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Exploring Sequoia National Park was a dream! This is a place where nature’s grandeur leaves you speechless. Eric and I spent two incredible weeks in the area at the end of June and we are so excited to share our perfect Sequoia National Park Itinerary with you.

We immersed ourselves in the beauty of the park’s front-country trails and discovering its many wonders. From the towering sequoias to the sweeping vistas of the Sierra Nevada, every day in Sequoia National Park brought new experiences and memories that will stay with us forever. Follow this Sequoia National Park itinerary and you will certainly have a similarly magical experience.

In addition to Sequoia National Park, we also ventured into Kings Canyon National Park, road tripped the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and explored dog-friendly hikes in Sequoia National Forest. Read our articles here:

Our Ultimate Guide to Kings Canyon National Park: Hikes, Scenic Drives, and Hidden Gems

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Exploring Sequoia National Forest: The Perfect Base for National Park Adventures with Dogs

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Sequoia Kings Canyon – One National Park, Two National Parks?

Kings Canyon National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is divided in an upper part, which is adjacent to Sequoia National Park, and a lower part. The lower part is located directly inside the canyon itself. Due to their proximity, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are managed jointly by the National Park Service. The map below shows the outlines of the parks. The orange outline shows Sequoia National Park, the blue outline shows Kings Canyon National Park.

This article will focus on the orange outlines only, specifically, the area north of Moro Rock. We are not covering the Foothills or the Mineral King area of the park for the Sequoia National Park itinerary outlined in this article.

Sequoia National Park Itinerary: Best Hikes in the Park

Your adventure will begin the moment you arrive in Sequoia National Park. The sheer scale of the giant sequoias is something that no photo can capture. You have to stand beneath them to truly appreciate their majesty.

Day 1: Circle Meadow, Congress Trail and Little Baldy

Circle Meadow Loop and Congress Trail: Walking Among Giants

The first stop on your Sequoia National Park itinerary should be the Circle Meadow Loop combined with the Congress Trail—a 4.6-mile journey with about 650 feet of elevation gain. This trail takes you deep into the heart of the Giant Forest, where some of the largest and oldest trees on Earth reside. The most famous of these giants is the General Sherman Tree. This is the largest living tree by volume, and hence, a must-see at the start or end of your loop.

This will truly be a magical experience – as you are walking under the dense canopy of sequoias, you will feel like you are stepping into another world. The Congress Trail is paved and well-traveled, but even with the occasional crowd, the sheer majesty of the trees will make it feel like a spiritual experience. You will continue onto the less-crowded Circle Meadow Loop, which will take you to some of the park’s most impressive features, like the Black Arch Tree. This giant, burnt-out sequoia is so vast that you can walk right through it. Standing inside, gazing up at the sky through the opening above, will be a humbling reminder of nature’s power and resilience.

One of the highlights on the trail will be the Room Tree, a completely hollowed-out sequoia that feels like a natural cathedral. We were fortunate to have this part of the trail mostly to ourselves, allowing us to fully immerse in the serenity of the forest.

Little Baldy: A Granite Peak with Stunning Views

The next adventure on our Sequoia National Park itinerary is Little Baldy, a 3.3-mile round-trip hike with about 800 feet of elevation gain. This hike is one of our favorites in the park, offering some of the best views in the park. Located in the northwestern part of the park, Little Baldy is a bald granite peak that provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the rugged peaks of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon Wilderness.

We recommend starting this hike in the early afternoon. If you go in late June, early July you will be greeted by a trail lined with vibrant wildflowers. The trail is steady and climbs gradually through smaller sequoia groves. Along the way you’ll see stunning glimpses of the scenery that awaits at the top.

Reaching the summit of Little Baldy will be a rewarding experience. The 360-degree views are absolutely breathtaking, with the vast wilderness stretching out in every direction. If you are as lucky as we were, you might even have the entire peak to yourself. Spend some time soaking in the beauty and silence of this breathtaking viewpoint.

Day 2 of your Sequoia National Park Itinerary: Big Trees Trail, Giant Forest Museum and Tokopah Falls

Big Trees Trail and Giant Forest Museum

Start your second day early and drive to parking lot of the Giant Forest Museum. The Giant Forest Museum is a great stop to learn more about these incredible trees and their ecosystems. The museum is usually open from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Plan about 30-60 minutes in the museum to learn everything you need to know about the Giant Sequoias.

Once you finished up at the museum, make sure to follow along the Big Trees Trail that starts right at the museum. This 1.2-mile loop is a gentle walk that takes you through some of the park’s most beautiful sequoia groves and past a stunning meadow. You will be able to apply right away some of the things you learned in the museum making this trail even more interesting.

Moro Rock: Climbing to the Sky

No trip to Sequoia National Park would be complete without a climb up Moro Rock. This iconic granite dome is one of the most popular spots in the park, and for good reason.

The hike is short, just half a mile round trip. However, what it lacks in length, it makes up for in excitement. To reach the summit, you’ll climb 350 steps that are carved into the rock face, offering stunning views all along the way. The steps wind their way up the rock. There are sometimes steep drop-offs on either side, but the views are so incredible that any fear of heights quickly fades away.

Standing at the top of Moro Rock, with the vast expanse of the Sierra Nevada before you, will be an unforgettable experience. You will be able to see for miles in every direction, the landscape stretching out in a patchwork of forest, rock, and sky. It’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular hikes in the park, there’s simply nothing else like it.

We tackled this hike on a weekday afternoon, hoping to avoid the worst of the crowds and allowing us to use our own vehicle. If you go during peak times, you might have to use the National Park shuttles, so plan for some extra time.

Tokopah Falls: A Journey to a Hidden Waterfall

Continue your Sequoia National Park itinerary by hiking to Tokopah Falls, a 4.2-mile round trip with 627 feet of elevation gain. This trail leads you along the Marble Fork Kaweah River, through the stunning Tokopah Valley, to a beautiful waterfall. There are a few swimming holes right in the beginning of the trail. Pack you bathing suit and enjoy the cold, refreshing water on a hot summer day.

Optional Day 3 of your Sequoia National Park Itinerary: Alta Trail

Alta Trail: A Quiet Escape into the Forest

The third day of your Sequoia National Park itinerary is optional but highly recommended. To experience some of the quieter areas of the park, take some time to explore all or part of the Alta Trail. You can make this trail as long or short as you like – it stretches over 13 miles with up to 3,200 feet of elevation gain. We chose a shorter segment, enjoying a peaceful walk through the lush greenery of the Giant Forest. This trail is perfect to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the solitude of the forest.

Our Top Tips for Exploring Sequoia National Park

Spending two weeks in Sequoia allowed us to see so much, but it also made us realize how much more there is to explore. If you are looking to get an good overview of the park, follow our 2-3 day Sequoia National Park itinerary and follow some of our top tips for making the most of your visit:

• Start Early: To avoid the crowds, try to hit the trails early in the morning, especially on popular hikes like the Congress Trail and Moro Rock.
• Venture Off the Paved Path: Some of the best experiences we had were on the less-traveled trails, like the Circle Meadow Loop and parts of the Alta Trail. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond the main attractions.
• Parking: Parking can be a challenge, especially during peak times. Stay flexible with your Sequoia National Park itinerary, you might have to change some things on the fly if you cannot find a parking spot.

Where to Stay and How We Boondocked Outside the Park

Sequoia National Park offers a range of accommodations, from established campgrounds to rustic lodges nestled among the trees. If you’re looking to stay within the park, Lodgepole Campground is a popular choice, offering close proximity to many of the park’s main attractions. For those seeking a bit more comfort, the Wuksachi Lodge provides cozy rooms and stunning views right in the heart of the Giant Forest.

Boondocking Tip: Be sure to check local regulations and guidelines for dispersed camping in Sequoia National Forest.

No matter which accommodation type you choose, try to stay in the Northern area or close to the Northern entrance of the park. This will reduce driving times for you and ensure that you can hit all the highlights listed in our Sequoia National Park itinerary.

Location, Park Fees, and Additional Tips for your Sequoia National Park Itinerary

Sequoia National Park is located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park. The park is accessible year-round, though some areas may be closed in winter due to snow.

• Park Fees: Entry to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is $35 for a 7-day pass. Alternatively, you can use an America the Beautiful Pass for free entry.
• Best Time to Visit: The park is at its best from June through August, with warm weather, blooming wildflowers, and fully accessible trails. Early mornings or weekdays are ideal for avoiding crowds, especially on popular trails.
• Dog-friendly: Sequoia National Park is unfortunately, not very dog-friendly. Pups are only allowed in parking lots, campgrounds, paved roads and picnic areas. However, the surrounding National Forest has many dog-friendly hikes. Read our dog-friendly Sequoia guide here: Exploring Sequoia National Forest: The Perfect Base for National Park Adventures with Dogs
• Activities: Beyond hiking, Sequoia National Park offers plenty of opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, and fishing. Keep an eye out for black bears, mule deer, and a variety of bird species. If you’re into stargazing, the clear skies above the park offer some of the best views of the Milky Way.
• Safety Tip: Always carry plenty of water, especially during summer, as temperatures can rise quickly. And remember, the altitude can be challenging, so take it slow if you’re not used to higher elevations.

Responsible Outdoor Recreation

Before planning your Sequoia National Park itinerary, please familiarize yourself with how to be responsible in the outdoors. Responsible outdoor recreation is about minimizing your impact on nature while enjoying its beauty. By following the 7 Leave No Trace Principles, we can protect the environment and preserve it for future generations. These principles include: planning ahead, traveling and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly, leaving what you find, minimizing campfire impact, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of others. Practicing these habits ensures that our adventures leave the wilderness as pristine as we found it, safeguarding the ecosystem for others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Exploring Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park was everything we dreamed of and more and we hope you like our Sequoia National Park itinerary as much as we did. From the awe-inspiring sequoias to the breathtaking views from Little Baldy and Moro Rock, every day in the park was filled with wonder and discovery.

We’ll definitely be back to explore more of the park’s backcountry and to revisit some of our favorite spots. If you’re looking for a place that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty and grandeur, Sequoia National Park should be at the top of your list.

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