Planning a trip to Sequoia National Park feels like stepping into a world where nature dominates everything.
This park is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, stunning mountains, deep caves, and scenic trails that invite travelers to discover its beauty. For first-time visitors, it can be a challenge to decide what to explore, which is why this complete guide will take you through the 10 best things to do in Sequoia National Park. Filled with important details, this blog will help you enjoy all the main highlights of your journey.
Sequoia National Park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and shares its boundary with Kings Canyon National Park. Together, they create a massive wonderland of giant sequoias, granite cliffs, crystal-clear rivers, and wilderness. The park entrance fee is around $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days, and this single pass also allows access to Kings Canyon. For those planning more than one visit, an annual pass is available at $70.
Now, let’s dive deep into the ultimate guide for first-time visitors.
10 Best Things to Do in Sequoia National Park
1. Stand Before General Sherman Tree
The General Sherman Tree is the pride of Sequoia National Park and one of the most unforgettable things to do in Sequoia National Park. It is the largest tree on Earth by volume, reaching 275 feet in height and more than 36 feet wide at the base.
Along the way, signs share details about the tree’s age, its history, and the reasons it has stood strong for thousands of years. Parking is nearby, and during busy months a shuttle service makes visiting easier. For first-time visitors, standing before General Sherman feels like meeting a true legend of nature.
2. Explore Giant Forest Museum and Trail
After seeing General Sherman, the next stop is the Giant Forest Museum. This museum shares interesting exhibits about sequoias, their unique ecosystem, and the efforts taken to protect them.
Just outside, short paths like the Big Trees Trail let visitors walk through green meadows surrounded by tall sequoias. The trail is only about a mile long, which makes it easy for people of all ages.
3. Drive Through Tunnel Log
One of the most exciting and photo-friendly spots in Sequoia National Park is the Tunnel Log. This giant sequoia tree fell in 1937, and later a car-sized passage was cut through its trunk so visitors can drive under it. It has since become a popular stop for travelers looking for unique memories.
Even if you do not drive through, standing beside the tree shows how massive these sequoias are. For families, it is a fun highlight that adds a playful touch to the list of things to do in Sequoia National Park.
4. Climb to the Top of Moro Rock
Moro Rock is a massive granite dome that gives some of the best wide views in the park. A steep stairway with around 350 steps takes you to the top, where you can see the stunning Sierra Nevada stretching out before your eyes. The climb is short but demanding, so wearing good shoes is important.
Sunrise or sunset at Moro Rock fills the mountains with magical light, making it an unforgettable moment in Sequoia National Park. On clear days, the Great Western Divide can be seen in full beauty.
5. Walk the Congress Trail
The Congress Trail is a two-mile loop that begins near the General Sherman Tree. It takes you through some of the most remarkable groves of sequoias, including the President Tree and the Senate and House clusters.
These giant trees are so vast and striking that walking among them feels like stepping into a natural cathedral. Along the trail, you will find signs that share stories about the trees and explain their role in the forest.
This path is quieter than the General Sherman area, making it a calm and refreshing walk.
6. Explore Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is a hidden underground spot that shows a unique side of Sequoia National Park. Guided tours lead visitors through marble tunnels filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and sparkling rock formations.
The cave is open during late spring to fall, and tickets must be bought in advance since tours fill up fast. The trail to the cave entrance is about half a mile downhill, so walking back can feel steep, but the experience is worth it.
Inside, the cool air and glittering formations make this one of the most exciting things to do in Sequoia National Park.
7. Spend Time at Crescent Meadow
Crescent Meadow is often called the “gem of the Sierra” by John Muir, and it is easy to see why. Surrounded by tall sequoias and covered in green grass, this meadow offers a peaceful and relaxing experience. Paved trails go around the meadow, making it simple to explore and enjoy.
In summer, colorful wildflowers cover the open field, and visitors may spot black bears nearby. Tharp’s Log, a historic cabin built inside a fallen sequoia, is close to the meadow and adds a special historical touch.
8. Experience the High Sierra Trail
For those looking for adventure beyond short walks, the High Sierra Trail is an excellent option. This trail starts at Crescent Meadow and stretches over 60 miles across the Sierra Nevada to Mount Whitney.
Most first-time visitors may not complete the entire trail, but even short day hikes offer breathtaking mountain views, flowing streams, and meadows full of wildflowers.
9. Visit Tokopah Falls
Tokopah Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Sequoia National Park. The trail is about four miles for a round trip, running along the Kaweah River and ending at a 1,200-foot cascade that drops down a granite cliff.
The hike is moderate and good for families, with many spots to rest and enjoy the flowing water on the way. Spring and early summer are the best seasons to see the falls in full strength.
The powerful sound of the water echoes through the canyon, making it a refreshing escape and one of the top things to do in Sequoia National Park.
10. Stargaze Under Dark Skies
Sequoia National Park is far away from city lights, which makes it a perfect place for stargazing. At night, the sky shines with countless stars, bright planets, and the Milky Way stretching across the horizon. Some of the best spots include Moro Rock, Beetle Rock, and Crescent Meadow, where wide open areas give clear views of the sky.
Rangers often host astronomy programs during summer, guiding visitors through constellations and planets with telescopes. Watching the stars above giant sequoias creates a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
READ ALSO: Best Way to Spend 2 Days in Sequoia National Park: Itinerary & Travel Tips
Final Thoughts
A journey through Sequoia National Park feels like walking through nature’s greatest masterpiece. Every step introduces something new, from trees that touch the sky to meadows glowing with wildflowers and waterfalls that echo through the canyons. It is a place that combines beauty, adventure, and peace in a way that few destinations can match.
This guide has shared the must-see wonders and extra gems so first-time visitors can plan with ease and confidence.
If you have been looking for the most memorable things to do in Sequoia National Park, this blog has brought everything together for you.
Save it, use it as your trusted guide, and when your trip is done, return here to share your story in the comments. Your journey could be the spark that inspires someone else to explore the land of giants.
