Sequoia National Park
RV Guide

High up in the mountains, far from any city lights, Sequoia National Park is one of the darkest places to visit in the Nation. Astronomy programs are offered at the Wuksachi Lodge and on clear nights, the Milky Way clearly shines above the park. The sky is as it was before artificial light polluted its wonders. You can soak in the magic of the stars during the Wonders of the Night Sky program or the Dark Skies Festival.

Located between the Ash Mountain entrance and Giant Forest, Crystal Cave requires a half-mile scenic, yet steep stroll in order to arrive at its mouth. The park offers guided tours from mid-May through September. Most tours last about 45 minutes through the half-mile loop in the cave. Tickets must be purchased before arriving to the cave and can be bought at the Foothills Visitors Center. Rigs over 22 feet are not allowed on Crystal Cave Road.

As with many other National Parks, Sequoia has worked to make as much of the grounds as accessible as possible in order to allow everyone, of every ability, to enjoy the park. One of the most accessible trails in the park is found in Big Trees Trail. It is an easy, self-guided loop that circles through Round Meadow and features trail-side exhibits that describe the local ecology. The trail is just over a mile.

The park’s Rangers run a whole variety of programs that are designed to keep visitors entertained and educated. There’s just something special about having a park Ranger on hand to ask those questions that have been lingering in the back of your mind. The insights from these experts are the perfect way to learn about the park’s wonders. Whether you get to enjoy a guided hike, a nightly program, or attend a campfire talk, you surely won’t be disappointed. Most Ranger programs are held throughout the summer, so that's the perfect time to get involved. Check the park schedule for more information about Ranger-led activities and programs.

The heart of Sequoia National Park features Giant Forest. This forest houses about half of the Earth’s largest and longest-living trees. John Muir named the forest back in 1875, and many of today’s trees were there to bear witness to his travels. The Giant Forest is alive with wonder. Many come to see these towering tree giants but leave having experienced something so much more grand.

The most famous tree in the Giant Forest is General Sherman Tree. Towering at 275 feet tall, General Sherman is the tallest tree in the world. There are two trails, the Main Trail and the ADA-accessible trail, that make it easy to reach the legendary tree from the parking lot, off of Wolverton Road.

Big Stump snow play area near Grant Grove provides excellent sledding and snow play opportunities for families. The area offers gentle slopes perfect for children and safe winter recreation.

It’s a cross-country skier’s paradise here at Sequoia National Park. In the very heart of this recreational area, Wuksachi Lodge makes a supreme choice as a base for those who are just starting out with the sport. The lodge also offers more challenging trails where more seasoned skiers can show off their skills. Skiers should be sure to add this stop on their list of travel destinations.

Since temperatures can drop to the chill zone during the winter months, be sure to dress in layers to ward off the cold. You'll need to bring along drinking water to keep your hydration levels optimal during your cross-country skiing trip.

The Generals Highway is a roadway that connects the two parks, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. Along both sides runs the celebrated Sequoia groves and a number of popular trailheads pepper the way. The roadway offers a scenic drive to well-visited overlooks and rocky ridges. Winter weather conditions can make travel a bit tricky, so be sure to come well prepared. Weather can be unpredictable at times, so it is advised to be ready with enough creature comforts to get you through some time that could be spent waiting for a snowplow. Bring along a camera to record the beautiful sights you will encounter along your highway journey.

Easy, fun, and a totally unique way to wander among the giant Sequoias of the park, guided snowshoe walks are an extremely popular activity at this recreational area. This setting for snowshoeing is, simply put, perfect. The orange trunks contrast so nicely against the white snow, creating an ideal backdrop for such a leisurely recreation. With weather permitting, the Rangers provide guided snowshoe walks in the Giant Forest that are free of charge. They are perfect for beginners who also want to learn more about the history and unique geographical features of the park.

Be sure to dress in layers to stay warm during colder weather. Bring along drinking water and a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate to enjoy with your family and friends on your snowshoeing adventure.

This destination is more of a challenge, but very much worth the reward. All the way up at 9,200 feet, Pear Lake Winter Hut offers access to some of the most pristine winter wilderness settings in the park. There is a steep six mile-long trail that begins at Wolverton and gains a good 2,000 feet of elevation by the time Pear Lake is reached. It’s a hike that’s best suited for those who are quite fit and are more experienced with backcountry travelling. Those who do dare to venture out to the hut will get to experience a quiet that only the High Sierra in winter can provide. A cozy cabin with a provided pellet stove (and pellets) will keep you warm after your trek. It’s a well deserved ending. Before making your way to the hut, be sure you’ve made reservations, as they are required for access.

Snow-covered sequoias create magical photographic opportunities unique to winter months. The contrast between massive tree trunks and pristine snow creates stunning black and white and color photography subjects.

Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more California national park adventures, check out our Kings Canyon National Park guide.

Essential External Resources:

• National Park Service Official Site: [nps.gov/seki] for current conditions, alerts, and planning information
• Leave No Trace Principles: [lnt.org] for responsible camping and outdoor ethics

Related Adventures:

• Travel Trailer Adventures: Perfect for navigating Sequoia's winding mountain roads
• Yosemite National Park Guide: Complete your Sierra Nevada trifecta with California's most famous park

At this park, fly fishing is renowned as so much more than a sport. It’s a science, a skill, an art--and it is a recreation that is celebrated at Sequoia. It’s not for everyone, and many succumb to fly fishing’s tediousness, but for those who stick with the mystique of the craft, hours of wonderful reward await. Be sure you have the correct bait for your fishing adventure and bring all of the creature comforts you will need to enjoy a great day on the water including refreshing beverages and snacks.

This strenuous hike is one that goes seven miles one way, meaning to and from is going to be a good 14-mile round trip. It is a trail that is considered by many to be one of “the best” day hikes in the park. At a whopping 11,204 feet in elevation, Alta Peak offers its visitors jaw-dropping vistas of the High Sierra and beyond. On a nice, clear day you can even see all the way to Mount Whitney!

Since this hike is considered a challenging one, you will want to be sure to bring along food and water to keep hunger and thirst at bay. Wear appropriate footwear to prevent injury. The weather can get chilly during the fall months, so dress in layers to remain warm.

The enormous Sequoias and famed Redwood forests make up some of the most inspiring scenes worth capturing forever. The photo opportunities are endless, even for the most novice of photographers. There are many overlooks where you can capture settings worth placing on a postcard, but don’t stop there. There is much that is worth capturing in this photographer’s paradise.

There are several lakes, rivers, and creeks inside Sequoia National Park. Many of these waterways hosts areas that are quite popular among fishing enthusiasts. Most come here to catch Rainbow Trout, wild Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and even sometimes Golden Trout. In this park, Wolverton Creek and places near Wuksachi Lodge and Mineral King are popular fishing havens.

You can fish directly from the shore or paddle out in your canoe or kayak to try your hand at catching the "big one." Once your fishing adventure is over, you can fillet your fish along the banks of the water then grill up a feast back at your campground.

The Giant Forest Museum is the perfect location to get to know all there is to know about the Giant Forest and its famous trees. Visitors come from far and wide to learn all sorts of fun and intriguing facts. Here, you can be taught how to identify trees, learn what makes a Sequoia different from a Redwood, explore the area’s natural ecology, or take an interpretive trail. Admission is free, and the museum is open daily.

Half-day tours are provided by Sequoia Sightseeing Tours. These tours of Sequoia National Park depart from Wuksachi Lodge. From this start, the tour will take you along to witness such sights as the General Sherman Tree, the Tunnel Log, Moro Rock, and much more. Reservations are highly recommended as this is quite a popular tour.

The park’s southern portion is home to the famed Tokopah Falls. The towering falls scale to 1,200 feet and show off a series of small cascades. None of the drops themselves are really all that high, but that doesn’t steer away from the sheer beauty of the falls in their entirety. An almost two-mile hike will land you at the mouth of these incredible natural water features. It’s not a particularly difficult walk to get to this destination, so you won’t have to wait long to see the falls in all their splendor.

From black bears to birds of many feathers and from fish to falcons; you’ll never be without an opportunity to witness much of California’s wildlife in its natural splendor. A good portion of Sequoia National Park remains untouched, as its inhabitants are who rule in these parts. An array of birds, mammals, and everything in between await, all held within extreme elevation changes. Some of the most commonly sighted animals include bears, coyotes, opossums, deer, and badgers.

Scaling the Sequoia is a popular pastime for many of the park’s visitors. Sequoia offers rocky routes that challenge climbers of all ability levels. Moro Rock is one of the most popular and easily accessible climbs in the park, offering 1,000 feet of climbing adventure. If you're up for a challenge, you can take an 18-mile hike to reach Angel Wings, which is one of the tallest climbs in the park.

Climbing is typically prohibited at Moro Rock and Chimney Rock from April and through August to protect the habitat of nesting peregrine falcons. If you are not a skilled rock climber, you may want to consider hiring a professional guide to accompany you and your family on your adventure. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and to carry drinking water and snacks with you.

Some of the best horseback riding can be enjoyed at Sequoia, with several locations providing riding services for equestrians of all abilities. Riding services include anything from guided day rides to overnight and multi-day trips. It’s best to contact the area’s stables for more in-depth information before committing to the trip. You can also bring your own horse to ride in the park, but make sure you follow all park rules. A permit is required for overnight rides.