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Sequoia NP - Congress Trail

Generals Highway, Three Rivers, California

Description

Sequoia National Park is located in the southern Sierra Nevada, south of, and contiguous with Kings' Canyon NP (both are administered together by the NPS). It is famous for its giant sequoia trees, including the largest tree on the planet by volume: the 2,200-2,700 year old General Sherman tree with a height of 84m and diameter of 11m. Another 4 of the 10 largest trees are located in the 'Giant Forest' that can be visited using the 4km long Congress Trail. Highlights along the way, beside General Sherman Tree, include the House and Senate groups and the President Tree.

Access & Transport

There is only one road going through the national park: Generals Highway. The southwestern entrance is near Three Rivers and the north-western is near Grant Grove Village. The trail is a 2h drive from Fresno and 2h30 from Bakersfield. There are some shuttles within the park: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/parktransit.htm Information on accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/places/000/congress-trailhead.htm

Instructions & Recommendations

The pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling in a single vehicle for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument. Note that the weather is highly variable and tire chains can be compulsory depending on snowfalls (these can be rented near the park entrance). Info here: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/winter_driving.htm

Meta review

World famous national park with record-setting sequoia trees: the Sequoia NP is a staple of any road-trip to California and gets fantastic ratings with the Congress Trail probably the best known and most accessible short walk. Visitors describe it as easy and not strenuous as well as much quieter than the busy area around the General Sherman tree. Definitely 'worth the drive' for several reviewers.

Environmental & Social

Green activity and park entrance fees are mostly used to maintain and improve the park. Details here: https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/management/your-fee-dollars-at-work.htm

Conclusion

Pictures cannot do justice to the giant sequoia scenery as nature is on a different scale there. Whatever the season, the Congress Trail is really an opportunity not just to admire but also to reconnect with nature. Highly recommended, especially for outdoor enthusiasts (you may want to consider overnighting in one of the campgrounds but this requires advance booking most of the year).

Key positive

Stunning sequoia grove

Easy and family-friendly trail

Key negative

Parking can get very busy/full in peak season

Suitability

There are access paths that make most of the trail accessible to wheelchair users, although some assistance may be required.

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:1h 45m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
$20 for one person and $35 per vehicle. Pass valid for 1-7 days

Max number of travellers:6

Min. Child age:3

Max. child age:11

Traveller #
Adult
Child
1
US$20
US$20
2
US$15
US$15
3+
US$0
US$0
1 non-commercial vehicle.

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