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45m
This place is a must-stop before any trip to Sequoia National Park. Here we will stop, grab a cup of coffee, and some delicious pastries, and go over the details of the day.
From their lattes to their italian sodas, you can not go wrong with a drink here. My favorites are their vanilla and spiced chai.
As for food, you have lots of options, and their baked goods are all made in-house! If you are wanting something sweet, their scones and cinnamon rolls are to die for. My favorite go-to sandwich here is the spicy ring- a jalapeno cheese homemade bagel with a sausage quiche. There are keto, vegetarian and gluten free options here too.
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Giant Forest Museum
45m
The museum is housed in a historic market in the Giant Forest sequoia grove at 6,500 feet (1,980 m) elevation. Explore exhibits about sequoias and learn why this landscape grows the biggest of big trees.
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General Sherman Tree
2h
Our next stop will be to the General Sherman tree, located in the Giant Forest. This short and easy hike will surround you with Giant Sequoias, some of the largest and oldest trees in America. There is a chance to walk through the trunk of a fallen tree, stand inside a hollow tree and take tons of photos of these giants.
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Big Trees Trail
1h
This 0.75-mile (1 km) trail circles Round Meadow. Colorful trailside panels describe sequoia ecology. Start at Giant Forest Museum and follow the paved, accessible trail from there. Parking for people with disability placards is available at the trailhead. Allow 1-hour round trip.
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Moro Rock Trail
1h · Admission ticket included
As you enter Sequoia National Park, Moro Rock looms overhead, thousands of feet above the highway. This large granite dome is a spectacular geologic feature that can be enjoyed from above or below.
A concrete and stone stairway leads over 350 steps to the top of Moro Rock. Even just a short distance from the parking area and above the forests's canopy, the Great Western Divide's peaks become visible. As you climb, views open up from the foothills and San Joaquin Valley to the west, to deep into wilderness to the east.
Handrails along the way make the climb relatively safe, though you should keep a close eye on small children because of steep dropoffs along the entire route. The hike can be strenuous; taking your time as you climb can help you adjust to the thinner air at higher elevations.
