If you only have one day in Sequoia National Park and want to keep hiking to around six miles or less, you can still see some of the park’s best highlights. Here’s a simple plan that works well.
Tokopah Falls (3.4–5 miles round trip)
This was my favorite spot in the park and is definitely underrated. The trail follows a beautiful river through a granite valley before ending at a really fun interactive waterfall.
The distance depends on whether construction blocks the parking near the trailhead, but even with extra walking it’s absolutely worth it.
Big Trees Trail (About 1–1.5 miles)
This easy loop around a scenic meadow is one of the best places to see giant sequoias without much effort. There are also signs along the trail explaining how sequoias thrive in this environment.
Parking can be a little confusing. There’s accessible parking right next to the trail, but most visitors park near the Giant Forest Museum and walk over.
General Sherman Tree (1.2 miles)
The General Sherman Tree is the largest tree on Earth by volume and incredibly impressive in person.
The hike down is easy, but the return climb is steep. It’s short though, and definitely worth doing. There’s usually a line for photos so everyone can get a picture without strangers in it.
Optionally Add the Congress Trail to the General Sherman Visit
If you want to add a little extra hiking, the Congress Trail passes several famous sequoias and is a nice extension from the General Sherman area.
However, if you plan to hike the Trail of the Sequoias (long but easy and awe-inspiring), you can skip it since you’ll see many of the same trees.
A Quick Note on Parking
Sequoia has a strong focus on accessibility, which is great, but it can make parking confusing. Some attractions have closer accessible parking while general parking requires a longer walk.
The Simple One-Day Plan
For a great day in Sequoia with limited hiking:
- Tokopah Falls
- Big Trees Trail
- General Sherman Tree
- Optional: Congress Trail
This combination gives you waterfalls, giant sequoias, and beautiful scenery without needing to hike long distances.
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