Sequoia National Park features huge groves of giant sequoias known as monarchs. These monarch trees are the largest trees on the planet. It also shares the tallest peak in the contiguous United States with Inyo National Forest. Covering an impressive 404,063 acres, there is so much to explore! The General Sherman Tree is a must-see. It is the largest tree in the world by volume and also one of the tallest. If you are up for an epic backpacking trip, you can take the High Sierra Trail all the way to the summit of Mount Whitney and back. Aside from beautiful giant forests, you can also explore caves, rivers, lakes, and alpine meadows. The park is popular for short day hikes and walks. There are endless multi-day backpacking options as well. Horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and nature photography are also great activities in Sequoia National Park. The park is open 24 hours a day, all year round. Park roads close for snow and other winter conditions, usually between October - May. Tire chains are also required depending on the season. For more information on seasonal road conditions in the park, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Camping and lodging is available in the park. You may want to reserve a wilderness permit for a night under the stars in the backcountry. There are also several front-country sites for car and RV camping. There are a few lodges, restaurants and snack-bars in the park. The Bear Paw Sierra High Camp offers wilderness hikers a unique experience. You can reserve a tent-cabin that comes with a hot meal and a shower! Many backpackers love the experience, especially after a long trip on tired feet. For more information on lodging and camping reservations, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/eatingsleeping.htm Wildlife is abundant in the park! Many visitors report seeing black bears, bobcats, deer, and marmots on their trips. Proper bear-proof food storage is required in the park, it is advised to come prepared to store your food in a bear locker, not in your vehicle. There are a few distinct areas of the park: the Mineral King, Giant Forest, and Foothills areas. There is also a vast wilderness area the stretches all the way to the Inyo National Forest in the Eastern Sierra, and north to Kings Canyon National Park. The Giant Forest area is one of the most popular spots - owing to the awe-inspiring General Sherman tree and its neighbors. The park is busiest during the summer months, and it is recommended to ride a shuttle to your destination to avoid traffic congestion and parking issues, especially in the Giant Forest area. For more information on shuttles, visit: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/parktransit.htm Most of the park is above 6,000 feet in elevation. It is a good idea to come prepared to hike at higher elevations, especially if you are planning a trip to the Mineral King area, or to some of the wilderness destinations near the Giant Forest. Some of the wilderness destinations in the park can be covered in snow for most of the year. In the winter months, the park is quiet, and many of the roads are closed. However, many visitors love to snowshoe or cross country ski in the Giant Forest. There are also backcountry ski routes and alpine routes in the park. The Pear Lake ski hut is accessed by skiing along the Lakes Trail and is a popular destination for backcountry skiers. The Foothills area is the lowest elevation region of the park and is a great winter, fall, and spring hiking destination. Many visitors love the mild temperatures in the Foothills during those seasons. Accessibility: The Interagency Access Pass for free or discounted admission for US Citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities is accepted here. The Foothills, Lodgepole, and Kings Canyon Visitor Centers, and Giant Forest Museum are mobility equipment and stroller accessible and have wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. Orientation films include closed-captioning. Loaner wheelchairs are available at Giant Forest Museum, Lodgepole Visitor Center, or Kings Canyon Visitor Center. Assistive listening devices, audio descriptions, tactile exhibits, and Braille and text materials are available. Most Ranger-led programs are wheelchair-accessible and assistive listening devices and ASL interpreters are available by reservation. Please call (559) 565-3729 or email seki_information@nps.gov at least 1-2 weeks in advance to make a reservation for interpretation services. The shuttle buses in the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas of the park are wheelchair accessible. For driving personal vehicles, there is a temporary parking placard for those without DMV-issued parking placards available at any of the Visitor Centers. No documentation is required for a temporary parking placard. The Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park and John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon National Park have wheelchair-accessible rooms. The Wuksachi Lodge has visual alarms and not