Sequoia National Park is known for sprawling forests and some of California’s most breathtaking natural views. This national park has sequoia trees that are famous for their massive size. The park also boasts the tallest mountain peak in the contiguous United States, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s dream hiking destination.
If you want to spend a few days getting to know the Sierra Nevada mountains, check out the Sequoia National Park itinerary options below.
Sequoia National Park 3-Day Itinerary
You can accomplish a lot during a stay among the sprawling forests of Sequoia National Park. Explore the following sample itinerary for a three-day trip to Sequoia.
Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
Whether you want to camp, RV or stay in a cabin, kick off your stay by arriving at your campground in time for check-in, if required. You may want to stretch your legs after a long car ride. Walk around and explore the amenities before circling back to set up camp or settle in.
Once you unpack, enjoy lunch at the campground. Afterward, jump in the car and head to Moro Rock, where you can get panoramic views of the Great Western Divide. You will not need tickets for Sequoia National Park. However, you will need an entrance pass that you can get online.
Access the walkway to Moro Rock’s peak from small parking areas off Crescent Meadow Road. You do not have to be a skilled hiker to enjoy the climb. Take your time and enjoy the sprawling mountain range around you. Once you wrap up, head back to the campground for dinner and a relaxing evening enjoying the amenities.
Day 2: Adventure Day
Following an exciting first day and an early night back, you will be ready to take on day two. Wake up and have breakfast at the campground. You will find endless things to do at Sequoia National Park, and heading out to the Giant Forest is a fantastic way to see a lot of the area’s key attractions and participate in many activities without a ton of travel.
If you are trying to decide what to see at Sequoia National Park during a short three-day stay, be sure to set aside some time for the Giant Forest and some nearby caves:
- Giant Forest: The Giant Forest is a wonderful place to explore. Begin your adventure at the General Sherman Tree, a must-see in the park. This is the largest living tree in the world, and its size alone will captivate you.
- Crystal Cave or another cave: When you finish there, jump in your vehicle and drive to a nearby cave. Crystal Cave is one of the best options in the park, filled with unique geologic features. Unfortunately, wildfires and weather have caused construction in recent years, so check on the status of the cave before you go. If Crystal Cave is closed, Sequoia National Park has many other beautiful caves to choose from.
Once your cave exploration is complete, head back to the campground for a relaxing evening and take advantage of the amenities, like swimming or having a campfire.
Day 3: Sunrise Hike and Departure
For many travelers, the third day is typically the shortest. Begin your morning with an early breakfast at your campground. Depending on the time for checkout, you may be able to head out for a short hike around sunrise.
Check out the Little Baldy Trail, where you can get a 360-degree view of the Great Western Divide, a major mountain subrange in the Sierra Nevada. The trail lasts 3.4 miles roundtrip and will take you about two to three hours. When you finish, hop in your vehicle and head back to the campground to pack up and depart.
Sequoia National Park 4-Day Itinerary
If you are interested in spending four days and three nights near Sequoia National Park, you will have plenty of time for adventuring and relaxing during your trip. Explore ideas for how to spend your four-day Sequoia adventure below.
Day 1: Arrival and Setup
Arrive at your campground in time for check-in, if needed. Since you will be spending four days among the park’s beautiful sequoia trees and mountain ranges, your first day can be low-key.
Unpack and take a walk around the campgrounds to see the different amenities and familiarize yourself with your home base for the next few days. After a morning of getting acclimated, enjoy a quick lunch at the camp. Jump in your vehicle and head to the North Grove Loop and Dead Giant Loop trails in the park.
To access these trails, you can park in the General Grant Tree parking area. Again, you do not have to worry about booking Sequoia National Park reservations or tickets, though all visitors must pay for an entrance pass. These trails are about 2.5 miles long and offer a gorgeous view of Sequoia Lake.
After your hike, head back to the campground for an evening of relaxing, playing and storytelling. Eat dinner and turn in for the night.
Day 2: Hiking and Sightseeing
Begin day two with a relaxed morning, taking in everything there is to enjoy at your campground. Eat a delicious and filling breakfast before jumping in your vehicle and hitting the road for a long day of hiking and sightseeing.
Kick-start your day in the park by visiting the General Sherman Tree. Every visitor should stop by the world’s largest tree at least once on their trip to Sequoia National Park. After seeing this giant, continue your journey on Big Trees Loop to the Fallen Monarch. This tree is right along the trail, and you can see the massive roots of a fallen sequoia.
Depending on the time, you can continue following the Big Trees Loop trails throughout the afternoon. Once you and your fellow travelers are ready to eat, jump back into your vehicle and make a stop for dinner on your way back to the campground. Enjoy a chill night and rest up for a big day tomorrow.
Day 3: Adventure Day
Day three is all about adventure. Wake up early and eat breakfast at the campsite. Have a restful morning before hitting the road for back-to-back activities. During winter, you can travel to Wolverton Meadow in Sequoia National Park to play in the snow. Just a couple miles north of General Sherman Tree is a massive area dedicated to:
- Cross-country skiing.
- Snowshoeing.
- Sledding.
In spring, summer or fall, you can hike, ride horses, fish or stargaze. You can also stop at Crystal Cave or another cave for a guided tour in the afternoon. As a reminder, you and your fellow campers must plan and get tickets in advance for these popular tours. After a day of exploring above and below Sequoia National Park, head back to your campground for dinner.
Day 4: Sunrise Hike and Departure
Wake up on day four early enough to grab a bite to eat before heading out for a hike at sunrise. Little Baldy is a perfect destination for your final morning in Sequoia National Park. The summit offers a panoramic view of the Great Western Divide and is a must-see before heading home. The entire trail is about less than 3.5 miles long.
After completing the journey to Little Baldy Dome, head back to your campground to start packing up. Get ready for checkout, if required, and hit the road to wrap up your four-day trip to Sequoia.
Sequoia National Park 5-Day Itinerary
Looking to spend five days in Sequoia exploring the giant trees and mountain views? Check out this sample itinerary for an extended trip.
Day 1: Check-In and Settling In
Arrive at your campground in time for check-in, if required. Head to your campground and start unpacking. If you have a long drive or travel day, you may want to go for a walk to stretch your legs.
Explore the campground and find the amenities you may want to utilize during your stay. Once acclimated with the camp and where to participate in various activities, choose a trail to kick-start your adventures.
A great place to start is the General Grant Tree Trail, which allows you to explore alongside some of the world’s largest trees. History buffs can make a pit stop at Gamlin Cabin, a historic home built in 1872. Once you finish your hike, head back to the campground for dinner and a relaxing evening prepping for day two.
Day 2: Sightseeing and Adventure Day
Kick off your second day in Sequoia National Park with a restful morning at your camp. You have a long day ahead, so this is a good time to sit, eat, swim or relax before heading out.
A lot of Sequoia National Park logistics depend on the weather. During the colder months, travelers can take advantage of the designated snow-play area and spend the day sledding, tubing, skiing or snowshoeing. If the weather allows, jump in your vehicle and head to Crystal Cave for a guided tour in the afternoon.
Finish your adventure day by stopping at the must-see General Sherman Tree in the Giant Forest before heading back to your campground. Grab dinner along the way and spend the evening using the campground amenities.
Day 3: Road Trip
Spend a slow morning at your campsite. Eat breakfast with your fellow travelers and prepare for a long day. You will spend much of day three driving through the gorgeous mountain roads throughout and along the park as you head to the mountains.
Sequoia National Park is home to Mount Whitney, the highest mountain peak in the contiguous United States. The Mount Whitney trail is treacherous and extremely challenging for even the most skilled hikers. It is also over 20 miles long. However, you can still get a majestic view of the mountaintop from the comfort of your vehicle.
To get this view, travel to the Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine, California, via Highway 395. From this vantage point, you will be able to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire country.
After seeing this impressive view, head back to your campground. Grab dinner along the way, or cook something delicious upon your arrival back. Get a good night’s rest before taking on day four.
Day 4: Full-Day Hike
Wake up on day four and eat breakfast with your fellow travelers. This day is dedicated to hiking and getting up close and personal with Mother Nature.
Some of the best hikes in Sequoia National Park and nearby Kings Canyon include Congress Trail and Tokopah Falls Trail. Congress Trail is just under 3 miles long and features a paved walkway, making it an excellent option for families or new hikers. Tokopah Falls Trail is under 2 miles long and has a gentle incline. You can catch impressive views of the granite cliffs and many different waterfalls along this route.
After spending most of your day on the hiking trails, head back to your campground for an evening of playing and enjoying the fresh air.
Day 5: Relaxation and Departure
After an exciting last four days in Sequoia National Park, dedicate day five to relaxation and connecting with nature before you depart. Wake up early and have a final breakfast with your accompanying campers. You can head into a nearby town and grab food from a local diner or restaurant. Downtown Visalia is a great destination for your final excursion.
Head back to your campground and start packing up. Check out and hit the road for your journey back home. You successfully completed your five-day trip to Sequoia National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camping in Sequoia National Park
Explore some of the most commonly asked questions about spending a few days near Sequoia National Park below:
How Many Days Do You Need in Sequoia National Park?
To get the full Sequoia National Park experience, plan on staying in the area for at least three days. This gives you enough time to see the top sights, including the General Sheman Tree and Giant Forest Museum.
What Is the Best Month to Go to Sequoia National Park?
The weather at Sequoia National Park can be unstable throughout the colder months, and the snow can impact travel as early as September and as late as May, so the best time to head out is around late June or early July. The summer is a fantastic time to explore all the park has to offer.
Can You Do Sequoia and Kings Canyon in One Day?
Yes! You can travel through Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks on the same day since they are just miles from each other. The Generals Highway connects the two.
Which Park Is Better, Redwood or Sequoia?
Sequoia and Redwood National Park landscapes are often compared to one another, especially since both feature especially large, breathtaking trees. The key difference is that Redwood is located along the rugged coastline of Northern California and is mostly made up of lush forest. Sequoia, on the other hand, is in the eastern portion of the state and offers a more mountainous setting.
Book Your Stay at a Kampgrounds of America Campground
If you are planning a trip to Sequoia National Park, check out Visalia / Sequoia National Park KOA Journey, conveniently located just 2 miles from California State Route 99 and 198. This location has a swimming pool, playground and KampK9® dog park, among other special amenities.
Whether traveling solo, with your family or alongside friends, you will find something for everyone at a KOA Campground. Stay in a Tent Site, Camping Cabin, Deluxe Cabin or RV Site. You can relax, play and rest between your adventures in Sequoia National Park.
Are you ready to get started? Find a KOA Campground and book your next stay 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.
