Sequoia National Park, a sister park to Kings Canyon National Park, is filled with giant sequoias, the world’s LARGEST tree, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states (Mt. Whitney @ 14,505 feet), and hikes for many skill levels.
Discover some super things to do for just one day in Sequoia National Park!
15 Things to Do for One Day in Sequoia National Park
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Are you ready to discover ideas for epic adventures for one day in Sequoia National Park?
These ideas are especially helpful for your itinerary if you have an afternoon to explore or are combining your exploration with Kings Canyon National Park. Pick and choose what works best for you, your group, and your schedule.
YOU MAY NOT HAVE TIME FOR ALL OF THESE ITINERARY STOPS.
You can see from the Sequoia National Park map below that the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California are right next to each other.
When you enter Sequoia National Park, you will receive a map of the park. Additionally, there are maps posted throughout the park that you can take a photo of with your phone—helpful if you will be hiking.
1. Drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
If you start your day of exploration for one day in Sequoia National Park by driving the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to the Road’s End Permit Station, you’ll pass through both Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park.
TRAVEL TIP: The byway is a zigzagging road that winds 6,000 feet down the mountainside to the valley floor in the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park. Be sure to take Dramamine or motion sickness meds before you start your drive.
As you drive back up the mountain, follow the road to Sequoia National Park. The drive from Zumwalt Meadows at Road’s End in Kings Canyon National Park to the General Sherman Tree Trail in Sequoia National Park takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (63 miles or 101 km) by car.
NOTE: The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is only open from mid-May through mid-October.
2. Discover the Giant Forest
The General Sherman Tree in the Giant Forest is the big star of Sequoia National Park. It is 275 feet (83.8 meters) tall. In comparison, the Statue of Liberty is 151 feet (46 meters) tall and stands on a pedestal that is 154 feet (47 meters) tall. The entire height of the Statue of Liberty is 305 feet (93 meters) tall.
The General Sherman Tree is NOT the only sequoia in the Giant Forest. Leave some time to explore the paths and trails in the forest.
Chris and I happened to visit on a holiday weekend and the traffic was cah…razy.
Your options in getting to the Giant Forest are to take a shuttle from the Lodgepole Visitor Center or the Giant Forest Museum, or you can take your chances on driving to the General Sherman Tree Trail and Parking Lot yourself and see if you can find a parking spot.
You will find that tourists are coming and going pretty constantly, and if you are patient, parking spots become available.
Note * The hike down to the General Sherman Tree Trail follows a paved path with a steep descent. Signs are posted along the path warning visitors of the decline as well as to be prepared for the steep climb back up.
You’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of benches and resting spots along the way.
Wear the appropriate shoes—not flip flops. I really like my Asics for trails such as this, especially if I am not wearing hiking boots.
This overlook above the General Sherman Tree Trail gives a great view of the General Sherman Tree below.
If the parking lot is busy, then odds are the famous tree will be thronged by people.
3. Visit the Lodgepole Visitor Center
One of the amazing things about national park visitor centers is that they offer tourists a place to explore the nature and history of the parks, view films about the parks, and ask questions about seeing the parks.
The Lodgepole Visitor Center features books, mementos, treats, restrooms, memorabilia and information related to the park.
You can purchase your wilderness permit at the visitor center as well if you are planning an overnight backpacking adventure.
Interested in a FREE ranger-led program? Inquire at the ranger desk.
4. Explore the Giant Forest Museum
Want to get to know the Giant Forest? Plan a stop at the Giant Forest Museum (open daily in the summer months). This FREE museum teaches you how to:
- Identify trees.
- Understand the difference between California coastal redwoods and giant sequoias.
- Explore interactive exhibits to discover the natural history of the park.
- Discover the beauty of Round Meadow with an easy one-mile stroll and see exhibits along the way that share the story of the park.
The museum is located about one hour north of the Sequoia National Park Ash Mountain entrance.
5. Hike on the General Sherman Tree Trail
Most likely one of your top goals in spending one day in Sequoia National Park is to visit and be amazed by the General Sherman Tree. It is massive and popular among all tourists.
There may even be a line of people waiting to have their picture taken in front of the tree.
I had about three seconds to take a picture of the General Sherman Tree before another family jumped in to take pictures. Be ready, have your camera settings dialed in (or use your phone camera), and have a lot of patience.
The General Sherman is enormous. It is the largest living tree on the earth today and grows bigger by adding bulk to its trunk every year. However, the tree is dead at the top and no longer grows taller.
One of the distinctive features of the sequoia tree is that the trunk does not taper much at the top.
Unlike the Redwood Forest which is primarily made up of redwood trees, there are many varieties of trees growing in the Sequoia National Forest. The sequoias grow in small groves or single trees here and there.
Walk the short General Sherman Tree Trail to begin your discovery of the Giant Forest.
6. Congress Trail Hike in Sequoia National Park
Still within Sequoia National Park, follow the Congress Trail that is not too far from the General Sherman tree for a fairly easy hike in Sequoia National Park through the grove where you will see the President’s tree, the Chief Sequoyah tree, the Senate trees, and the House trees.
The hike itself is 2.7 miles (4.3 km) round trip on a paved, gently sloping trail.
Such a beautiful forest. You could tell that many of the trees had some type of scarring from burns, perhaps through lightning strikes.
Did you know…
- The thickness of the bark rarely allows fire to get past the bark making these trees hard to kill.
- The tannin in the bark gives the giant tree its reddish color and protects it from insects.
- The Congress Trail loops back around to the General Sherman Tree.
Get ready for the climb back up the hill to the parking lot. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a bear along the way as we did!
Day Trips To and From Sequoia National Park
7. Yosemite to Sequoia National Park
It is about 3.5 hours driving distance from the Yosemite to Sequoia National Park and the General Sherman Tree. If you are exploring the national parks of California, you’ll definitely want to include Sequoia and Yosemite in your itinerary.
Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park are nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range of Central California. Yosemite features dynamic granite mountains, dramatic waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, and stunning wilderness landscapes.
Be sure to download the GuideAlong Audio Tour (formerly known as GyPSy Guide Audio Tours) for Yosemite.
“It’s just like having a tour guide along for the ride. You’ll hear stories, local tips & navigation play automatically, all based on your location. Best of all they don’t need cell signal, they work offline with GPS.”
It is one of the best tours of Yosemite from the comfort of your own car.
8. Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park
After spending a few days enjoying Los Angeles and perhaps Disneyland, set your navigation for a 4.5 hour drive from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park.
As you get away from the hustle, bustle and traffic jams of the city, you’ll marvel at the serenity in the national park. Instead of just a day trip, plan to spend more than one day in Sequoia National Park.
9. Kings Canyon to Sequoia National Park
Spending one day in Sequoia National Park is a logical extension of your exploration of Kings Canyon National Park. Whether you drive along the Generals Highway or CA 180 W (this route has tolls), it will take you approximately 2 hrs and 45 minutes. The Generals Highway is a scenic road that connects the two parks together.
Kings Canyon National Park features the second largest tree in the world, the 3,000-year-old General Grant Tree, which stands 267 feet talls and is almost 29 feet wide at its base at Grant Grove. You’ll love the hikes, more giant sequoias, and panoramic vistas.
10. Death Valley to Sequoia National Park
Death Valley National Park is a park that I have yet to visit, but it is definitely on my bucket list. The distance from Death Valley to Sequoia National Park and the General Sherman Tree Trail is not quite so close.
It will take you a day trip of driving almost 7 hours to reach Sequoia NP. You’ll definitely want to make overnight accommodations with Booking.com so that you can get up bright and early to spend at least one day in Sequoia National Park.
11. Fresno, CA: Visit Forestiere Underground Gardens
If Fresno is your starting point to the national park, don’t leave Fresno too fast. If you have a little extra time, plan to spend an hour or so touring the Forestiere Underground Gardens built by the Sicilian immigrant, Baldassare Forestiere, over 100 years ago.
Since Fresno Yosemite International Airport is one of your closest airports to Sequoia NP, it is a great place to begin your trip.
If you go, the Forestiere Underground Gardens are open for guided tours from May through October. The hottest months in Fresno!
The benefit to the underground adventure is that it is so much cooler than the heat of Fresno—at least 10-20 degrees cooler underground.
When Chris and I toured the Forestiere Underground Gardens, the temperature was pushing 100 degrees above ground. The temperature in the underground gardens was cool and pleasant.
Forestiere had a great vision for his underground home and garden and spent years digging, crafting, and creating. He started with a few very simple rooms that included a place to sleep, a place to eat, and a few small garden areas.
The Forestiere Underground Gardens continued to grow in size as Baldassare added an upgraded living area, a chapel area, more gardens, tunnels, and open air vents to allow citrus trees to grow and get water in his courtyards. It was all pretty ingenious. The tour takes about an hour. FYI, you will need a reservation for the guided tour.
It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive from Fresno to Sequoia National Park.
Places We Didn’t Have Time to Visit for Our One Day in Sequoia National Park
If you feel you might suffer from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), you may wish to add one or all of these additional itinerary ideas to your bucket list.
12. Tunnel Log
You’ve seen those iconic pictures of cars driving through a tunnel in a giant tree.
Tunnel Log in Sequoia National Park is such a tree and was carved into a fallen sequoia tree. Note* You can drive through this tunnel on weekdays when Crescent Meadow Road is open. If you visit the park on a weekend or are taking a shuttle, you may have to be happy with a drive by of Tunnel Log.
13. Moro Hike
Fancy a short but strenuous hike? This hike in Sequoia National Park—Moro Rock on Crescent Meadow Road—culminates in a fabulous viewpoint that makes climbing 400 steps to the summit worth the effort.
On weekdays, drive directly to Moro Rock on Crescent Meadow Road. Note * Parking is limited. Taking the free shuttle from Giant Forest Museum is an option.
On weekends and holidays, Crescent Meadow Road is closed to private vehicles. You can either take the shuttle or walk the 2 miles from the Giant Forest Museum.
14. Crescent Meadow
Also along Crescent Meadow Road is the Crescent Meadow featuring the Crescent Meadow Loop. This 2-mile (3.2 km) stroll through the forest and meadow features wildflowers and maybe an animal sighting or two in the summer.
15. Crystal Cave
Here’s another underground cave to explore and enjoy cooler temperatures in the summer months. You will need to sign up for a tour.
If this is high on your list of must-do’s during your one day in Sequoia National Park, note that it will take a good portion of your day. The cave is about a half an hour from the Giant Forest Museum. You will need to factor in the time for a one hour tour as well.
Where to Stay for MORE Than One Day in Sequoia National Park
When planning your Sequoia NP adventure along a California National Park road trip, you may wish to choose an accommodation and stay a little longer than just one day in Sequoia National Park or Kings Canyon NP. Your options include:
- John Muir Lodge at Grant Grove (Located in Kings Canyon National Park Grant Grove)
- Wuksachi Village & Lodge (Located in Sequoia Giant Forest)
- Grant Grove Cabins (Located in Kings Canyon in the Grant Grove area)
- Cedar Grove Lodge (Kings Canyon in the Cedar Grove area)
Do you love to camp? There are 14 campgrounds within Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP. You will want to plan in advance (or check for last minute cancellations) as these reservations go quickly.
Getting to Sequoia National Park
Rent a Car
Having your own vehicle or a rental car is highly recommended. It allows you the flexibility to explore the area on your own schedule. And if you only have one day in Sequoia National Park and want to visit Kings Canyon National Park as well, you have that luxury.
If you’d prefer to take public transportation, your options include:
Take a Bus or Shuttle
If you have arrived at the airport in Visalia, California, you can sign up for the Visalia-Sequoia Shuttle. Note that all riders will need to have a national park entrance pass before entering Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. If you don’t already have one, passes can be purchased online at Recreation.gov.
Ride the Train
Check the Amtrak schedule for train tickets to Fresno. You can plan a trip up the West Coast, a trip from Chicago through Colorado and Utah, or even begin on the East Coast and have a fun adventure across the country.
You will need to rent a car once you arrive in Fresno (or you could even go to Hanford, CA along the Amtrak line and then connect by Amtrak bus to Visalia).
Best Time to Visit Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is open year-round, however, each season offers different experiences. Here are a few things to consider:
Summer
Summer is typically the best time to visit. You will find the weather to be more consistent, shuttles and programming are in full swing, and all of the park areas are typically open.
Fall
The weather in the fall can be a little unpredictable. The summer programming and shuttle service close down as well as some areas of the park close for the season, ie., Mineral King and Cedar Grove.
Winter
Do you love to snowshoe in the winter? This is a great time to include winter sports to your visit, especially if you have just one day in Sequoia National Park. Some areas of the park may be closed for the season or due to snow and all shuttle service is suspended. Note * If you are driving your own car or a rental, you may need tire chains.
Spring
Spring in Sequoia National Park gives you the chance to literally see the park come alive with wildflowers, animals, and birds. The park may not have shuttles and services available yet, but you can still drive on your own to visit the park.
Travel Tip: Check the Current Conditions for closures and updates within the park.
Don’t Forget Your Camera Equipment
Check out my Amazon Storefront for all of you photography, travel and hiking needs while exploring the California national parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Sequoia National Park?
Summer is the best time to visit the national park as all shuttles and services are available, the park is open to the public, and hiking trails are typically clear.
Is Sequoia National Park worth visiting?
Yes. You can still see a lot even if you only have one day in Sequoia National Park. Odds are you will want to see the General Sherman Tree, so be sure to plan your itinerary with that in mind.
What is the best trail in Sequoia National Park?
The General Sherman Tree Trail is the start to an awesome hike in Sequoia National Park as it takes you right to the General Sherman Tree and then allows you to explore the Congress Trail and other trails within the Giant Forest.
Is there an entrance fee to Sequoia National Park?
Sequoia National Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for seven days)
Sequoia & Kings Canyon Annual Pass: $70
America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 (perfect if you plan to visit a number of US National Parks in one year)
What is the difference between redwood trees vs sequoia trees?
There are a number of differences with the most significant being the size and shape of the trees. Redwood trees are the tallest trees in the world and feature a slender trunk. Giant sequoia trees are the largest trees in the world by volume and have immense trunks with only a slight taper. Coastal redwood trees grow best in the moist, humid climate of the coast while sequoia trees thrive in higher, hotter elevations, specifically along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
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Final Thoughts on 15 Super Things to Do for One Day in Sequoia National Park, California
The national park system within the United States is simply amazing. For a nominal fee, you get access to amazing scenery, hikes, shuttle service, restrooms, visitor centers, knowledgeable rangers, tours, and epic moments on the West Coast, the East Coast, and all parks in between.
Because of the popularity of national parks for US citizens as well as tourists from all around the world, practicing a few simple tips of national park etiquette will make the visit enjoyable for all:
- Leave no trace
- Follow all leash laws for pets, pick up after your pets, and carry out their poop bags
- Be prepared for hikes with water, food, maps, and appropriate clothing
- Stay on the trails
- Don’t cause damage
- Refrain from running, yelling and horseplay
- Only have fires in designated areas
- Hike and camp with appropriate permits and in designated areas only
- Don’t approach or feed the wildlife. Do enjoy looking though!
Following these rules of etiquette will help everyone enjoy our national park treasures for years to come.
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Love all your great information! Love Hiking! Will have to save this one. Thanks for a great read!
Love these huge trees and scenic byways. We visited Yosemite on our last US trip, I think this park might be making the list for our next roadtrip.!
California is a comprehensive guide that turns a single day into an extraordinary journey. From towering giants to breathtaking vistas, this guide expertly navigates the park’s wonders, ensuring you make the most of your limited time. Whether it’s exploring majestic sequoias or embracing the natural beauty around every corner, this curated list transforms your day into an unforgettable adventure. Sequoia National Park has never felt more alive and vibrant!”
Perfect timing for your post. We are planning on heading back to the US later this year and have Sequoia NP on our list of places to visit. Now to add to our list of things to do there!
I’ve got Sequoia National Park on my list! This is a great list on how to spend a beautiful day exploring the majestic trees and scenic views.
It’s on my bucket list to visit as many national parks as possible. This post was great on providing information for my planning! Thanks!
Those redwoods are simply incredible aren’t they! I would looove to see those giant from the Congress Trail Hike, but everything about Sequoia National Park makes me happy! I kind of think it’s fun you even included the FOMO things that you didn’t do – I mean, it looks like you chose sooo many good things. Forget that FOMO!
I would love to visit Sequoia NP! Still haven’t made it but it’s high on my list. That nearby underground garden in Fresno sounds really cool too – I’d never heard of it before your post!
I had no idea there was a difference between redwood trees and sequoia trees! Visiting Sequoia National park is definitely higher on my bucket list now
Loved Sequoia National Park and hiking the General Sherman Trail as well as Tokopah Falls Trail. Unfortunately, the waterfall was more like a trickle since we visited in the summer. It was over 100 degrees! We still enjoyed our visit.