Reaching heights of over 300ft (the same height as Big Ben), sequoias are the largest trees on Earth. Native to the Sierra Nevada mountains, these towering giants often appear drawn from the pages of the finest fantasies and fairytales. But unlike Carroll’s or Tolkien’s epic landscapes, giant sequoia forests are possible to explore in reality. Those looking to do so should head to California’s Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, where travellers from across the globe seek to soak up the natural splendour of these trees. Base yourself in the city of Visalia, just west of the national parks, where you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore craggy mountainsides, flowered foothills, vast canyons and sunken caverns — not to mention the variety of shops, hotels and restaurants serving fresh, local food from the heart of the one of the nation’s richest agricultural regions. Here’s how to plan your visit.
Standing at 275 feet tall, giant sequoia tree (Sequoiadendron giganteum) General Sherman is Sequoia National Park’s ‘King of the Forest’.
Photograph by Visit Visalia
Although some areas of the parks close over the winter, it’s a great time to visit for smaller crowds and snow-covered trees.
Photograph by Visit Visalia
What to see In Sequoia National Park, one tree towers above the rest: General Sherman. Two short trails lead visitors straight to this looming giant, but don’t miss the nearby Congress Trail, a 2.7-mile loop that showcases other trees including Chief Sequoyah, General Lee and the President. General Grant, another living wonder that has a wider circumference (107.5ft) than General Sherman, stands a 45-minute drive north, in General Grant Grove. It’s technically located in Kings Canyon National Park, but the two parks are administered as one, creating a seamless experience for exploring both sites. Often deemed a rival to Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is home to colossal trees that share the spotlight with immense granite peaks, roaring rivers and a host of remote wilderness trails. After exploring General Grant Grove, drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, which stretches along one of the deepest canyons in the US. Be sure to stop by the lush Zumwalt Meadow, a less-crowded alternative to Yosemite Valley.
What to do As well as spotting the tallest trees and soaking up amazing vistas, don’t miss the chance to drive through the famous Tunnel Log, crafted from a fallen tree on Crescent Meadow Road in Sequoia National Park. After the tree — thought to be more than 2,000 years old — fell across the road in 1937, park rangers carved an eight-foot-high tunnel into the log, creating what is now one of the park’s signature experiences. Nearby, climb up Moro Rock’s 350 stone steps to admire the impressive, sky-high view of the Great Western Divide mountain range. Another of the park’s standout spots is Tokopah Falls, which cascades over a slanted rockface for some 1,200ft. The 1.7-mile trail to reach it is well maintained and ascends gradually to the thundering falls. Be sure to stop by the Giant Forest Museum in the heart of Sequoia National Park to learn more about the area’s geology and the story behind the US’s second-oldest national park. Back in Visalia, head to Kaweah Oaks Preserve to explore one of California’s last riparian oak forests.
The drive-through tree, Tunnel Log, is one of Sequoia National Park’s most popular attractions.
Photograph by Visit Visalia
Where to eat As well as being the gateway to the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, the city of Visalia is also full of buzzing bars and excellent eateries serving a range of local and global cuisines. On Main Street, check out cosy Bistro di Bufala for Italian comfort food, or Crawdaddy’s for delicious Cajun and Creole food, along with live music. Nearby, inventive Left of Center is worth a visit for its homemade tamales and lively happy hour. If you happen to be visiting the city on a Saturday, or on a Wednesday between May and August, stop by the Visalia Farmers’ Market, where local farmers and artisans sell seasonal produce, handmade products and the region’s best cheeses. When it’s time for an aperitif, nab a stool at Blend Wine Room to sip a glass of Californian red and listen to a local band, or head to Sequoia Brewing for a pint of its General Sherman IPA, a deep-gold beer with a dry finish.
Where to stay To experience a piece of local history, consider staying at The Darling Hotel. Formerly the annex of the Tulare County Courthouse, the building has been re-envisioned into a 32-room boutique hotel, though its fabulous art deco roots still shine. The historic building is also part of the self-guided ‘Visalia: Then & Now’ walking tour, which provides a fascinating look at the city’s past. Grab dinner or a cocktail on the rooftop, trading all that looking up at the trees for looking down at the picturesque Central Valley. Most of the hotels in Visalia, The Darling Hotel included, are on the route of the Sequoia Shuttle. Operating daily in the summer, it takes visitors straight to the Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia National Park — just make sure to reserve your shuttle pass in advance. From the Giant Forest Museum, an in-park shuttle transports guests to the main attractions.
Hikers can climb Moro Rock’s stone staircase for sweeping views of the Great Western Divide.
Photograph by Visit Visalia
When to visit California’s weather is warm from late May through to early October, so, naturally, these months are the most popular time to visit the parks. Facilities and roads are open throughout the summer season, and the Sequoia Shuttle runs a lengthy route between Sequoia National Park and Visalia. From late October until late April, the majority of Kings Canyon National Park is closed to vehicles. Depending on the weather, certain parts of Sequoia National Park will also be closed, and snow chains or snow tyres may be required to access some areas of the park. However, reduced visitor numbers mean the winter months offer a quieter experience and travellers can enjoy the sights of the enormous trees with their evergreen cloaks draped in white.
This paid content article was created for Visit Visalia. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.
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