What to do in Sequoia National Park in March

What to do in Sequoia National Park in March

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
  • For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
  • For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.



What to do in Sequoia National Park in March

What you need to know before visiting Sequoia National Park 



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.



What to do in Sequoia National Park in March


How To Plan And Enjoy Your Sequoia National Park Trip


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 might as well take that time and then look for your favorite food in the grocery store.



9. Where to Stay 


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March

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, 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

What to do in Sequoia National Park in March

Read more: Easy Hiking Trails in 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 



First Day Sequoia National Park Itinerary

Check out our Second Day Itinerary


Must-See Stopovers at Sequoia National Park - Easy and Baby-friendly stopovers


We started from the closest attraction to the park and drove by each one of them as that saved us more time and we were able to do more exploring. The Historical Sequoia National Park sign was the first one on the map and there was also a nearby trail entrance in the parking spot, which made it convenient, so we hit "two stones at the same time".



Historic Entrance Sign of Sequoia National Park 

What to do in Sequoia National Park in March

The Sign - Sequoia National Park 
Location: 47099-47007, CA-198, Three Rivers, CA 93271

After taking pictures at the historic sign, there's a trail nearby called "India  Head River Trailhead."


Indian Head River Trailhead

What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
The trailhead entrance starts near the parking area.


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
It's pretty much paved and maintained, just make sure to watch your footing. 


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
It has a clear path and even from afar, you can already see the river.


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
We didn't go that far as we wanted to check out more short stopovers around the park. We always just chill and look around on the first day. For baby carriers, we recommend this 4-in-1 Carrier Convertible for Newborns and Older Babies 8-32 lbs.


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
The trail highlights this beautiful river and a great view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.


Foothills Visitor Center 

What to do in Sequoia National Park in March

Foothills Visitor Center 
Location: 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271

We visited the Visitor Center to get a map of the park and bought a fridge magnet before we forget to get one. This is a great stopover to use the restroom and get to know the park.


Tunnel Rock 

What to do in Sequoia National Park in March

Tunnel Rock 
Location: Sequoia National Park, Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Parking is across the street from Tunnel Rock. It’s a small spot so slow down as you get closer to the rock. 

What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
We went off-season so there was no crowd at all and we had all the time in the world goofing around the park. 


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
It's not a race don't forget to enjoy the view. See the magnificent mountains on the way to Hospital Rock.

Our next stop is Hospital Rock known for its hieroglyphic writings. There was no traffic in the park and we were able to slow down and take in all the beautiful views along the way. 


Lunch at Hospital Rock: Parking and Picnic Area

What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
Hospital Rock Parking Area. Plenty of benches and tables are here to have a picnic and restrooms too.


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
We hope our little one is having a blast as we're the happiest parents. One day, he'll be walking on his own and hiking will be so much fun.


Hospital Rock 

What to do in Sequoia National Park in March

Hospital Rock 
Location: Sequoia National Park, CA 93262

This is not a hike it is a short walk away from the Hospital Rock parking area. An easy must-see stopover with little kids and people who don't want to go hiking.


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
    We were told at the visitor center that Hospital Rock features a series of petroglyphs. Check it out as it's not something you see every day.


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
A huge boulder inside Sequoia National Park. They said it was used as a shelter by the Natives. Here you can see several cave drawings visibly drawn on the rocks. 


Hospital Rock Trailhead

What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
A few steps away is the Hospital Rock Trailhead. Make sure to find this mark that says "Trail", in this way you make sure you're on the right path. 


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
Lots of scenic spots along the trail. 


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
The trail looked great and well-maintained.


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
It's a short downhill climb going to the river.


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
We took turns carrying our baby, this was the challenging part of the hike, ahahaa.


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
These are moments that take my breath away. Even thou it was just a short hike but it was very satisfying. There's always that wonderful feeling of seeing a river or waterfall at the end of the hike, very heartwarming for some reason. 


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
Here we saw the beautiful Kaweah River with all its glory.


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
My favorite people are here with me, making my hiking adventures more memorable now.


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
Take extra precaution when stepping on the rocks as it is slippery.


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
Always watch your step, as the water gets really strong here, especially during springtime and the early months of summer. 


Shopping outside Sequoia National Park

What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
Village Market
Location: 40869 Sierra Dr Unit C, Three Rivers, CA 93271


What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
There's also a Pharmacy next door.


Must-try foods near Sequoia National Park: The BEST Ribs Ever!

What to do in Sequoia National Park in March
These were the best ribs that I've ever tasted in my whole life! 

I'm still trying to find the name of the restaurant.


The next day our itinerary revolved around the Easiest Hiking Trails in Sequoia National Park. We first went to Big Trees Trail, the farthest one, and then to General Sherman Tree Trail. Also before driving back to Los Angeles, we stopped by Tulare to try the Best Ice Cream Ever! Read the Full Story here.

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