Yosemite vs Sequoia National Park
If you’re debating between Yosemite vs Sequoia National Park you’ve come to the right place! I’ve recently spent time in both parks – and while they’re both incredible they are very different.
I’ll get into the detailed differences between Yosemite and Sequoia below, but if you’re looking for a quick spark notes version these are my recommendations:
→ If you’ve never been to Yosemite before, go there.
→ If you’re visiting between May and September, Yosemite is going to be mobbed. Sequoia might be a better option if you’d like to avoid crowds.
→ If you’re starting from LAX, Sequoia is closer. If you’re starting from SFO, Yosemite is closer.
→ If you have 3-4+ days you can do both!
Want to see both parks? Check out this Yosemite and Sequoia National Park itinerary.
Location
Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks are fairly close to each other, but they offer vastly different landscapes and ecosystems.
In Yosemite you’ll find dramatic granite cliffs everywhere you look, tons of waterfalls and a beautiful valley.
In contrast, Sequoia National Park offers incredible views of the mountain ranges and groves of massive sequoia trees. Additionally, Sequoia National Park is bordered by Kings Canyon National Park, making it easy to see both parks in one trip.
Location and Proximity to Major Airports
Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, about 140 miles east of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles.
Nearest Major Airports To Yosemite National Park:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): 3.5-4.5 hours by car
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF): 3.5 hours by car
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 5-6 hours by car
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT): 2 hours by car
Sequoia is also located in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, directly adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park. The park is approximately 200 miles north of Los Angeles and 250 miles southeast of San Francisco.
Nearest Major Airports To Sequoia National Park:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 4-5 hours by car
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): 5-6 hours by car
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT): 1.5 hours by car
Fresno is the nearest airport to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, which is ideal if you’re looking for shorter driving times, but flight and rental car prices tend to be a bit higher than SFO airport.
→ Compare rental car prices here
Best Things To Do In Yosemite Vs Sequoia
I promise you won’t get bored in either park, but depending on what types of hikes and activities you prefer one park may be more appealing than the other.
Yosemite Highlights
El Capitan – El Capitan is a massive granite monolith towering 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and a world-famous destination for rock climbers. This is one of the iconic backdrops Yosemite is famous for.
Half Dome – Half Dome is another one of Yosemite’s most recognizable features – a granite peak with a distinct rounded shape. You can appreciate the view from the valley, or snag permits to hike to the summit.
Yosemite Falls – Yosemite Falls is one of my favorite views in the valley, and is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America (2,425 feet high). The three-tiered cascade is a centerpiece of the park and a must-see, particularly in late spring when the snowmelt is at its peak. You can even hike to the base of the falls – it gets a bit wet from the mist, though.
Tunnel View – This famous viewpoint offers a postcard-perfect view of Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all in one stunning panorama. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the park and, in my opinion, one of the best sunrise or sunset spots in Yosemite.
Glacier Point – Glacier Point overlook offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra peaks. In the summer you can drive to the summit. Additionally, Four-Mile hike will take you from the valley up to Glacier Point if you’re up for a challenging day hike.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias – Yosemite is also home to groves of giant Sequoia trees. If you aren’t able to make it to Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Parks be sure to stop by Mariposa Grove, which is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant tree.
Scenic Drives In Yosemite – There are two scenic drives in Yosemite (although just about any road through the park is incredibly scenic). Tioga Road is open seasonally (in the summer only) and leads through Yosemite’s high country past Olmstead Point and Tenaya Lake. Glacier Point (also open in the summer only) takes you to the top of Glacier Point for incredible views and several bucket list hikes.
Sequoia Highlights
General Sherman Tree – The largest tree in the world (by volume), the General Sherman Tree stands 275 feet tall and is over 36 feet in diameter at its base.
Giant Forest – This grove contains thousands of sequoias, including the General Sherman Tree. Congress Trail is a 2.9 mile loop trail that will take you among the giant sequoia trees.
Moro Rock – A granite dome offering a spectacular 360-degree view of the Sierra Nevada, including Mount Whitney (the highest peak in the lower 48) and the Great Western Divide. The climb to the top involves a steep stairway carved into the rock.
Crescent Meadow – Often called the “Gem of the Sierra,” Crescent Meadow is surrounded by sequoias and is a perfect spot for hiking and picnicking. It’s also a great place to spot wildlife like black bears and deer.
Crystal Cave – A marble cave adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate rock formations. Crystal Cave is open seasonally for guided tours.
Tokopah Falls – This 1,200-foot waterfall is accessible via a moderate hike along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. The trail offers incredible views of the park’s granite cliffs and leads to the base of the falls.
Mount Whitney (Adjacent to Sequoia National Park) – While technically part of Inyo National Forest, Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S., is often associated with Sequoia. Many hikers use the park as a base for their summit attempt.
Scenic Drives In Sequoia – Generals Highway (open seasonally in the summer) connects Sequoia and Kings Canyon, offering incredible views and access to the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas.
The Best Hiking Trails In Yosemite Vs Sequoia
There’s a variety of easy, moderate and difficult trails in both parks. Sequoia tends to have more forested hikes, and Yosemite tends to have epic views. Overall, I think Yosemite has better hiking trails, with more options than Sequoia National Park.
Best Yosemite Hiking Trails
Easy Trails:
- Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (1 mile roundtrip): A short walk to the base of Yosemite Falls, suitable for all ages.
- Mirror Lake Trail (2 miles roundtrip): A flat, scenic hike to a serene lake with reflections of the surrounding cliffs.
Moderate Trails:
- Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail (7 miles roundtrip): A challenging but rewarding hike featuring waterfalls and sweeping views.
- Four-Mile Trail (9.6 miles roundtrip): A switchback-heavy trail offering incredible views of Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point. You could make this into a point-to-point hike if you can find transportation between Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley.
Strenuous Trails:
- Half Dome Trail (14-16 miles roundtrip): This iconic hike requires a permit and involves climbing cables to the summit.
- Clouds Rest (14 miles roundtrip): A challenging hike with panoramic views rivaling Half Dome.
Best Sequoia Hiking Trails
Easy Trails:
- Big Trees Trail (1.3 miles roundtrip): A loop around a beautiful meadow surrounded by sequoias.
- Congress Trail (2 miles roundtrip): An easy loop showcasing some of the park’s most famous trees, including General Sherman, the Senate and the President Trees.
Moderate Trails:
- Moro Rock Trail (0.5 miles roundtrip): A short but steep climb to stunning views of the Sierra Nevada.
- Tokopah Falls Trail (4 miles roundtrip): A gentle hike along a river leading to a 1,200-foot waterfall.
Strenuous Trails:
- Alta Peak Trail (14 miles roundtrip): A challenging trek with rewarding panoramic views from the summit.
- Lakes Trail to Pear Lake (12 miles roundtrip): A hike through alpine terrain with stunning lake vistas.
Crowds In Yosemite Vs Sequoia National Park
Overall, Yosemite will have far more crowds than Sequoia National Park – especially in the summer. However, if you’re visiting during the low season (October – April) you’ll find fewer crowds at both parks.
Crowds in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors annually. Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit, as all roads, trails, and facilities are open.
- Impact:
- Yosemite Valley can feel congested, with heavy traffic and limited parking, especially around popular spots like Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, and Curry Village.
- Shuttle buses often run at full capacity, and wait times can be long.
- Popular hiking trails, like Mist Trail and Half Dome, can become crowded, especially in the mornings.
- Tips to Avoid Crowds:
- Arrive early in the morning (before 7 a.m.) or visit midweek.
- Explore less-visited areas, like Hetch Hetchy, Tuolumne Meadows, or the Wawona region.
Winter (December-February) is Yosemite’s least crowded season, as colder weather and snow limit access to higher elevations like Tioga Road and Glacier Point. Most visitors stick to Yosemite Valley.
Crowds in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia is less visited than Yosemite, with about 1.5 million annual visitors compared to Yosemite’s 4+ million. Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit due to warm weather and full access to the park, including the high country.
- Impact:
- Popular spots like the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and Crescent Meadow can see moderate to heavy foot traffic.
- Parking lots near the Giant Forest and Lodgepole Visitor Center fill up by mid-morning.
- Campgrounds are in high demand and require advanced reservations.
- Tips to Avoid Crowds:
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon.
- Explore less-frequented areas like the Mineral King region or trails farther from the Giant Forest.
Winter (December-February) is a low season for Sequoia due to cold weather and snow. Most visitors come to see the snow-covered sequoias or participate in winter activities like sledding and snowshoeing. Generals Highway, which connects Sequoia and Kings Canyon is closed during the snow season. Be prepared for winter driving conditions, particularly at higher elevations in the park, including potential road closures and chain requirements.
Best Time To Visit
Overall, Sequoia is the best park to visit during the summer, and Yosemite is better if you’re traveling during the spring or fall.
Spring In Yosemite vs. Sequoia: Yosemite’s waterfalls are a major draw in spring, while Sequoia offers blooming wildflowers.
Summer In Yosemite vs. Sequoia: Yosemite can feel overcrowded, especially in the valley, while Sequoia tends to have fewer visitors even during peak season.
Fall In Yosemite vs. Sequoia: Fall in Yosemite is ideal for quieter visits and crisp hikes; Sequoia offers crowd-free trails but with colder temperatures.
Winter In Yosemite vs. Sequoia: Yosemite’s winter activities are more diverse, with options like ice skating and skiing, whereas Sequoia’s winter charm is more about snow play and enjoying quiet trails.
Lodging Inside And Near Yosemite Vs Sequoia
In both parks, the nearest options for lodging outside of the park boundaries is a bit of a drive from the popular areas within the park. It’s most convenient to stay in the parks, but that also comes with an increase in hotel costs.
In Park Accommodations For Yosemite Vs Sequoia National Parks
Accommodations in Yosemite National Park range from a luxury stay at The Ahwahnee to more mid-range accommodations in Yosemite Valley Lodge, Wawona Hotel, and seasonally open glamping tents and cabins in Curry Village.
Accommodations within Sequoia National Park are more limited – the only lodge inside the park is Wuksachi Lodge.
To stay nearby Yosemite you’ll want to look for hotels in Big Oak Flat, El Portal or Fish Camp. All of these options are 30 minutes to an hour from Yosemite Valley.
To stay nearby Sequoia you’ll want to look for hotels in Three Rivers or Visalia. Three Rivers is about an hour from the main area in Sequoia National Park, Visalia is another 30 minutes past Three Rivers, but offers more options and affordable rates.
Cost & Park Entry
A weekly entrance ticket to Yosemite is $35 per vehicle (which covers everyone in the vehicle). They also offer an annual pass for $70.
Sequoia National Parks entrance includes access to Kings Canyon as well. It also costs $35 per vehicle or $70 annually.
Alternatively, the America The Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass is $80 and provides free access to all 63 National Parks and hundreds of other national recreation areas across the US. Because I visit more than 3 National Parks each year this pass saves me money (and it also lets you access express lanes at the entrance station for some parks!)
History: Yosemite Vs Sequoia
Yosemite National Park, established in 1890, is one of the first areas of land set aside for preservation and public enjoyment in the United States.
Its protection was heavily influenced by naturalist John Muir, whose writings and advocacy played a significant role in creating the park and shaping the National Park system.
Yosemite is globally recognized for its granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees.
The park holds cultural significance as the ancestral homeland of the Ahwahneechee people, who lived in the Yosemite Valley for thousands of years before European settlers arrived.
Yosemite’s establishment also marked a critical moment in conservation history, as it was the first time land was protected for public use through federal legislation.
Today, Yosemite is considered a symbol of wilderness preservation and remains one of the most visited national parks in the U.S.
Sequoia National Park, established in 1890 just days before Yosemite, was created to protect the giant sequoia trees—some of the largest and oldest living organisms on Earth.
The park’s most famous resident, the General Sherman Tree, is the largest tree by volume in the world.
The park is part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and features rugged peaks, underground caverns, and dense forests. Its creation helped spark the early conservation movement, particularly for protecting forests from logging.
Like Yosemite, Sequoia National Park is also the ancestral homeland of Indigenous peoples, including the Western Mono and Yokuts tribes.
Sequoia’s significance lies not only in its preservation of ancient trees but also in its role in inspiring the establishment of other protected areas worldwide.
Verdict: Yosemite Vs Sequoia
Choose Yosemite: If you’re starting from the Bay Area or Sacramento, the shorter drive makes Yosemite a more practical choice. Yosemite is also better for longer trips, or for trips between November and May.
Choose Sequoia: If you’re coming from Southern California or Los Angeles, the quicker drive to Sequoia may be more appealing. Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park is about 5 hours, depending on traffic. Sequoia is perfect for weekend trips. Even better, it’s proximity to Kings Canyon means you can check out two National Parks on the same trip.
How To See Both Yosemite & Sequoia National Parks
An alternative option is to see both parks! With as little as 4 days you can plan a Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon itinerary – no need to choose only one park!
Drive time from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park is approximately 2.5 hours. I recommend at least two days in Yosemite, and another 2 days to explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
