Hotels in Sequoia

Sequoia: Gateway to the Sierra Nevada Giant Forest

Sequoia, set in the southern Sierra Nevada of California, draws visitors to one of North America's oldest national parks, established in 1890. The area is anchored by the Giant Forest, where the General Sherman Tree — the world's largest living tree by volume at 52,508 cubic feet — stands at 274 feet tall. The surrounding landscape rises from foothills at roughly 1,370 feet to peaks above 14,000 feet, including Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet.

Where to Stay

Most hotels and lodges cluster along Highway 198 near the town of Three Rivers, the primary gateway community roughly 7 miles from the Ash Mountain entrance. The Wuksachi Lodge, inside the park at 7,200 feet elevation, offers year-round accommodation within walking distance of Giant Forest trails. Budget and mid-range motels line the stretch through Three Rivers, while vacation rentals are common along the Kaweah River corridor.

Practical Tips

• Season: The park road to Giant Forest closes in winter; check Caltrans road conditions before traveling November–April.
• Altitude: Elevations above 6,000 feet affect many visitors — allow a day to acclimate before strenuous hikes.
• Entry fee: A 7-day vehicle pass costs $35 and covers both Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks.
• Crowds: Arrive at trailheads before 8 a.m. on summer weekends; the General Sherman trailhead fills by mid-morning.