The Best Hikes to Take During Two Days in Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park, known for containing over 8,000 Sequoia trees is a fantastic place to get away for a weekend in Southern California or a good addition to any California Road Trip. Located in Central California in the Sierra Nevadas, every visitor will be amazed by the views of the park and grandeur of the sequoia trees. Sequoia is located directly next to Kings Canyon National Park. The two parks are run as one park by the National Parks System but are technically two separate parks. The Generals Highway connects to the parks. Two days in Sequoia National Park is the perfect amount of time to spend to see the main sites and hike several trails. 

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History of Sequoia National Park

The initial inhabitants of the area were the Monashee who mostly inhabited the foothills. These Native Americans were mostly killed off from Smallpox brought by the Europeans. Later, European settlers began to build homesteads in the area. In 1880, the Kaweah Colony attempted to log the Sequoias but found out their wood was not easy to harvest. Finally, in 1890, the National Park Service established Sequoia as a National Park, making it the second National Park in the United States! 

Best Time to Visit Sequoia National Park

Late spring and summer are the best times to spend two days in Sequoia National Park. The weather will be gorgeous and all facilities will be open. The weather will be perfect for stargazing, hiking and exploring the various trails of the park. If interested in a more unique experience, visit during the wintertime, when there are activities such as cross country skiing and snowshoeing. 

How to Get To Sequoia National Park

Located in central California, Sequoia is a few hours’ drive from several major airports. The closest airport is Fresno Yosemite airport. However, this airport is small and may not have the best price or flight availability. San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles are other airport options that may be a better deal. 

You will need a car to get to Sequoia National Park. If you need a rental car, I recommend using Autoslash! I have consistently found the best deals. To get to the Ash Mountain entrance for Sequoia, is a straight shot from the city of Visalia. From Visalia, take the 198 east and it will take you directly into the park. Note that from the park entrance, it takes almost an hour to drive up the mountain into the Giant Forest, the main part of the park.

Transportation Around Sequoia

During the summertime, you can take a shuttle from Visalia or Three Rivers to Sequoia National Park for $20 round trip per person. Reservations are required and you can make them here. Once inside of the park, there is a free shuttle that transports visitors from the Giant Forest, Lodgepole, Wuksachi, and the Dorst Creek Campground. You can find more information about the shuttle routes on the Sequoia website. These shuttles only run during the summertime. During the winter holiday season, a reduced shuttle service runs, depending on the weather. 

Where to Stay

TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best National Park hotels here!

The most convenient place to stay when visiting Sequoia National Park is within the park, either by camping or staying at the lodge. However, the lodge can be a bit pricey. If you want to save a little money, look at staying in Three Rivers. This small town offers a few motels and lodging options. I have stayed at the Comfort Inn. It is not bad, but it is also not great.

Another option is to stay in Visalia at the Hampton Inn. Although staying here is about an hour’s drive to the park, it is a lot cheaper, and you have more dining options. I stayed at the Hampton Inn during my last trip and it ended up being about $125 a night. Airbnbs are also always a viable option. New to Airbnb? Sign up here to get $55 off your first stay. 

Hours and Admission

Sequoia National Park is open 24 hours a day for most of the year. The Mineral King Valley section closes from late October to late May. It cost $35 for a 7-day pass. This pass also gets you into Kings Canyon National Park. If you are planning on visiting several National Parks throughout the year, opt to buy the America the Beautiful pass for $80. This pass gets you into all of the parks in the National Park system for an entire year, so it is a huge money saver! 

What to See in Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park seriously has so many choices of trails to hike. It is hard to choose which ones are the best, especially if you only have two days in Sequoia National park. I have outlined several of my favorite stops and hikes. Make sure to bring your walking shoes! I recommend trying to arrive in the park as early as possible, preferably before 9am. As the day gets later, the park gets more crowded, especially on the weekends. 

Day 1

Sherman Tree Trail

Easy Hike

Parking: General Sherman Parking Lot

Distance: 1 mile round trip

The trail takes you to the number one thing to do in the Sequoia: The General Sherman Tree! You cannot miss visiting this tree during two days in Sequoia National Park. This tree is the largest tree in the world by volume. You will want to complete this trail first thing in the morning as the later in the day you go, the busier it gets. It is the most popular spot in the park! This trail takes you downhill first through many sequoias and then loops around General Sherman. Also, remember that you are at elevation, so take your time on the walk back up.

Congress Trail

Easy Hike to Moderate Hike

Parking: General Sherman Parking Lot

Distance: 2 miles round trip

If up for adding a little bit to the Sherman Tree Trail, add on the Congress Trail. This loop takes you past several other popular trees, which include the President, the House, and the Senate. The majority of this trail is pretty flat, but there are a few uphill parts. It is also not paved but an easy trail to take during two days in Sequoia National Park.

Lunch

You can opt to grab lunch at the Peaks Restaurant or the Lodgepole Deli and Market if you choose to not bring your own food. I recommend bringing your own food to save some money and have better choices! 

Tokopah Falls

Moderate Hike

Parking: Lodgepole Campground

Distance: 3.4 miles round trip

This afternoon, hike to Tokopah Falls. For this hike, you will need to drive through the Lodgepole Campground to a parking lot in the back. There you will find the trailhead after you cross a bridge. This hike is uphill on the way to the falls, and in the sun for parts of it, so make sure to pack plenty of water. Although we did this hike in the summer, I would recommend it earlier in the season when the waterfall is a bit larger. We were there in mid-July, and it was just a trickle of water. 

An alternative to hiking all the way to the falls during summertime is to instead lounge in one of the many little pools made by the river. If you hike anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes along the trail, you will see a ton of natural little pools scattered throughout the river. Make sure to use caution and take proper safety precautions because the river and rocks are slippery. Some of the pools are also deeper than they look! Feel free to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in these pools as well. It is a great place to end your first of two days in Sequoia National Park.

Day 2

Tunnel Log

Stat off your second of two days in Sequoia National Park with a drive through tunnel log. One day this tree fell over and a tunnel was cut into the log. This tree is thought to be over 2,000 years old and was 275 high. Signs direct you which way to drive through it, and visitors are free to pause for a picture. Just be respectful if there is a long line of cars. 

Moro Rock

Moderate Hike

Parking: Moro Rock

Distance: 350 steps each way

After checking out Tunnel Log, head to hike up Moro Rock for some of the best views in the park. 350 steps lead up to the top, which offers views of the valley and highway below. If you are afraid of hikes, I would not recommend doing this hike as the stairs up are very narrow and there are a few spots with some gaps between the railings. Plan to spend no more than an hour completing this hike. 

Crescent Meadow

Easy Hike

Parking: Crescent Meadow

Distance: 1 mile loop

Crescent Meadow is another one of the larger and most popular meadows in Sequoia National Park. John Muir is said to have called Crescent Meadow the “gem of the Sierra.” The trail forms a loop around the meadow and will take a little less than an hour to complete. 

Lunch

Pack your own lunch, or head over to the Lodgepole Market and Deli or the Peaks Restaurant to grab some lunch. 

Big Trees Trail

Easy Hike

Parking: Giant Forest Museum

Distance: 1-mile loop

After lunch, head to the Big Trees Trail. This loop trail takes visitors past tons of giant sequoias. The trail is nicely paved and wheelchair accessible. Throughout the walk are multiple exhibits about sequoias. The Big Trees Trail is an easy way to wind down at the end of the day and see some gorgeous trees. 

Crystal Cave

If you have the time at some point during two days in Sequoia National Park, Also opt to tour Crystal Cave. Although it is currently closed, it is usually open during the summer season. A 50-minute tour costs $17 for adults and it can be booked at the visitor’s center or online prior to your visit. Note that you will have to walk 15 minutes from the parking lot to get to it. Formed out of limestone, this cave contains many stalactites and stalagmites. Make sure to bring a sweater or jacket because the cave can get chilly!  

Other Sequoia National Park Trails

If you have more than two days in Sequoia National Park make sure to check out these other trails! 

Long Meadow Loop

Easy to Moderate

Parking: Wolverton Picnic Area

Distance: 2 mile loop

This loop trail circles around Long Meadow. The trailhead is near the side of the parking lot and can be a little difficult to find. Also, we found that this trail was very overgrown and ended up losing the trail about halfway through. Therefore, we ended up completing this as an out and back trail. Nothing was that interesting along the trail but the meadow was pretty. 

Sunset Rock

Easy Hike

Parking: Giant Forest Museum

Distance: 1.4 mile round trip

This out and back hike heads through gorgeous wildflower fields and is a relatively easy trail. The trail ends at a large rock that offers awesome views of the park and the foothills. It is a popular place to watch the sunset. 

Little Baldy

Moderate Hike

Parking: Dorst Campground

Distance: 3.4 mile round trip

The Little Baldy hike offers some of the best views in the park. A big longer with a 700-foot elevation gain, make sure to plan accordingly when taking this hike. It is an out and back trail and has views of wildflowers along the way. 

Cahoon Meadow Loop

Moderate Hike

Parking: Lodgepole Campground

Distance: 5 mile round trip

Another out and back trail, this one starts at the same point at Tokopah Falls. On the way to Cahoon Meadow, you will pass the Twin Lakes and is partially along a river. This hike will take a couple of hours, so plan accordingly. 

If you have the time, opt to spend at least one day in Kings Canyon National Park. 

Supplies to Bring for Two Days in Sequoia National Park

Bring lots of water! Although it is much cooler in the mountains, the elevation increases your need to drink water. Take your time hiking and rest as needed. 

Snacks and/or a picnic lunch are a must! There are a few places within the park to buy food, but they do not always have the best choices. I always pack ingredients for sandwiches and keep an ice chest for the car. Things like nuts, beef jerky, and protein bars are also great options for snacks. 

Wear comfortable clothes good for hiking and closed-toed shoes. Many of the trails are very dusty and you will want shoes with good traction. 

Bring a camera. Sequoia has tons of awesome Instagrammable spots. You will want your camera to capture a ton of awesome pictures! I have a Sony a6400 that I love. 

A small backpack is a hiking essential for me. This way, I can toss whatever I need into a bag so I can have my hands free. 

Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are also recommended. 

Final Tips for Spending Two Days in Sequoia National Park. 

I felt that two days in Sequoia National Park was the perfect amount of time to spend in the park. However, you can also explore it with a private tour like this one.

If you have more time, opt to visit other nearby parks and attractions such as Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park, or perhaps go on a California Nation Park road trip. You can also head up to Mammoth Lakes if you want to extend your vacation. No matter what, Sequoia is a great place for hiking and relaxing in nature.

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