Home to the giants of the natural world, Sequoia National Park stands as a living cathedral of towering trees, ancient mountains, and quiet wilderness. Nestled in California’s southern Sierra Nevada, the park is best known for its colossal sequoia trees, among the largest and oldest living organisms on Earth. Walking beneath their massive trunks and rust-red bark is a humbling experience that evokes both awe and peace. Beyond the groves, alpine meadows, granite cliffs, and rushing rivers showcase the park’s incredible range of ecosystems and elevations.
Beyond its famous trees, Sequoia is a place of incredible diversity. The park is home to black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, and countless bird species that thrive in its varying habitats. High above the forest canopy, Mount Whitney: the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, towers over the landscape, linking Sequoia to nearby Kings Canyon National Park in a vast expanse of protected wilderness. Each season brings new life and color, from spring wildflowers to winter snow blanketing the groves in silence.
Conservation within Sequoia National Park is both a legacy and a challenge. The effects of climate change, wildfires, and drought continue to threaten the giant sequoias and the ecosystems that depend on them. Restoration projects, prescribed burns, and reforestation efforts are helping these ancient trees adapt and endure. Visitors play a vital role by staying on marked trails, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and supporting organizations that protect these forests. Sequoia National Park stands as a reminder of nature’s resilience and the enduring responsibility to preserve its wonders for generations to come.
Our Experience
We absolutely loved Sequoia National Park. It was the first long hike day we had on our journey. We started at General Sherman and ended up at Pear Lake, gaining 3k feet of elevation and totaling about 18 miles! We saw a black bear, marmots and what we thought was a giant siamese cat in the wilderness. Turns out, it was the elusive MOUNTAIN LION! That's right. We were so shocked. We saw it perched on a rock as we were ending our hike around dusk. It was watching us from afar and we were not entirely sure what it was at first until another hiker confirmed it. It's a memory we cherish!