Things to Do
The General Sherman Tree is the reason most people come, and it does not disappoint. This giant sequoia is the largest living organism on Earth by volume — 275 feet tall, 36 feet in diameter at the base, and roughly 2,200 years old. The walk down to the tree from the upper parking lot is 0.8 miles and paved (the walk back uphill is the workout). No photo does it justice — you have to stand at the base and look up to truly grasp the scale. There is no additional fee beyond the $35 park entrance.
Moro Rock is our other essential stop. This granite dome requires climbing 350 stairs carved directly into the rock, gaining about 300 feet of elevation in a quarter mile. It sounds intense, and it is — but the 360-degree panorama from the top spans the Great Western Divide, the Kaweah River canyon, and on clear days, all the way to the Coast Ranges over 100 miles away. The climb takes about 30 minutes and is free. Go early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
Crystal Cave ($16 general admission tour) is a spectacular underground experience. The 45-minute guided tour takes you through marble chambers decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or at the visitor center — they cannot be bought at the cave itself. The Congress Trail (2-mile paved loop from General Sherman) winds through a forest of giant sequoias that will leave you shaking your head in disbelief — the President, the Senate Group, and the House Group are all here.
Where to Stay
Wuksachi Lodge ($180-$300 per night) is the only lodge inside the park, perched at 7,000 feet among the sequoias. Rooms are comfortable if not luxurious, and the restaurant serves solid meals. The real value is the location — being inside the park means you can hit the trails at dawn before day visitors arrive. Book months ahead for summer dates.
For a unique experience, Sequoia High Sierra Camp ($350-$500 per person, all-inclusive) offers canvas tent bungalows at 8,282 feet with gourmet meals, hot showers, and no road access — you hike one mile in from the parking area. It is glamping at its finest and an experience we highly recommend for those who want the backcountry feel without carrying a heavy pack.
Camping is the budget-friendly way to experience the park. Lodgepole Campground ($22 per night) near the Giant Forest has over 200 sites with flush toilets and a nearby market. Dorst Creek ($22) is slightly higher in elevation and quieter. Both are on recreation.gov and fill quickly for summer. Potwisha Campground ($22) at lower elevation stays warmer and is open year-round. Outside the park, Visalia and Three Rivers offer motels from $80-$150, with Three Rivers being the closer gateway town (about 30 minutes to the park entrance).
Where to Eat
Dining options inside the park are limited to the Peaks Restaurant at Wuksachi Lodge ($18-$35 entrees), which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is decent — hearty mountain fare with some California flair. Reservations are recommended for dinner in summer. The Lodgepole Market has a grill counter serving burgers, sandwiches, and pizza ($8-$14) alongside a small grocery selection for stocking up on trail food.
We strongly recommend packing your own food for most meals. The Lodgepole Market’s grocery section is small and pricey, so we stock up in Visalia or Fresno before entering the park. A cooler with sandwich supplies, fruit, trail mix, and plenty of water ($15-$20 per person per day for provisions) keeps us fueled without spending time at the limited restaurants.
In Three Rivers, the gateway town along Highway 198, there are several casual restaurants. Sierra Subs and Salads ($8-$14) makes solid sandwiches for the road. Ol’ Buckaroo ($12-$20) is a beloved breakfast and lunch spot. The Antoinette Coffee and Goodies stand ($4-$8) is perfect for a morning caffeine fix on the way into the park. In Visalia, Brewbakers Brewing ($14-$22) and The Cellar Door ($18-$30) are good options for a post-park dinner.
Getting Around
The Generals Highway is the main road through Sequoia, and it is an experience in itself — winding through mountains with tight switchbacks, tunnels carved through rock, and sequoia groves around every bend. The road from the Ash Mountain entrance to the Giant Forest is 16 miles but takes 45 minutes due to the steep, winding terrain. RVs and trailers over 22 feet are not recommended on portions of this road.
In summer, a free shuttle runs from the Giant Forest Museum to the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and Crescent Meadow, which eliminates the parking headache at these popular spots. We always use the shuttle for these stops and leave the car at the museum lot. The shuttle runs every 15-20 minutes and makes exploring the core area much less stressful.
There is no public transit to the park, so a car is required. From Fresno, the drive is about 1.5 hours via Highway 180 to Kings Canyon or 2 hours via Highway 198 through Three Rivers to Sequoia. Car rentals in Fresno start at $45-$70 per day. Gas up before entering the park — there are no gas stations inside. Cell service is virtually nonexistent in the park, so download maps and information before you arrive.