Guide contents

Jul 30th, 2024

•

63 views

Visited Sequoia National Park in July 2024 and had a hard time finding a detailed inventory for a long weekend, so I created my own to share. This trip focuses on the major sights and experiences and some easy to moderate trails. It will work well for a group with kids/elders too

General tips

I highly recommend staying in the park either in a campsite or the lodge if you plan enough in advance. This will reduce the amount of driving up and down the mountain in the windy roads.

Otherwise, stay at a hotel or cabin in Three Rivers which is the closest town to the park. Avoid short term rental sites if possible as these have driven up housing costs for locals.

Parking and using the shuttle is required on weekends, unless you have a handicap placard, you can park at the shuttle stops.

Double check the NPS website before the trip to check road closures and other attraction closures. Read up on bear safety and containing your food.

If you are a Veteran, you can get a free lifetime national park pass with proof.

Fill up on fuel in Three Rivers before heading into the park to be safe.

Day 1

Friday

Arrive to Three Rivers mid-day for a late lunch and a grocery and fuel stop before checking in to your accommodations.

On the way up the mountain there are a few, quick, noteworthy stops along the way.

This day is light as you’ll likely be tired from your travels.

Sign - Sequoia National Park

On your way up the mountain, stop for a photo with the Sequoia National Park sign and enjoy a beautiful view of the park

3 min · 0.85 mi

Foothills Visitor Center

Visitor center

Stop in for information about the park, get souvenirs, and talk with park rangers

4 min · 1.4 mi

Tunnel Rock

Sights & Landmarks

Historical landmark

Pull over to check out this rock and get a fun photo before continuing on your way

11 min · 3.7 mi

Hospital Rock

Natural feature

Quick stop at a historical site with petroglyphs where over 500 native people lived

37 min · 12 mi

Sequoia National Park's Tunnel Log

Scenic spot

Sights & Landmarks

Points of Interest & Landmarks

Drive through tunnel rock- you won’t be able to Saturday or Sunday as they close this road to car traffic

Loop back around the one way road and pull over near the sign for the Hanging Rock or park at the Moro Rock trailhead and walk over

Hanging Rock

.3 mi path up to Hanging Rock for stunning views and a fun picture

11 min · 0.59 mi

Moro Rock

Must go

Scenic spot

.5 mi sunset trek up stairs (some parts with handrails) to the top of the rock, which will give you 360 views of the park. Try to time this for right before sunset for the most amazing views of the setting sun.

Head back for dinner or grab food at Wuksachi Lodge on the north side of the park

Plan a trip just like this one

Your itinerary and your map, in one view. Build, organize, and map out your next best trip.

Start planning a trip

Learn more

Day 2

Saturday

Try to get to the park early as parking gets full by late morning and there will be long shuttle lines and crowds at the main attractions. Carry your lunch as this will be a long day of wandering the magical giant forest.

Giant Forest Museum

Museum

Visitor center

This is the southernmost shuttle stop and the first parking lot. Stop in to the museum to learn more about the beautiful Giant Sequoia and the park before taking the shuttle to see the General Sherman tree and continuing on the Sherman Tree trail and Congress trail

4 min · 2.2 mi

General Sherman Tree

Must go

Sights & Landmarks

The largest tree in the world by volume! Ask the people behind you in line to help you get a group photo.

9 min · 0.48 mi

Sherman Tree Trail

Hiking area

Wander around the forest! Then continue on to the Congress Trail which is connected

8 min · 0.39 mi

The Congress Trail

Hiking area

Nature & Parks

Hiking Trails

Wander around the forest more and stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. This is a 3 mi loop but you can choose your own adventure and see other trails, trees, and historical sites on the connecting trails. Take your time and enjoy the magic.

15 min · 4.8 mi

Crescent Meadow

Elevated

If you have more energy for easy hiking, take the shuttle to Crescent Meadow

Head back to your accommodations to rest and recharge before dinner

Wuksachi Lodge

Lodge

Hotel

Dinner at the restaurant or pizza oven before joining the Discover the Night Sky Constellation Tour put on by Sequoia Parks Conservancy, which meets at the lobby of Wuksachi Lodge

6 min · 0.33 mi

Wuksachi Trail Head

Hiking area

Meet your guide at the Wuksachi Lodge lobby and walk over as a group to the trailhead parking lot. Make reservations in advance for the nighttime tour called Wonders of the Night Sky. It was about $17 per person and well worth it! Bring a blanket and dress warm as it gets cold at night in the park. https://sequoiaparksconservancy.org/adventure/wonders-of-the-night-sky/

Day 3

Sunday

Lodgepole Visitor Center

Visitor center

Shuttle or park here for snacks or lunch to bring on your waterfall hike

3 min · 0.65 mi

Tokopah Trailhead

Hiking area

Take the shuttle or park at the Tokopah Campground and walk over to the trailhead

2 min · 0.5 mi

Tokopah Falls

Must go

Waterfall

1.7 mi hike to the falls. It takes about 2.5 hours but build in more time for relaxing at the falls. If you’re not up for climbing uneven rocks to get to the falls, head back down and relax in the calmer river water.

Pack up/check out and head home!