Sequoia National Park, with its gigantic trees, breathtaking vistas, and serene meadows, is a wonderland waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hiker, or someone looking to bask in the beauty of one of America’s most iconic landscapes, a day in this park can offer an incredible experience.
Having squeezed the wonders of Sequoia National Park into a one-day itinerary myself, I’ll cover how to make the most out of a single day in Sequoia National Park in this guide. This way, you can ensure that you’ll see the highlights and immerse yourself in the park’s natural wonder.
Morning: Arrive and Hike Moro Rock
Early Arrival and Entry
Getting to Sequoia National Park
To kickstart your one-day itinerary in Sequoia National Park, you’ll want to enter the park via the Ash Mountain Entrance near Three Rivers. Before you head into the park, consider stopping at Sequoia Coffee Company for a quick breakfast and a caffeine boost. If you have a later start, you can pick up a sub from Sierra Subs and Salads.
Park Fees and Passes
Being aware of the entrance fees and passes is essential for a smooth visit. The park charges $35 per vehicle, granting access for seven days—perfect if you decide to extend your stay. For those on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle, the fee is $20 per person. Regular visitors can benefit from the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, offering access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for $80 annually. Discounts are available for seniors, military members, and individuals with disabilities.
Visitor Center Shop
Upon entering through the Ash Mountain Entrance, you might want to visit the Foothills Visitor Center. Here, you can pick up maps, get current trail conditions, and learn about the park’s history from knowledgeable rangers. This stop is optional if you’re eager to start exploring, as you’ll receive a Sequoia National Park map upon entry.
Moro Rock
Your first activity of the day will be hiking Moro Rock, an iconic trail in Sequoia National Park that is a must-do. As you drive into the park, you will notice the big granite dome overhead, and this is Moro Rock. To get there, you can head directly to the Giant Forest Museum parking lot. My family walked from the Giant Forest Museum to the trailhead because the Moro Rock parking lot tends to fill up quickly and is only accessible by car on weekdays. As an alternative, there are free shuttles in Sequoia National Park during the summer. For more information on shuttles in Sequoia National Park, click here.
The Moro Rock trail is short, just 0.5 miles out-and-back, with a moderate 183-foot elevation gain. While the hike is brief, it is steep, so use the handrails and keep a close eye on small children. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that make the effort worthwhile!
- Location: Access from the Moro Rock parking lot or free shuttles from the Giant Forest Museum during the summer.
- Distance: 0.5 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 183 feet
- Rating: Moderate
Mid-Day: Explore the Giant Forest and Iconic Sequoias
Exploring the Sequoia National Park Giant Forest
Sequoia National Park is known for, well, the huge sequoia trees. After soaking in the views from Moro Rock, it’s time to walk among the giants in the Giant Forest.
The General Sherman Tree
The General Sherman Tree is one of the most notable sights to see in Sequoia National Park, as it is the world’s largest tree by volume.
Getting there:
To get to the General Sherman Tree, you can head to the General Sherman Tree parking lot, just a short drive from the Giant Forest Museum. Follow the paved trail from the parking lot and enter the Giant Forest sequoia grove. You can admire the General Sherman Tree and get a photo before hiking through the grove.
Trail of 100 Giants
There are multiple different paths you can take in the Giant Forest, but my family opted to walk on the Trail of 100 Giants. An easy 1.4 mile loop, this trail was far less crowded than the General Sherman Tree and provided a peaceful walk in Sequoia National Park. This trail is also a great opportunity to get a tree hugging photo with a giant sequoia!
- Location: Accessible from the General Sherman Tree parking lot
- Distance: 1.4-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 124 feet
- Rating: Easy
Afternoon: Picnic in Crescent Meadow
For your next adventure in Sequoia National Park, you can head to Crescent Meadow with your lunch for a relaxing picnic. I recommend packing a lunch (stay tuned for my tips for planning a trip to Sequoia National Park). The Lodgepole market, near the General Sherman Tree parking lot, also had some great snacks.
Tunnel Log
To get to Crescent Meadow, you’ll hop in the car to drive to the Crescent Meadow parking lot or take the shuttle from the Giant forest Museum if your visit falls on a weekend. As you drive along Crescent Meadow Road, you’ll go through Tunnel Log, another Sequoia National Park staple.
Crescent Meadow
At the end of Crescent Meadow Road you’ll find the parking lot for the gorgeous picnic area. Crescent Meadow is a lush area surrounded by giant sequoias, perfect for a midday break. Restrooms are available here, and it’s a lovely spot to regroup and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Bear Safety
Given the park’s black bear population in Sequoia National Park, always store food properly, never leave it unattended, and dispose of trash in the bear-proof bins to ensure both your safety and the bears’.
Crescent Meadow Loop
After lunch, check out Crescent Meadow Loop for a simple walk around the meadow. My family was lucky enough to spot a large deer on this loop, making it extra enjoyable.
- Location: Accessible from the Crescent Meadow parking lot
- Distance: 1.3-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 131 feet
- Rating: Easy
There are other short trails in the area too, including Tharp’s Log Trail.
Afternoon: TokoPah Falls Hike
If you have energy left for another hike, the Tokopah Falls trail is a great choice to add to your Sequoia National Park itinerary, as it is in the Lodgepole area.
Although I couldn’t fit it into my itinerary when I visited, the Tokopah Falls Hike in Sequoia National Park remains on my list for future visits. This 3.8-mile round trip trail, which starts at the Lodgepole Campground, offers a relatively easy hike with a gentle ascent alongside the scenic Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. The trail provides stunning views of towering granite cliffs and sequoia forests, leading you to the breathtaking Tokopah Falls, a 1,200-foot waterfall.
- Location: Accessible from the Lodgepole Campground
- Distance: 3.8 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 626 feet
- Rating: Moderately Challenging
Evening: Sunset and Departure from Sequoia National Park
Sunset at Beetle Rock
End your day with a beautiful sunset at Beetle Rock, accessible from the Giant Forest Museum parking lot. The views of the western edge of the park are stunning and provide a perfect end to your day of exploration.
Departure
After enjoying the sunset, head back to your base, whether it’s an AirBnB in Three Rivers or another nearby accommodation.
Tips for Visiting Sequoia National Park
- Plan Ahead: Map out your activities and routes to maximize your day.
- Arrive Early: Avoid crowds and secure parking by arriving early.
- Pack Lunch, Snacks, and Water: Bring essentials to stay energized and hydrated.
- Be Prepared for Weather: Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear for variable conditions.
- Practice Bear Safety: Store food properly and use bear-proof bins.
By following this itinerary and tips, you’ll make the most of your one-day visit to Sequoia National Park, experiencing its amazing sequoias, stunning vistas, and serene meadows.
One day spent in Sequoia National Park is an incredible adventure. While just one day might seem short, careful planning and an early start can ensure you experience the park’s highlights and create lasting memories. Embrace the beauty, respect the wildlife, and take in every moment of your visit. By following this one-day itinerary, you’ll make the most of your day in Sequoia National Park, leaving with a deeper appreciation for its timeless beauty and a desire to return for more adventures. Happy adventuring!