Visiting the iconic National Parks of the U.S. has always been on my bucket list—especially Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Sequoia. In June 2019, I finally checked one off that list. Sequoia National Park, located in Tulare County, California, became my unforgettable nature escape.
Discovering Nature’s Giants and Hidden Wonders of Sequoia National Park
Established in 1890, Sequoia National Park is the second-oldest national park in the country and welcomes over one million visitors each year. It borders Kings Canyon National Park in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Elevations in the area range from 1,370 to 14,494 feet, including Mount Whitney—the tallest mountain in the continental U.S.
Why Sequoia Trees Are the Star of the Park
The park’s namesake giants—the Sequoia trees—are awe-inspiring. Named after Cherokee Chief Sequoya, who created the Cherokee written language, these trees are also called “Sierra Redwoods” or “Big Trees.”
They grow up to 270 feet tall thanks to Sequoia’s mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Their thick, reddish bark is resistant to insects, bacteria, and even fire, making them one of the planet’s most enduring trees.
Meet General Sherman: The World’s Largest Tree
Among the giants stands General Sherman—the world’s largest living tree by volume. At over 2,000 years old, it’s not the tallest or widest, but it holds the title for its sheer mass. Twenty of the 37 largest Sequoias in the world grow in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Driving Through a Fallen Giant: Tunnel Log
Another must-see is the famous Tunnel Log, created when a Sequoia fell naturally across Crescent Meadow Road. A tunnel was carved through its trunk, allowing vehicles to pass underneath—unless they’re too tall and need to take the bypass.
Exploring the Park by Shuttle, Trail, and Cave
Crystal Cave Tour: Nature’s Underground Cathedral
Our adventure included a stop at Crystal Cave. Tours are managed by Sequoia Parks Conservancy and must be booked online. After a 15-minute hike and safety talk from a park ranger, we entered the cave. Despite the 100-degree day outside, the cave was a cool 50 degrees.
Crystal Cave stretches over 70 miles and features stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful stone formations. With no natural light, guided tours are essential. Visitors can choose between a 60-minute or a 2½-hour tour.
Riding the Shuttle Through the Park
To make the most of our day, we rode the free shuttle bus system, which operates throughout the park until dusk. It allowed us to hop on and off to explore different sights—including the famous Sherman Tree and Moro Rock.
Climbing Moro Rock for Panoramic Views
Moro Rock is a granite dome in the heart of the park. A stairway built in the 1930s leads to the summit at 6,725 feet. The narrow steps require you to move aside for others, but the sweeping views of snow-capped Sierra peaks are well worth the climb.
Crescent Meadow and a Bear Watch That Didn’t Pan Out
As sunset approached, we made our way to Crescent Meadow—an area known for bear sightings. Although we didn’t see any, we enjoyed the quiet beauty of the meadow. We left just before dusk to catch the final shuttle, avoiding a long hike back to the car.
Tips for Visitors and Lasting Memories
Many trails and campsites offer wheelchair accessibility. Lodging options range from campgrounds and cabins to full-service lodges. There’s also a gift shop near the entrance for keepsakes.
Check weather conditions before visiting, especially if hiking or camping, as mountain weather can change quickly. Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays outside designated campgrounds.
Final Thoughts on Sequoia National Park
Part of our Compass Ohio team, Dale Bonebrake, summed it up best:
“If you are looking for an escape or to become one with nature, I would definitely suggest exploring Sequoia National Park.”
The scent of redwoods, the views from the top of Moro Rock, and the serenity of the ancient trees still linger in my memory. Sequoia National Park is more than just a destination—it’s an experience I’ll never forget.
