Scary roads…

Question

I HATE scary windy roads next to a cliff. As does my daughter. But seeing Sequoia National Park is on our bucket list.

We’ve driven up Haleakala volcano in Maui. I disliked that very much but it was worth it for “the awesome factor,” as my daughter says.

Does anyone happen to have experience with both the General’s Highway and Haleakala who could tell me if it’s comparable- or worse?? I’m reading about one-lane roads where someone could be coming at you around a bend. That sounds definitely worse. 😩

If we skipped the sights that look like they’re all along the General’s Highway, would we be missing out on too much? (Flying in to San Francisco. Planning to drive rt 180 to get there.)

Answer

Driving General’s Highway through Sequoia National Park can indeed be a little intimidating for those who dislike narrow, winding roads, but it’s generally considered less extreme than Haleakala in Maui in terms of sheer exposure. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you plan:

Road conditions and comparison to Haleakala:

General’s Highway is mostly a two-lane road, though there are sections with sharp curves and steep grades. Some portions are narrow, but it’s not typically a cliff-hugging road as extreme as parts of Haleakala.
You will encounter occasional switchbacks and areas where the road feels tight, especially near Tunnel Log or Moro Rock parking areas, but they are well-maintained and not one-way with oncoming traffic surprises around blind curves.
Traffic can be an issue during peak season, and large RVs and buses travel the road, so cautious driving is essential.

Skipping General’s Highway sights:

Many of the iconic Sequoia landmarks—such as the Giant Forest, General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and Crescent Meadow—are accessible via short detours or parking areas just off the highway.
If you skip the drive entirely, you may miss the scenic experience of winding through the forest and some pullouts with expansive views, but you could still visit the main attractions by parking and walking from accessible points.
A potential strategy is to focus on key stops rather than driving the entire length. You could park in one area and explore on foot while avoiding the more intimidating stretches of road.

Additional tips:

Drive slowly and use pullouts to let faster vehicles pass. This makes narrow sections feel safer.
Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to reduce traffic stress.
If either of you are extremely uncomfortable with heights or narrow roads, plan your route to avoid the most exposed sections, but still aim for the Giant Forest and General Sherman Tree, as those are the “must-see” highlights.

In summary, while General’s Highway has its tight and twisty moments, it is generally more forgiving than Haleakala. You can still enjoy the park’s best sights without enduring the most nerve-wracking sections, though some scenic value of the drive itself may be lost if you skip it entirely.

Scary roads…

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