What Is Sequoia National Park?
Sequoia National Park protects over 400,000 acres of old-growth sequoias, which can grow up to 275 feet in height, measure 103 feet in circumference, and survive up to 2,700 years!
What Makes It Beautiful?
There really is something magical about these enormous evergreens, especially in winter when their red bark against the white snow creates a candy cane forest perfect for gallivanting! There are vistas along the Generals’ Highway as well that transcend ecosystems and have made my jaw drop. Just be sure not to stray from the road!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer with the Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) program!
- Become a member of the Sequoia Parks Conservancy!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
The Big Stump Entrance through Kings Canyon is about 60mi (97km) east of Fresno on CA-180.
The Ash Mountain Entrance is about 36mi (58km) east of Visalia on CA-198.
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
I loved visiting Sequoia in the winter. The crowds are smaller, the snow is gorgeous, hotel prices are at a minimum, and you have the option of snowshoeing! However, you will need chains on your tires! Rangers are available to help install them at certain times of day, but when I started early, there was no one around. That put me in a big mess when I stopped to take a picture on uphill ice-pack. My fingertips cracked as I struggled to install the chains, but I did finally succeed. Don’t make the same mistake! Conversely, if you visit in the summer, Crystal Cave will be open, you will be able to summit Moro Rock, and the road between Sequoia and Kings Canyon will be open. Plus, your fingertips won’t crack!
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