Have you ever imagined driving through a giant tree? You have the unique opportunity to do so at Sequoia National Park! The Sequoia National Park “Tunnel Log” is a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and explorers. Consider driving through or stopping by the tunnel tree at the national park.
Learn more about Tunnel Log and what else you can do in the park.
What Is the Tunnel Log?
The Tunnel Log is a fallen sequoia tree that crosses Crescent Meadow Road. It fell in 1937 and stood at 275 feet with a 21-foot diameter at its base before falling. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, many men had trouble finding work. To help combat the work issue, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which helped primarily young, unmarried guys obtain conservation work. Instead of moving the tree, a team of CCC workers carved the tunnel in the fallen sequoia tree in 1938, creating what is known as the Tunnel Log.
Driving buggies and cars or walking through the tunnel tree became useful for continued travels through the forest.
How to Visit the Tunnel Log
You can drive through the tunnel tree when you visit the Sequoia National Park. Visiting the park requires no reservation, but if there are specific activities you want to do, you may have to schedule those in advance. Regardless of your plans, you must pay an entrance fee to visit the national park. Once you are in the park, you can continue on your way to the Tunnel Log or hiking trails.
To get to the Tunnel Log, drive down Crescent Meadow Road. You will reach it after you get about half a mile past Moro Rock. Your vehicle must be less than 8 feet tall to drive through the Tunnel Log. If it is taller, you can take the bypass instead and walk back to the tunnel tree.
With how massive sequoia trees are, driving through the Tunnel Log offers an extraordinary experience that you and your family will not soon forget.
What to Expect
If you want to drive through the Sequoia National Park car tunnel, visit the park during the warmer seasons, like late spring, summer and early fall. Crescent Meadow Road, the road leading to the tunnel tree, is only open during the warmer months since it becomes impassable in the winter due to snow. If you visit during the winter or early spring, the area is only accessible by hiking, snowshoeing or skiing.
Regardless of what you do, pack the necessary supplies and dress appropriately for the weather. If driving, make sure to prep your vehicle and ensure it can handle various terrains.
Fun Things to Do Nearby
In addition to driving or hiking through Tunnel Log, there are many other things you can do and see while in Sequoia National Park. Enjoy a whole day at the park by engaging in fun activities and adventures like:
- Climbing Moro Rock: If you are visiting the national park for the Tunnel Log, stop by Moro Rock to see the breathtaking 360-degree sights of the surrounding mountains. You will have to climb 350 stairs to reach the top of the rock, but the views are worth the workout.
- Hiking trails: The park has many hiking trails for amazing day hikes. Whether by yourself or with friends or family, you can take the trails to see diverse, beautiful scenery, from the sequoia groves to Cedar Grove. You can find trails of various difficulty levels, so you can have the adventure you seek.
- Visiting museums and visitor centers: In addition to all the outdoor activities you can do, you could also visit the park’s visitor centers and museums like the Giant Forest Museum, where you can learn about the giant sequoias and the Giant Forest.
- Exploring Crystal Cave: Sequoia National Park is also home to Crystal Cave, a marble cavern you can explore on a guided tour. When going to the cave, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to travel from the parking lot to the cave because the hike to the latter location is about a half-mile walk up a steep path. Before buying tickets to Crystal Cave, check the national park website to ensure it’s open for guided tours.
Find a Place to Stay With KOA
Your trip to Sequoia National Park is one of a kind. Whenever you need a place to stay between your explorations, Kampgrounds of America makes the perfect home base. Visalia / Sequoia National Park KOA Journey is a great place to stay when you want to experience camping near the national park. The KOA Campground has plenty of RV Sites, Camping and Deluxe Cabins and Tent Sites.
Ready to kick off your adventure in Sequoia National Park and see the Tunnel Log in person? Start your trip planning by reserving a campsite at a nearby KOA today!
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
