We are so excited to finally be blogging about one of our all time favorite trips ever! Our last minute, two night trip to Sequoia National Park was, to put it quite simply, dreamy! Before we drive straight into the spectacular details of planning a trip to Sequoia National Park, such as all the giant trees, the ideal time to go, the world’s largest tree, amazing areas of the park, etc. First, we need to establish the how and the why of this amazing last minute over night stay! That’s really where the fun began! Trust us, you’ll want to stick around til the end with all our suggestions and mini travel guide!

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It all began when I (Falon) was contacted via DM on Instagram by traveling photographers (shoutout to you gals @ruzincweddings and @estely.mijares). They asked Paul and I if we would be open to a last minute “wedding / engagement photo session” in Sequoia National Park for their portfolio. It didn’t take us but a minute to chat about it before we shouted, “YES”! We are always down for last minute fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants trips! We also still fit our wedding clothes from a few years before (thank You Jesus!), and we always love getting new photos taken together. Plus, it gives us modeling practice! Win, win, and win!

Some of our stories shared before and during the initial roadtrip (Apparently, we thought it was Yosemite at first, turns out it was a very different park LOL):

There was certainly not enough time to plan an entire trip. But since we live in SoCal, we thought we’d enjoy this adventure and plan to do all the exciting things like camp, hike, and make sure we see all the popular attractions another time. So, we packed, we ironed, and we snagged a cheap last minute hotel room close to the park. We went to sleep excited to make the road trip the next morning (4.5 hr drive), and hoping to get a good night of sleep. That hope went down the drain quickly. There was a CRAZY wind storm that rolled through SoCal, as you can see from one of the stories we shared above. It woke us up multiple times throughout the night. Oh well, we fly by the seat of our pants, remember? Who needs sleep! :)

We arrived at our hotel in Three Rivers and got dressed in our wedding clothes, I curled my hair, did my make up, and we were ready to meet the photographers for a sunset session. I didn’t wear a veil for this session, and my hair was obviously shorter than it was when we were married, so this session was a little different than our actual wedding, and we were totally cool with that!

It was nearing sunset, and unfortunately, there was a fire close by so the skies were rather cloudy and dull. Little did we know the fire was going to make the most epic photos ever (bitter sweet?)! The moment we arrived in the park, we were amazed! Why in the world have we lived in SoCal this long and have never been to Sequoia National Park? Not very smart on our part. Dumb! So, we paid the fee and proceeded to drive on the road, which is Generals Hwy. We had a designated spot to meet the photographer, but we really took our time because it was just such a beautiful drive as we climbed.

Though cell phone signal was horrid, we eventually ended up locating the photographers, found a good parking spot, and got out to begin modeling for pictures. Ruzin and Estely had the coolest and most beautiful photo ideas. We literally have so many favorites, but the ones that stick out the most to be are the dancing photos, the jumping photos, and the photos of us on the side of the road on a stone wall (below). The higher elevations gained as you drive throughout the park made so many perfect backdrop settings for photos. This was in the late fall of 2020. So with Covid still being a thing, the park was pretty empty, which also was sorta a plus for us. I am also convinced the fires nearby made the photos so romantic looking (trying to make beauty out of ashes here, literally). What do you think?

Okay, now to the good stuff you’ve been waiting for…

To finish off our trip, we woke up the next day (after getting very little sleep from excitement AGAIN and the it being a cheap hotel bed), grabbed some good coffee close to the park (shoutout to Sequoia Coffee Co) and went back in to the park for a day adventure. We were so glad the park wasn’t closed with the fires being so close by. We drove slowly along generals highway soaking in everything that we could. This is definitely a MUST if you’re even remotely into scenic drives. We stopped to explore all the epic giant sequoias, including the famous General Sherman tree. What was so funny is that when we were staring at the small sign telling us about General Sherman, we thought it was the tree right behind the sign! Epic loser fail! We stared and stared, took pics, and then realized that was not General Sherman. LOL! It was another tree close by that had a much larger General Sherman sign. Another guy was nearby and made that same mistake. Well, at least we could laugh with each other. We enjoyed everything the park had to offer that we could possibly enjoy in the matter of 6 hours. Don’t worry, we detail it all below! To finish off the day, we enjoyed dinner and a drink at a restaurant just outside the park entrance called, the Gateway Restaurant. We sat at the bar to eat right away because we were STARVING! We enjoyed chatting with a local (this seems to always happen to us when at small town bars) who proceeded to tell us about his life, how long he’s lived in Three Rivers, and how he owns lots of property. He told us that we could bring the kids back anytime to ride horses on his farm! He even gave us his number! Fun experience for sure. Did we ever call him? No, but a nice conversation with a fun local is always a great adventure that we love happening.

Ok, what you’ve been waiting for… if we could do it all over again, and when we DO go again, below are our best tips for your trip!

1. Best Time to Visit:

Sequoia National Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and the activities you wish to pursue of course.

• Spring (April to June): This is an excellent time to visit as the park is lush with wildflowers, waterfalls are at their peak, and there is usually more mild weather. Just be cautious as some higher elevation areas may still be snow-covered, especially if the winter had heavy snow.
• Summer (July to September): The weather has average high temperatures and is mostly ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring the higher elevations. This is also likely the busiest season, so expect more crowds which can be a bummer. Still worth it in our book! Try to go in early summer if hotter daytime temperatures bother you.
• Fall (October to November): Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The changing foliage adds a splash of color to the landscape too, and is perfect for those stunning photos! Just keep watching the weather forecasts before you go! IT won’t be too exciting to go in the rain.
• Winter (December to March): If you enjoy snow activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, winter is the time to visit, hands down. However, be prepared for road closures and limited access to some areas.

2. Getting There:

Sequoia National Park is accessible by car, with the most common entry point being the Ash Mountain Entrance, located near Three Rivers, California. This is where we entered and it was nice to see the surrounding areas.

3. Entrance Fees:

As of the latest update, the entrance fee for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is $35 per private vehicle for a pass. An annual pass for both parks is available for $70. Of course you can always purchase the America the Beautiful Pass for $80, which grants access to all national parks and federal recreation lands for a year. Yay!

Must-See Attractions:

1. General Sherman Tree:

No visit to Sequoia National Park is complete without standing in awe of the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. Located in the Giant Forest, this ancient sequoia is estimated to be around 2,200 to 2,700 years old. A short, paved trail leads to the tree, making it accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. The surrouding giant sequoia trees are just simply amazing!!

2. Giant Forest Museum:

Before exploring the Giant Forest, you could pop by the Giant Forest Museum to learn about the ecology and history of sequoias, if you find that sort of thing fascinating. The museum offers interactive exhibits, educational displays, and ranger-led programs that provide a deeper understanding of these magnificent trees.

3. Moro Rock:

For panoramic views of the park, a climb up Moro Rock is a must! We loved our hike on this! This granite dome features a steep staircase with 400 steps leading to the summit. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Great Western Divide and the surrounding wilderness. It honestly wasn’t too hard from what we can remember.

4. Crystal Cave:

Crystal Cave lies hidden beneath the park’s surface. It’s a marble cavern adorned with amazing intricate rock formations. We really wish we did this last time. Guided tours are available from late spring to early fall, offering a really cool glimpse into the subterranean world. Rememver, tickets must be purchased in advance, either online or at park visitor centers.

5. Tunnel Log:

One of the park’s fun and quirky attractions is the Tunnel Log, a fallen sequoia with a tunnel cut through it large enough for vehicles to pass. We drove through and it was so cool to snag videos doing so! This iconic spot is perfect for a fun photo opportunity and is easily accessible from Crescent Meadow Road.

6. Crescent Meadow:

Dubbed the “Gem of the Sierra,” Crescent Meadow is a picturesque alpine meadow surrounded by giant sequoias. It’s an excellent spot for a leisurely hike, picnic, or simply soaking in the serene beauty. The Meadow Loop Trail is an easy 1.6-mile hike that offers scenic views and potential wildlife sightings. We didn’t take the time to do this, but adding it our list of musts the next time we visit!

Activities to Enjoy:

1. Hiking:

Sequoia National Park boasts over 800 miles of trails, catering to all skill levels. Here are a few of our recommended hikes:

• Congress Trail: A 2-mile loop that starts at the General Sherman Tree and winds through the Giant Forest, passing by notable trees like the President and the Senate.
• Tokopah Falls Trail: A 4-mile round trip hike along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, leading to a stunning 1,200-foot waterfall.
• High Sierra Trail: For experienced hikers, this 60-mile trail traverses the park from Crescent Meadow to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States.
• Moro Rock: As stated above, its not too difficult, moderate only, and only 0.5 miles in and out.

2. Camping:

The park offers several campgrounds, each providing a unique experience. Popular options include:

• Lodgepole Campground: Located near the Giant Forest, this campground offers easy access to many of the park’s main attractions.
• Dorst Creek Campground: A larger campground with more secluded sites, perfect for those seeking a quieter experience.
• Backcountry Camping: For the adventurous, backcountry permits allow for overnight stays in the wilderness. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and obtain necessary permits.

If camping isn’t your thing, we’ve heard of folks staying at Wuksachi Lodge. It has pretty decent ratings.

3. Wildlife Viewing:

Sequoia National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, bobcats, and various bird species. Early morning and late evening are the best times for wildlife spotting. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed the animals.

4. Stargazing:

​The park’s high elevation and minimal light pollution make it an ideal spot for stargazing. The night sky comes alive with stars, planets, and even the Milky Way. Join a ranger-led stargazing program or simply find a quiet spot and look up.

5. Ranger Programs:

​Take advantage of the park’s ranger-led programs, which include guided hikes, campfire talks, and educational workshops. These programs offer valuable insights into the park’s natural and cultural history.

6. Photos and more Photos:

If we haven’t convinced you of all the amazing photo ops by now, by golly, we haven’t done our job!!

We will be back, and we will plan better, and we will hit all the MUSTS on these lists above. I think we will shoot for early summer weather conditions next time and possibly enjoy some camping too! If you’ve been, plan to go, or go after this post, please let us know how it went!

Thanks for following and reading along our journey!
Love ya’ll!

– Falon and Paul