warm days but colder nights. It’s a great time to visit if you’re into hikes and want to see wildflowers and the park blooming. It can also be extra romantic if you decide to stay the night in the park at one of the cute cabins. Imagine yourself snuggled up outside your cabin while looking at this beautiful national park, not too shabby right?

Winter in Sequoia

The number of winter things to do in Sequoia National Park is quite reduced compared to summer. Though shuttles run in Sequoia park during winter, they don’t run in Kings Canyon. Facilities operate on limited hours and there are few ranger programs. 

At this time of the year, the park is usually covered in snow making those giant beautiful Sequoia trees look like a magical snow land. Although this is a beautiful sceneries, it definitely creates some difficulties for visitors. In winter, the Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas are closed regardless of the weather. If it snows, roads can close making it difficult to go around even with shuttles. You might also be required to use tyre chains. In addition, because of the cold, wildlife isn’t very visible during that season. As you see, even though the park is stunning at that time of the year, it might not be the ideal time to visit. 

Our experience

We visited Sequoia National Park during the month of August and loved the experience. The weather was gorgeous but not too hot so it was perfect to walk the trails without sweating! We also got to see black bears, deer and squirrels which was a lovely addition to our trip. All together, it was a smooth and beautiful visit so I would recommend summer as the best time to visit Sequoia Park. 

Safety on your on your Sequoia National Park one day tour

• Fires: During summer, it’s not rare for fires to start in the park. Make sure to check the state of the park before heading to Sequoia and to let rangers know about any possible fire. 
• Roads in the winter: In the winter, Sequoia gets quite a bit of snow which turns the park into a magical land but also affects accessibility. Roads can get icy so make sure the conditions are appropriate for you to visit at that time.
• Bears and wildlife: Sequoia and Kings Canyon are home to a range of wildlife from bears to squirrels and deer. There are precautions you must take while in the park such as hiding any food in your car in a way that bears can’t see (they are smart animals), leave no trace, drive carefully, and make use of the bear proof garbage cans. As we said above, do not approach or try to feed bears. 

What to do near Sequoia National Park

Visalia

Visalia is one of the few towns located near Sequoia National Park. It is located about 42 minutes from the Ash Mountain Entrance which makes it a good stop before entering the park. 

Although the town is not too big, there are quite a few things to do here. The first thing to do in Visalia is visiting the Farmers’ Market on West Caldwell Avenue. As you may know, this area of California is home to grounds that are very fertile. You’ll find a lot of the produce that grew in the area at the market, along with crafts, arts and body products. 

Visalia is also home to a lot of historic buildings which include the 1930s Fox Theatre on West Main Street. With its tall tower and its unique architecture, the theatre is still used to this day. If you are spending a night in Visalia, it might be your chance to check out the programme for a fun night!

Other attractions in Visalia include the street art and Mooney Grove Park. Visalia is nice to stop at for a few hours before or after visiting Sequoia National Park. 

Three Rivers

Three Rivers is the closest town to Sequoia National Park and is located only 10 minutes from the Ash Mountain Entrance. It is a small town with a lot of outdoorsy activities. Highlights include visiting Lake Kaweah, the Terminus Dam, and the Slick Rock Recreation Area. In the town, you’ll also find the Three Rivers Historical Museum. 

Three Rivers is a great town and area where we suggested stopping for a few hours on your way to Sequoia if you’ve got time. It’s also a great place to enjoy the outdoors and less busy trails and viewpoints so you could spend a few days here and live the slow but beautiful life. 

Yosemite National Park

From El Capitan to Glacier Point, Yosemite is a gorgeous national park which is also often the reason why visitors skip Sequoia National Park. There is a lot of things to do in Yosemite National Park. We recommend that you consult our guide on how to spend 2 days in Yosemite National Park to get all the recommendations and tips you deserve! 

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is one of the National Parks that impressed us the most. Like Sarakiniko is a moonscape on Earth, Death Valley is sort of more like Mars on Earth! It can even be just as dangerous to visit as people sometimes die after getting stuck with no gas in the Death Valley! While Sequoia and Yosemite are lush and mostly in the shade, the Death Valley is dry and desert looking with temperatures reaching 50 degree Celsius sommtimes! It’s one of the main visits to add to your US West Coast Itinerary. Highlights of the park include Artists Palette, Dante’s View and Badwater Basin. 

Sierra National Forest

Between Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park, you’ll find Sierra National Forest. The Sierra National Forest is a great destination to visit after Sequoia National Park if you don’t have time or the will to go all the way to Yosemite. Although completely different, Sierra Nationla Forest has lots to offer. Highlights include the Devils Postpile National Monument, hiking the John Muir Trail and stopping by the ranch, and Terminus Dam. Other visits include Big Creek Waterfall, Lewis Diversion channel and Selden Pass. 

San Francisco

Located just a 4 hour drive from San Francisco, Yosemite is the closest national park to the city. If you’re spending a few weeks on the West Coast, a Yosemite day trip from SF is a great idea. Whether you are visiting San Francisco before or after Yosemite, there is plenty to do in the city. 

We would recommend spending at least a couple of days in San Francisco if you’ve never been. Some of the highlights you should add to your SF trip include visiting the seals on Pier 39, heading to Twin Peaks, driving across the Golden Gate Bridge and exploring Sausalito. For a full itinerary of San Francisco, you can check our complete San Francisco guide here.

Mammoth Lakes 

Mammoth Lakes is a resort town located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range East of Yosemite National Park. It is a great place for couples who are fond of the outdoors whether that be in the summer or in the winter.

During winter, the mountains turn into a magic winter wonderland and skiing becomes one of the main activities of the area. June Mountain and Mammoth mountain are two of the popular ski areas with  incredible views on the Sierra Nevada.

During summer, Mammoth Lakes becomes a wilderness park perfect for anyone who likes to hike and explore nature’s beauty. Among the highlights of Mammoth Lakes, you’ll find the Hot Creek geological site which is a site with geysers and hot springs reminding anyone of Yellowstone. Of course, if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll need to spend time at the lakes, including Twin Lakes and Convict Lake. 

Other highlights include Rainbow Falls, the highest waterfall on San Joaquin River at 101 feet/31 meters high. The site was created by an eruption of lava about 75,000 years ago. Of course, while in Mammoth Lakes, you’ll have to stop by the Devils Postpone National Monument, which is a unique basalt rock formation forming tall columns assembled together in a row. 

East of Mammoth Lakes, you’ll also find the Hilltop Hot Springs, where you can bathe with views over the mountain range. 

Sequoia National Park Q&As

Do I need a day pass for Sequoia National Park or is Sequoia National Park free? 

No, there is a fee to enter Sequoia National Park. The car fee is $35 and the individual fee (no car) is $20. You can also purchase a national park pass for $80 which give you access to over 2,000 parks (national and recreational areas) which is worth it if you visit more than 2 parks on your trip to the USA. 

Can I visit Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon in one day?

Yes, you can visit both parks in one day and this is what this itinerary is for. 

Is one day enough for Sequoia National Park? 

Yes, one day in Sequoia National Park is enough to see most of the main viewpoints and landmarks such as the General Sherman Tree, the Giant Forest, the Sentinel Tree and the Big Trees Trail. This itinerary tells you what to do in Sequoia National Park in one day.

How much time should you spend in Sequoia National Park? 

If you want to spend more time hiking, and immersing yourself in the park, you could stay two to three days instead. We wouldn’t recommend staying longer as you will get bored. 

What is special about Sequoia National Park? 

Sequoia National Park is special as it is home to some of the biggest, tallest and largest trees in the world. It may sound silly to visit trees but in reality, it’s extremely impressive and a nature work of art that is worth every minute!

Where to start in Sequoia National Park? 

You can start your visit at the Big Stump Entrance (north-Fresno) or at the Ash Mountain Entrance (south-Visalia/Three Rivers). Although this itinerary starts in Ash Mountain, you can just reverse it if you’re coming from Fresno. 

Is Sequoia National Park dangerous? 

Although Sequoia National Park is bear territory, it is not dangerous. Bears usually keep to themselves as long as you follow the park’s recommendations. 

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