Nice little pit stop if you need any information and there is also a small gift shop in there.read more

Although small, I found Foothills Visitors Center to be a good initial pitstop before driving…read moredeeper into the Sequoias. There was plenty of parking near the entrance but it fills up quickly after 10AM. There was a small patch of greenery out front along with trash cans and bathrooms. There was free wifi provided. There was a small exhibit indoors sharing some of the wildlife and history of the Sequoias. There was also a section dedicated to significant female figures involved with the national park in light of Women's History Month. There were a few souvenirs for sale, most of them being similar to those found at the Giant Forest Museum. There was also a stamp station for those collecting them for their passports. Good starting station to urinate and wash up before the long drive.

Visited the General Sherman Tree at Sequoia National Park and overall it was a good experience, but…read morethere are definitely a few things to be aware of. The tree itself is truly impressive and worth seeing at least once--it's amazing to stand in front of something that massive and historic. That said, expect large crowds and long lines, especially during peak times. It can take a while just to get close enough for photos. Parking was also a challenge during our visit. Spots fill up quickly, so you may need to circle around or wait. We started from the top parking lot, and while going down is manageable, the hike back up is pretty exhausting, so be prepared for that. One downside was the restroom condition--they were quite dirty and looked like they hadn't been maintained well that day. Also, just a heads-up: not everyone we encountered was friendly, so patience helps in crowded areas. Despite these issues, it was still a memorable visit. Just plan ahead, bring water, and be ready for a bit of a workout.

If you haven't seen the largest tree(s) on earth, you are missing out, get your hiking boots on…read morecome witness some of the most beautiful trees and landscape to be found. Parking can be a beyotch, especially when the main lot is closed, but stay patient and people are coming and going constantly, but whatever you do... DO NOT PARK on the road itself. Don't do it. You can do small short hikes around the grove or during winter you can strap on some snow shoes, or crampons, based on conditions, and you can get further out into the grove or park itself. I just be prepared for whatever you're planning on doing that will guarantee you have a successful outing

On a dark and snowy day....Okay so it wasn't snowy...and the roads were clear, but the snow was…read moredefinitely piling up on this late December day. The visitor center was a welcome respite with working and open restrooms (clean!), and the visitor center in full swing. In this center, there is a desk with topographical maps and a park ranger available to answer questions. I had a few and the ranger patiently and fully answered every question I had...once again proving why National Park staff are the best! There is a really nice but small gift show (I'm thinking it is run by the conservancy, but I didn't really pay attention. Lovely mugs, stuffed animals (called stuffies if you're Gen A), socks, beanie hats, earrings and many books. Beyond the desk and gift show, there's a wonderful space to watch educational videos and learn more about the area, and a hands-on museum for kids of all ages to teach you about the history and nature of the area. My child loved the brass statues of animals, and made me pet every single one before we left. Make sure you head all the way to the back--there's an activity room that has an amazing mural. Take your time and see how many animals you can spot--pika, yellow bellied marmot, mountain lion, black bear, woodpecker, rattlesnake, frog, ringtail and so many more...that you may see when you are out exploring the park. There is more than enough parking....well for today anyways. I've been here in the summer when parking is hard to find. Across the way, there's the official park gift shop, a restaurant (fairly newly refurbished but closed for the winter), a post office, and a general store with basic camping supplies, food, snacks, and a few other items. If you are entering the Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Park from Hwy 180, or if you've driven up from the southern part of this tri-park system, this is a really good place to stretch your legs, learn a little, stock up on supplies, and grab a snack. 5 stars!

Great visitor center, shop, museum, and overall facility. Helpful ranger helped us plan our 1.5…read moredays to help us get the most out of the SEKI area - their advice helped us avoid the majority of crowds and gave us the best flavor for such a short time. A must-stop before you go along on your adventure. Nice restrooms are attached to the VC and there is a separate restaurant, gift store, and small grocer across the street.

As part of our quest to visit all 63 U.S. national parks, we set off on a six week road trip. I…read morehave a personal rule: I only count a national park as "visited" if I actually spend time there, hike or walk through it, and truly experience it. On this trip, we visited 14 national parks, and Sequoia National Park was one of the absolute highlights. The drive into the park is spectacular. Climbing from the valley into the Sierra Nevada, the scenery changes with every curve of the road until suddenly you find yourself surrounded by forests of giant sequoias. It is an unforgettable entrance and sets the stage for everything that follows. We stayed between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and dedicated five full days to exploring both. It was the perfect amount of time because every day brought new trails, new views, and another reason to stop in amazement. Of course, we visited the famous groves, including General Sherman, the largest tree on Earth by volume. Even though these areas are popular, we purposely visited before schools were out for the summer and avoided weekends, so the crowds were very manageable. Even so, my favorite hikes were the quieter ones, where there were fewer people and it felt like I had the forest almost to myself. There is something deeply humbling about standing among these giants. Some of these trees have been alive for more than 2,000 years. They were already ancient long before our country even existed. I found myself slowing down, placing my hand on their massive trunks, sitting quietly, and simply absorbing the peace of the forest. Whether or not trees have energy is up to each person to decide, but I certainly left feeling calmer, smaller, and full of wonder. Beyond the giant sequoias, the park offers spectacular granite cliffs, rushing rivers, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and an incredible variety of wildlife. Every trail seemed to reveal something different, making each hike feel like its own adventure. Sequoia National Park is more than just a place to check off a list. It is a place to slow down, look up, breathe deeply, and remember just how extraordinary nature can be. If you have the time, don't rush through it. Spend several days exploring both Sequoia and neighboring Kings Canyon. The giant trees may be the stars of the park, but the entire landscape is magnificent. This is one of those parks that stays with you long after you leave.

A day of driving down Highway 180. Found scenic turnouts, a beautiful river, Boyden Cavern, lovely…read moreplants, scenic views and of course giant sequoia trees! Boyden Cavern has a super steep walkway entrance. So for those of you with any physical issues it could be a huge problem. (We didn't go inside this trip) The view of the river from this area is lovely. They also have a gift shop with various treasures and bathroom stalls near the parking lot. This part of the road is only open part of the year. From late April to mid November depending on the snow fall level. Definitely bring your own water, snacks and a bag lunch. Can't beat the view!

Visited the Tunnel Log in Sequoia National Park and it's definitely one of those unique, must-see…read morespots when you're in the area. The idea of driving through a fallen giant sequoia tree is pretty surreal and makes for a great photo opportunity. The area is easy to access, and the drive-through experience itself is quick but memorable. It's fascinating to see how massive these trees are up close--you really don't grasp their size until you're right there. That said, it can get crowded, especially during peak hours, so expect a bit of waiting if you want to drive through or take photos. Also, while it's cool, it's more of a short stop rather than something you spend a lot of time at. Overall, it's a fun and iconic attraction that's worth checking out at least once if you're visiting Sequoia. Just plan for a quick visit and bring your camera.

There are cars waiting along the street to drive through the tree log. you can make a loop follow…read morethe bypass sign. There were people climbing on top of the log which was a bummer for those who wanted to take picture. overall, this is a fun experience

Parking is hard at the trailhead. there are lot of cars parking along the road. there is shuttle…read morebus available but I'm not sure about the frequency. Moro Rock Trail is not a difficult trail with 350 steps up a huge granite dome, some part of the steps are very narrow. There are several tiny spots for people to stop and rest. The view is stunning along the hike.

An absolute must! I…read morecan't stop talking about how much I enjoyed this scenic viewpoint! The hike requires you to hike up 350 steps which is approximately 0.25 miles and 350 steps down which is approximately 0.25 miles down which is 0.50 miles! I saw children and senior citizens hiking up the trail. Hiking sticks were not necessary! You can definitely go at your own pace. There are parts of the stairs where you would need to let people go first. Otherwise, wonderful trail!! Parking can be challenging. Many cars parked along the side of the road. There are many more trails to choose from if this particular trail was too short. Definitely add it to your hiking list if you are visiting sequoia national park.

We made reservations to see the crystal cave and arrived early. They were able to move up our time…read morewhich was really nice since there's not much to do around there. Once it was time to hike down they made some general announcements and we met the guide at entrance of the cave. It was nice to have someone tell us the history of the cave and guide us through. The 20 minute hike down and up wasn't too bad and was completely doable for my 6 year old son. Overall, it was a unique experience and I'm glad we made the stop during our Sequoia trip!

Crystal Cave was closed for 4 years for renovations and reopened last season. We made reservations…read morefor this year as soon as they opened the roster. My boyfriend is very interested in exploring different caves & caverns and I thought this would be a fun weekend getaway for us. There is a long trail down to the mouth of the cave, the decent is not too bad, but it is quite a trek back up. The trail is about half a mile to the cave opening and half a mile back up. When you check in for your tour (tickets are not sold at the cave and must be purchased in advance) they go over some safety information and tour information. The staff has you cleanse the soles of your shoes prior to heading down to the cave to help prevent white nose syndrome to the bats that inhabit the cave. On the trail down there are many beautiful sights including waterfalls. I would recommend stopping at the sights on the way back up when breaks from the steep trail will be needed. The trail back up is not the most difficult we have endured, but it is up there on the list due to the steepness of the path. There is a large area at the mouth of the cave for the tour group to gather with the guide who is waiting at the gate for you. No items besides cameras and plastic water bottles are permitted within the cave and must be left outside the gate during your 50 minute cave tour. There is a large gate that the guide will unlock and you will walk through to enter the cave. The gate is a huge spiderweb with a large spider in the center, it was really wicked. Crystal Cave has crystal clear water running through it, you could see the marble that is natural there that the water has washed out over the years, as well as many stalagmites & stalactites, cave bacon, cave popcorn and many other interesting formations that have taken hundreds of thousands of years to form. Among the many caverns & caves we have toured this one was very different with the marble and flowing water within. Shirley was our tour guide, and though she was new she was so passionate and knowledgeable about the cave!

As part of our quest to visit all 63 U.S. national parks, we set off on a six week road trip. I…read morehave a personal rule: I only count a national park as "visited" if I actually spend time there, hike or walk through it, and truly experience it. On this trip, we visited 14 national parks, and Kings Canyon National Park quickly became one of my favorites. We stayed five days between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, which gave us plenty of time to explore both at a relaxed pace. Staying in the middle made it easy to enjoy everything the area has to offer. Kings Canyon is simply breathtaking. The drive into the canyon reminded me very much of Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Around every curve, another spectacular view appears. Towering granite cliffs rise dramatically above the canyon, while the Kings River rushes below with crystal clear water, waterfalls, cascades, and rapids. It is one of those roads where you constantly want to pull over just to admire the scenery. Yes, the giant sequoias are magnificent, but Kings Canyon offers something different. The combination of the massive granite walls, the river carving its way through the valley, lush forests, and peaceful meadows creates an entirely different experience from neighboring Sequoia. The two parks complement each other beautifully. We were fortunate to drive into the canyon on a Sunday morning before the crowds arrived, making the experience even more enjoyable. The traffic was light, and we were able to stop often, take our time, and truly appreciate the beauty around us. The following day we returned, only to discover road construction and long delays, so we definitely felt lucky with our timing. One thing I would encourage visitors to do is not stop at Sequoia National Park alone. Many people come to see the giant trees and then leave, missing one of the most spectacular drives in California. Kings Canyon deserves just as much attention. In my opinion, the two parks should always be visited together. Whether you come for the towering sequoias, the dramatic granite peaks, the roaring river, or the incredible scenic drive, Kings Canyon National Park delivers an unforgettable experience. It is peaceful, majestic, and one of those places that reminds you just how extraordinary our national parks truly are.

I've been to Sequoia once, long time ago, and I just recently found out there's another side of the…read morepark where you can see beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. We came during Memorial Day weekend, and thank God the entrance was free. Surprisingly, it wasn't too crowded even though it was a long weekend. We didn't get the chance to explore all the scenery because the wait at the restaurant inside the park was super long -- around 2 hours or so. We still managed to do a short hike at General Grant Grove and explored Boyden Cavern afterward. That ended up being the highlight of our short trip. I highly recommend the cave tour -- it was absolutely beautiful inside, and the history behind it was fascinating. We'll definitely be coming back next time for camping!

We visited on Jul 4, 2025 ... Happy Independence Day,…read moreAmerica! The General Grant Tree is located in Grant Grove in the Kings Canyon National Park. You will need to enter the gate of Kings Canyon National Park or Sequoia National Park to see it. Once inside either of these National Parks, you can traverse to the other without going through another entry gate. We arrived at the gate to Kings Canyon National Park by 8:38 in the morning. I highly suggest arriving as early as possible to avoid slow-moving traffic and potential line of stopped vehicles on the road with a prolonged wait time at the gate. We stopped in at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center & Grant Grove Village for a potty break and to check out souvenirs and information there. There's also a restaurant here if you need sustenance for your day. If you need Wi-Fi, you can connect here. Otherwise, reception is spotty at best out in the park! There are so many majestic Sequoia Trees to enjoy! This park is home to a famous tree named General Grant. We came to take in its grandeur! This is the second largest tree in the world by volume! By viewing this tree, I've now seen the world's widest-known Sequoia! After viewing this tree, we went over to Sequoia National Park to see the largest tree which is the General Sherman Tree. General Grant Trail is completely paved and is accessible by wheelchair. There is a parking area there as well. There are information signs pointing out things of interest. The signs are in English & Spanish and also include Braille. Things to see while taking the leisurely stroll around the approximately 0.5-mile loop General Grant Trail are - *General Grant Tree: a) named after General Ulysses S. Grant in 1867. b) In 1926, then President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed it the National Christmas Tree. Instead of taking the tree to a Christmas celebration, it is brought to the tree. A wreath is placed at its' base every second Sunday in December during the "Trek to the Tree". c) It was also named a Living Shrine in memory of the men and women of the Armed Forces who fought & died to keep this Nation free ... by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. It's the only living shrine in America! *Centennial Stump - the tree was cut in 1875. Part of it was sent to PA. *Gamlin Cabin - built in 1872 by the Gamlin brothers, who lived there until 1878. This park was established as General Grant National Park in 1890. The cabin was turned into a store and later became the first Park Ranger's quarters. It was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. *Fallen Monarch - The trunk was hollowed by a fire and is on its' side. You are able to walk through it and get a sense of how massive these trees really are! There's a large hole (skylight) at what is now the top. Fun Facts: The Fallen Monarch was once used as a Saloon! It was also used as a stable for the horses of the Cavalry that guarded the park. FYI: Dogs are not allowed on the General Grant Trail. The General Grant Tree was way less busy than the quite congested General Sherman Tree.

The General Grant Tree Trail is a must go place for all visitors to the national park. It is…read morewell-paved, not too incline. you will first see the Fallen Monarch which is a fallen sequoia tree so huge that you can walk thru it like a tunnel, it's very photoworthy. Continue walking and you will see Centennial Stump and Gamlin Cabin (closed for repair), then you come to the General Grant Tree, it's huge and if you walk around the tree, you will see the huge fire scar on the tree trunk. Michigan tree is further down the trail, overall this is an interesting trail, don't miss it when you visit the national park Fun fact: General Grant Tree is world second-largest tree by volume, it is also known as the Nation's Christmas Tree.

The trail is relatively easy even for beginners, though be prepared for a consistent incline as you…read morehead towards the falls. There is plenty of shade along the way to stop for breaks, which is great because while the majority of the trail is well-shaded, you will encounter some strong, direct sunlight once you get closer to the destination. A few tips for your visit: Timing: If you're hiking in the spring or summer, do yourself a favor and arrive early. You'll get much easier parking closer to the trailhead near the bridge, plus you get to enjoy the cooler morning weather before it heats up. What to expect: It's a beautiful, rugged environment with a well maintained trail, with Yellow-Bellied Marmots out loafing in the sun. Even if you visit in late spring or early summer, don't be surprised to see patches of snow lingering in the shaded sections. Family note: The trail is definitely kid-friendly, though you'll want to keep a close eye on the little ones toward the end of the trail, as there are some ledges to navigate. The whole experience gives off major Skyrim vibes. It feels like you're walking toward Riverwood, just with a bit more uphill climbing. It's an absolute gem of a trail and well worth the effort.

Tokopah Falls Trail was pretty easy, about 2 hours roundtrip. A huge majority of the walk is along…read morethe water, and the views are amazing every step of the way. I had to keep stopping to take photos and enjoy the view. There's an area with a bunch of rocks that might be difficult for some. The waterfall was beautiful and there is plenty of photo opportunities. It's a great place to just sit on a rock and relax after you finish your hike, enjoying the breeze from the waterfall. You walk back the same way you came. On our way back, we came across a marmot, which is basically a giant squirrel. It was my first time seeing one. So adorable.