So you want to go to Sequoia National Park. I don’t blame you. It is GORGEOUS and definitely worth the drive from Los Angeles or San Francisco and everywhere in between.
And, while Yosemite and Joshua Tree may get more of the crowds, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California won’t be ignored.
When planning a trip to Sequoia, you could spend a week exploring and hiking the many trails throughout the park and Sequoia National Forest, but many people only a lot one day in Sequoia.
Why?!
Many of us only have a weekend to spare when wandering around the state, and that is OK. You can still see a lot of the park and even squeeze in a few easy hikes. Here’s our perfect one-day Sequoia National Park itinerary with kids.
Even if you aren’t traveling with kids, this is a great itinerary to follow.
What You Need to Know Before You Enter the Park
Sequoia National Park entrance fee
A 7-day Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park pass costs $35.00 per vehicle (at time of publication). If you have an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass it will work here as well.
California state park passes do NOT work here, as it is a national park, not part of the state park system.
Do I need Sequoia National Park reservations?
No. At time of publication you did not need a reservation to enter Sequoia National Park or Kings Canyon National Park.
Can I bring my dog into the park?
While you can bring a dog into the park, pets are not allowed on any of the trails throughout the national park. Dogs are allowed in Sequoia National Forest trails though.
If you do bring your dog, you can walk them in the parking lots, and then leave them in the car while you hike. Make sure you leave water and the windows cracked for airflow and park in the shade. If it is warm that day, do NOT leave your dog in the car or they could overheat.
With temps in the 60s, our little pup was fine in the car for a few hours at a time. She had her bed and a blanket to snuggle in.
Can I take things home from the park?
The only thing you can take out of the park is your trash (no trace left behind!). Sticks, rocks, pinecones, tree saplings, etc., must all stay in the park so others can enjoy and continue to feed the park’s ecosystem.
If you think you are the exception to this rule, you are not. Many people think this, which is why park rangers continue to remind people to leave everything they see and find in the park and stay on the trails.
Sequoia National Park Itinerary
Chances are you are staying at one of the park lodges or just outside of the park in Three Rivers, CA. We love staying at the Buckeye Tree Lodge and Cabins about a quarter mile from the Ash Mountain entrance of the park.
Morning
Arrival & Entrance
Start early at the Foothills Visitor Center (near the Ash Mountain entrance just north of the town of Three Rivers). This is a great spot to pick up maps, get the kids’ Junior Ranger booklets, and ask the park rangers about the best hikes for your fitness level and what you want to see throughout the day.
Depending on when you visit, the visitor’s center might not open until 9am, so check hours before you arrive.
Even if the center is closed, it is still worth arriving at the park early. You can always pick up your Junior Ranger booklets at the Giant’s Forest Museum on your way to Moro Rock.
Travel Tip: Sequoia National Park often has narrow, winding roads, so allow extra time (and motion sickness meds!) if you’re coming in from the southern entrance (Ash Mountain). Parking can fill up fast, especially in peak seasons, so the earlier you arrive, the better.
Driving an RV? Be aware of road restrictions if you’re driving an RV or towing.
Tunnel Log
At Giant’s Forest Museum take a right towards Moro Rock. You will want to stop at Tunnel Log for epic photos of you walking through a log and even driving your car through the log.
This fallen giant has a tunnel carved out of it, letting cars pass through. Kids love the novelty, and it’s a great way to experience the massive scale of the sequoias.
Travel Tip: Take turns walking through the log and snapping pictures. There’s usually a short wait, so have a fun activity ready to entertain the kids.
Keep in mind that some people will pull through the log and park. They might be trying to get photos, too, or even jump the line. Have patience and enjoy the trees.
Moro Rock Loop Road
Continue onto Moro Rock for panoramic views over the Sierra Nevada mountains. The trail up the rock has steps and railings, making it manageable for older kids.
Families with little ones who insist on walking may find it difficult to hold little hands and climb the rock, especially on more crowded days. You can always go partway up to one of the viewpoints and then turn around.
If you have a baby in a carrier, you should be OK, but make sure someone is beyond you as you climb to ensure the baby won’t hit its head on a rock or start to fall out. If you have a non-hiking carrier that holds the baby closer to your front or back (like this one), it will be much easier to climb.
Travel Tip: If heights are challenging, take a few breaks on the way up. The views are stunning, especially in the late afternoon light. My oldest has issues with heights, so he went partway up and then sat at a viewpoint while we went to the top.
Crescent Meadow Trail
One of the quieter spots to explore, especially in the morning when everyone is making a beeline for General Sherman, is Crescent Meadow. We like to hike the Tharps Log Trail Loop, which is short enough for younger kids, but still gives you plenty to see and do along the way.
You will also learn about Tharp’s Log, a little “house” that one of the first settlers to the area made out of a partially hollowed-out log.
Afternoon
LUNCH
By this point, you and the kids will be starving. You can eat at the Crescent Meadow picnic area or return to the Giant Forest Museum Picnic Area. There are picnic tables and a decent bathroom, and the museum is worth a quick stop to learn about the natural history of these ancient trees.
Travel Tip: Pack a lunch as dining options within the park are limited. Carry reusable water bottles and snacks for the kids to refuel throughout the day.
If you did not pack a lunch, head north to Lodgepole Visitor Center and Village or Wuksachi Village where there are food services. You will need to backtrack to do the afternoon portion of this itinerary, but that is OK.
Giant Forest Museum
The Giant Forest Museum is worth a quick stop to learn about the natural history of the ancient trees. There are great displays that show just how tall these trees are compared to humans, dinosaurs, other tall trees, and even how many elephants you would need to stack to get to the top of a sequoia tree.
The museum also digs into the lifecycle of a Sequoia tree and why staying on the trail and designated paths is so important to the survival of these trees.
Big Trees Trail
From the museum parking lot you can walk to Big Trees Trail. Note that there is only a handicap parking lot near the trail. Everyone else must park at the Giant Forest Museum parking lot and walk. This helps the trail continue to be accessible to all.
The Big Trees Trail, a 1.2-mile loop around a picturesque meadow surrounded by giant sequoias. The trail is paved, flat, and great for kids to explore at their own pace while learning about the park’s ecosystem.
Travel Tip: Bring binoculars to spot wildlife. Deer and birds are often seen here, especially in the morning.
Giant Forest & General Sherman Tree
General Sherman Tree is the must-see attraction. Park at the designated lot and take the short trail to see the world’s largest tree by volume! Be ready to snap some family photos, but also stand in line if you want photos with the General Sherman sign and the tree.
Keep in mind that unless you are able to park in handicap parking, the parking lot is uphill from General Sherman. While the walk down is pleasant, the walk back up will definitely work your calves and butt muscles.
You can also do this first thing in the morning. Early AM and later in the afternoon will have less crowds.
Parking Note: Handicap parking is available below General Sherman. There’s an accessible trail from this lot.
Travel Tip: Bring layers, as temperatures can change quickly. The high elevation of Sequoia means it can be quite cold, even in summer, although the hike back up to the parking lot will warm you up even in autumn.
Still have time to explore?
If you still have energy, you can stop at Hospital Rock and Tunnel Rock on your way back towards the Ash Mountain Entrance Station and the Foothills Visitor’s Center.
Crystal Cave is also worth a stop if it is open during your visit. Reservations are needed for the cave tours, so plan ahead of time for this seasonal attraction.
Why aren’t I visiting Kings Canyon National Park today?
Sequoia is big and has plenty to do. Even with teens and tweens, you will be tired after you tackle this itinerary. You can definitely head north into Kings Canyon, but be aware that there is a lot of driving and a lot more to see up there.
I recommend you do this on a separate day or part of a three-day itinerary in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
One-Day Kings Canyon National Park Itinerary
Tips for Visiting Sequoia National Park with Kids
- Altitude: The park’s high elevation can make kids (and adults) feel a bit dizzy or tired. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and pack plenty of snacks.
- Road Conditions: Some parts of the road are steep and curvy. If your kids are prone to motion sickness, be prepared with travel sickness medication and remedies. We always have these bags, ginger ale and saltine crackers ready for my oldest.
- Safety: Wildlife like bears is common, so keep a safe distance and never leave food unattended.
- Bathrooms: Restrooms are available at major stops, but they can be spaced far apart, so plan breaks accordingly. Soap and sinks aren’t always available, so pack hand sanitizer and wipes. We also always have some tissues in the car just in case the bathrooms are out of toilet paper.
What to Pack for a Sequoia National Park Day Trip
- Warm Layers
- Sun hats
- Lots of water
- Good sneakers or hiking shoes
- Gloves or mittens
- Ski caps
- Snacks
- Picnic lunch
Things to do in Sequoia National Park
Everyone knows you visit General Sherman, the largest living organism, by volume, in the world (that we know of). It’s kind of the Old Faithful (in Yellowstone National Park) of Sequoia. However, this is not the most impressive thing you can see and do in the park.
Not only are there several sequoia groves, but there are also fallen trees with a root base taller than two adults, stumps of trees that have been cut down, waterfalls, lakes, and so much more to see and do if you just get past your obsession with General Sherman.
Family-Friendly Sequoia National Park Hikes and Trails
While we all like to think of ourselves as master climbers and hikers, it’s important to understand your fitness level, and your kids ability to hike for long periods of time.
Most families will find the “easy” hikes manageable. Be careful when tackling the “moderate” hikes, though.
Check weather conditions and ask the park rangers what they think the best trails for your family will be.
Easy Trails
- General Sherman Tree Trail: 1.1 miles (Easy)
- Congress Trail via Generals Highway Trailhead: 2.2 miles (Easy)
- Congress Trail: 2.9 miles (Easy)
- Big Trees Trail: 1.2 miles (Easy)
- Moro Rock Trail via Giant Forest Museum Trailhead: 3.8 miles (Easy)
- Crescent Meadow Loop: 1.3 miles (Easy)
- General Sherman Tree via Generals Highway Trailhead: 0.3 miles (Easy)
- High Sierra, Tharp’s Log, and Crescent Meadow Loop: 1.8 miles (Easy)
Moderate Trails
- Moro Rock: 0.5 miles (Moderate)
- Tokopah Falls: 3.8 miles (Moderate)
- Sherman Tree, Congress, Trail of the Sequoias, and Tharp’s Log Loop: 7.0 miles (Moderate)
- Watchtower Trail: 8.3 miles (Moderate)
- Marble Falls Trail: 6.3 miles (Moderate)
- Circle Meadow Loop via Congress and General Sherman Tree Trail: 4.3 miles (Moderate)
- Little Baldy Trail: 3.3 miles (Moderate)
Is there a Sequoia National Park waterfall?
One thing my kids always ask is if there is a waterfall whenever I tell them we are going hiking. It could be freezing but they still want to know if water will be present for them to jump into.
Luckily, Sequoia has two of note and a couple of smaller ones.
Depending on time and your fitness level, I’d stick with Tokopah Falls and the Paradise Creek Trail if you only have one day in the park.
- Tokopah Falls: 3.8 miles (Moderate)
- Marble Falls: 6.3 miles (Moderate)
- Paradise Creek Trail: 2 miles (easy- but not a significant waterfall)
- Middle Fork Kaweah Falls via the Middle Fork Kaweah Trail: 6.1 miles (Moderate)
How to Plan a trip to Sequoia National Park
While you might know what you want to do in the national park, planning a trip to the area does require some research.
Where will you stay? How much does it cost to enter the national park? Will your park pass work? What is the closest airport to Sequoia? Best hotels near Sequoia and Kings Canyon? Should you stay in a national park lodge or outside of the park?
There is a lot to organize.
Where to stay near Sequoia National Park
If you can rent a cabin or stay in a hotel with a kitchenette, you will save more money and have more flexibility with your meals. We find it easiest to at least have a refrigerator in our lodging so we can store sandwich fixings and other lunch staples.
If the fridge is large enough, we will also pack milk and cereal so we don’t have to wait for a sit-down meal or stand in line at a coffee shop. Our main goal is to get into the park ASAP.
Here are some of our favorite hotels near Sequoia National Park:
- Buckeye Tree Lodge and Cabins | DETAILS: Cabins and rooms with multiple beds, bedrooms and kitchens for family groups. Pet-friendly too.
- Autocamp | DETAILS: Airstream camp with multiple bed options.
- Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia/Kings Canyon | DETAILS: Free breakfast and a pool
More hotels in Fresno and Visalia (check out The Darling!)
Vacation Rentals
- Harmony Ranch: 4 bedrooms, 2 bath, pet friendly, hot tub
- Alta Peak House: 1 bedroom, 2 bath, outdoor pool with EV car charger
- Little Bear Cottage: 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, hot tub
- Next to Sequoia House: 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, pet friendly
- Soleil Luna: 2 bedroom, 2 bath with EV car charger
Can I stay in the national park?
Yes, there are several lodges you can book that are within the national park. Many will book out months in advance, especially in the summer months and during holidays, so once your dates are set, book your lodging as soon as possible. Check the cancellation policies too.
- John Muir Lodge | DETAILS: Pet-friendly hotel in the national park behind the Grant Grove Visitor Center
- Wuksachi Lodge | DETAILS: Pet-friendly hotel in the national park near The Congress Trail
How to get to Sequoia National Park?
You will need to drive into Sequoia National Park or take an organized tour (like this one). We love the flexibility of having a car, even if we fly in to visit a national park. Rental cars are plentiful at the major airports around California, so there is no excuse not to plan a little road trip.
Find the best price on rental cars HERE.
The closest airport to Sequoia National Park
Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest big(ish) airport, but if you want more direct flight options and better prices, you will want to look at these airports, which are all within a half-day drive to the southern entrance of Sequoia NP.
- Los Angeles (4 hours)
- Sacramento (4 hours)
- San Jose (4 hours)
- San Francisco ( 4.5 hours)
- Las Vegas (6 hours)
Check out airfare prices and rental car prices.
Driving to Sequoia
Sequoia National Park from LA
If you want to drive from LA to Sequoia National Park it will take about three to four hours depending on where you are in the city.
If you leave Friday afternoon, it will take even longer, as rush hour starts earlier as people head out for the weekend. It has taken us six hours (or more) when heading up on a Friday after school.
You can stop for food and load up on groceries in Bakersfield, CA on your way. We like to stop for dinner if we are leaving on Friday night, as most things will be closed by the time we reach Three Rivers, CA, just outside of the Sequoia National Park entrance.
San Francisco to Sequoia National Park
You can easily drive from San Francisco to Sequoia in about three and a half to four and a half hours, depending on traffic. You’ll pass through Fresno and Visalia on your way to the park. Both are great spots to stop for a meal and to load up on snacks and groceries.
Can I drive from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park?
Yes, but it takes about two and a half hours to three hours to make the drive, depending on if you are departing from the south side of Sequoia or from the Kings Canyon NPS entrance to get up to Yosemite.
Well, what do you think? Will you plan a trip to Sequoia? Check out all of our favorite National Parks and start planning your next adventure.
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