7 Unforgettable Things to Do in Sequoia National Park

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There are many beautiful places on earth, but some places are just extra special.  Sequoia National Park is one of those places. I do really love all the national parks in California (especially Joshua Tree and Yosemite and Kings Canyon…), but there’s just something about Sequoia that always has me wanting to go back to this world of giant trees.

This special place has all sorts of amazing things to see and do, so whether you are going for the first time or the hundredth you will find plenty of new places to explore. But that being said, there are a few things that really stand out in this park and that you won’t want to miss seeing!

So if you’re wondering what are the best things to do in Sequoia National Park, here is my list of tried-and-true favorites that are sure to help you have an unforgettable time!

What to See in Sequoia National Park

Looking for fun things to do in Sequoia National Park? These 7 activities and places to go in Sequoia National Park will leave you full of awe and longing to return to this special place on earth!

Boardwalk running through a giant sequoia tree grove with the sun peeking through the branches

1. Feel Small at Big Trees Trail

One of the biggest draws of Sequoia National Park is, of course, the BIG TREES! Just a couple of fun facts for you: the giant sequoia is the most massive tree in the world and the largest sequoias are as tall as a 26 story building! Although they aren’t the tallest trees in the world (that’s the coast redwood), these sequoia trees are the largest trees in the world by volume.

And let me tell you, when you do finally see them you will finally start to realize just how massive they are! You can hear the stats and see them in pictures, but until you’re standing next to one of these giants you won’t truly comprehend their size.

So of course you’re coming to Sequoia to see these beauties—I mean, they’re even in the name of the park! But if you’re looking for one of the best places to see them here, then you must go to Big Trees Trail.

This trail certainly lives up to its name and is an excellent place to see a lot of giant sequoia trees in a short amount of time. Its a 1.2 mile loop trail and takes you through beautiful forest areas on a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. While anytime of day is a good time to go, this trail is especially nice with the afternoon sun shimmering through the trees!

To get here, you’ll have to park your car nearby at the Giant Forest Museum and then take a short hike to get to the trail. Walking here will certainly give you a greater appreciation for just how big these trees really are!

2. See General Sherman

Ever wanted to see the largest tree in the world?  Well, here’s your chance!

Although all the Sequoias seem giant when you stand next to them, General Sherman is the giant-est of the giants.  When measured by volume, it is the largest tree in the world…it stands 275 feet tall with a 36-foot diameter at the base!

Sound remarkable? Just wait until you see it in person!  Numbers on a page can’t even begin to describe how imposing and glorious this tree is when you get to stand next to it and experience it for yourself.

To get here, you’ll take a 0.8 mile out and back trail. Because this is one of the most famous trees in Sequoia, you will likely have a lot of other people hiking with you and may even have to wait in line to take your picture with General Sherman! But it’s worth it, because this is one of the top things to do in Sequoia National Park.

Looking upward through the blackened Chimney Tree at Sequoia National Park

3. Walk inside Chimney Tree

One of the more unique and unusual things to do on this list—Chimney Tree is a fascinating place to stop during your time in Sequoia. Because it was burnt in a fire some years ago, it is hollowed out from the inside and open at the top…which gives it the appearance of a chimney.

Although this tree was sadly killed in the fire that turned it into Chimney Tree, it is still a really fun place to visit because it is still standing and you can walk inside it!  If you want to know what it feels like to be inside a Sequoia tree then this is the place to go. Honestly, it’s become one of my favorite Sequoia National Park attractions because it’s just so different!

And if you like this experience but want a more claustrophobia-inducing one, then you should also check out the nearby Kings Canyon National Park where you can get a hug from a tree!

View of the mountains with the sun shining in the sky while climbing Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park

4. Climb Moro Rock

Moro Rock is definitely one of the most popular hikes in Sequoia National Park—and for good reason.  The views from the top are breathtaking!

This hike is short but takes you straight up the rock through a series of steps (some with handrails, some without).  It is an easy enough hike for a child to do, but just be careful on the parts without railings especially if you are hiking with kids.

Hiking Moro Rock is indubitably one of the best things to do at Sequoia National Park, and if you have a free evening and want somewhere to watch the sunset this is a perfect place to go.  With 360° panoramic views, there really is no better place for watching the sky turn to brilliant shades of pink and orange!

Car driving through the Tunnel Log in Sequoia National Park

5. Drive Through a Tree at the Sequoia National Park Tunnel Log

For as long as vehicles have existed, it seems to be a truth universally acknowledged that you must drive them through trees if you have the chance…just check out some old pictures and you’ll see what I mean!  So it’s no wonder that the Tunnel Log at Sequoia National Park is still such a popular attraction today.

At busy times, you may have to line up with other cars to get your chance to drive through this unique fallen tree…but if you’re lucky, you may just get a moment there all to yourself!  Regardless of whether it’s busy or not, it is worth the slight detour to be able to say you’ve driven through a tree!

Inside of the Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia National Park with sequoia tree exhibits

6. See the Seedlings at the Giant Forest Museum

The Giant Forest Museum is a fun stop to learn more about the different sections of forest in Sequoia, as well as to see the baby Sequoia seedlings growing near the windows.

If you are like me and wonder what Sequoias look like before they become the giants we know and love, then this is a fascinating and quick stop to see them in their infancy!

You can also talk with a ranger at an information desk to ask questions or plan your route, so this is a worthwhile stop especially as you begin your time in Sequoia National Park.

A cabin called Tharp's Log that is a combination of the trunk of a sequoia tree and a typical man-made log cabin

7. Explore a REAL Log Cabin

Finally, if you think you’ve seen a log cabin before, think again!  With a regular cabin at the front and a huge sequoia log in the back, this cabin is sure to impress!

This cabin was named for its owner, Hale Tharp, who was the first non-Native American settler in what is now Sequoia National Park.  He built his home in this hollowed out Sequoia log, which you can step inside to see how he lived.  Would you live in a hollowed out Sequoia log if you could?

It takes an interesting type of person to want to live in a place like this, but it is so cool to get to see this historical site in person!  It is well worth the short hike it takes to reach this site.


Sequoia National Park Map – FREEBIE!

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This map will make planning your trip and finding your way around the park a breeze—but remember to download Google Maps offline before you go, as internet access is limited in the park.

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