Established in 1890, Sequoia National Park is California’s first National Park and America’s second oldest. In 1903, 450 people visited Sequoia National Park; today, more than 1 million people visit the park annually. The largest living thing on Earth, the General Sherman Tree, is found in the park standing 274.9 feet tall, weighing approximately 2.7 million pounds, and is believed to be around 2100 years old and still growing. Located half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Sequoia National Park is a must-see, must-visit area for couples and families who love to travel!
Amid a forest of giant Sequoias lies a beautiful retreat for National Park travelers to wind down. Panoramic views of the Sierras and the peaks of the Great Western Divide envelop the cedar and stone building and makes Wuksachi Lodge an ideal accommodation when visiting Sequoia National Park. Growing up, my husband’s family was far more outdoorsy than mine, tent camping during California summers across the state including this area. This visit, a first for me, had us exploring during the park’s 125th anniversary year and staying in a place more familiar to me and how my family vacationed.
When entering the National Park you’ll receive a park newsletter with shuttle routes listed for the free service, you’ll be happy to learn Wuksachi Lodge is a route stop. This great feature allows guests the option to drive or be driven about the park from your home base during your trip. This can certainly be handy after a long hike, skiing, or if you’re traveling with children. Location is the highlight of the lodge as it’s convenient to park attractions like the Giant Forest Grove of the Big Trees and Giant Forest Museum, Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow, Wolverton Recreation Area, and the Lodgepole Visitor and Market Center. The Wuksachi name is derived from one of the Native American Indian tribes that first inhabited Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
The lobby isn’t always someone’s favorite part of the lodge experience, but it was ours. Reception is front and center when entering the lobby for checking in and out and any questions during your stay. The staff was courteous and helpful and will also run the adjacent gift shop (clothing and collectibles, and even local wine) as needed. The most comfortable arm chairs surround the rock-rimmed fireplace that feels amazing in the cool summer evenings and winter nights! Grab a cup of hot cocoa or some wine and this is the neatest spot to meet new arrivals, chat with other guests, or unwind after exploring.
You’ll find that if you need to use your electronics or work a little while on vacation, the free wi-fi connection is best here. There’s also tables and chairs to use your laptop or play board games. Nearby is the bar and lounge area just outside the full-service restaurant, Peaks.
Forest views at breakfast are breath taking and the buffet is abundant and delicious!
Lunches during our stay included deli sandwiches and more in boxed lunch style from the restaurant and dinner was a huge highlight. 
Brandt Beef flat iron steak with chimichurri and wild rice pilaf left my husband satisfied and wanting to replicate that sauce upon returning home. Linguini Pomodoro had just the amount of garlic mixed in olive oil with rather juicy Roma tomatoes. 
Cheesecake with caramel sauce needs no explaining, it was creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. Now I know lavender plants have relaxing properties and I use lavender essential oil on a daily basis. But lavender ice cream is completely over the top delicious! If it has those same relaxing tendencies, I’ll be happy to replace my oils with nightly ice cream! It was a beautiful light purple in color and was served in a edible waffle cup. Perfection as far as dessert is concerned! 
Open year-round with convenient ski-in and ski-out access, guests staying at Wuksachi Lodge have plenty of recreation activities to enjoy anytime of year, from cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding – to hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. The Alta Market located downstairs from the lobby has rental equipment available for those activities, as well as food, drinks, and any necessary toiletries you may have forgotten at home!
There are 102 spacious mountain lodge guest rooms with modern guest amenities at Wuksachi Lodge, offering spectacular mountain or forest views. In 3 buildings, the guest rooms are located 100-200 yards from the main lodge building and can be accessed by simply walking or driving your car from the main parking lot. The rooms feature upscale, natural décor highlighting native granite rock, oak, cedar and hickory woods, private bath, flat panel television, a small table and chair plus sleeper sofa, hair dryer, coffee maker, iron/boards, mini refrigerator, ski racks, central heat, and daily maid service. Our Superior room added an alcove seating area with chairs, couch, coffee table, and sliding door for privacy. Superior rooms can accommodate rollaway beds and cribs, perfect for families.
The room was an end unit and on the 3rd floor of the building (note: there are no elevators in the buildings) so you do need to carry your luggage upstairs or opt for the bell service. It was quiet and the Spring views from the room were beautiful as snow still covered many areas. The bed, sofa, and chairs were are comfortable and the room was very spacious. The only downside is the wi-fi connection was minimal at best. It would work for just a few hours at a time in the evening and then not at all during the midday, the lobby is still the best spot for consistent connection if needed. Thank goodness for iMessage and Face-time, cellular connection is also minimal in these parts.
We would come back to this spot with family and look forward to it’s comfort and chance to unplug when not exploring the National Park. To learn more or make reservations, visit http://visitsequoia.com.
Our stay was hosted as part of a media trip, though all our opinions are 100% our own.
This looks so beautiful and cozy! What a nice getaway this would be for my husband and I!
This looks beautiful–what a wonderful place to visit!