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!
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
- For tried-and-true travel and hiking gear, check out our Amazon Storefront.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Check out our Second Day Itinerary
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".
Check out: Baby-Friendly Trails in Sequoia National Park
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