10 Epic Adventures in Sequoia National Park
by Aventura on September 10, 2022
Photo: Virrage Images | Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is a place of majestic beauty and incredible adventure. The giant sequoia trees, massive granite walls, and pristine alpine lakes make this a must-see park in California.
Sequoia National Park is a wonderland for outdoor lovers. It's home to giant sequoias, which are some of the oldest living things on Earth. You can hike through the majestic forests and explore by foot or bike.
If you're looking for an adventure in one of America's most beautiful places, California's Sequoia National Park is the perfect place to start. From the sequoia trees that give the park its name to lakes and waterfalls, this is a place where you can experience nature at its finest.
With nearly 400 square miles of protected wilderness to explore, there are plenty of adventures to be had. Whether you're looking to hike, climb or relax by the lake, Sequoia has something for everyone.
In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best ways to explore this amazing place.
10 Epic Adventures in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places that you can visit. The park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world and it has a rich history. If you have never been to Sequoia, then you need to make plans now to go there. Here are some tips on how to have the adventure of a lifetime in Sequoia National Park:
1. Go camping in Sequoia National Park
Camping is one of the best ways to see this amazing part of California. You will not find many other places in the world where you can camp under giant redwoods and next to rivers that run through giant sequoias. Although there are many campsites available at different locations throughout these parks, there are also some great backpacking trails for those who want something more challenging and adventurous than just staying at one place all night long.
2. Explore Giant Forest Museum
The Giant Forest Museum is located in Giant Forest Village. It's a great place to learn about the history of Sequoia National Park from its earliest days to the present day. You can also explore exhibits about forest ecosystems and wildlife habitats in this museum.
3. Hike to Moro Rock
Moro Rock is an iconic natural feature that dominates the landscape of this national park. The hike is strenuous but worth it — it's less than a mile each way and you'll gain elevation quickly as you climb up to the top of Moro Rock. The ascent to the top of Moro Rock involves climbing approximately three hundred fifty stone and concrete stairs. At its highest point, Moro Rock stands over 1,000 feet tall. From there, enjoy 360-degree views of this majestic national park as well as the nearby Giant Forest and Mineral King Valley.
4. See the General Sherman Tree
The world's largest tree, General Sherman is a giant sequoia located in Giant Forest, just off Highway 180. The tree is 275 feet tall and has a circumference of 102 feet. It weighs about 2.7 million pounds!
Photo: Nick Fox | General Sherman Tree
5. Hike to Crescent Meadow
Crescent Meadow is one of the most popular spots in Sequoia National Park — and for good reason! This alpine meadow offers stunning views of the General Sherman Tree and other nearby giants like Moro Rock and the Three Sisters. In addition to these incredible sights, you'll also find waterfalls, wildflowers, wildlife, and more than 25 miles of trails that lead to Crescent Meadow from the Lodgepole area or Foothills Visitor Center.
6. Go backpacking in Mineral King Valley
If you're up for an overnight trip, go backpacking into Mineral King Valley on the Mineral King Loop Trail. This trail takes hikers through alpine meadows, along rivers, and over mountain passes before reaching Mineral King Valley itself — providing incredible views as far as the eye can see.
7. Hike the High Sierra Trail
The High Sierra Trail is a classic backpacking route that winds for more than 200 miles through some of California’s most spectacular landscapes. It starts at Crescent Meadow, north of Sequoia National Park, and finishes at Whitney Portal, near Mount Whitney. The trail passes through Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park, so you’ll need to get permits from both places.
Photo: Belikova Oksana | Sequoia National Park
8. Take a rafting trip down the Kern River
The best way to explore the wilds of Sequoia is by boat. The Kern River has been called "the Grand Canyon of the Sierra" because of its deep gorges and spectacular rapids. You can rent a boat with your friends or family at Hume Lake or South Fork (or both!) and spend all day splashing around and enjoying nature up close.
9. Go on a scenic drive on Generals Highway
The Generals Highway is the main road through Sequoia National Park, and it passes by many of the most popular attractions in the park, including the Giant Forest Museum and General Sherman Tree (the largest tree in the world). This highway also offers some amazing views of the Sierras and Kings Canyon National Park. You can see all of this by driving or biking down this scenic route.
10. Walk through Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is the only cave in the park open to guided tours from spring through fall. The cave is an underground wonderland, with spectacular rock formations and delicate calcite crystals that glow like ice when hit with light. Visitors can opt for a two-hour tour where they learn about the geology of Crystal Cave and how it formed before descending into its depths.
In terms of marble caverns, the beauty of Crystal Cave is unparalleled. There is a route that goes around the cave that is a half-mile long, and there is also a steep half-mile walk that leads from the parking lot to the mouth of the cave. Both of these distances may be covered in one hour. The cave may only be explored on a guided trip due to its delicate structures.
Photo: Virrage Images | Sequoia National Park
Takeaway
If you have ever wanted to have the adventure of a lifetime in Sequoia National Park, but don't know where to start, then this is for you. We have covered some epic adventures that you and your family can do together in Sequoia. These adventures will be fun for kids and adults alike. You are guaranteed to want to come back and experience more adventures, as there is nowhere else quite like Sequoia National Park.
