I’ve always been amazed by the sheer size of Sequoia trees, so when I started planning my trip, visiting them became a must on my itinerary. Little did I know, our first day in Sequoia National Forest would turn into an adventure of its own—our van’s transmission gave out halfway up the mountain! We ended up spending extra time there, and that’s when I learned about a shuttle service that takes you to key spots like General Sherman, the Big Trees Trail, Moro Rock, and more. If I’d known about the shuttle earlier, I could have saved myself thousands of dollars (and some stress!). Continue reading for the ultimate guide to Sequoia National Park:

Moro Rock
Moro Rock is a stunning granite dome that towers thousands of feet above the ground as you enter Sequoia National Park. A walking trail with a 977-foot elevation gain takes you to the top, where you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the San Joaquin Valley to the west and the wilderness to the east.

I really appreciated the handrails on the trail—those made the walk to the end of the rock feel much safer. Make sure to stay hydrated! The elevation change hit me harder than I expected, and I had to take multiple breaks before finally making it to the top.

General Sherman
Since 6th-grade geography class, I’ve dreamed of seeing the General Sherman tree in person. It’s the largest Sequoia tree and stands at nearly 275 feet tall with a 102-foot diameter. Seeing it up close felt surreal, but be prepared to hike a short distance before you get to this awe-inspiring natural giant.

Crescent Meadow
Crescent Meadow is a peaceful oasis that’s a refreshing change from the mountainous roads and rugged landscapes surrounding it. The 1.5-mile trail takes you through a beautiful meadow where you can spot wildlife (though we didn’t see any bears or much wildlife during our visit).

The trail also connects to others, like Log Meadow, Tharp’s Log, and the Trail of Sequoias. Along the way, you’ll see the root systems of fallen trees and massive pinecones from the towering trees that surround the meadow. It’s a great place to slow down and soak in the beauty of the forest.

Exploring Sequoia National Park was an unforgettable adventure filled with challenges, breathtaking views, and moments of awe at nature’s grandeur. From the dizzying heights of Moro Rock to the peaceful serenity of Crescent Meadow and the humbling presence of the General Sherman tree, this trip reminded me why I love discovering the world’s natural wonders. At Books Travel Life, I hope to inspire you to embrace every twist and turn of your journeys—because sometimes the unexpected makes for the best stories.