36° 29' 10.9176''N 118° 33' 56.7000'' W
From our home in Valencia, CA, the park is a short 3:15 hour cruise to the parks entrance via CA-99. Once there, you need to purchase a daily or yearly pass. I chose the yearly interagency pass so I can use it at all the National parks in the United States.
From the main gate, its a slow winding 19 mile cruise until you get to the first grove of Sequoia trees. The immediate view of the tree is apparent but it takes some time for your brain to really sum up how big they really are. In one case, up to 10 full grown men, holding hands would be able to cover the circumference of the trees trunk.
Several stops along the way are permitted with pull offs at specific "Vista Points". I highly suggest to stop as much as possible and explore everything the park has to offer.
The first main stop is the Tunnel Rock as pictured below. It is pretty self explanatory, as it is a rock that has fallen in a way to create a tunnel.
About 3-4 miles past Tunnel Rock on the right hand side of the road, a small 24" or so rock wall will block some incredible views. You will see a small turnout with an opening for a trail. This was one of my favorite places. BE CAREFUL HERE!!!! The climb down is really for only people wearing proper shoes. The rocks are slippery and covered with loose dirt so be careful on the climbs. Once down there you will be greeted with a fast moving creek. this time of the year, the water table was still very high. As you can see in the video, the water level is high and fast enough to sweep away any full sized adult.
The road continues up into the mountains, stringing along narrow passages with expanse views. At some point, a portion of the road had washed away, requiring construction. About the halfway point you will be stopped (most likely) for a adhoc traffic signal. Plan to be there for about 20 minutes as the other cars get a chance to pass through. There is no real place to get out and stretch so just plan to get comfy for the time being.
Heading beyond the construction brings you to the first set of trees that you start to notice are a bit larger than the others.
One attraction we did not have time for was Crystal Cave. Not sure what it's all about, but I imagine the next time I am in the area, I'll make time for it.
You will approach what seems to be two perfectly placed Sequoia's acting as a large entrance as if you were heading into Jurassic Park.
Roll the windows down! Well, depending on the time of year, of course. Late May was an absolute treat. It was 62 and sunny. Rolling down the windows and taking in the breeze and smelling the trees took me back to being a kid, hiking through here with my Dad and Sister. The sheer size of these giant's is enough to make step back in awe.
Near the top, you will see a small road off to the right side. Take that to find parking. The General Sherman! The largest tree of its kind, standing just shy of 300' and having a circumference of 106'! This heavy weight is worth the hike. Keep in mind to please bring water and take as many breaks as necessary. The hotter months can cause severe dehydration and heat exhaustion.
There are plenty of more sites and trails we could have gone on but we had only planned a day trip out of this. I think a week long trip including this, Yosemite, and a few others are in order the next time around.
Just some helpful info:
1. Dogs are not allowed on the trails but we have our Golden Retriever registered as a service animal, so its not really an issue.
2. Summer months will have lower water in the creeks so you should be able to enjoy them (Although it is glacial run off so it will be freezing.)
3. No 4x4 Needed - Probably one of the many places that you do not need a 4x4 to get to. In fact, with raising gas prices, take the most efficient vehicle you have.
4. Good shoes are a must. Because there is no 4x4 trails, you are required to walk everywhere you go, so bring the proper footware with good tread for the off beaten path.
