Sequoia National Park, nestled in the heart of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, will forever be one of my favorite National Parks. Maybe it’s because it was one of the first places I really camped and hiked here in California, or maybe it’s just the magic of the giant trees. Whatever the reason, Sequoia National Park is undoubtedly a majestic haven of towering trees, rugged trails, and serene beauty. If you’re planning a quick getaway, here’s a detailed 2-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip, including where to stay and the best trails to explore.

Where to Stay

$$ Wuksachi Lodge: Located within the park, this lodge offers cozy accommodations with spectacular forest views. We love staying here because it’s an ideal base for exploring the park. It really allows you to maximize your time in the park completely surrounded by nature while still having access to your creature comforts. The on-site restaurant is also a convenient bonus. We love grabbing a slice of pizza on the patio there and always meet the nicest people.

$$-$$$ Three Rivers Vacation Rentals: For a more personalized experience, the town of Three Rivers, just outside the park entrance, offers a variety of charming Airbnbs. Options range from riverside cabins to modern homes with all the amenities you’ll need. Just note, to enter the park, you will need to navigate the winding General’s Highway each day to the park entrance.

$ Campsites: For the adventurous, camping is a fantastic option. Lodgepole Campground, one of my all time favorite campgrounds, is located near many of the park’s key attractions. It’s extremely popular for its picturesque setting and proximity to trails. Just make sure you do your research and check to make sure campgrounds are open and available before heading into the park. Other nearby campgrounds include, Potwisha, Buckeye Flat and Dorst Creek. Check out the Sequoia NPS website for even more sites in the area.

What to Pack

Here’s a solid weekend packing list for hiking and camping in Sequoia National Park, assuming late spring to early fall weather:

Clothing

Layered clothing – temps can vary a lot! Bring:
- Lightweight base layers
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Waterproof shell or rain jacket
Moisture-wicking shirts
Hiking pants/shorts
Wool or synthetic socks (2–3 pairs)
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots (broken in)
Sun hat + 🧣 Beanie or headband (for chilly mornings)
Comfortable clothes for lounging/sleeping
Sunglasses

Day Hiking Gear

Daypack (15–25L)
Water bottles or hydration bladder (at least 2L)
Sunscreen + lip balm (SPF is key at elevation!)
Trail snacks (bars, fruit, jerky, etc.)
Small first aid kit
Headlamp or flashlight (just in case you're out past sunset)
Offline map app (AllTrails, Gaia, or NPS app) + downloaded trail maps
Portable charger or power bank

Extras for Sightseeing & Comfort

Camera or phone with lots of space
Guidebook or park brochure (for context + hidden gems)
Binoculars (if you're into wildlife viewing)
Hand sanitizer + wipes
Reusable tote or day bag (for snacks or souvenirs)
Coffee tumbler or water bottle for on-the-go sipping

Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and Easy Trails

First up, start your day at the Foothills Visitor Center to grab maps and get the latest trail and weather updates. Then, drive up Generals Highway to the heart of the park.

If your starting form inside the park, head to the Giant Forest Museum. It’s a great spot to learn about Sequoia National Park’s history and the massive trees that call it home. It’s located along Generals Highway and offers exhibits about the park’s natural wonders, along with a small store where you can grab books and souvenirs to remember your trip.

Big Trees Trail: This easy 1.3-mile loop around Round Meadow showcases the park’s iconic giant sequoias. This is a great introduction to the park and the beautiful, majesty of the trees you’ll be surrounded by in the days to come. The paved trail is perfect for a relaxed morning walk, with plenty of interpretive signs detailing the unique ecosystem.

Next, head to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume. The 0.5-mile paved trail to the tree is a must-do. Take your time marveling at the sheer size of this natural wonder. While the trail is paved down to General Sherman, it is a hefty drop, so do be prepared for a steep hike back up to the top.

Must-See Stop: Check out the nearby Congress Trail, a 2.9 mile loop that’s less crowded and offers more chances to walk among giant sequoias. While most of the trail is paved, it is still one of my favorite trails to explore. The trees in this area of the forest are next level and you are bound to capture some great moments with their towering trunks.

I have a vivid memory from my first trip to Sequoia National Park over 15 years ago, when I was still new to California. I’d been invited on a camping trip by friends and, truthfully, had no real sense of where we were headed. As we hiked out onto the trail, I was completely unprepared for the awe I felt. The sheer scale of the trees was so overwhelming, I had to sit down just to take it all in. I still feel very attached to this park, and this trail in particular for that reason.

Afternoon: After lunch (either a packed picnic or a meal at Wuksachi Lodge’s restaurant), visit Moro Rock. Hiking Moro Rock is quick but epic and not for the faint of heart. It’s less than half a mile, but you climb over 350 steps carved into the granite, winding around tight switchbacks with railings to keep you steady.

The views get better with every step, and once you reach the top, it’s absolutely jaw-dropping. From the top, you can see the vast Great Western Divide, with jagged peaks stretching into the distance.

The Great Western Divide is a prominent mountain range that runs along the western edge of the Sierra Nevada in California. It serves as the natural boundary between the Sequoia National Park and the Kings Canyon National Park. The divide stretches for more than 100 miles, with several towering peaks that reach over 13,000 feet. Notable summits along the Great Western Divide include Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. This was actually the view that inspired me to one day hike that very peak!

After you get back from your journey up Moro Rock, enjoy a quiet dinner and settle in for the night at your chosen lodging. If you happen to be camping, gather around the fire pit to stargaze, Sequoia’s dark skies make for some of the most incredible celestial views!

Day 2: Lesser Traveled Trails

First up is the Little Baldy trail, a lesser-known gem that rewards you big time for a relatively short climb. This was a new find on my last visit and it did not disappoint! The trailhead is just a quick drive from Wuksachi Lodge, and the hike itself is about 3.5 miles roundtrip with a steady but manageable uphill. It winds through pine forest before opening up to a wide, rocky summit with sweeping views of the Great Western Divide. Soaking in the views from the slick, rocky peak, will make you feel quite small.

After the hike, head back toward the lodge or find a scenic pullout along the highway for some lunch. The afternoon is perfect for something mellow, so Tokopah Falls is next on the list. This trail starts behind Lodgepole Campground and follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River through a beautiful granite canyon. It’s a fairly easy out-and-back, about 4 miles round trip, and full of postcard-worthy views the whole way. The waterfall at the end is massive, especially in late spring and early summer, and if you’re lucky, you might spot marmots lounging on the rocks.

If you still have time after your afternoon hike, have a longer itinerary or want to explore some different sites, here’s a few other options:

Tunnel Log - Drive through a fallen giant. This is aclassic photo op that you’ve probably seen - it’s especially fun if you’re already headed toward Crescent Meadow.
Beetle Rock - A quick walk near the Giant Forest Museum. Great for sunset or an easy scenic stop with wide-open views.
Hanging Rock - This dramatic granite outcrop juts out over the edge of the foothills, offering an incredible view of the western Sierra Nevada and the canyon below.
Crescent Meadow Loop - A flat, peaceful 1.6-mile loop through wildflower-filled meadows and towering sequoias. You might even spot a bear in the early morning or evening!
Alta Peak - A tough 14-mile trek with 4,000 feet of elevation gain, offering panoramic views from the summit at over 11,000 feet.
Lakes Trail to Pear Lake - A challenging 12-mile hike with significant elevation gain, leading to stunning alpine lakes, including Pear Lake.

No matter what you choose to do in the park, you really can’t go wrong. Between the trees and the views, your options are endless. Whether you're hiking to the top of a peak, wandering through groves of ancient giants, or just sitting back and soaking it all in, Sequoia has a way of making you feel like you've stepped into another world. So, pack up, hit the trails, and let this amazing place do its thing. I promise you'll leave with a fresh perspective and a whole lot of amazing memories.

If you’ve been to Sequoia National Park, share your favorite memory with me in the comments!