Sequoia National Park California, USA Travel Guide
Several airports serve the region, with varying distances to the park entrance.
Flight prices typically peak during the summer months and major holidays. Booking your flights well in advance is a recommendation, especially if traveling during these busy periods. Prices tend to be lower during the shoulder or low seasons. Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.
All major airports (LAX, SFO) offer extensive facilities, including car rental counters, a wide selection of dining options, and other standard passenger services. Smaller regional airports like FAT and VIS have more limited options for food and services but often deliver a quicker, less crowded experience for car rental pickup.
Renting a car is the most common and recommended method for park access. It offers the most flexibility for exploring the park and its surrounding areas. Rental car agencies operate at all listed airports. Book your rental car in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and potentially better rates. Use DiscoverCars.com for rental car bookings.
Generals Highway is the main road, winding and mountainous. Parts of other park roads, like Mineral King Road and Cedar Grove Road, can be steep, narrow, and unpaved.
Mineral King Road and Cedar Grove Road typically close mid-fall through late spring due to snow. Generals Highway may close intermittently in winter. No gas stations exist inside Sequoia National Park. Fill your tank in gateway towns like Three Rivers or Grant Grove Village.
GPS systems can prove unreliable due to a lack of cell service. Carry physical maps, like the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map. Watch for wildlife on roads, especially at dusk and dawn. Obey posted speed limits.
Sequoia National Park is an inland, mountainous park. Therefore, sea or river arrivals are not applicable for direct access to the park.
Travel to Sequoia National Park mainly involves road transportation from regional airports or other parts of California.
No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing from Sequoia National Park itself. Any departure taxes are typically included in your international airfare if flying out of the U.S.
Unexpected delays can impact travel plans. Plan for smooth departures.
Sequoia National Park delivers a free shuttle system. This system operates during the peak summer season, typically from late May to early September. This service eases traffic congestion and parking issues at popular sites.
The shuttle system features multiple routes designed to connect areas. Pick up route maps at visitor centers or check the park’s official website.
Park your car at designated areas, like Lodgepole or the Giant Forest Museum. Then, use the shuttle to travel to popular trailheads and attractions. This strategy circumvents parking challenges, which can be severe at sites like the General Sherman Tree or Moro Rock during busy periods.
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are generally unavailable within Sequoia National Park itself. This is due to the park's remote location and the lack of consistent cell service. You may find these services in gateway towns like Three Rivers or Visalia, but they do not typically transport into the park.
Car rental is the most practical way to explore the park if you visit when the shuttle system is not operating, or if you plan to visit areas not served by the shuttle. Major car rental companies operate at nearby airports like Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), Los Angeles International (LAX), and San Francisco International (SFO).
Requirements for renting a car typically include a valid driver's license (U.S. Or International Driving Permit), a major credit card, and being at least 21 years old (renters under 25 may incur young driver fees). Consider renting a SUV or a vehicle with 4WD if you plan to visit during winter or early spring.
Sequoia National Park delivers abundant opportunities for walking and, to a more limited extent, cycling.
Commercial tour operators offer guided tours to Sequoia National Park from major California cities. These tours deliver transportation and often include guided commentary.
The park strives for accessibility. It offers accessible parking, restrooms, and some accessible trails. Portions of the General Sherman Tree Trail and the Big Trees Trail. Check the NPS Accessibility page for details.
Off-trail travel in sensitive areas, like delicate giant sequoia groves, is discouraged or prohibited. Bicycles are strictly not permitted on hiking trails. Stay on marked trails and roads.
