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!
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Want to see both parks? Check out this Yosemite and Sequoia National Park itinerary.
⌛ Short On Time? These Are My Top Tips:
✈️ How To Get There: Fly into San Francisco and rent a car.
🏞️ Yosemite Must-See: Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point.
🌳 Sequoia Must-See: General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, Big Trees Trail.
💵 Entrance Fee: $35 (good for 7 days) per park or free with an Annual Park Pass.
🛌 Where To Stay: Yosemite Valley Lodge in Yosemite & Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia.
Overview Of Yosemite Vs Sequoia National Parks
Yosemite is easier to get to, but will have way more crowds in the summer. You’ll also find many easy hikes in Yosemite with incredible views, or waterfalls. In Sequoia, you’ll have harder hikes to get to panoramic views and waterfalls.
Yosemite Top 5
✅ Tunnel View
✅ Bridalveil Fall
✅ Yosemite Falls
✅ Glacier Point
✅ Mariposa Grove Of Giant Sequoias
Sequoia Top 5
✅ General Sherman Tree
✅ Moro Rock
✅ Crescent Meadow
✅ Crystal Cave
✅ Tunnel Rock
Yosemite Vs Sequoia 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.
Nearest Airports
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.
I recommend flying into SFO. San Francisco is the best airport for visiting Yosemite & Sequoia National Parks because they have more flights, better prices, and rental cars tend to be more affordable if you pick them up here.
Airports Near Yosemite National Park:
- Fresno (FAT): 2 hours
- San Francisco (SFO): 3.5-4.5 hours
- Los Angeles (LAX): 5-6 hours
Airports Near Sequoia National Park:
- Fresno (FAT): 1.5 hours
- Los Angeles (LAX): 4-5 hours
- San Francisco (SFO): 5-6 hours
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
These are the best things to do on a trip to Yosemite National Park:
1. 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.
This is the first view you get when driving into Yosemite Valley. It’s a quick stop that doesn’t require any hiking.
2. Bridalveil Fall
As you continue driving into Yosemite Valley you’ll pass Bridalveil Fall. It’s one of the more famous waterfalls in Yosemite, and is an easy 0.8 mile hike to the base of the falls.
On my recent trip in March, the water flow was so powerful that there was quite a bit of mist falling on the trail, so be prepared to get a little wet!
National Parks Water Bottle
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National Parks Passport
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America The Beautiful Park Pass
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3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
The hike to Half Dome is challenging and over 16 miles long. You don’t have to hike to the top of it to enjoy its beauty, though. Half Dome towers over Yosemite Valley and you can catch views of it from just about anywhere.
6. Glacier Point
Glacier Point overlook has panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra peaks.
If you’re up for a challenging hike, you can take Four-Mile from Yosemite Valley up to Glacier Point.
There are two incredible hikes in Glacier Point, too: Taft Point (2.3 miles) and Sentinel Dome (2.2 miles), or you can combine them for a loop trail that’s 5.1 miles.
NOTE: Glacier Point Road is only open during the summer.
7. 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 and California Tunnel Tree.
8. 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 Tuolumne Meadows, 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
Sequoia National Park is famous for its giant sequoia trees and mountain views. There’s less road infrastructure in this park, so it’s possible to see the major highlights with less time than you would need in Yosemite.
1. 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.
This is one of the most famous attractions in Sequoia National Park. It’s a short hike to General Sherman (about 1.1 miles), or you can complete the full Congress Trail (2.9 miles), which leads you through the entire sequoia grove.
2. Moro Rock
Moro Rock is a granite dome with 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 trail to the summit is a short hike (0.5 miles) but involves a steep stairway carved into the rock.
3. 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.
The road to Crescent Meadow passes through Tunnel Log – a sequoia tree that fell across the road and has a tunnel carved into it so cars can pass.
There’s a short hike around Crescent Meadow (1.3 miles). I recommend taking the half mile detour to Tharps Log – another old fallen sequoia that has been carved out and had a cabin built into it!
4. Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave is a marble cave full of stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate rock formations.
The caves had been closed from 2020 through 2024 but just reopened in 2025!
Crystal Cave is one of the few paid activities in Sequoia National Park and you have to reserve tickets ahead of time ($20).
5. Tokopah Falls
This 1,200-foot waterfall requires a moderate hike along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. The trail to Tokopah Falls is 4 miles long and offers incredible views of the park’s granite cliffs and leads to the base of the falls.
6. Tunnel Rock
As you drive Generals Highway through Sequoia National Park you will pass Tunnel Rock.
This actually used to be the original road, and cars would pass under Tunnel Rock, but as cars became larger they no longer fit. Now, the road has been rerouted around Tunnel Rock, but you can still park and explore it.
7. Scenic Drives In Sequoia
Generals Highway connects Sequoia and Kings Canyon, offering incredible views and access to the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas.
NOTE: Generals Highway, north of Lodgepole, is only open during the summer.
The Best Hiking Trails In Yosemite Vs Sequoia
There’s a variety of easy, moderate and difficult trails in both parks to suit your interest.
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
Personally, I think Yosemite offers more of the best hikes – especially if you’re after some incredible views!
Easy Hikes
- Lower Yosemite Falls (1 mile): A short walk to the base of Yosemite Falls.
- Mirror Lake (2 miles): A paved, flat hike to the lake with reflections of Half Dome. Bonus – it’s dog friendly!
Moderate Hikes
- Vernal and Nevada Falls (6.4 miles): Hike to 2 waterfalls with incredible valley views.
- Four-Mile Trail (9.7 miles): Trail connecting Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point, with significant switchbacks.
Hard Hikes
- Half Dome (16.5 miles): This iconic hike requires a permit and involves climbing cables to the summit.
- Clouds Rest (12.4 miles): Starting along Tioga Road and ending with panoramic views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.
Best Sequoia Hiking Trails
While Sequoia has some great hiking trails, the majority of short and easy hikes are through sequoia groves. If you’re looking for stunning views you’ll need to clock some miles!
Easy Hikes
- Big Trees (1.2 miles): A meadow loop surrounded by sequoias.
- Congress Trail (2.9 miles): A flat & easy loop through the park’s most famous Giant Sequoia trees.
Moderate Hikes
- Moro Rock (0.5 miles): A short but steep climb to stunning views of the Sierra Nevada.
- Tokopah Falls (4 miles): Hike along the river to a 1,200-foot waterfall.
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.
Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, attracting 4+ million visitors annually. Sequoia is less visited, with about 1.5 million annual visitors.
Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit both parks, as all roads, trails, and facilities are open.
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 during winter trips.
Sequoia is also least visited in winter, largely due to significant closures that limit your ability to see the whole park.
Best Time To Visit Yosemite or Sequoia
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 snowshoe hikes and enjoying quiet trails.
How Long To Visit Yosemite Vs Sequoia
I think 4 days in Yosemite National Park is best, but you can see Sequoia National Park in 2 days.
With 4 days in Yosemite National Park you can explore Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne Meadows along Tioga Road.
With two days in Sequoia National Park I recommend seeing the Giant Sequoia’s along Congress Trail, hiking to Moro Rock, and strolling through Crescent Meadows on your first day, and then tackling a longer hike on your second day.
Where To Stay For Yosemite Vs Sequoia
Both offer hotels inside the park, but if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options you’ll need to travel a ways outside of the park to find hotels.
Accommodations in Yosemite National Park include a luxury stay at The Ahwahnee, mid-range accommodations in Yosemite Valley Lodge and 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.
Hotels nearby Yosemite are about 30+ minutes away. I recommend looking for hotels in Big Oak Flat, El Portal or Fish Camp.
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, and Visalia is another 30 minutes past Three Rivers, but offers more options and affordable rates.
Cost & Park Entry
The entry cost for Yosemite vs Sequoia is the same. Both parks charge $35 to enter, which covers everyone in your vehicle for up to 7 days.
TIP: Sequoia National Park entrance is also good for Kings Canyon.
Alternatively, the America The Beautiful National Parks Pass is $80 annually and provides free access to all 63 National Parks and hundreds of other national recreation areas across the US.
The annual pass usually saves you money on your third National Park in a 12-month period. It also gives you priority access to express lanes when the entrance lines get backed up (sometimes for hours during the summer).
History Of Yosemite Vs Sequoia
Both Yosemite and Sequoia were established in 1890, just days apart, and are some of the first US land set aside for preservation and public enjoyment.
Yosemite 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.
Today, Yosemite is considered a symbol of wilderness preservation and remains one of the most visited national parks in the U.S.
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 San Francisco 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, and 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 trip to Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon – 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.
