Q: What is there to do at Sequoia National Park?
There is no shortage of things to do in the park. Hiking, exploring, drive thru a sequoia tree, be amazed by the giants, the list goes on. If you looking for a place to start planning, try our 9 Can't Miss Sequoia National Park Attractions.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Sequoia National Park?
The best time to visit the park is May to October when all of the park is open for exploration. The peak season months of July and August can be crowded so the shoulder seasons are an ideal time to visit to avoid the crowds. Late fall and winter are beautiful times to visit though some areas of the park can be closed due to snow.
Q: What is the nearest city to Sequoia National Park?
Visalia, California is the closest and most robust city to Sequoia National Park. Visalia offers lodging, dining and activities to complete your vacation to Sequoia Park. Visalia also offers the Sequoia Shuttle service which transports visitors from their hotel in Visalia to Sequoia National Park, departing several times daily during the summer months. Reservations for the Shuttle are required in advance.
Q: How many days do you need in Sequoia?
Visitors can spend from one day to a whole week exploring Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. If you have limited time, there are some sites that are a must-see such as the General Sherman Tree or the view from Moro Rock. If vacation plans allow for a longer visit, explore deep into the parks, hike the many trails, tour Crystal Cave or just relax in the beauty of the sequoia forest. We recommend checking with the Park Rangers for the top sites to visit during your stay. Note: The Crystal Cave will NOT open in 2024 but plans to open for the 2025 season. Check out our itineraries to start planning.
Q: Can you drive through Sequoia National Park?
Visitors can drive through Sequoia into Kings Canyon National Parks along the Generals Highway during the spring into the fall. Winter snows may cause the road between the parks to be closed in winter. However, both parks are open year round. From Visalia take Highway 198 to the Ash Mountain park entrance. Once inside the park, continue north on Highway 198 (aka Generals Highway) through Sequoia and Kings Canyon and exit the parks via Highway 180 / Big Stump gate. Take Highway 180 to Route 63 to return to Visalia. See our National Park Road Trip Itinerary.
Visitors are not able to cross the Sierra Nevada to the eastern side through Sequoia & Kings Canyon.
Q: How do you get around Sequoia National Park?
During the summer months, from late May to early September, the Sequoia Shuttle operates. The external shuttle provides round-trip transportation from most Visalia hotels to the Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia National Park. The fee for the external shuttle includes entry to the park making it a cost effective way to see the big trees! Once in the park, all visitors can utilize the ticket-less free in-park shuttle to navigate to all the park highlights. This simple “step on , step off” shuttle helps visitors spend more time seeing the sequoias and less time looking for a parking spot.
Q: Can you stay in Sequoia National Park?
There are campgrounds throughout the parks, most that can be reserved in advance. In-park lodging is also available, though limited. It is recommended that reservations be made well in advance.
Q: Are there shuttles in Sequoia National Park?
In summer months, from late May to early September, the in-park Sequoia Shuttle provides service to most of the parks’ top attractions. It is a ticket-less and free shuttle service with routes throughout the park. Visitors can access hiking trails, visitors centers, restaurants as well as all the top sites when they use the shuttle.
Note: there is no shuttle to or in Kings Canyon National Park.
Q: Can you visit Sequoia National Park in winter?
Yes! Winter is a beautiful time to visit the parks. Snow may limit the number of available sights to see but activities like snowshoeing with a Park Ranger can make it an unforgettable trip. The road between Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is closed when winter snows make it impassable. Check the weather report before you go. The parks are open year round though in the winter chains may be required on your vehicle. Always be prepared for winter travel. Dress appropriately, make sure your car has chains if required, and drive with caution.
