Cycling Sequoia National Park

With giant Sequoia trees dwelling in its higher elevations, Sequoia National Park is home to some of the most magnificent scenery on earth.  This 404,064 acre national park draws visitors from all over the world, excited to see some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders accessible to humankind.  In 2018, 1,229,594 visitors came to the park. Sequoia National Park is probably the best place on earth to experience a Sequoia forest.  

On September 25, 1890, Sequoia National Park was the second national park established (after Yellowstone 1872 and just days before Yosemite on October 1, 1890).   The park was actually created to protect the giant sequoias from logging, and U.S. Army Cavalry troops from San Francisco’s Presidio set up operations there from 1891 to 1913 to protect the trees -- and we are so thankful they did!

Photo:  Huff Post.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK:

CYCLING THE GIANT FOREST

Enter at mile 14.7.

When you ride slow enough, you see all the photo ops!

GENERAL SHERMAN TREE

LARGEST TREE BY VOLUME IN THE WORLD

At 275’ tall, with a 102.6’ circumference and a 35.5’ diameter, the General Sherman is the largest single-stem tree on Earth.  The tree is named for famed Union General William Tecumseh Sherman.

The entrance for this extraordinary experience is near the end of the climb.

MORO ROCK

Another point of interest to be aware of is Moro Rock, a large granite dome  formation located near the center of the park, which we see in the far distance as we enter the park.  We will gradually approach and ultimately pass it along our journey.

Moro Rock top center of photo.

Moro Rock -- center of photo.

The Moro Rock hike is accessed from Crescent Meadow Road which begins at the Visitor Center 16 miles from the park entrance.  The hike itself is ½ mile round trip.  There are vast panoramic views of Sequoia National Park and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountain Range from the Moro Rock.

Moro Rock Viewpoint

Photo:  visitsequoia.com

GIANT FOREST MUSEUM

Mile 17.

From the National Park Website:

Giant Forest Museum, together with a connecting nature trail system leading to Round Meadow and vicinity, provides a basic introduction to the primary features of Giant Forest including its giant sequoias, meadows, and human history. The renovation of the historic Giant Forest market building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, began in 1999, and conversion to a museum and visitor center was completed in summer 2001.  (more)

GETTING AROUND IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

When you’re not riding your bike or hiking, a great option is to take advantage of the park’s shuttles.  As with many National Parks, Sequoia has a free shuttle system that runs generally from late May to early September.  More information on this option can be found National Park Service Sequoia NP Shuttle page.

That’s a wrap!