One of the wildest and finest areas of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, here you will find gorgeous meadows, black bears and the worlds largest trees. In fact 5 of the top 10 biggest trees in the world (by volume) are in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park. But what are the Top 5 Attractions in Sequoia?
Top 5 Attractions in Sequoia National Park
These top 5 attractions in Sequoia are our opinions after doing a road trip through this beautiful national park. I definitely recommend doing some more research to see if any of the other attractions are better suited to your taste for adventure.
How big you ask? The General Sherman Tree stands 275 feet (83m) tall, and over 36 feet (11m) in diameter.
The biggest living tree on the planet
Giant sequioa groves only grow on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevadas. There are only 68 groves in existence, so feel very lucky to stand in one.
The General Sherman Tree is taller than the statue liberty, and is estimated to be 2,300-2,700 years old.
Giant Sequioias have been identified as 3,500 years old by the ring count, making them among the oldest living things on earth.
Tip: Walk around the back of the General Sherman Tree if you want some great photo opportunities without the crowds.
2. Crescent Meadow
Including Chimney Tree and Tharps Log
The trail around crescent meadow is a fairly easy 1.6 mile hike, suitable for children, elderly, and those who just don’t like hard walks or steep grades.
Along the way be sure check out Tharp’s Log. A man called Hale Tharp lived inside this hollowed out Sequioa tree from 1860 to 1890. You can still see his furniture inside.
Strange place to build a house, in a tree trunk!
Also be sure to check out the Chimney Tree, which is just near Tharp’s Log. It is a giant sequoia tree which has been burnt out, and has a room inside bigger than some bedrooms.
Chimney Log in Crescent Meadow. There’s a room inside there!
Tip: Other hikes start from the Crescent Meadow Parking Area including Sugar Pine Trai and Bobcat Point Trail Loop, where you can hike to Moro Rock Car Park (1.5 miles).
3. Auto Log
On the Crescent Meadow Road
The Auto Log fell down in 1917. After the tree fell, park authorities encouraged visitors to drive their cars onto the trunk. It is now closed for safety reasons due to the decay of the tree.
Ramon and Clarc stand on Auto Log
Tip: You are still permitted to walk out onto Auto Log for a great photo opportunity.
4. Tunnel Log
The Drive Through Giant Sequioa
The tunnel log tree fell in 1934, and was over 2,000 years old.
To get to tunnel log follow the Crescent Meadow road.
Here’s a classic shot at Tunnel Log
Tip: The tunnel is 8 feet (2.4m) high, make sure your vehicle will fit before driving though it!
5. Bear spotting
Black bears live in Sequioa National Park. American Black Bears have a misleading name, because they may be black, brown, cinnamon or blonde in color.
Tip: Meadows are a great place to spot bears in Sequioa National Park, especially in Spring. In fall you might see bears high in oak trees getting fat on acorns.
Just Near Yosemite
Sequoia National Park borders with Kings Canyon National Park, making it a convenient double attraction. But then again it’s just down the road from Yosemite National Park, making it great triple attraction. Now you know the Top 5 Attractions in Sequoia, but there are so many more awesome sights to see in this part of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
We were offered so many tips on ‘out of the way’ places to see, but we ran out of time. My best tip is to ask a local “so what’s your favourite part of Sequoia National Park?”. Chances are they will suggest a place which is not a popular tourist attraction. If you have the time, and the inclination for adventure, this is the way to see your own special part of Sequoia National Park.
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