Things to do at Sequoia National Park with kids

Sequoia National Park, otherwise known as the Land of Giants, is America’s second oldest national park. Located in central California, it is a popular place for weekend and holiday visits among residents and tourists.  It is filled with some of the biggest living trees in the planet and looking up at them will leave one in awe. Here are things to do at Sequoia National Park.

One of the reasons we like coming here is that even during holiday weekends, the crowds are not as large as nearby Yosemite National Park. It’s very pleasant having the trails to ourselves and marveling at the enormity of these giant trees without all the noise.

Getting There

Those from Southern California approach Sequoia through Highway 198 past the town of Three Rivers.  The drive up to the park is a very winding road with multiple twists and 12 switchbacks with a speed limit of 15 mph.  This is not for those prone to motion sickness or those in a hurry.

During our recent visit, we approached Sequoia through its back door from King’s Canyon National Park going through the General’s Highway. It was a very scenic drive among the pine trees and with some lovely lookout points.  This was one of the views that greeted us during our drive.

Of course, people come to the park for the giant sequoias.  But, there really is more to the park than these trees.  It is a popular place for hikers and campers with miles of trails, meadows and even a cave.

Climb Moro Rock

The large granite dome known as Moro Rock was visible as we made our way up to Sequoia.  Its sheer size and seemingly out of place position amidst the forest of the giant trees is a sight to behold.

Much to our delight, visitors can actually climb the rock without using ropes. We climbed the almost 400 steps to the top with various stops along the way.  Its highest elevation here is at 6,725 feet. It got very narrow in some areas where we had to let the people coming down go first and vice versa.

The top portion has a narrow cement area with rails on both sides to walk through. It was a bit scary but the panoramic views of the mountain range were magnificent. Mt. Whitney (highest mountain in the continental US) is visible from here.

Visit the General Sherman Tree 

The General Sherman is definitely the main attraction of this park. This is considered the largest living tree in the world due to its sheer volume. it is such a glorious and incredible sight and always takes my breath away every time I see it.

It is believed to be 2100 years old. This massive tree stands at 275 feet(84 m) and still growing with its circumference around the trunk at the ground level at  83 feet (25.2 m). 

Pictures can’t really do justice to these trees. It’s hard to capture their sheer size. Here’s an analogy that puts a bit of perspective of how it feels to stand next to them. “Looking up at the General Sherman tree for a 6 foot tall human is about the equivalent of a mouse looking up at a 6 foot tall human!” 

The best view of the General Sherman tree is across the meadow since you are able to see its full height.Th e actual sign is at the base of the tree where visitors take the obligatory tourist pictures. It may be a long wait at times to get your turn unless you’re coming during the off season.

The Sequoia Groves

The trail near the General Sherman leads to a scenic grove of Sequoias. There was one where you can pose inside the tree which is always popula with kids. 

Just be careful with the black sap. I know it comes off easily on jackets but I’m not too sure about body parts or hair so watch what the kids touch. We’ve had our share of removing these.

We like that the parks had various exhibits of parts of the trees so everyone can get an idea of how the inside looks.  There was a fallen tree where you can go walk through which was a big hit for everyone.

The parking lot to the General Sherman tree is about a half mile hike downhill on a trail. There were plenty of seats along the way to rest for the return trip. At an altitude of 7000 feet, the air can get pretty thin. 

The hike back uphill to the parking lot may not suit seniors and kids especially during the summer.  An alternative is to get picked up at the handicapped parking near the General Sherman trail and the walk through sequoia.

Drive through the Tunnel Log

One of the unique things about visiting this park is driving through a fallen sequoia called the Tunnel Log.  Yes, it’s very touristy but a guaranteed highlight for the kids.  This log has been here since 1937 and the pathway measureas at  8 ft (2.4 m) high and 17 ft (5.1 m) wide.

Spot the Wildlife

During our recent visit in early November, we got lucky and saw quite a few animals.  There were the healthy looking cows on the road, a deer in the woods and the highlight – a black bear on the hill.  You’ll know that wildlife is around when cars are stopped on the main road and everyone with their cameras is out.

Explore Crystal Cave

A trip to this cave has eluded us during past visits since it always seems to be close. Caves and its underground formations have always fascinated me so I would love to spend some time here.

Although they surely don’t make it easy to visit. It is only open from mid-May to October. It takes a strenuous half mile hike to get to the cave entrance and is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Tours cannot be purchased more than a day in advance.

Learn at the Giant Forest Museum

The park created this facility in 2001 to enhance the visitor experience and to educate about the the resident giant sequoias. It includes self-guiding interpretive trails and exhibits. 

This is a great place to introduce kids to the history and nature of these trees. The museum has many interactive exhibits for children. It is attached to a gift shop and visitor center.

Hike the Trails

One of the things we love about Sequoia beyond the giant trees are the family-friendly trails. They really have done a wonderful job of creating these trails to ensure you see the sequoia groves and the popular trees.

Do these hikes early in the morning especially if you’re doing them in the summer. It can get hot and crowded. Please stay on the designated trail paths. Do not take any “souvenirs” (like rocks, pine cones, plants, arrowheads, etc.) home. Leave no trace.

Big Trees Trail

This 0.7 miles roundtrip trail starts at Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot. This is a very popular trail since it is short and one of the first trails visitors pass and is easily accessible.

General Sherman Tree Trail

This is 1.2 miles roundtrip that starts at Sherman Tree Parking Lot. This is also a very popular trail as it leads to the Seqouia groves and the General Sherman tree. We love this easy trail along a paved path.

It is a very easy walk downhill from the parking lot to the grove. But, the return trip is all uphill. With the high elevation, it is a bit more challenging. Luckily, they built benches along the trail for resting.

Congress Trail

This is a 2.9 miles roundtrip trail that starts at the Sherman Tree Parking Lot. We haven’t done this trail yet and will definitely make it a priority on our return visit,

Moro Rock Trail

This is a very short 0.5 miles roundtrip trail. Start along Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road.

Tokopah Falls Trail

This is a 3.4 miles roundtrip trail that starts at Lodgepole Campground. My husband and I did this trail during our last visit and it is now my favorite hike in the park. The trail starts and is along the river for awhile which allowed us to go down the river area.

We passed by several alpine meadows with blooming wildflowers, conifer forests which led us to towering granite rocks and canyon walls. This is a family-friendly and scenic hike. Tokopah Falls is beautiful as it cascades down granite rocks.

Where to Stay in Sequoia National Park

We stayed at John Muir Lodge at King’s Canyon NP.  But, there were other lodges in the park along with plenty of campgrounds. 

There are also several lodging outside the park in the towns of Three Rivers, Visalia and Tulare if you don’t mind the drive. There are much cheaper options with hotel chains and near a variety of restaurants.  

Wuksachi was the main park lodging with 102 rooms and Montecito Lodge in between the two parks.  We passed by the Montecito lodge with this stunning view of their lake at the entrance.

Tips for Visiting Sequoia National Park with kids

• Visit this park along with King’s Canyon National Park nearby.  They complement each other and are connected by a scenic highway.
• Use the shuttle buses. During the summer and holiday weekends, parking lots can get very crowded. Take advantage of the shuttle buses. Shuttles usually run until mid-September. There are five shuttle stops and it runs from 8:30 AM to 6 PM every 10-15 minutes.
• Go to the Visitor Centers for maps, trail information, weather updates, and to see which animals have been spotted in the park recently or to talk to rangers. The park has four centers: Foothills, Giant Forest Museum, Lodgepole and Kings Canyon. There are free public wi-fi at Foothills and Kings Canyon Visitor Centers.
• Get the Junior Ranger packet for fun and educational activities for the kids and to keep them entertained during the drive down to the canyon floor.  The kids get rewarded too after completing the activities.
• Pack lots of Food. Bring plenty of water, drinks, snacks, sandwiches, etc. and have a picnic at one of the scenic spots. Your options are limited inside the park. We love the scenic picnic spoThere is a market at Lodgepole Visitor Center and food/drinks at Wuksachi Lodge.
• Motion Sickness Alert.  For those coming up to the park from Highway 198, be aware of all the road’s twists and turns and many switchbacks. Take any necessary precaution (disposable bags) and medicine for anyone prone to motion sickness.
• More general tips for visiting the National Parks with kids.

*Have you visited and enjoyed Sequoia National Park? 

Related Posts

• Sequoia & King’s Canyon National Parks Junior Rangers
• Walking through the Land of the Giants
• King’s Canyon National Park with kids

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