Guest post by Derek Edwards

Sequoia National Park is one of three spectacular parks in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The other two are Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park.

Sequoia is not to be missed. Whether you’re staring up at trees that are thousands of years old, plumbing the depths of marble caverns, or simply enjoying the meadow where John Muir fell in love with America’s natural beauty, Sequoia National Park offers gorgeous views—and a lot to think about.

General Sherman Tree and General Grant Tree are the tallest and second-tallest trees in the entire world, at 275 feet and 265 feet, respectively. General Sherman is the star of the park in a lot of ways. With a 36-foot diameter and between 2,300 to 2,700 years old, it’s a powerful reminder that there are things in this world bigger, vaster, and more timeless than we are.

The foot traffic at both trees can be significant, but they’re worth seeing, all the same.

Of course, while Sherman and Grant may be the tallest trees in Sequoia National Park, they certainly aren’t the only trees worth paying attention to. In fact, there’s something almost more powerful about wandering and forest bathing through Giant Forest.

The scale of the trees in Sequoia National Park is impossible to fully describe without seeing them for yourself. They’re ancient, in a meaningful, palpable way. There are so many of them just standing around being incredible, like it’s not a big deal to them.

In addition to hiking through these woods, you can also find cross-country ski trails for experienced skiers. An overnight trek is another great way to spend time among these silent giants.

Originally built by a logging company, Hume Lake has been open to the public since the Forest Service bought it in the 1930s. Its calm waters and lush green surroundings make it a gorgeous place for fishing or canoeing.

There’s a large summer camp here, so it can get crowded in the summer. But the very fact that such a huge camp is thriving says a lot about how great the water is for beginning paddlers. It’s a perfect opportunity for canoeing with kids, or introducing them to angling.

Moro Rock is one of the major peaks in Sequoia National Park, a huge granite dome popular with hikers and rock climbers alike.

The walk isn’t difficult. You can choose from a two-mile hike, or just a quarter-mile trek from the nearby parking lot up the stairs to the top of the rock.

Alternatively, rock climbers love Moro Rock because its granite walls are full of gaps, edges, and foot-holds that it feels like it was made for climbing. The west face offers a 1,000-foot climb, and while some areas are off-limits at certain times of years while endangered peregrine falcons nest, you’ll always find a great workout on some part of the rock.

However you reach the top, you’ll be treated to one of the best views in the area, with fantastic visibility across this unique part of the country, so make sure you have your camera!

Most visitors don’t immediately think of spelunking when they hear “Sequoia”. But Crystal Cave winds up being a dark-horse contender for trip highlight for just about anyone who makes time to check it out.

This marble cavern is gorgeous, filled with unique colors and rock formations that are unlike anything else in the area. If you’ve never spent time in a cave before, you owe it to yourself to check it out. From a landscape that feels completely alien, to the rare chance to experience genuine, true darkness, Crystal Cave is a unique opportunity.

There are pricier, more advanced tours of the cave, but for most, the ½-mile overview is a great introduction to the wonders of caves and caving.

Hale Tharp was the first non-Native American to see Sequoia. He climbed Moro Rock, camped around Crescent Meadow, and years later, he returned to the area and settled down in a cabin he made from a fallen redwood.

He hollowed 55 feet of the 70-foot log out with fire, and built a cabin entrance at the open end featuring a door, window, and fireplace.

Tharp’s Log is interesting to look at and poke around for its sheer uniqueness. But it’s also of historical interest, having lasted for 160 years at this point. It’s also where John Muir stayed when he was visiting the area. And of course, Muir’s love of the American wilderness (and of this area in particular) was crucial in developing the National Parks system in the U.S.

If you’re tired from wandering around the forests, glades, meadows, and caves, there’s good news: Even the drives around Sequoia National Park are unique. This 50-mile route takes visitors to one of the deepest canyons on the continent, ending at nearby Kings Canyon National Park.

Travel Resources

There’s nothing like having WiFi wherever you go. We rented a Teppy portable WiFi and carried it with us everywhere. With a Teppy, you can connect your phones, tablets, laptops and gaming consoles just like you connect to WiFi at home.

Use the apps on your phone including your favorite GPS apps without paying expensive cellular service fees.

It’s also perfect for uploading pictures, sending emails or just web browsing. We also used it for online work on the road including web updates and social media.

Teppy portable WiFi works around the world. Try it on your next trip.

These days there are many things that can happen when you travel, aside from getting bumped from a flight. That’s why we always get insurance for our trips. It covers damage, loss or theft of our belongings, health issues and if necessary, emergency evacuation. Better safe than sorry.

Whether you’ve just booked your trip or are already underway, you can get covered by World Nomads. It’s one of the most popular insurance companies designed specifically for travellers. See if it’s right for you.