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

Visiting Yosemite in late June can be challenging due to the park’s high visitor demand and reservation system for peak times. Since tickets for Yosemite are sold out, you do have a few alternatives to still enjoy Sequoia trees and the surrounding Sierra Nevada area without the stress of last-minute planning.

First, if your primary goal is to see giant Sequoias, you do not have to limit yourself to Yosemite. There are other nearby parks and groves that are less crowded and do not require advance reservations.

Mariposa Grove (Yosemite): If you already have park entry tickets or can get them, arriving very early in the morning (park opens around sunrise) can help you avoid crowds. Staying near the South Entrance in Wawona or nearby lodges like Tenaya Lodge could allow you to be among the first in the gate.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: These parks are about 3–4 hours south of Yosemite and feature iconic groves including the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree on Earth. They are usually less crowded than Yosemite in late June, and you can enjoy additional hiking, panoramic vistas, and moderate-length trails.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park: Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this park offers easy access to giant Sequoias and is significantly less crowded than Yosemite. The North and South Groves each have short and moderate hiking trails suitable for a half-day visit.

Additional tips for a short weekend trip:

Book accommodations as close to the park entrances as possible to maximize early morning hours in the groves.
If Yosemite is sold out, consider combining a Sequoia grove visit in Sequoia & Kings Canyon with scenic stops along the Sierra foothills.
Plan your driving carefully, as late June can bring heavy traffic, especially along Highway 41 and 140 approaches to Yosemite.
Pack water, snacks, and layers for varying mountain weather; mornings and evenings can still be chilly.

In summary, if Yosemite entry is not possible or too stressful last-minute, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks or Calaveras Big Trees State Park are excellent alternatives that allow you to experience giant Sequoias without peak-time hassle. You can structure your 3-day weekend with one day in Fresno/arrival, one full day exploring Sequoias, and a half-day for scenic drives or short hikes before returning home.

Sequoia Tree Viewing

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