Sequoia National Park was somewhere I felt intuitively drawn to visit…it was one of those inner urges that continued to gain momentum, making it impossible not to listen to.
I knew it wasn’t simply about being in a forest, or nature, because that wouldn’t have had the right vibration I was seeking…
It was specifically the giant redwoods that I felt called to visit. The energy was palpable, and I felt like they were inviting me to them, to be in their space and in their presence.
It had been a while since I’d done a solo trip, and I was excited to have a new adventure. I made the 6+ hour drive from Southern California up to the Sequoias, opting to stay in the town of Three Rivers located at the base of Sequoia National Park. The drive itself was quite beautiful, especially while passing through areas of sprawling golden fields and endless open land. I enjoyed having the time and space to think, listen to music, and gaze out at the scenery. The drive itself was an experience.
I arrived in the later part of the afternoon as the day melted into the early evening. I got settled in my Airbnb and then headed into the small town of Three Rivers to grab some dinner at one of the few restaurants before turning in for the night.
Tip: Bring groceries with you or stop at a store well before you get to Three Rivers because aside from a small market/liquor store and a few restaurants, there’s no major grocery store in the area to buy food/supplies at.
Porch view from the rental I stayed at…so much natural beauty all around
The next morning I woke up early, and made a quick but filling go-to breakfast of crunchy peanut butter on a bagel, with a cup of coffee. I packed water and some snacks, and then drove into the park.
The drive into Sequoia National Park from the town of Three Rivers was super easy due to there being just one main road going through the town, into the park, and up the mountain. From Three Rivers you will enter the park through the Ash Mountain Entrance. I paid about $35 for a weekly pass.
I recommend stopping at the Foothills Visitor Center (located along Generals Highway) to grab a map of the area. It’s super easy to see on the side of the road, and an easy stop. Plus the park rangers can also tell you if any trails are temporarily closed, and provide any other tips.
It took a little while to drive up the mountain partly due to the length of the drive itself (about 30 minutes from the base of the park/entrance until the surroundings become foresty) and partly due to being a one lane road. As I reached higher elevations I initially began to see the redwoods scattered throughout the mountains, and before long I was surrounded by the massive trees.
I was in awe of the majestic nature of the ancient red giants that surrounded me. The giant sequoia redwoods have weathered the ages, and they have seen the rise and fall of centuries upon centuries on the Earth, considering some of them are over 3,000 years old! They were truly a miraculous and beautiful sight to behold.
The General Sherman Tree
My first stop was The General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree on Earth (by volume). This is a popular attraction, and was more crowded compared to other areas of the park I visited. There is a large parking lot here to park in.
The Congress Trail
The Congress Trail starts in the same area as The General Sherman Tree, and you will see signs directing you to it. The Congress Trail is about 2.7 miles round-trip, paved, and therefore very easy to navigate.
As I wandered around taking in the scenery of these seriously impressive trees I had plenty of space to myself, yet there were always other hikers around in the distance. I would not consider this trail to be busy, at least not when I went in September.
There was so much beautiful nature all around
I always had plenty of space to take in my surroundings undisturbed.
Looking up at the Giant Sequoia Trees
The Congress Trail had plenty of impressively large sequoia trees to marvel at along the way
Giant Sequoia Tree cluster called The House along the Congress Trail
There was so much to take in and explore
I even spotted deer which was very exciting!
I really enjoyed this trail which was serene, diverse in nature, and boasted beautiful scenery all around.
Kings Canyon National Park
I eventually drove down the main highway into Kings Canyon National Park, which boarders Sequoia National Park. I stopped at the gift shop next to the Kings Canyon Visitor Center (which is where I got one of my favorite hats to date) and then headed across the road (about 1.5 mile drive) to Grant Grove.
Grant Grove
The Grant Grove Trail starts at the parking lot and is an easy loop trail (less than one mile) packed with giant sequoias. One of the most notable trees here is The General Grant Tree which is the largest Sequoia tree in Grant Grove, and is also designated as the National Christmas Tree of the United States!
Grant Grove is 100% worth the stop. Seeing so many Giant Sequoias in one spot was an absolutely memorable experience.
As I walked around the large redwood grove I began noticing how each tree differed from the next—they each seemed to have a different look and personality to them. At that time an idea came to me, and I began mentally and energetically communicating with each tree, asking them to tell me something about themselves.
From each tree I began to sense something that differed about it from the other trees around it. I walked along energetically talking to the trees, and as they shared something with me, I in turn shared something with them. I gave blessings and admiration in an energy exchange for the gifts they shared with me.
When I was done at the grove I decided to head back in the direction I’d come because I was pretty far into the park, and wanted to be back in town before it got dark.
Crescent Meadow
There was still enough daylight left so I decided to stop by Crescent Meadow.
I had done this hike as a child on a family vacation and I remember seeing deer. However, since the sunlight was already fading I opted not to do the hike this time.
However, just stopping in this area to look around offered picturesque views.
Tunnel Log
Near the Crescent Meadow area is the Tunnel Log, a fun log you can drive through!
And who doesn’t want to drive through a giant log?
Also in this area is Moro Rock, a large granite dome rock formation that can be climbed (via a flight of over 350 stairs) and offers views of the expansive landscape below.
Big Trees Trail
Big Trees Trail circles a meadow in a .7 mile loop. Much of the trail is paved but also has areas containing a wooden boardwalk. To get here, take Generals Highway and park in the Giant Forest Museum parking lot (there are several giant sequoia trees in front of the museum/parking lot that are worth seeing). From there, it is less than a mile walk to the Big Trees Trailhead. There are restrooms at both the parking area and the trailhead. Since the parking area is not directly at the trailhead for this hike you’ll want to factor in the additional time and distance to get to the trailhead.
While hiking, I took a detour off the beaten path to meditate near the base of a giant redwood tree.
I kept intuitively sensing that the ancient sequoia trees are the record keepers throughout the ages. They hold internal wisdom, guidance, light vibration, and have a strength about them. I received the information that a long time ago there was a brush fire and it swept across the giant sequoias and they united (roots) to protect themselves from harm. They offer guidance by virtue. I also received a special channeled message for myself.
You only have to look at one of these beautiful trees up close to realize how incredibly special they are.
Giant sequoia tree growing alongside a boulder on the Big Trees Trail
The Big Trees Trail is an easy hike to do, and a fairly short trail that packs in a lot of scenery the entire way.
Nature is very healing and each living tree, plant, etc. has its own unique vibration and frequency. Simply being in the presence of the Giant Sequoia Redwood Trees was both a healing and restorative experience.
Crystal Cave
Waterfall at the entrance to Crystal Cave
After spending the morning and afternoon hiking through the redwood trees I headed to the Crystal Cave. I had purchased a ticket the day prior at the visitor center on my drive into the park, and received an appointment time to tour the cave. The drive from the main road down to the cave is somewhat long. There’s only one way to go (down a very long road), but they don’t have signs that say you’re halfway to the Crystal Cave or almost there or anything…so several times I wondered if I was on the right road and had to keep telling myself there’s only one way to go, just keep driving. Sure enough I made it to the parking lot which had restrooms and mats to clean shoes before entry.
Know before you go: Due to a fungal disease that has killed millions of bats, any shoes, clothing, or gear you’ve worn into another cave cannot be worn into the crystal cave.
The tour of the Crystal Cave, which is estimated to be 1.3 million years old, was very cool (literally and figuratively). After all, who doesn’t want to explore an ancient underground cave? Walking through the massive underground caverns is an experience not to be missed.
More than 200 caves have been discovered in the Sequoia National Park area, but the Crystal Cave is the only one open to the public for tours.
On my last day, I said goodbye to the Giant Redwoods, not wanting to let the last one leave my sight during my departure. I had thoroughly enjoyed my time among the redwoods, and was confident I would be back to see them again in the future.
Intuitive Traveling: What I’ve found typical of intuitive traveling (visiting locations we are internally guided to go to) is that the teachings and the lessons learned through the journey continue to show up and integrate in our lives even after the adventure is over as we continue to absorb the totality of the experience.
Solo Traveling: One thing about solo traveling is that you are really able to customize the experience and make it your own. You can stop and marvel at the beauty of your surroundings as long as you want, take this road or that, change your mind, or take a detour—it’s your choice in the moment. It always teaches you of your strength and shows you your ability to navigate life. Moreover, it shows you that you can travel to any destination that you are drawn to. You have the ability to get there and to show up, and that is all you really needed in the first place.
See below for a trail map of Sequoia National Park
Keep in mind that with all national parks the time of the year you’re traveling to the park may affect what attractions are open, and how you are able to get around the park (ex: using your vehicle, or mandatory shuttle). I recommend checking with the national park service website for more information any time you’re planning a trip at http://www.nps.gov