Sequoia Tree Viewing

Question

I am considering a last minute trip to view Sequoia trees a site on my bucket list, but last minute is out of my comfort zone. I typically spend months planning but I have the opportunity to fly to Fresno late June for a 3 day weekend. I see on the Yosemite website that tickets to the park during peak times is sold out. Is it feasible to stay near the park entrance and enter prior to peak hours? Should I consider a trip to the area without Yosemite? I would greatly appreciate advice on how to best spend my limited time. Thank you in advance.

Answer

If your main goal is to see Sequoia trees and you have a limited 3-day window in late June, there are a few considerations to maximize your experience, especially given the peak season and sold-out tickets for Yosemite.

First, Yosemite is extremely popular in late June, and the timed entry system means that simply arriving early may not guarantee access if the park is sold out. However, if you are flexible and willing to start your day very early, it can sometimes be possible to explore areas near the park boundaries or alternative entrances before crowds build.

Here are some practical options to consider:

Stay near a park entrance: Lodging in towns like Mariposa, El Portal, or Groveland allows you to start early and potentially enjoy less crowded trails. You might also consider arriving at trailheads outside the main Yosemite Valley timed-entry zone, such as the Hetch Hetchy or Wawona areas, which do not require a timed ticket.
Alternative Sequoia destinations: If seeing giant Sequoias is the priority, consider Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. These parks are slightly less crowded than Yosemite and do not require timed entry tickets, although they do have popular trails and campgrounds that may book quickly.
Half-day or day trips: If lodging inside Yosemite is impossible, you could base yourself in Fresno and plan a day trip to Mariposa Grove in Yosemite, which often allows early morning access before peak crowds.
Short hikes and scenic drives: Even outside the main valley, you can experience iconic views along Big Trees Trail in Mariposa Grove, or take scenic drives in Sequoia National Park such as the Generals Highway to see General Sherman and other giant trees without long hikes.

Given your short timeframe and preference for less planning risk, Sequoia & Kings Canyon might provide a more relaxed experience with guaranteed access to giant trees. If Yosemite is a must, aim to book the earliest timed entry possible and plan your days around early starts, mid-day breaks, and short hikes to make the most of your limited time.

In summary, for a last-minute 3-day trip, either focus on Sequoia & Kings Canyon for stress-free access or be strategic about Yosemite by staying nearby and starting hikes early. This approach allows you to fulfill your bucket list without feeling rushed or restricted.

Sequoia Tree Viewing

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