20 Things To Do In Sequoia National Park

1. Visit The Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks Visitor Center

The first place you should visit before entering the park is the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Visitors Center. It is located in the main area of the park. This place is perfect for collecting helpful resources and information about the park.

Visiting this place you will have access to the park's maps and brochures. You can also get some advice from the rangers on the best attractions to see. Along with that, exhibits showcasing the local plants and animals are featured inside the center which are free to explore.

Stopping here will help you plan your entire visit more conveniently. The Visitor Center is an ideal place to start your journey in Sequoia National Park.

2. See The General Sherman Tree

After collecting all the information at the visitor center, General Sherman Tree should be your first point of visit. This tree is 2000 years old and is one of the major attractions of the park. It stands 275 feet tall and about 36 feet wide.

This massive tree has seen centuries of history. The place where the tree is located can be reached through an easy trail. Around the area, you will see various informative signs sharing information about the tree's history and importance in the park's ecosystem.

As you come closer to the General Sherman Tree, its enormous size will make you feel as small as an ant. Upon reaching here you can take some memorable photos and videos of this natural wonder to take back home.

3. Visit The Senate Trees

The Senate Trees area is a spectacular collection of giant sequoias. It is located within the Giant Forest area and includes some of the tallest and oldest trees in the park. With a unique shape and sheer size, exploring these trees feels like waking through a giant's forest.

The area is named for the way these threes seem to sand together like senators in a grand assembly. This place is accessible through a walking trail that is well-maintained and easy to follow.

Walking through these trails, you will find informative boards that tell more about the trees. When you reach the Senate Trees area, the peaceful surroundings let you relax in harmony inside a dense forest.

4. Experience The Big Trees Trail

Here starts the adventure that lets you dive into the natural beauty of Sequoia National Park. The Big Tree Trail is an easy family-friendly hike that takes you through a beautiful grove of giant sequoias.

The distance of the trail is around one mile which loops around. Along the way, you will see some of the park's most famous trees including the massive Big Trees. To understand more about these trees, you can stop around the informative boards full of interesting facts.

The Big Tree Trail is also an ideal place to take a closer look at these giants and snap some photos alongside them. Overall, this trail gives you a magical experience and shouldn't be missed during your visit to Sequoia National Park.

5. Ascend Moro Rock

One way to get the very best panoramic views of Sequoia National Park is to climb Moro Rock. It is a huge formation of rock that also happens to be both an iconic viewpoint and a challenging climb.

Although the climb is a bit challenging with stairs and narrow pathways, the end summit feels like standing on the world's highest point. Climbing to the top, you will travel a total distance of half a mile.

From the top of Moro Rock, expansive views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the forest below are clearly visible. This rewarding sight after a physically demanding climb provides a memorable payoff.

6. Drive Through The Tunnel Log

Another natural wonder housed inside the Sequoia National Park is the Tunnel log. Driving through this unique place is a fun experience. This famous log was once a massive sequoia tree that fell across the roads. And instead of removing it, the park carved a tunnel through it.

With time this place become a popular tourist attraction. This unique place not only lets you take great photos but also a fun way to appreciate the size and interior of the tree.

After crossing the tunnel, stop by and explore the nearby areas to make the tour more memorable. This will surely turn out to be a beautiful experience of your visit.

7. Tour The Crystal Caves

One magnificent adventure to undertake at Sequoia National Park is the Crystal Cave tour. Inside those caves are beautiful formations of glistening crystals and other rocks that are peculiar in nature.

To discover, you must become part of the group that gets a guiding exhibition through the hidden treasures of the cave. The tour lasts around an hour and is led by an experienced guide. Throughout the way, he/she will continue to share their knowledge of the cave ecosystem.  

While touring this place, amazing formations like stalagmites come into sight. These formations take thousands of years to form. Although the hike is a bit challenging due to uneven grounds, the views you see are worthwhile.

8. Visit The Giant Forest Museum

If you want to learn about the ecosystem and the history of Sequoia National Park, this place is a go-to. The Giant Forest Museum is a small yet informative museum located in the Giant Forest area.

The museum is full of exhibits that showcase the incredible sequoias, the park's wildlife, and the area's geology. It also features interactive displays and educational materials adding more to its learning environment.

With helpful rangers all around, the Giant Forest Museum is a great place to find answers to your questions about the park. Here, you can even purchase books and souvenirs to learn more about the forest and remember your trip after returning home.

9. Venture Out Of The Muir Grove

The Muir Grove is located on the western side of the Sequoia National Park. This groove is a peaceful place in nature that boasts only a few visitors. It is another great spot to explore the sequoia trees.

The Muir Grove is named after the famous naturalist John Muir and is a beautiful location to spend a day away from the city crowd. Around the grove are a few hiking trails that let you wander through the forest and enjoy the atmosphere.

Walking around you might also spot wild animals and birds spending time alongside the beautiful giant trees. With less number of visitors, this place provides an intimate experience with nature.

10. See Tokopah Falls

One of the finest natural wonders that you should not miss out on while you travel in the western part of the park is Tokopah Falls. This beautiful waterfall is located about one mile from Lodgepole and passes by the back of a meadow.

You can reach this place following an easy, short hike along the Tokopah Valley Trail. This 1.7-mile trail has gradual inclines amidst fantastic views. Along the way, you can enjoy great views across the lush valley, encircling mountains, and rushing waters of the creek.

Finally, at Tokopah Falls, you're treated to the sight of the tumbling water flowing down the rocky cliff. Around the waterfall area are a few spots to rest and have a snack in nature.

11. Catch Sunset At Beetle Rock

Only a few miles from the General Sherman Tree, Beetle Rock is one of the best places to view magnificent sunset views. It is a large, flattened rock offering great vistas of the entire region.

During the sunset hours, these views become more pleasant with the changing color of the sky. However, to enjoy this view, you will have to hike a short easy trail. This makes Beetle Rock a perfect evening destination with a touch of adventure.

After a day of exploration, this place is ideal for unwinding and capturing some great sunset photos. Visiting this place is a memorable way to end your day around the natural wonders of the park.

12. Climb Alta Peak

If you feel a lack of hard-core adventure in your trip, the Alta Peak is a perfect place for you. It is known for its stunning views and rewarding summit. Standing at 11,204 feet the peak can be climbed through a moderately challenging hike.

The hike to the summit starts at Pear Lake Campgrounds and takes you past alpine meadows and rocky ridges. The steady ascent with some difficult sections makes this trail more challenging and adventurous.

Despite these challenges, the beautiful view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the park will not fail to amaze you. Reaching the peak itself is a rewarding part with panoramic views that make all the effort worthwhile.

13. Hike The Little Baldy Trail

Another perfect trail for those who prefer a steady walk instead of a climb is the Little Badly Trail. Starting from the Crescent Meadow area, this trail is about 4 miles round trip. Throughout the trial, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

You will walk through lush forests and open meadows on a journey to the top through a steady climb. This climb finally leads to a summit that offers panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.

If you are lucky enough, you might even see distant peaks and the expansive landscape below. The well-maintained trail and opportunities for animal spotting make Little Baldy Trail a great choice to enjoy a day outdoors.

14. See Hanging Rock

Seeing Hanging Rock is a unique and memorable experience. Known for its unique appearance, this rock formation features large boulders that are balanced over a steep cliff. A moderate hike of 4 miles round trip is the only way to reach the Hanging Rock.

Winding through beautiful views of the forest and the rugged terrain, the trail is slightly challenging. As you get close to the Hanging Rock, its size and the gravity-defying state give you a sense of amusement.

From this viewpoint, you can take some time to enjoy the incredible scenery and take photos of the rock and the valley below. With a few challenges and adventure, this place is ideal for nature lovers and hikers seeking a memorable experience.

15. Explore The Marble Falls Trail

The Marble Falls Trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Sequoia National Park. This hike takes you past dense forests and rocky outcrops. It is about 6 miles in length, with tremendous views of Marble Falls waterfall.

To reach this beautiful waterfall, you will follow a path alongside the creek. The path is mostly steady and is suitable for most hikers. Walking through this trail, you will enjoy picturesque views of the mountains and the flowing water.

At the top, a beautiful sight of Marble Falls cascading down the rocky cliffs awaits you. This waterfall is perfect for taking pictures and spending a peaceful time in nature. The hike is especially lovely in the spring when the water flow is strong from the snowmelt.

16. Go Stargazing

Stargazing in Sequoia National Park is a memorable experience. Located remotely in the high altitude, the park is an ideal place for clear, dark skies. The park is free from light pollution and makes the star look more bright and vivid.

Enhancing the overall experience, the park offers night camping opportunities for visitors. You just need to find a quiet open area away from the artificial light and you are set for the night.

On a clear night, beyond stars, you can see planets and even the Milky Way Galaxy. The park also hosts occasional ranger-led stargazing programs and night sky talks which you can attend to receive interesting information about the constellations.

17. Hike To Crescent Meadow

If you are near the Tunnel Log, Crescent Meadow trail is a local attraction you can explore. With 1.8 miles in length, this trail begins from the Crescent Meadow parking area. You will have to cross forests of giant sequoias and open meadows while walking on the trail.

Crescent Meadow itself is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the peace. It's often described as one of the most beautiful and serene spots in the park. Suitable for all ages, the hike to Crescent Meadow is less physically demanding. It provides a great opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Sequoia.

18. Discover The Sentinel Tree

The Sentinel Tree is another marvel of Sequoia National Park and is by no means to be left out. Just like the General Sherman Tree, it is one of the largest trees in the park standing in the Giant Forest area.

Situated at a walking distance from the nearby parking area, the Sentinel Tree stands like a guard of the forest. Featuring a huge size and ancient beauty, this tree is a great example of massive sequoias.

The area around the Sentinel Tree is also as lovely as the tree itself. Discovering this tree is one main highlight of the Sequoia National Park.

19. Go Horseback Riding Through The Park

Horseback Riding is a great way to see Sequoia National Park from a different perspective. This activity allows you to explore the different trails of the park, without getting physically tired.

There are several guided horseback rides to choose from, catering to different skill levels. These rides start from designated stables and are led by knowledgeable guides.

The guide that follows along will not forget to share interesting information about the ecosystem and wildlife. As you ride, you will enjoy the serene surroundings and get a closer look at the park's giant sequoias.

20. Hike The Congress Trail

To end your visit to Sequoia National Park with additional adventure, you can take a short hike through the Congress Trail. Walking this trail is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the park.

This easy hike is around 2.1 miles long and takes you on a journey surrounded by some of the largest and oldest trees in the world. Beginning near the Giant Forest Museum, the trail winds through famous trees like the President Tree and the Chief Sequoyah Tree.

With every step, you discover an informative sign that provides information about the trees and their importance. The Congress Trail is a great place for lovers of nature looking for a relaxing outdoor activity.