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Seeing the sequoias has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and naturally, Sequoia National Park was one of the first we wanted to explore after moving to the West coast. Our close friends decided to visit us in July of 2023, and with a shared passion for exploring the great outdoors, and generally creating memories for the kids that would stay with them into adulthood, our destination was cemented.
We visited the park in July, and if we were to go again we would choose the spring or fall. Although incredibly shady, the heat was at times stifling.
Sequoia National Park With Kids - the Route
Leave from San Diego
Castaic Lake, CA
Badger, CA
Sequoia National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Pyramid Lake, CA
Santa Monica, CA
Back to San Diego.
Sequoia National Park proudly boasts 8000 sequoia trees over 631 square miles. 93% of the park is designated wilderness, and it offers both geological and historical sights. There are well preserved examples of sacred Native American pictographs at Hospital Rock, and extensive cave formations (some closed to the public without permits). It’s the home of the worlds largest tree, General Sherman, by cubic feet - interestingly not the tallest, or the widest, or even the oldest! But it’s the densest, and is an absolute show stopper.
Kings Canyon is often seen as a rival to Yosemite and has the largest remaining sequoia grove in the world. It has a more remote feel, rugged canyons and imposing outcrops.
Our Route
As the smallest of the party was 4 years old, we needed some places to break up the journey. Lake Castaic turned out to be a really fun pitstop; we stopped for lunch and then all threw ourselves into the water to cool off. The temperature had been steadily increasing since we left San Diego, and at Lake Castaic it peaked in the mid 90s (35C), so we were all glad to swim for an hour before getting back into the car. I had thought the lake would be quick and non eventful for lunch, but swimming in the water with the kids was a highlight of the trip. They loved the freedom of swimming ‘wild’ (however un-wild it really was with cordoned off areas and lifeguards) and it will be something I remember for a long time.
Back in the car, we stopped for supplies in Bakersfield, and the route then became more remote and winding. Arriving in Badger with no GPS signal was hairy, but we made it! Early bedtime ready for our adventure the following morning.
Saturday was an early start as we headed off into Sequoia. I would recommend stopping at one of the visitors centres; they are staffed by park rangers who are brilliant at suggesting hikes, letting you know if there are ranger tours happening, and even pointing out areas on the map where wildlife sightings have happened. They gave us maps, and junior rangers books to the kids to earn their junior ranger badges. This is a wonderful concept offered in all the National Parks, and something our kids are always thrilled to participate in.
Our Activities
Moro Rock – this hike is suitable for kids, and is 300 feet to the summit. Once at the top, I believe you can see stunning panoramas and an incredible view of the National Park for miles – I say this because I got the fear about two thirds of the way up and waited while the others took the kids the rest of the way to the summit. Even Mr 4 Years Old was more confident than Auntie Laura at this point! Although not suitable for me with my fear of heights and old steps (don’t ask), it was perfectly fine for adventurous children. Note - there are restrooms at the start of the trail here.
General Sherman Tree Trail – 1 mile loop. We visited in July and the car park was a bit of a nightmare; be prepared to have to circle round and wait while people come and go. If you need disability access there is a separate car park which is a lot closer to the trees. It is a lovely, paved and stepped walk down to the grove with lots of giant trees to see. You can also walk through a fallen, carved tree, which the kids loved. Take your time and don't rush past other trees to see General Sherman, because it felt like that whole area is surrounded with impressive sights.
Crescent Meadow Loop – we stopped at Crescent Meadow to have our picnic, and then walked out and back. The route eventually takes you to Tharps Lodge, but we turned back before we got to that point. It felt like we were the only ones there, and was really beautiful, with fallen sequoias to play in along the way.
Giant Forest Museum – the interactive museum is a must stop on route, and something that the kids really enjoyed. It’s a fun and informative way for the kids to gain a little more perspective and understanding of the National Parks programme, and we all learnt some interesting tidbits about the trees. I hadn’t been aware that the only way the giant seed pods germinate is when they are exposed to heat, and so controlled burns are imperative within the parks to keep the trees regenerating.
Tunnel Log (along the Moro road) – worth the trip to see it, and the drive there and back is breath taking, but be prepared to sit in a traffic jam to take a picture of your car emerging from a log. We hadn’t considered that we were in rental cars either, so looking back we don’t even recognize the car. Not something I would bother with again.
Be prepared for lots of pull ins on the route through the park. We stopped a few times to get out and explore, or to see what other people were interested in. Make sure to stop safely (a lot of cars weren’t exercising that caution), and see what you can see! There were rumoured sightings of a bear in our entourage, although only glimpsed by the under 8s in the party.
Our original plan was to see Sequoia National Park on Saturday and Kings Canyon on Sunday, but there had been a landslide blocking the one road in and out of the majority of Kings Canyon, so 85% of the park was closed. We absorbed what was open into Saturday, and exited through the north entrance of the park to include Kings Canyon. The road to the north entrance is extremely windy, so exercise caution if, like me, you are prone to travel sickness.
The stand out part for me was letting the kids wander the fallen trees while I lay on a tree stump that was bigger than me. I stared up at the trees towering above me, and felt incredibly moved by the sheer size of it all. It brought a level of utter calm and serenity over me, and I felt contented and peaceful. It truly was wonderful. Until, that is, my husband interrupted my reverie to inform me one of my children had pooped their pants. Back to reality with a bump.
On the way home we stopped at Pyramid Lake. We were expecting a similar experience to Lake Castaic on the route up, but were all disappointed – if you need a stopping point in your trip then I would always recommend Castaic. After seeing the build up of traffic we decided to take an alternative route, and added a pitstop at Santa Monica. The kids ran on the beach, showed us their strength at Muscle Beach and we ate a light dinner on the pier before getting back in the car and finishing the journey back to San Diego.
Where we stayed
There are some lodges in the park, but they book up extremely early and we were hoping for a shared experience in a cabin. We found accommodation in Badger, at Sequoia Resorts, which offered little cabins with grills and decking, and had an accompanying RV park. The manager was lovely and helpful, and there were facilities for washing. Badger, nearby Kernville and Visalia all had reasonable options, with plenty of availability when we booked 3 months ahead of time, and allow you a short drive to the park entrances. Make sure you arrive at the parks early, as, especially in peak months, the single lane roads get extremely busy.
Cost
National Parks cost $35 per car, which is valid for 7 days. You can also purchase the America the Beautiful season pass, which allows you 12 months of entry into National and State Parks up and down the country. We have more than got the value of ours, and money goes to protecting the parks and habitats for the future. If you have a child in fourth grade, you are also entitled to a years free pass! Ask your school for more information.
Be aware that there are no gas stations within the park itself, so its vital you fill up before you enter. The steep inclines will guzzle gas quicker than you think, and we found it extremely stressful worrying about it!
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks are amazing, with activities for anyone and everyone. Hiking, wildlife spotting, sights such as Moro Rock and the Kaweah river, verdant meadows and, above all, the showstopping sequoia trees, are all reasons to visit Sequoia National Park with kids (or, if the mood takes you, without them!)
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