Start Planning!
You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Sequoia National Park! Here’s what you need to know before you go.
- The tour has two starting points: Generals Highway, from Kings Canyon NP, near the Montecito Lodge, and Three Rivers, CA, near Lake Kaweah and Slick Rock Recreation Area.
- The tour goes in two directions: north to south, and south to north.
- Entrance to the park is $35 per vehicle - this is good for both Sequoia and nearby Kings Canyon.
- Cell reception and WiFi are almost nonexistent in the park, so download the tour on WIFI before you go!
- WiFi is available at Wuksachi Lodge.
- There are no gas stations within the park - fill up before arriving.
- During the summer, the park offers a shuttle service. Learn more and get schedules here.
- PLEASE NOTE: When the park gets busy, some areas may only be accessible via the park shuttle (for example, Crescent Meadow Road). The Shaka Guide tour works on the park shuttle.
- Crystal Cave is not an official stop on the tour, but the turn for the cave is located on the tour route. Tickets to the cave are not sold at the cave itself and must be purchased online ahead of time, or at a visitor center. *Crystal Cave is currently closed*
Budgeting and Hours of Operation
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Budget
How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs.
- Entrance to the park is $35 per vehicle.
- Optional $15 ticket for Crystal Cave *Currently closed.*
- Optional food, drinks, and souvenirs.
Hours of Operation
Although the park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the park’s facilities have varying hours of operation and many roads are closed in the winter months. We highly recommend you visit the park’s website for seasonal road closures.
Here are the hours of operation for the visitor centers and facilities in the park:
- Foothills Visitor Center: Open daily unless weather or safety conditions require a closure. Hours change with the season. Open 8:00 am-5:00 pm daily during the summer, and 9:00 am-4:30 pm during the off-season.
- Giant Forest Museum: Open daily unless weather or safety conditions require a closure. Hours change with the season. Open 9:00 am-6:00 pm daily during the summer, and 9:00 am-4:30 pm during the off-season.
- Lodgepole Visitor Center: Open seasonally, typically mid-May to mid-October. Open 8:00 am-5:00 pm daily during the high season.
- Wuksachi Lodge: Lodge and restaurants open year-round. The Peaks restaurant is open 7:00 am-8:00 pm daily. The Wuksachi Pizza Deck is open 11:30 am -3:00 pm daily.
Get Packing!
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Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.
- Sneakers
- Hiking Clothes
- Layers
- Water Bottle
- Food and Snacks
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and/or hat
- Headphones, for listening to the tour on the shuttle
- Snacks
- Cash
- Car charger *Very Important*
- Phone Mount
Best Time to Visit
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Summer is the best time to visit. The snow is gone, the roads are open, and everything is accessible. However, be prepared to deal with crowds, and to use the shuttle to get around.
Going in September or October could be optimal, with cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. In the winter, Crescent Meadow Road closes and other areas of the park close if snowfall is heavy.
Safety Information
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- Hiking Safety: Bring Water, don’t hike alone, and stay away from ledges.
- Driving Safety: Follow posted speed limits, stay on roads rated for your vehicle, be prepared for narrow roads and switchbacks, and keep an eye out for wildlife.
- Weather Safety: Keep an eye on the sky for thunderstorms. Check weather conditions beforehand for lightning and thunderstorms.
- For the most up-to-date 24-hour road conditions and advisories, call 559-565-3341.
- Fire Safety: Do not walk off-trail in burned areas.
- Wildlife Safety: Never approach any animal, especially a bear or mountain lion.
Leave No Trace
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While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders.
Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.
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Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Sequoia National Park Tour!
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Sequoia National Park Itinerary.