Destination Guides | Outdoor Adventures | Road Trips

Sequoia National Park Itinerary For An Unforgettable Adventure

ByRoadTrip Honeys February 2, 2026

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When you roll into Sequoia National Park, you step into a place that feels like it’s been here forever. The air’s thick with the scent of pine, mountains surround you, and those giant sequoias? They hush everything, making you stop and take it all in.

Standing at the foot of one of these ancient trees, you realize just how small you really are. Not many places can do that.

A quick drive links Sequoia to Kings Canyon National Park. Scenic roads twist past deep valleys, waterfalls, and meadows that beg you to linger. If you’re driving an RV or a car, you get to hunt for those secret viewpoints and quiet trails on your own schedule.

Weekend trip or a longer wander—either way, this patch of California will show you something wild and beautiful.

Planning to Visit Sequoia National Park

A bit of planning makes your Sequoia trip in California go smoother. Most folks enter through the Ash Mountain Entrance by Three Rivers, following Highway 198 up into the foothills.

That climb into the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains gets steep. You’ll rise over 6,000 feet, and the road throws plenty of curves at you. If you’re in an RV, take it slow and enjoy the views.

Vehicles over 22 feet? Don’t try the stretch between Potwisha Campground and the Giant Forest. Those turns will test your nerves.

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A standard vehicle pass runs $35 and covers both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for a week. You can grab it at the gate or buy ahead at Recreation.gov.

If you’re hitting several parks this year, the America the Beautiful annual pass is a solid deal. Saves a few bucks in the long run.

The best time to visit Sequoia National Park? I’d say May through October. Roads stay clear of snow, and you can actually get to the good trails.

Show up early each morning if you want a shot at parking near the Foothills Visitor Center or Lodgepole Visitor Center. Those lots fill up fast.

If you’re camping, book your site well in advance. Summer especially gets packed.

Folks with big rigs usually camp near Visalia or just outside the entrance. Then they use a smaller vehicle to tackle those mountain roads. Trust me, it’s less stressful.

3 Day Sequoia National Park Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Giants’ Domain

Kick off your adventure in the Giant Forest, where the world’s biggest living things, the giant sequoias, tower overhead.

Start at the Giant Forest Museum. You’ll get the basics on sequoia ecology and can grab a trail map.

From there, it’s a short stroll to the General Sherman Tree—the biggest tree on earth. The loop in this area makes for an easy walk and a jaw-dropping intro to these massive groves.

Next, hit the Congress Trail. It’s a two-mile paved walk that winds through thick stands like the Parker Group and other famous clusters.

Every few steps, you’ll spot another ancient trunk. Makes you wonder how many storms these giants have weathered.

After lunch, check out Tunnel Log. It’s a downed sequoia so big you can drive right through it.

Then, swing by Moro Rock. A stone staircase climbs up to a lookout with views across the Great Western Divide.

It’s less than half a mile, but 350 stairs will wake up your legs. Not for the faint of heart, but the view’s worth it.

End your day at Lodgepole Village. There’s a visitor center, picnic spots, and a small market.

If you want dinner and a riverside spot to relax, this is the place. For more ideas, check this 3‑day Sequoia National Park itinerary.

Day 2: Trails and Hidden Lakes

Grab an early breakfast and point your wheels toward Crescent Meadow. Folks call it the “Gem of the Sierra,” and I can’t argue.

The Crescent Meadow Loop Trail winds through thick woods and, if you time it right, wildflowers.

You’ll come across Tharp’s Log—a fallen sequoia that once served as a pioneer’s cabin. It’s a quirky bit of history tucked right among the giants.

If you’re up for a longer hike, try the Lakes Trail near Wolverton. It climbs to Heather Lake and Emerald Lake, with steady elevation and granite ridges lining the way.

The round-trip to Heather Lake is about six miles. If you push on to Emerald Lake, you’ll earn yourself a solid day on the trail.

Later, kick back by the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River at Lodgepole. I’ve watched plenty of travelers soak their feet in the shallows, letting the water soothe away the miles.

Dinner at Wuksachi Lodge hits the spot—hearty food, forest views, and a calm vibe.

Want to mix up your hikes? This 2 to 3 day Sequoia National Park itinerary has a few alternate routes through Crescent Meadow and the lakes.

Day 3: Canyons, Rivers, and Falls

For your last day, follow the Generals Highway north into Kings Canyon National Park. The parks connect, but Kings Canyon feels quieter and the mountain views go on forever.

Start at Grant Grove Village. The paved loop to the General Grant Tree is a peaceful walk through another grove of giants.

After that, take the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway down into the canyon. The road drops fast, with sharp turns revealing epic views like Vista Point and Amphitheater Point.

You’ll spot glacier-carved cliffs and the Kings River winding below.

Stop at Zumwalt Meadow for a flat, easy 1.5-mile loop through green grasslands and under towering granite walls.

Before you head out, swing by Grizzly Falls. It’s a quick walk from the road, and the 75-foot waterfall is a cool, misty way to end your trip.

If you want more ways to combine Sequoia and Kings Canyon, take a look at this Sequoia and Kings Canyon itinerary.

Where to Stay

You’ve got a bunch of options for where to stay, both inside and just outside Sequoia National Park.

Inside the Park

• Wuksachi Lodge has comfy rooms and a solid dining room with mountain views that’ll make you want to linger over coffee.
• Lodgepole Campground sits close to the visitor center and works well for tents or small RVs.
• Potwisha Campground stays open all year. It’s got big sites, shade, and easy river access.

Nearby Options

Other good spots include Grant Grove Village and John Muir Lodge—both offer easy access to trails and scenic drives.

If you want to be near Wolverton or Lodgepole Village, shoot for something inside the park. There are more ideas at Where to stay near Sequoia National Park.

So pack your boots and get ready—Sequoia’s waiting.

Final Tips for Visiting Sequoia

If you want to really enjoy Sequoia, plan ahead. I always start my days early or wait until the evening for cooler air and a better shot at spotting wildlife near the Kaweah River or along those shaded hiking trails.

I can’t stress this enough—bring extra water and snacks. Once you leave the main roads, good luck finding food.

Remember to stash your food in bear boxes. Toss in your coolers and any personal stuff too. Bears have a knack for sniffing things out.

The park sits pretty high up, so you’ll want to take breaks. I always lace up my sturdiest hiking boots to keep my feet happy and avoid getting worn out.

Got a little extra time? Head over to Sequoia National Forest or cruise along the Kings River into Kings Canyon. You can grab a campsite reservation or hunt down some free campsites over at Recreation.gov.

Don’t forget your America the Beautiful Pass or a National Parks Pass. That’ll get you into Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and even Yosemite National Park.

And hey, let’s all try to follow the Leave No Trace principles. These wild places deserve a little respect, don’t they?