Trees as tall as buildings with leaves like dinner plates. All around you, a deep hush is broken only by the sounds of flapping wings and the distant murmur of water lapping against a lakeshore. Sound like a dream? Nope – it’s just Sequoia National Park. This spot doesn’t get as much press as its cousin, Redwood National Park, but it’s just as otherworldly. Here’s why you should visit ASAP:
Sequoia National Park is located next to Kings Canyon National Park in California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountains.
Getty/Tomasz Zajda / EyeEm It’s known for its towering sequoia trees, which are actually taller than redwood trees. In fact, they’re the tallest trees in the whole world.
The park is dotted with what are called sequoia groves.
Getty/Allard Schager These areas are on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and feature mixed woodland that contain giant sequoias. There are about 40 different giant sequoia groves, with most featuring trees that are between 10 and 20 feet in diameter and more than 300 feet tall. They’re so large that it’s virtually impossible to photograph an entire tree in a single shot unless you head to vantage points such as Grant Grove. Many of these trees are more than 2,000 years old, with the oldest in the park being more than 3,500 years old.
Visiting the park is easy and fun, as there are plenty of pre-mapped hikes and activities on offer.
Getty/Peter Amend Stop by a visitor center first to learn about the history and landscape of the park before heading out on a day hike into the forest. If you don’t feel like hiking, check out overlooks like Redwood Mountain Overlook or Junction View. Feel like getting out of the sun? Head to Crystal Cave for a peek at the geology of the park, or visit during the winter for amazing skiing and snowshoeing opportunities amongst the giant trees.
No matter when you visit, this incredible national park will have you coming back again and again. Learn more about Sequoia National Park on the NPS website, and start planning your visit today! For more of the coolest spots to explore across the country, let this article give you some inspiration.
Getty/Tomasz Zajda / EyeEm
It’s known for its towering sequoia trees, which are actually taller than redwood trees. In fact, they’re the tallest trees in the whole world.
Getty/Allard Schager
These areas are on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and feature mixed woodland that contain giant sequoias. There are about 40 different giant sequoia groves, with most featuring trees that are between 10 and 20 feet in diameter and more than 300 feet tall. They’re so large that it’s virtually impossible to photograph an entire tree in a single shot unless you head to vantage points such as Grant Grove. Many of these trees are more than 2,000 years old, with the oldest in the park being more than 3,500 years old.
Getty/Peter Amend
Stop by a visitor center first to learn about the history and landscape of the park before heading out on a day hike into the forest. If you don’t feel like hiking, check out overlooks like Redwood Mountain Overlook or Junction View. Feel like getting out of the sun? Head to Crystal Cave for a peek at the geology of the park, or visit during the winter for amazing skiing and snowshoeing opportunities amongst the giant trees.
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Address: Sequoia National Park, California, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park To Visit In California February 23, 2022 Tori Jane What are the best things to do outside in Northern California? It’s no secret at all that California is a humongous state; the northern half tends to get all the love as the beautiful, woodsy type of amazingness, whereas SoCal gets all the attention for its amazing beaches. The entire state is amazing for those who enjoy the outdoors, but Northern California is particularly awe-inspiring. It’s a great place to get out and enjoy life. Some of our favorite things to do outside in Northern California include all the basics, like camping, hiking, biking, mountain climbing, geocaching, and more; a wonderful place to begin is at any of our awesome state parks, most of which are open year-round. Some state parks, like Mount Diablo State Park, offer amazing camping under the stars – an experience you won’t forget. Climb Mount Shasta or visit an arboretum in San Fransisco; take a hike alongside an amazing lake or seek out waterfalls. The bay area has plenty of amazing spots to check out, too – the possibilities are only as limited as your imagination, so get to dreaming! Need more ideas? Take a look at this article for plenty more. What are the best hiking trails in Sequoia National Park? There are 110 amazing hiking trails inside Sequoia National Park, including a span of different trails for varying skill levels. They range in length from very short to very long, and each one comes with its own incredible sights to see and experiences to have. Some of our favorite hikes include the half-mile but still mighty Moro Rock Trail, which is rated as moderately challenging and supplies hikers with astonishing views. Take Tokopah Valley Trail to an amazing waterfall finish; that one’s a little longer, at four miles in length, but it’s worth the challenge. Need something a little easier? No worries – give the amazing General Sherman Tree Trail a shot; it’s just 1.2 miles long and affords you incredible views of the trees we all know and love.
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park To Visit In California
February 23, 2022
Tori Jane
What are the best things to do outside in Northern California? It’s no secret at all that California is a humongous state; the northern half tends to get all the love as the beautiful, woodsy type of amazingness, whereas SoCal gets all the attention for its amazing beaches. The entire state is amazing for those who enjoy the outdoors, but Northern California is particularly awe-inspiring. It’s a great place to get out and enjoy life. Some of our favorite things to do outside in Northern California include all the basics, like camping, hiking, biking, mountain climbing, geocaching, and more; a wonderful place to begin is at any of our awesome state parks, most of which are open year-round. Some state parks, like Mount Diablo State Park, offer amazing camping under the stars – an experience you won’t forget. Climb Mount Shasta or visit an arboretum in San Fransisco; take a hike alongside an amazing lake or seek out waterfalls. The bay area has plenty of amazing spots to check out, too – the possibilities are only as limited as your imagination, so get to dreaming! Need more ideas? Take a look at this article for plenty more. What are the best hiking trails in Sequoia National Park? There are 110 amazing hiking trails inside Sequoia National Park, including a span of different trails for varying skill levels. They range in length from very short to very long, and each one comes with its own incredible sights to see and experiences to have. Some of our favorite hikes include the half-mile but still mighty Moro Rock Trail, which is rated as moderately challenging and supplies hikers with astonishing views. Take Tokopah Valley Trail to an amazing waterfall finish; that one’s a little longer, at four miles in length, but it’s worth the challenge. Need something a little easier? No worries – give the amazing General Sherman Tree Trail a shot; it’s just 1.2 miles long and affords you incredible views of the trees we all know and love.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It’s no secret at all that California is a humongous state; the northern half tends to get all the love as the beautiful, woodsy type of amazingness, whereas SoCal gets all the attention for its amazing beaches. The entire state is amazing for those who enjoy the outdoors, but Northern California is particularly awe-inspiring. It’s a great place to get out and enjoy life. Some of our favorite things to do outside in Northern California include all the basics, like camping, hiking, biking, mountain climbing, geocaching, and more; a wonderful place to begin is at any of our awesome state parks, most of which are open year-round. Some state parks, like Mount Diablo State Park, offer amazing camping under the stars – an experience you won’t forget. Climb Mount Shasta or visit an arboretum in San Fransisco; take a hike alongside an amazing lake or seek out waterfalls. The bay area has plenty of amazing spots to check out, too – the possibilities are only as limited as your imagination, so get to dreaming! Need more ideas? Take a look at this article for plenty more.
What are the best hiking trails in Sequoia National Park?
There are 110 amazing hiking trails inside Sequoia National Park, including a span of different trails for varying skill levels. They range in length from very short to very long, and each one comes with its own incredible sights to see and experiences to have. Some of our favorite hikes include the half-mile but still mighty Moro Rock Trail, which is rated as moderately challenging and supplies hikers with astonishing views. Take Tokopah Valley Trail to an amazing waterfall finish; that one’s a little longer, at four miles in length, but it’s worth the challenge. Need something a little easier? No worries – give the amazing General Sherman Tree Trail a shot; it’s just 1.2 miles long and affords you incredible views of the trees we all know and love.
