Sequoia NP - Congress Trail
1 / 5
Congress Trail - by James Burk on Google
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
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 for wheelchair users, although some assistance may be required.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:1h 45m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo
Max number of travellers:6
Min. Child age:3
Max. child age:11