by Emily Krause
Last updated: 3:27 PM ET, Mon October 1, 2018
One of the greatest joys of traveling with kids is seeing breathtaking sights through their eyes. Sequoia National Park in California will delight kids to no end with impossibly tall trees and impressive views of the Sierra Nevada.
Even heading out into nature takes some preparation when it comes to children, though, so here are my best tips and recommended stops for Sequoia National Park with kids.
Before You Go
You will experience a range of temperatures in Sequoia National Park, so make sure to dress in layers. The foothills may be warm, but the trails up in the mountains can get quite cold during the winter months, so it's wise to check the forecast before you go.
You may bring food into Sequoia National Park, so stock up on fruit, nuts, granola bars, sandwiches and any food that will energize you and your kids for a day of hiking and sightseeing.
Be aware that you will be driving on mountainous roads with multiple switchbacks along the way. The views are incredible, but just make sure you have someone along who can handle the mountain driving.
Visitor Center
Just a mile past the Ash Mountain Entrance is the Foothills Visitor Center. Plan to stop here for restrooms, a small gift shop and a chance to talk to some park rangers. If you're traveling with babies and toddlers, it's a good idea to ask them about which trails are doable for your party and get recommendations for can't-miss stops.
Kids can pick up their junior ranger booklet for activities to complete during their time at Sequoia National Park. You can also inquire at the Visitor Center about any programs offered by park rangers during your stay.
Tunnel Rock
Your first stop past the Foothills Visitor Center will be Tunnel Rock, a giant boulder that used to be the only way for cars to enter the park. With the advent of larger vehicles, Tunnel Rock is now closed to traffic but still open for pedestrians.
Pull over to the right for roadside parking then cross the street for a great photo opportunity under the rock. There is a path to scramble up to the top of the rock for a photo but do so at your own risk. Climbing on top of Tunnel Rock is definitely not recommended for small children.
Hospital Rock
The next stop on your way up to Giant Forest is Hospital Rock, an area where Potwisha Native Americans once resided. You can find petroglyphs, which are paintings left by the Native Americans. In addition to the historical value and beautiful view, Hospital Rock is a great spot to stop for a picnic.
Giant Forest Museum
The next kid-friendly stop as you make your way up the mountain is the Giant Forest Museum. Here, you and your children can learn about the difference between sequoias and redwoods and participate in interactive exhibits showcasing information about the plants and animals found in the park.
There is plenty of parking across from the museum. After driving for about an hour up mountain roads everyone will be ready to get out to stretch their legs and experience the park.
Big Trees Trail
From the museum, you can head out onto Big Trees Trail, a one-mile flat and paved path, perfect for families with young children. We even took a stroller and had no issues.
Big Trees Trail will take you around Round Meadow and showcases giant sequoias set against the verdant field. Educational signs along the way will make your walk even more interesting. We even saw a family of bears climbing the trees, so make sure you brush up on bear safety before your visit!
General Sherman Tree
The highlight of your visit will likely be the largest tree in the world, the General Sherman Tree. Parking for the General Sherman Trail is located about a mile away from the massive tree itself, which means you'll have a mile-long walk ahead of you.
The trail is paved, but you will be descending some 200 feet. Ditch the stroller and opt for a baby carrier instead if you have a baby or toddler. Take it slow and bring plenty of water because the walk back up to the car and the change in elevation can be challenging.
My best advice, though, is to slow down and enjoy the view as you make your way to see this natural phenomenon. Once you get closer to the tree, there's a great viewing spot where you can take photographs and see an outline of the base of the tree; it's simply massive.
There will most likely be a line to take pictures in front of the General Sherman Tree, but it goes quickly and there's something peaceful about standing among the giants.
Additional Stops
We found this to be a good amount of activities and stops for the baby through preschooler age group. If your kids are older and can handle more time in the park or more rigorous hikes there is so much more to see and do in Sequoia National Park.
Climbing the 350 stairs to the top of Moro Rock is supposed to offer some of the best views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. There are handrails for safety, but it still might be nerve-wracking to do with toddlers who are prone to wander.
Crystal Cave is another option for adventurous families. The only way to visit Crystal Cave is on a guided tour during May through September. You can buy tickets online or at the Visitor Center, and the entire tour takes about 45 minutes.
There is so much more to see and do in Sequoia National Park, but this list is a great start for families with young children who want to introduce their children to the splendor of our National Park System. Or, you know, for families who just want to see some really big trees.
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