Yosemite vs. Sequoia: Which Is Better from a Hiker

Are you planning a visit to some of California’s national parks and have found yourself wondering which is better, Yosemite vs Sequoia?

Each of these parks is fantastic and should be visited, but if you only have time for one, it can be tricky to make that decision. 

From how long you need to visit, to what activities are in each park, to the crowds and wait times, it’s all things to be considered. 

We asked Kassidy Olson from The Hiking Helper, who’s an avid hiker and loves exploring the world. She writes about her adventures, as well as tips for getting out on the trail over on her blog. 

In this post, she’ll cover everything there is to know to help you better decide to have an epic California national park vacation.

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Yosemite Vs Sequoia: Overview

California is home to 9 national parks, each of which is beautiful in its own way, but Yosemite and Sequoia are two of the best.

Below is an overview of each park, before we dive into the details of everything there is to know to make a decision on which park to visit.

About Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park was created just over 130 years ago, in 1890, and was the third established national park in the entire country.

This 1,200-square-mile park is home to a diverse landscape of flowing waterfalls, green forests, and towering rock formations.

With a variety of plant life, animals, and unique geological features, it’s no wonder this park is one of the most popular in the National Park System.

Today, visitors worldwide come to see the magnificent Yosemite, with over 3 million guests each year.

About Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park was the first national park established in the state of California, also in 1890.

Adjacent to Sequoia is Kings Canyon, which was opened just 50 years later, and now has become its ‘sister park.’

This park is home to the tallest mountain in California, as well as the world’s largest tree by volume, The General Sherman Tree.

The park consists of many of these massive trees, known as giant sequoias, hence where this national park got its name.

Detailed Overviews: Yosemite vs Sequoia

Below you’ll find a detailed overview of each park and what you can expect, including some of the areas that these parks are similar, as well as how they’re different.

Things to Do In Yosemite National Park

There are many things to do within Yosemite National Park, but there are just a few listed below to help get you started.

• View the mighty Yosemite Falls
• See the views at Glacier Point and Tunnel View
• Summit Half Dome (or just look at it!)
• Hike to Vernal Falls
• Wander through Mariposa Grove
• See the views from Taft Point
• Admire El Capitan
• Hike to Upper Yosemite Falls
• Eat a delicious lunch in front of Lower Yosemite Falls

Facilities In Yosemite

Yosemite is actually home to quite a few facilities, as there is a small town, known as Yosemite Valley, located right in the park.

Here you’ll find lodging options, restaurants, a visitor center, bathrooms, and places to park.

There are also many campgrounds around the park, in fact, there are 13 of them.

There is also a free shuttle that operates throughout the park, starting in Yosemite Valley.

Three other visitor centers are found around the park, each of which has bathrooms and information about the park.

Yosemite National Park Location

Yosemite National Park is located in central California, near the small village of Yosemite Valley.

It’s situated between Sierra National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest, not too far from the California-Nevada state border.

Distances from Yosemite to Major Cities

Yosemite ➡️ Los Angeles: 4 hours 45 minutes

Yosemite ➡️ San Francisco: 3 hours 15 minutes

Yosemite ➡️  Las Vegas: 7 hours

Time Needed to Visit Yosemite

How long you’ll need to spend in Yosemite will depend entirely on what you’re hoping to do within the popular national park.

If you’re a hiker and are hoping to get out and explore the trails, you’ll likely need 2 to 3 days to really experience the park.

But if you aren’t really interested in hiking and just prefer to drive and stop at roadside pull-offs, you can definitely get by with just 1 to 2 days.

As with anywhere, the more time you can spend, the better, but if you’re short on time, you can see the top sights in just a few days.

Best Time to Visit Yosemite

California is a beautiful location to visit any time of the year, but in the mountainous regions, you can definitely expect snow!

This can be beautiful but can make accessing certain parts of the park difficult.

The best time to visit to ensure that all roads are open and trails are accessible is during the summer and fall months, between June and October.

During these months, you’ll find no snow, warm temperatures, and open facilities.

One thing to note is that the weather in California can get very hot in summer, so if you prefer cooler weather, plan your visit closer to September or October.

Crowds and Wait Times In Yosemite

Yosemite has become an extremely popular park in recent years and sees over 3 million visitors per year.

This can cause crowds and wait times to get into the park, onto the road, or into a parking spot.

If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to arrive at the park early in the morning or later and night, and visit on weekdays.

You may also consider visiting in the off-season, rather than in the peak season, which is the summer months.

Cost to Visit Yosemite

The entry fee into Yosemite is $35 per vehicle, and the pass is valid for 7 consecutive days.

You may also consider getting an America the Beautiful pass, which allows you access to all national parks and national recreation sites for an entire year. This costs $80.

Where To Stay In Yosemite

With all the choices for where to stay in Yosemite, it can be difficult to choose. Here are the top places to stay in Yosemite: 

Budget-friendly: Yosemite Valley Lodge

This beautiful lodge is located right in Yosemite Valley, just steps from some of the park’s most popular attractions. You’ll find a few restaurants nearby, and will have views of Yosemite Falls from the hotel.

Lux: Rush Creek Lodge & Spa

Just outside of the park, this gorgeous spa offers an outdoor pool, on-site dining, and a large spa to enjoy.

Things to Do In Sequoia National Park

There are also many activities to do during a visit to the beautiful Sequoia National Park, and there are a few listed below.

• See General Sherman, the world’s largest tree
• Cross over to Kings Canyon National Park
• Lace up your hiking boots for Mount Whitney
• Go on a tour of Crystal Cave
• Visit the Giant Forest Museum
• See the views from Moro Rock
• Drive under Tunnel Log
• Hike to Tokopah Falls
• Watch for black bears and other wildlife
• Hike to General Grant tree

Facilities In Sequoia

Between Sequoia and Kings Canyon, you’ll find 4 visitor centers, each of which has restrooms and park information.

Within the park, you’ll find 14 campgrounds that can be reserved to stay at, 3 of which are open year-round.

Sequoia National Park Location

Sequoia National Park is located in central California, near Sequoia National Forest and Death Valley National Park.

The nearest town is Visalia, which offers lodging and dining.

Distances from Sequoia to Major Cities

Sequoia ➡️ Los Angeles: 3 hours 45 minutes

Sequoia ➡️ San Fransisco: 4 hours 15 minutes

Sequoia ➡️ Las Vegas: 6 hours

Time Needed to Visit Sequoia

Just like with Yosemite, planning your time in Sequoia will depend on what you’re hoping to do and how much time you have available.

There is less to do in this park, so more people are able to fill just 1 to 2 days in Sequoia and have seen all of the most popular sights, especially if you aren’t a hiker.

If you’re interested in hiking, try to plan closer to 3 days, because this will allow you time to see more of the trails.

Best Time to Visit Sequoia

As with Yosemite, the best time to plan a visit to Sequoia is during the summer and fall months, which land between June and October.

For cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, plan to visit the park in September and October.

If you enjoy warm weather and don’t mind being around others, many people visit the park in June, July, and August.

Crowds and Wait Times In Sequoia

The visitors are cut in half when we’re looking at Yosemite vs Sequoia, as Sequoia only sees about 1 million per year.

This means that you can expect fewer crowds and less of a hassle snagging a parking spot during the peak season.

It is still recommended to visit early in the morning though, just to avoid any crowds there may be.

Cost to Visit Sequoia

Similarly to Yosemite, the cost to visit Sequoia is $35 per vehicle for 7 consecutive days. The cost of this fee covers entry to both SNP and Kings Canyon.

You may use an America the Beautiful pass here as well.

Where To Stay In Sequoia

Budget-friendly: Wuksachi Lodge

Known as the signature hotel of the area, this lodge features on-site dining, beautiful views of mountain peaks, and close proximity to many of the park’s top attractions.

Mid-Scale: John Muir Lodge

This seasonal lodging option is within minutes of giant sequoia trees inside both nearby national parks. It’s a quiet and comfortable option that will be the perfect spot to rest at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Yosemite and Sequoia the same park?

No, Yosemite and Sequoia are two different national parks but are both located in California.

The parks both have very different landscapes and views and are located about 2.5 hours away from each other.

2. How far apart are Yosemite and Sequoia?

From the Ash Mountain Entrance of Sequoia to the South Entrance of Yosemite, these parks are about 2.5 hours away, or just under 140 miles.

Depending on where you’re located in the park and what you plan to see, this distance could increase, as you may need to drive farther.

3. Can you visit Yosemite and Sequoia in one day?

While it is possible to visit both Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks in just one day, it really isn’t recommended.

Because the driving distance between the two is a minimum of 2.5 hours, you just won’t be able to fully experience the park in only one day.

Both parks are quite large and have a lot to do in them, and with just one day, you’ll only get about 3 hours maximum at each.

4. Which park is better if I’m not a hiker?

If you aren’t interested in doing a lot of hiking at the park that you visit, then it’s recommended to visit Sequoia National Park.

This park has many short trails that are perfect for those with small kiddos or who don’t enjoy long hikes. They lead through the large trees and have very minimal elevation change.

There’s also a great scenic road that leads you through the forest and through a tree that you can drive under!

Visitors can also tour a cave for an additional cost, and you can make the drive into Kings Canyon National Park as well.

5. Can you drive through Sequoia to Yosemite?

If you’re hoping to go straight from Sequoia up to Yosemite, you may be hoping that there’s a way to cut off some time and head straight through the park.

While Sequoia itself doesn’t have a northern entrance, the best way to do this is by exiting at the Big Stump Entrance in Kings Canyon.

Although this won’t save a whole lot of time, it will help you out if you’re on the northern side of the park.

6. Is it worth going to Sequoia National Park?

Yes, Sequoia National Park is absolutely worth visiting, as you’re able to see some of the world’s largest trees, that can’t be found outside of California.

It’s also worth it to see the tallest mountain in California, and summiting it, if you’re up for the challenge!

7. Is Yosemite worth the trip?

While Yosemite is pretty far out of the way, it is absolutely worth the trip and should be added to everyone’s bucket list!

Whether it’s climbing Half Dome, seeing the giant trees, or viewing the magnificent Yosemite Falls, there’s something for every outdoor adventurer at Yosemite.

The Verdict: Yosemite vs Sequoia

Both of these national parks are absolutely incredible and each deserves its own visit, but if you’re only able to make it to one, you’ll have to decide.

If you’re an adventure lover and are able to do some hiking, then Yosemite National Park may be the best choice for you.

If you prefer just wandering through the park, enjoying the sights, and stopping alongside the road, then you may prefer Sequoia National Park.

Either is a fantastic choice, but if you’re having to choose, Yosemite vs Sequoia, all of these factors will help you make that decision.

Read More From Bae Area and Beyond

35 Best Viewpoints In Yosemite

13 Best Hikes In Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Best Time To Visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

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