"Sequoia National Park" Sequoia National Park by M0B1US

Sequoia National Park Travel Guide: 325 reviews and 611 photos

Highlights (i.e. best things to do)

Travel along the impressive Kaweah River Valley as you climb into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Foothills Visitor Centre is an excellent place to get information about the park and is a useful rest & refreshments stop after the long journey to reach the national park as there are plenty of picnicking spots around the centre.

Another five miles further up the road as it leaves the river valley and starts its winding mountain side climb, the road switches back to reveal the river valley that you have just come up laid out below you. This is Amphitheatre Point lookout, with enough parking that you can stop to take in the view.

A little further along on the left is the turn off to the Crystal Caves which are impressive Marble Caverns.

The next major sight is the Moro Rock, a huge plug of Granite thrusting up out of the surrounding forest. To reach the top, it has a steep 1/4 mile staircase which climbs over 300' (91.4 meters) to the summit of this dome. At the top, you will have fantastic views of the western half of Sequoia National Park and the Great Western Divide.

Of course, the main reason for visiting this National Park is to see the World's largest living things, the Giant Sequoias which are only found in the Sierra Nevadas at an altitude of 5-7,000ft. The best examples of these gargantuans are at the Giant Forest, General Sherman is the largest of these...

Quick tips/suggestions

Base of General Sherman

Set out early to beat the rush, check out the Sequoia and Kings Canyon's Virtual Visitor Center to plan your journey and make the most of the park.

Be aware that if you're visiting in Winter (as we did), many of the major attractions such as Moro Rock, Mineral Rock and the Crystal Cave are not open at this time of year. Also remember to bring tyre chains in case of bad weather.

Winter is still an excellent time to visit as you practically get the park to yourself and revel in the quiet majesty of standing amongst these giants of the natural World.

Another tip to remember in the winter is that it gets dark early and what is a picturesque trip up in daylight becomes a treacherous route fraught with danger on the way down in the darkness. Remember to have blankets and other emergency supplies such as food and drink in the car just in case.

Best Way to Get Around

Distant view of the High Sierras toward Mt Whitney

Take route 198 into the National Park by Car, remember to fill up with petrol before making the journey as local petrol prices are greatly inflated. Try the many hiking trails, Mineral King along the East Fork of the Kaweah River is particularly recommended for excellent hiking trails with or without hired pack-trains of horses or mules.

During summer it is possible to hike across mountain meadows all the way across to Mt Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states. Winter visitors can ski cross-country over a number of marked trails, or by going unmarked if experienced enough.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Commune with nature's largest living things
Cons:Bloody cold - to think that I was in shorts in Death Valley only the day before!
In a nutshell:Arrive as the product of a Western Society. Leave a committed Environmentalist.

Last visit to Sequoia National Park: Mar 2002
Intro Updated Oct 27, 2003
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Reviews (6)

The Kaweah River by the road - Sequoia National Park

Road Trip USA 2002: Sequoia Nat'l Park,... Favorites (3)

These pages chronicle my epic overland journey of the United States from landing in New York on January 28th 2002, to my... more travel advice

View from lookout nearby - Sequoia National Park

GIANT FOREST MUSEUM Favorites (3)

Situated at the top of the approach road that winds its way along the base of Moro Rock is the Giant Forest Museum,... more travel advice

Huge drifts of snow! - Sequoia National Park

Winter in the Sequoia National Park Warnings Or Dangers (1)

To get to the National Park you have to drive... You will be climbing several thousand feet in altitude and although... more travel advice

View from just by the visitor centre - Sequoia National Park

FOOTHILLS VISITOR CENTER Favorites (3)

If you're arriving at the National Park via lowland California, after you have bought your park tickets this should be... more travel advice

Things to Do (2)
See All Moro Rock

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Comments (10)

thecatsmeow May 28, 2005 at 2:02 PM Report Abuse

I am so happy you were able to see these beautiful trees. Arent they something to behold. Hello from Washougal WA. =^oo^=
freya_heaven Sep 10, 2004 at 2:25 AM Report Abuse

How wonderful to have spent over 2 months travelling across America. I wold love to do this. Great photos & info. Those giant redwoods look beautiful! (~_~)
Andraf Aug 27, 2004 at 1:41 PM Report Abuse

Great page about this underrated California park.
mrclay2000 Nov 14, 2003 at 11:57 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page, and nice to hear tips from areas away from the park road. Unfortunately, most visitors to our parks don't venture beyond the pavement. . .or perhaps 'fortunately.'
zrim Nov 13, 2003 at 4:51 PM Report Abuse

I got scared climbing up Moro Rock and had to turn back before the summit.
Bwana_Brown Jun 12, 2003 at 7:51 PM Report Abuse

Another amazing page! Great tips and photos of your trip! I knew we should have tried for Yosemite while in San Francisco!
Aquamantos Jun 12, 2003 at 7:25 PM Report Abuse

A very informative page, great SEQUOIAS!!!!!!!!! :o)
TOOCOOL May 25, 2003 at 10:42 AM Report Abuse

Very nice tips!
phil_uk_net May 21, 2003 at 8:48 AM Report Abuse

The big redwoods really are amazing. Excellent info. How interesting that fire, rather than being a destructive force here, is necessary for the cycle of renewal. Did you see the trees I planted?
morgane1692 Mar 1, 2003 at 6:02 PM Report Abuse

I spent a summer here in '91...glad you know what Moro Rock is all about...that view!!!