Sequoia National Park Guide: Best Hikes, Things to Do & Travel Tips

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If you’re planning a trip to Sequoia National Park, you’re in for a real treat. From towering giant sequoias to scenic hikes and unforgettable viewpoints, this park is packed with incredible things to do for families and outdoor lovers alike. There’s 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.

In this guide to the best things to do in Sequoia National Park, we’re sharing must-see attractions, the best hikes for all skill levels, and helpful tips to make the most of 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 Quick Highlights

Short on time? Here are the must-see spots:

• General Sherman Tree (largest tree in the world)
• Moro Rock (incredible panoramic views)
• Crescent Meadow (perfect for families)
• Tunnel Log (fun drive-through photo stop)
• Congress Trail (one of the best easy hikes)

These iconic stops are what make Sequoia National Park one of the most unique destinations in California.

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.

1–2 Day Sequoia National Park Itinerary

Day 1

• Visit the General Sherman Tree
• Walk the Congress Trail
• Climb Moro Rock for sunset

Day 2

• Explore Crescent Meadow
• Hike Tokopah Falls
• Drive through Tunnel Log

This simple itinerary helps you hit the highlights without feeling rushed.

Sequoia National Park Best Hikes and Trails

Best Hikes in Sequoia National Park by Difficulty

Sequoia offers trails for every level, from short scenic walks to more strenuous alpine adventures.

Easy Hikes (Great for Families)

• General Sherman Tree Trail
• Big Trees Trail
• Crescent Meadow Loop

Moderate Hikes

• Tokopah Falls Trail
• Congress Trail

Challenging Hikes

• Alta Peak Trail
• Lakes Trail

An Overview of the Best Hikes in Sequoia National Park

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

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.

Tokopah Falls Trail – One of the best waterfall hikes in Sequoia National Park

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Visiting Sequoia National Park with Kids

Sequoia is an incredibly family-friendly national park, with plenty of short, scenic trails and fun attractions.

Tips for visiting with kids:

• Stick to shorter hikes like Big Trees Trail and Crescent Meadow
• Bring plenty of snacks and water
• Take advantage of shuttle systems during busy seasons
• Plan downtime—altitude can be tiring

Many of the park’s most popular trails are accessible and great for younger hikers.

Scenic Drives in Sequoia National Park

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.

FAQs About Sequoia National Park

What is the best time to visit Sequoia National Park?

The best time to visit is late spring through fall when most trails and roads are open.

What is the easiest hike in Sequoia National Park?

The Big Trees Trail and General Sherman Tree Trail are among the easiest and most accessible.

Is Sequoia National Park good for families?

Yes! With easy hikes, scenic drives, and unique attractions, it’s a great destination for families.

How many days do you need in Sequoia National Park?

1–2 days is enough to see the highlights, but longer stays allow for more hiking and exploration.

Tips for Visiting Sequoia National Park

• Arrive early to avoid crowds at popular spots
• Expect limited cell service throughout the park
• Bring layers—temperatures can change quickly
• Fill up on gas before entering the park
• Check road conditions, especially in winter

Planning ahead will make your visit much smoother and more enjoyable.

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 Hiking 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.

You may also enjoy:

• The Best Campgrounds in Yosemite
• Exploring Mammoth Lakes
• Pinecrest Resort: A Summer Destination

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