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How Busy Is It

Currently have 2.5 days planned for Kings canyon and sequoia this weekend (mostly Saturday and Sunday). It seems like the sequoia area is much busier than Kings canyon. We planned on doing sequoia Saturday and arriving at the top attractions (Sherman tree, sunset at Moro rock) between 4-5. Are the crowds still likely to be terrible even this late in the day?

Sequoia National Park, especially the areas around the General Sherman Tree and Moro Rock, tends to be significantly busier than Kings Canyon, particularly on weekends. Even arriving later in the afternoon, around 4-5 PM, you can still encounter moderate crowds, though it’s usually less congested than mid-day.

Here are some key points to consider for your visit:

  • The General Sherman Tree is one of the park’s most visited attractions, so parking and pathways may still be crowded, even in the late afternoon.
  • Moro Rock tends to clear out more toward sunset as many visitors leave after seeing the main highlights; arriving around 4-5 PM may actually be ideal to avoid the peak crowds.
  • Weekends always attract more visitors, especially in the summer and early fall, so expect some wait times for parking and trails.

Some strategies to minimize crowd impact:

  • Consider parking at lesser-known areas or trailheads slightly away from the Sherman Tree and walking a short distance to it.
  • Start at Moro Rock first if sunset views are a priority; many visitors will already be headed to the General Sherman Tree, so timing your route can help.
  • Bring water and prepare for a short walk, as even in the late afternoon, the paths to these attractions can be busy but manageable.

Overall, arriving between 4-5 PM is a reasonable strategy. You’ll still encounter other visitors, but it’s likely to be less crowded than earlier in the day, and the lighting around sunset makes it a beautiful time for photos.

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