In this day and age where kids and adults alike are staring deeply into their palms at their tablets or phones, it’s good to put the electronics away and simply look up. Gazing up to the sky you can see an endless world ready to be explored. Why not fill your eyes with the towering and majestic giant sequoia trees in Sequoia National Park that may be 3000 years old? Sequoia National Park is named for earth’s largest living things – Sequoiadendron giganteum, or giant sequoias. Their massive, cinnamon-hued trunks and stout limbs soar skyward only on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada range, between 5,000 and 8,200 feet (taller and more slender, coast redwoods grow only on a narrow strip along the Pacific Coast). Living less than a thirtieth of the trees’ lifetime, humans can only ponder and dream what a sequoia has experienced. If your lifetime includes a visit to California’s National Parks, here are 4 must see sights in Sequoia National Park.
Giant Forest Museum
The Giant Forest is home to half of the Earth’s largest and longest-living trees. Named in 1875 by John Muir, the forest is a stand of more than 8,000 colossal sequoia trees – many standing just as Muir found them. One of the best ways to get to know the Giant Forest and its trees is to visit the Giant Forest Museum. 
Visitors flock to this park institution to learn how to identify trees; discover the difference between Giant Sequoias and California Coastal Redwoods; explore the ecology and natural history of the park through interactive exhibits; and hike along the Big Trees Trail or in the Giant Forest from this location. We explored the museum for about 30 minutes, but parents with kids can double that easily with the interesting exhibits, books, and maps within it. My husband talked to the ranger about the photo books they had of the park and surrounding camping areas he remembers as a kid.
Just outside the museum, the Sentinel tree checks in at 2200 years old, 273 feet tall, and 700 tons and is only considered average in size comparative to it’s surrounding neighbors! It’s truly hard to believe that simple fact!
General Sherman Tree
In 1879, the General Sherman tree was named after the American Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman, by naturalist James Wolverton, who had served under Sherman as a lieutenant in the 9th Indiana Cavalry. If you only see one thing in Sequoia National Park, this is it! The General Sherman Tree is the largest living thing on Earth by volume. Weighing approximately 2.7 millions pounds, standing 274.9 feet tall, and is still growing at 2100 years old, think of the tree as larger than a 27-story building! It’s 36.5 feet in diameter, and has a circumference of nearly 102 feet! Here we stopped with our picnic lunches from the nearby Wuksachi Lodge, and sat and gazed at the number of tourists posing at it’s base! Every few minutes we’d look up, then back down and realize just how small we are standing next to the General Sherman. 
I guarantee that following this trip, you’ll be begging for a neck massage!
Moro Rock
The iconic landscape of the High Sierra was shaped by a subduction zone that forced deep volcanic rock above the Earth’s crust, forming the signature granite peaks like Moro Rock. 
Climbing to the top of Moro Rock (.6 miles round trip) is a must-do in Sequoia National Park. this giant granite dome offers a great work out when you ascent about 400 steps up, the reward is awe-inspiring views for days of the western part of the park and the Great Western Divide. 
The hike takes about 40 minutes total and if you’re like me, you’ll want to rest at the top take in the beauty that surrounds you. Water and a protein bar are good things to carry with you as well.
Tunnel Log
On December 4, 1937 a giant sequoia fell across the road. It was hollowed out 8 feet high and 17 feet wide to allow cars to pass and now it’s a neat attraction to see and drive through at Sequoia National Park. 21 feet base diameter, and 275 feet long, the Tunnel Log is a beloved landmark that the kids will sure love!
These are my four must-sees in the park, let me know if you have one to add to my list! For more information and to plan a trip to Sequoia National Park, visit http://www.visitsequoia.com/.
Our stay was hosted as part of a media trip, though all our opinions are 100% our own.
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!
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.
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.
