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While traveling in the California, Arizona, and Nevada region we wanted to visit several of the National parks. Both Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park were high up on our list of parks to visit. Sequoia National Park and King’s Canyon have over 800,000 acres and some of the biggest trees in the world. It takes you 2.5 hours to drive through the park. Sequoia National Park and King’s Canyon are filled with stunning views. You are encouraged to stop beside the road and take advantage of the views as travel through the area. Also, there are plenty of places to get the very best views in the Sequoia National Park if you are sightseeing. Here are 5 things you would love about Sequoia National Park

You will love the beauty of Sequoia National Park

When we arrived at the park we noticed a few of the giant trees right away. We felt like we were in the Jurassic Park movie. The trees are truly enormous. I wondered why I had not seen these trees anywhere else. Well, it is quite simple. The trees only grow in certain conditions. The elevation is one of the conditions. This mountainous region is a perfect place for these trees to germinate and flourish. Although I am told some of the trees have been able to germinate in other areas of the world. You will love the beauty of Sequoia National Park.

You will love learning about the Sequoia Trees

You will love learning about the Sequoia tree. How long does it take the Sequoia to grow? It can take a Sequoia 100 years to grow to maturity. Then the Sequoia can live upwards of a few thousand years under prime conditions. The Sequoia tree can grow to 275 feet high. Once it reaches its final height it only grows in width but it does continue to grow. These trees can weigh as much as 700 tons. When a Sequoia tree dies or falls to the ground it can remain another 100-200 years before it fully decomposes. 

Feel free to check out our experience in Sequoia National Park. Our YouTube video is posted below.

Sequoias are a treasure to behold. Research has determined that trees within a community communicate with each other. They can send nutrients to one another, and they can poison predator species among their ranks as a defense mechanism to protect themselves. Given that the Sequoia trees live as long as they live it is almost unimaginable what they communicate to each other. 

The Sequoia Tree is an international treasure

I loved finding that people visit the Sequoia National Park from all over the world. The Sequoia trees are dearly loved. They are astonishing to see. I was there for the first time in my life and I could not believe that these trees were right here in America. I had seen pictures of them and found them to be incredible but I truly had no idea how amazing they really were. I am so happy that I have had this opportunity to visit with them.

The Sequoia Tree is resiliant

The trees can withstand fires and have adapted to the fires over the years. The Sequoia trees thrive with the fires because the fires inhibit the fungus in the ground. Their seeds are shed after the fires come. The ashes of the fire provide nutrients the seedlings will need for growth. The Sequoia tree grows at a rate of 2 feet per year for the first 50-100 years. Their roots only go 6 to 12 feet in depth. The Sequoia tree survives in temperatures of -12 degrees F to 104 degrees F range.

General Sherman Sequoia Tree

There are two trees you definitely want to see while you are in Sequoia National Park and those are General Sherman and General Grant. The General Sherman Tree is the biggest tree in the world. It is over 2,200 years old. The General Grant tree is another one you should visit. There is a 30-minute tour that will take you a walk to see both along with many others.

My recommendations for when you visit Sequoia National Park

1. If you plan to visit Crystal Caves, you must make reservations 48 hours in advance.
2. The entrance fee to the park is $35/car and it lasts for 3 days.
3. Consider getting the Annual Pass for $80. It is called America the Beautiful pass. With this pass you can see over 2000 federal parks and save money by using this pass.
4. You might want to go Sequoia National Park during the week vs the weekend. The park can get very busy and parking at times is an issue.
5. While enjoying yourselves you should consider bringing your own lunch. The park is very big. It has places to eat but selections can be limited. Especially if you are vegetarian or vegan.
6. Please do not feed the bears or any wild animals in the park. Even the squirels can and will bite.
7. Drive slow inside the park. Bears and other wild animals are crossing the road. You do not want to injure them by accident.
8. Fill up on fuel before you come to the park. There is a filling station but they can be a quite a long distance away.
9. Download a map to your device before you come to the park. There is no cell service in the park.
10. Stay at the park if you can.

The western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, between 5,000 and 7,000 feet is the perfect elevation for the Sequoia trees. It is said the Sequoiadendron giganteum is the largest living organism on the planet. The main water source for these trees is the melted snow from the mountainous region above.

Climate Change and Global Warming affects the Sequoia

I am writing this blog with a heavy heart. I was in Sequoia National Park only weeks ago and now the park is in danger of the fires getting really close to them. I was told by my family that the trees are being wrapped in protective material to protect them from the fire and the devastating heat it creates. Although the trees themselves have a protective coating they create they can still be destroyed by fires that are too hot for them to protect themselves. I saw photos online and I could see the smoke in the background. I am hoping these trees will survive for generations to come but we cannot pretend they are not in danger. The fires are getting worse and worse every year. There are many things we can do to help prevent and reverse climate change. First, we must understand what climate change and global warming are.

Second, we must understand how to reverse climate change and global warming.

You will love going hiking in Sequoia National Park

The hiking levels in Sequoia National Park vary. Since we are beginners we take the easier routes. We still seem to find some of them challenging. I really do not push my limits yet. I like to keep in mind that the weather, my age, and my physical condition are all factors that I can easily overestimate. For now, when I am climbing a mountain I want to know I can get back down safely and I will not get lost in a forest somewhere.

#5 You will love going camping in Sequoia National Park

Camping sites are first-come, first-served in Sequoia National Park with a maximum of six people allowed per site. Potwisha, Buckeye Flat, Lodgepole, Dorst Creek, and certain group campsites are open to reservations and can accommodate from 7-50 people. There are no hookups in the parks. Nowadays, camping does not always mean pitching a tent and living in sleeping bags. Although this is fun as well. Camping has another level as well. Some choose to camp in very sophisticated campers and vans that have today’s luxuries. You will still see the occasional VW Bus from back in the 1970s but many people opt for the new Mercedes Sprinter Vans and the like. Some even choose the home on wheels options. The parks can accommodate most of those as well.

You will love swimming, cycling, and kayaking in Sequoia National Park

Paradise Creek in Sequoia National Park is for swimming in the relaxing pools. There is an easy 0.5-mile round trip hike leaves from the east side of Buckeye Flat Campground near site 28. There are several bike trails and they are too many to name. They have levels of difficulty as well. Hume Lake (USFS land) is a great place to kayak or canoe.

What to bring to Sequoia National Park with you?

• Backpack
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Sunscreen/sun protection
• Camera
• Walking shoes
• First-aid kit
• Layered clothing
• Trekking poles

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