Things to do in Sequoia National Park in One Day

Easy and Baby-Friendly Hiking Trails in Sequoia National Park in Winter

I've been dreaming of visiting Sequoia National Park before the Pandemic hit the world. We were supposed to go there after our Yosemite Trip where I found I was pregnant but still, we managed to find some trails conducive even to my nauseous symptoms. After that, the Pandemic took hold of our lives, and our Sequoia trip was put on hold, but not anymore! It's even more exciting now as we introduce our little one to our love for hiking and exploring new places. Let's go!

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Travel Tips

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Baby Car Mirror, View Infant in Rear-Facing Seat

What you need to know before visiting Sequoia National Park in Winter

1. Always Check Sequoia National Park Website for Updates

Be a responsible hiker or camper and always check the website for the latest updates. Make sure to check on the visiting days and hours inside Sequoia National Park. During winter, snow storms might hit the park and there will be park closures. In that way, you can plan ahead of time where to go and what to do.

How to get there:

Foothills Visitor Center

Address: 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Entrance fee: 35 USD per car or  purchase the "America the Beautiful Pass" for 80 USD which allows you access to different national parks for a year

We paid 35 USD  ( 1 vehicle) for a 1-7 day pass for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 

2. Always Check the Weather

Before you make any plans to go to the park call 559-565-334 (press 1 then 1) to know the latest about the park's current road condition and chain requirements. Call first then drive to the park to avoid any surprises.

3. Snow Chains Needed For Winter Season

Expect chain control during the winter season from December to March. They said the best time to visit is around June to August when the weather condition is more pleasing and stable, however, it also means more crowds. We try to avoid the crowd so we went in March when the weather is not so cold and the crowd is just right.

My husband did a quick research, AutoZone Auto Parks offers chain rentals for 50 USD - 60 USD, depending on the car. We found out that it’s cheaper near Sequoia National Park, the Three Rivers Market close to Shell Gasoline was only 35 USD. Learn more about chain control requirements and rental places near the park. 

4.  Road Safety Tip

Check Google Maps ahead of time to avoid rugged, gated, and unmaintained roads. Drive to Highway 198 to enter Sequoia National Park, and Highway 180 to reach Kings Canyon National Park. 

We also try to use two phones for Google Maps, one phone for directions while driving while the other phone has it opened for backup, just in case the other phone out of nowhere malfunctions. There's a certain point where you don't get any signal and you need offline directions from Google Maps and it's good to know you have two phones ready to guide you. Lastly, to ensure you get to the Land of the Giants or a.k.a Sequoia National Park safely turn off “avoid tolls” when using online map services.

How To Plan And Enjoy Your Sequoia National Park Trip

Universal Car Mount Phone Holder Desk Stand for iPhones or Smartphones

5. Drive Early, Pack At Night

Try to drive early to avoid the LA traffic. If you have a baby like us or little kids put all your stuff in the car the night before your trip.

Travel Time from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park: 3.5 - 4 hours, depending on traffic

6. Gas ahead of time

There are limited gasoline stations near the park and expect prices to be higher.

7. Dress in layers

The weather is unpredictable. Make sure you pack your clothes according to the season. 

8. Bring your own snacks, groceries, and water

Try to avoid buying anything from convenience stores and pharmacies as prices are way higher. It also saves you more time to buy your food in advance so you can focus more on enjoying the park. There's going to be a lot of driving you should take that time to look for your favorite food in the grocery store.

9. Where to Stay

The Sequoia Hut

Check-in: The Sequoia Hut

Address: 43307 Sierra Drive A, Three Rivers, 93271, United States of America

3 days 2 nights for 205 USD

We booked through booking. com and snatched a really great deal for this little hut. It has everything we need, a small kitchen, fridge and most importantly it was very clean. We have this hut all to ourselves,  the host even provided a small chair for feeding our little one when we asked for it, and free parking is also provided. I would definitely recommend this place to my family and friends.

10. Where to go in Sequoia National Park in March

Read more: Must-See Stopovers at Sequoia National Park

Must-See Stopovers at Sequoia National Park:

1. Historic Entrance Sign of Sequoia National Park 

2. Indian Head River Trailhead 

3. Foothills Visitor Center 

4. Tunnel Rock 

5. Hospital Rock

Easy Trails in Sequoia National Park:

6. Hospital Rock Trailhead

7. Big Trees Trail 

8. General Sherman Tree Trail

Hiking Common Sense Safety Rules:

1. Stay on the trail

2. Hydrate 

3. Bring some snacks

4.  Follow garbage safety

5. Avoid the bears 

Second Day Sequoia National Park Itinerary

Check out our First Day Itinerary

4-in-1 Carrier Convertible for Newborns and Older Babies 8-32 lbs

Got a baby and need a hand?  Or two? 

My husband says the best way to raise a child is hands-free.

Baby-Friendly Trails in Sequoia National Park

We had an 8-month-old baby when we visited Sequoia National Park and we used a baby carrier for mobility. During the winter season, it’s not ideal and advisable to use baby strollers at all. We drove to General Sherman Tree first as it was the farthest trail on the map and then to Big Trees Trail. 

It's funny how life changes after you have a baby. We've never packed so much stuff in our travels before, ahahaa. It's like we brought the whole house again.

General Sherman Tree Trail

General Sherman Tree Trail was literally a walk in the park. 

a. General Sherman Tree Trail  

How to get there: follow the signs and trail map given at the park entrance 

Alltrails route: General Sherman Tree Trail

Distance: 1.2 miles 

Elevation: 196 ft 

Duration: 30 minutes, depending on the pace

Highlights: Biggest tree in the world

Winter Parking

During winter months parking is available at the trailhead for everybody. Normally, they have trailhead parking only for people with disability. However, even thou it was winter surprisingly parking was still full so we had to walk a little bit further to park our car but not so bad it was still manageable. 

Beautiful towering trees welcomed us as we drove to Big Trees Trail. This was the most scenic drive we did at Sequoia National Park. 

It’s a great place to the giant Sequoia trees out in the open. Along the way, we found a little snowman and our little guy couldn’t help but play with it. Don’t worry he didn’t knock it off. (See the First Image on this post for reference)

These twin towers were breathtaking! And this is not the biggest Sequoia tree in the world yet. 

The king of all the giants here in Sequoia National Park.  We were just standing on its base roots and were in awe of its magnificent height and enormous beauty.

General Sherman is the world's largest tree and this gigantic tree was beyond perfection! This breathtaking tree stands 83 meters tall or 275 feet and is over 2,000 years old. They said you have to go to the mountains to feel the connection with a higher power, you know what I felt with these trees, they're special!

The trail is easy, paved, and easy for our backs as we carry our baby around the path. 

This was our baby's first time seeing snow; the magic in his eyes was priceless. We drove to General Sherman Tree first as it was the farthest trail on the map. Our next stop was Big Trees Trail. 

Big Trees Trail

b. Big Trees Trail

Take note: Use low gear or gear 2 to save your brakes when going downhill.

How to get there: follow the signs and trail map given at the park entrance 

Alltrails route: Big Trees Trail

Distance: 1.2 miles 

Elevation: 108 ft 

Duration: 30 minutes, depending on the pace

Highlights: Beautiful meadow and giant sequoia trees

Parking: Trailhead Entrance 

I enjoyed this trail so much! Everything was covered in snow which made us wander more freely. 

As you can see, the post going to the museum is almost gone. 

Here’s a bench we spotted that has not seen daylight for days or weeks. 

The Sequoia trees are massive and enormous around here too. 

Look at this picture of a woman I saw who's curious about what’s inside the giant tree’s opening. It was like a gateway to Narnia; anything is possible once you enter the hole. 

The meadow was covered in snow and looked stunning! I’ve always been fascinated with hiking during the winter season. 

Remember that adorable little snowman we found at the General Sherman Trail? We just found his maker! He was still creating his small snowman figures wherever he went. 

Sequoia National Park looks incredibly amazing in winter, most people would avoid this season but you should give it a try. 

The frozen river bank looked like a scene from a movie.

Upclose

We didn't get to climb Moro Rock as the road was closed due to heavy snow the other day. 

We loved our little house near the woods, thanks to The Sequoia Hut for making our stay at Sequoia very comfortable. 

There are so many things to do in Sequoia National Park! You can hike to stunning views, camp in the wilderness, explore the giant Sequoia groves, take a scenic drive through the park, or enjoy a peaceful picnic. No matter what type of experience you're looking for, Sequoia National Park is sure to provide something for everyone!

One more stop: Tulare, California

If you have one more day to spare spend a night at Tulare, California. It’s a small town that offers the best ice cream in California. 

Our all-time favorite road trip snack. Not the best when it comes to sugar and all but we still love it once in a while.

One night at Hillstone Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection, Tulare, California

Check-in: Hillstone Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection

Location: 1183 N Blackstone Street, Tulare, CA 93274, United States of America 

1-night stay: 92 USD

I loved the interior modern design of this hotel. We were also at the perfect location everything we needed was just a few minutes away from this hotel. 

Rosa Brothers Creamery is a family-owned business that offers delicious ice cream and freshly made milk products. They do free walk-ins for ice cream and milk tasting and get ready to taste something different and refreshing. 

The road trip back home was blissful and tiring but it was all worth it!

Check out: Must-See Stopovers at Sequoia National Park

Have fun and be safe ^__^

Do you want more adventure?

Visit another alluring town famous for spotting grizzly bears called Big Bear Lake, California 

Where am I going next?

My next adventure is to the Happiest Place on Earth: 10 Things To Know Before Visiting Disneyland California.

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