Sequoia National Park Best Hikes & Attractions

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon
• Pinterest

The Sequoia National Park offers a variety of attractions for visitors. There is a lot you can see simply by driving or parking and taking a short walk, but there are also some excellent hikes in the park. I’ve put together a list of the Sequoia National Park best hikes & attractions that you won’t want to miss on your visit.

We just recently visited Sequoia National Park while we were staying in the charming town of Three Rivers. This quaint town sits right at the gateway to Sequoia National Park and was a great place to stay. It provided easy access to the park, plus there are cabins and house rentals right on the river, which made for a fun place for the kids to splash around in.

Sequoia National Park is known for its giant sequoia trees, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Grab your hiking gear and check out these Sequoia National Park best hikes and attractions for your next visit:

Sequoia National Park Hikes & Attractions: Top Tourist Attractions

1. See the General Sherman Tree

• The largest tree on earth by volume.
• Follow a short paved trail leading to the tree – downhill on the way there, uphill on the way back.

2. Moro Rock – One of the Sequoia National Park best hikes as well

• A granite dome offering panoramic views of the park.
• Climb the 350+-step granite staircase (0.5 miles) to the summit for breathtaking views.

3. Tunnel Log

• Drive or walk through a fallen giant sequoia that has been hollowed out to form a tunnel.

4. Swim at Potwisha Swimming Hole

• Right across from the Potwisha campground, you’ll find a parking lot and the Potwisha swimming hole.
• Great place to cool off in the warm summer months.

Sequoia National Park Best Hikes and Trails

1. Congress Trail

• A 2-mile loop trail starting near the General Sherman Tree.
• Passes through a grove of impressive giant sequoias, including the “Senate” and “House” trees.
• A good hike for kids as well

2. Crescent Meadow Loop

• A 1.6-mile trail through a beautiful meadow surrounded by sequoias.
• Visit Tharp’s Log, a cabin built inside a fallen sequoia.

3. Tokopah Falls Trail

• A 4-mile round-trip hike to a stunning waterfall.
• The trail follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River.

4. High Sierra Trail

• Distance: 11.5 miles (round trip to Bearpaw Meadow)
• Highlights: This trail starts at Crescent Meadow and leads to Bearpaw Meadow, offering spectacular views of the Great Western Divide. For those seeking a multi-day adventure, the trail continues all the way to Mount Whitney.

5. Lakes Trail to Pear Lake

• Distance: 12.4 miles (round trip)
• Highlights: A strenuous hike passing several alpine lakes, including Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and finally Pear Lake. The trail offers stunning high-altitude scenery and is popular with backpackers.

6. Marble Falls Trail

• Distance: 7.4 miles (round trip)
• Highlights: A moderately strenuous hike leading to a series of beautiful waterfalls. The trail offers great views and wildflower displays in the spring.

7. Buena Vista Peak Trail

• Distance: 2 miles (round trip)
• Highlights: A relatively short but moderately steep hike to the summit of Buena Vista Peak, offering panoramic views of the Kings Canyon and the Sierra Nevada.

8. Little Baldy Trail

• Distance: 3.4 miles (round trip)
• Highlights: A moderately strenuous hike with rewarding views from the summit of Little Baldy. Great for those looking for a shorter, yet still challenging hike.

Sequoia National Park Best Hikes: Multi-Day Trips

1. Mount Whitney via the High Sierra Trail

• Distance: 72.2 miles (one way)
• Highlights: A challenging multi-day hike that starts at Crescent Meadow and ends at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Requires careful planning and a permit.

Scenic Drives

Generals Highway

• A scenic drive that connects Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
• Offers stunning views and access to major attractions.

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

• Drive through some of the deepest canyons in North America.
• Access to hiking trails, viewpoints, and campgrounds.

Caves and Geology

Crystal Cave

• A marble cave with impressive formations.
• Guided tours available; reservations recommended.
• Closed in 2024 due to repairing damage from a wildfire. Hopefully reopening in 2025.

Wildlife Viewing

• Keep an eye out for black bears, deer, marmots, and various bird species.
• Early morning and late evening are the best times for wildlife viewing.

Winter Activities

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

• Available in the winter months, particularly around the Giant Forest and Wolverton areas.

Educational and Visitor Centers

Foothills Visitor Center

• Provides information about the park, exhibits, and maps.
• Ranger-led programs and educational materials.

Giant Forest Museum

• Offers exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the giant sequoias.
• Provides information on the best trails and activities in the Giant Forest area.

Relax and Enjoy Nature

Lodgepole Campground

• A popular camping area with access to the Kaweah River and nearby trails.
• You’ll find amenities such as a market, showers, and a visitor center here.

Hume Lake

• A serene lake perfect for picnicking, fishing, and non-motorized boating.

Other Resources:

Check out this list of the best national parks for kids if you’re looking to plan some family adventures. For more great hikes, check out my list of family-friendly hikes in Yosemite Valley along with the Panorama Trail in Yosemite. And don’t forget that you can get into Sequoia National Park for free if you have a 4th grader.

Note: Affiliate links on this page may earn me commission if used to make purchases. This won’t cost you a penny more, and it helps to keep my website up and running for free.