Sequoia national park

[singletonb]

This has been a place that I would really love to visit just to soak in the beauty of God's creation.  Has anyone been to this park?  What city, airport or lodging is available close by that you would recommend?

[seesawing]

I have not visited yet, but have done a little research on the area.  The wonders of this national treasure have inspired me to see this place in person ever since I was in elementary school learning about the sequoias and the must-see General Sherman Tree.  I've been to Los Angeles before, but have never been able to head out to the Sierra Nevada.  I understand the scenic route from Los Angeles is Hwy 198 through Visalia and Three Rivers which takes you to the entrance at Ash Mountain.

Hopefully, some members here can give some first-hand experiences traveling to and visiting this park.

[ancmetro]

     I would love to see in person those sequoias that I have seen only in pictures.
     They are majestic and beautiful!

[sipingyu]

I have always wanted to bring my son there to see the sequoia trees. Heard that you have to drive there?

[nickylanena]

I have not been, yet, but I would like to!

[heypeg]

Have never been there but I have heard that it is really beautiful.

[judylucas]

I have seen them quite a few years ago and they are awesome

[alina6]

We went last summer and flew into los angelas and then drove to the Sequoia National Forest (6-7 hours). We stayed inside the park at one of the lodges (I understand we were very lucky to get a room). The trees, hiking, waterfalls are amazing. We stayed for 3 days but could have stayed longer. One day we drove all the way to the end of King's canyon stopping many times at the overlooks and the streams. I hope you get a chance to go - it is well worth the trip.

[bizmates]

Sequoia and Kings National park are the twin parks up there. 
You can get there via highway 198-Visalia, Ca.- but be advise that
the 198 is a winding, (curvy) road.  Good views but it will take longer
to get there.

 If you have time, once you get up there climb Moro
Rock, steps will take you to the top, and down again, but it is a
strenuous walk.  Great view from up there.
Keep on driving and you will come upon The General Sherman Tree, General Grant Tree
the fallen log where one could drive up on it.  I hear one cannot do that anymore, and
the arched tree, which fell down a few years back.

Lots of sights to see, beautiful groves of trees where one can spend hours just
walking among them

If you want to see the Kings River, wild as nature intended, go all the way to Cedar Grove.
The road will take you down to the Grove valley and as you travel down you will see the
river below, in the valley, but soon you will be driving right next to it.  In the spring, early
summer the river is a raging bull, when the snow pack is good.

Boyden caves is down there.  A short hike up the mountain to get to the entrance. 
A moderate hike but well worth it.

The road ends down there, but for you hikers, that is the start of some great hiking
trails.  John Muir trail to name one, but many one day hike trails also.

Bears are up there so take care you store your food properly.

An easier way up to Sequoia is via the 180 highway, easy of Fresno, Ca.

But no matter which way you go up, plan for a two-three day stay
 

[gtdoss]

I went to Sequoia National Park when I was about 11 or 12 years old during a trip to California to visit my stepbrothers and stepsisters. I wasn't impressed, because I was 11 and didn't understand or appreciate the natural beauty around me. Now, at 58 years old, I am an avid tree lover and would love to go back in time and see those gorgeous, majestic trees! Maybe I'll get out there again when we retire! 

[wildpanda]

I have always wanted to visit this park! Some of the largest, most beautiful trees in the world! I remember doing a report on Sequoia back when I was in school!

[nmbrown863]

I have not been but it would be nice to go someday!

[singletonb]

bizmates thanks for all the good info, especially the part about the curvy road.  I really need to mentally prepare for that.

[plennis]

I have ben many time an it is beautiful and breathtaking.  When any of you get there you will see that the trip is definitely worth it.

[pectacon]

I haven't been there but I would really love to see it someday. It looks so pretty!