Why You Should Visit This National Park With Trees As Tall As Skyscrapers

Trees as tall as buildings with leaves like dinner plates. All around you, a deep hush is broken only by the sounds of flapping wings and the distant murmur of water lapping against a lakeshore. Sound like a dream? Nope – it’s just Sequoia National Park. This spot doesn’t get as much press as its cousin, Redwood National Park, but it’s just as otherworldly. Here’s why you should visit ASAP:

Sequoia National Park is located next to Kings Canyon National Park in California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountains.

It’s known for its towering sequoia trees, which are actually taller than redwood trees. In fact, they’re the tallest trees in the whole world.

The park is dotted with what are called sequoia groves.

These areas are on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and feature mixed woodland that contain giant sequoias. There are about 40 different giant sequoia groves, with most featuring trees that are between 10 and 20 feet in diameter and more than 300 feet tall. They’re so large that it’s virtually impossible to photograph an entire tree in a single shot unless you head to vantage points such as Grant Grove. Many of these trees are more than 2,000 years old, with the oldest in the park being more than 3,500 years old.

Visiting the park is easy and fun, as there are plenty of pre-mapped hikes and activities on offer.

Stop by a visitor center first to learn about the history and landscape of the park before heading out on a day hike into the forest. If you don’t feel like hiking, check out overlooks like Redwood Mountain Overlook or Junction View. Feel like getting out of the sun? Head to Crystal Cave for a peek at the geology of the park, or visit during the winter for amazing skiing and snowshoeing opportunities amongst the giant trees.

No matter when you visit, this incredible national park will have you coming back again and again. Learn more about Sequoia National Park on the NPS website, and start planning your visit today! For more of the coolest spots to explore across the country, let this article give you some inspiration.