Monterey Bay, Sequoia National and Yosemite

Question

We have a trip planned for our 30th Anniversary in May. We will be in the Monterey Bay Area for 3 days then plan to drive to Sequoia National and spend a day there before heading to Yosemite for 3 days. My question is, is it doable to leave early from Monterey Bay, spend 1/2 day at Sequoia and then drive to El Portal where we will be staying for our time in Yosemite? We know we’ll be driving about 8 hours that day. Or would it be a better plan to stay in Three Rivers outside of Sequoia before heading to Yosemite. We would lose about a half day of Yosemite time if we did that. Advice appreciated!

Answer

Congratulations on your 30th Anniversary! Your proposed plan is ambitious but possible, with a few considerations about driving time and how much you want to see in Sequoia.

Driving from Monterey Bay to Sequoia National Park (General Sherman/Grant Grove area) is roughly 4–5 hours depending on traffic and exact starting point. From Sequoia to El Portal (near Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance) is about 4–5 hours as well, so your total driving on that day would be around 8–10 hours including stops. That’s a very long day, especially if you plan to do any hiking or exploring in Sequoia.

Here are your main options:

Option 1: Monterey → Sequoia → El Portal (Yosemite stay)
- Pros: You don’t lose any Yosemite time; only 3 days in Yosemite remain fully available.
- Cons: Very long day (8+ hours driving plus even a half-day in Sequoia), can be tiring; limited time to see much in Sequoia beyond a quick stop at the main highlights like General Sherman Tree or Grant Grove.
Option 2: Monterey → Stay overnight near Sequoia (Three Rivers) → El Portal next day
- Pros: More relaxed; allows you to fully enjoy Sequoia with hiking or scenic stops without being rushed.
- Cons: You lose about half a day in Yosemite if you’re aiming to maximize your Yosemite visit time.

Practical considerations:

If you’re fine with a long, early start and minimal time in Sequoia, Option 1 works but plan to limit stops to the highlights. Bring snacks and plan for traffic, especially around small mountain roads.
If you want to fully enjoy the giant trees, short hikes, and a more relaxed pace, Option 2 is better—even if it slightly reduces Yosemite time, you’ll arrive fresher and more ready for Yosemite adventures.
Consider that May is still early in the season; Tioga Pass may be closed, so your Yosemite entry may be limited to the western entrances like Big Oak Flat or Arch Rock. This can influence driving time and route planning.
Driving through the Sierra Nevada can be slow; allow extra time for mountain roads and possible stops for photos or traffic delays.

Recommendation: If you are okay with a long day and mainly want to see Sequoia’s main highlights, go straight to El Portal after a half-day visit. If you want a more enjoyable, relaxed visit with the ability to explore Sequoia more fully, stay in Three Rivers and accept slightly less Yosemite time.

Monterey Bay, Sequoia National and Yosemite

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