Parks Manager

Getting to Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park sits in CA, United States, with Lone Pine the nearest town of any size — about 30.6 mi (49.3 km) out, or roughly 1 hr 5 min of driving.

Sequoia National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.

Drive times from Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park sits close enough to Kings Canyon National Park, Death Valley National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Pinnacles National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.

Parks you can pair with Sequoia National Park
ParkApartEstimated drive
Kings Canyon National Park21.1 mi (33.9 km)48 min
Death Valley National Park101 mi (162 km)2 hr 50 min
Yosemite National Park108 mi (174 km)3 hr
Pinnacles National Park142 mi (229 km)3 hr 49 min

Long trails through this park

Pacific Crest Trail crosses Sequoia National Park. The published corridor is CA–WA.

Towns to base yourself in

Towns nearest Sequoia National Park
TownDistanceEstimated drive
Lone Pine30.6 mi (49.3 km)1 hr 5 min
Porterville38 mi (61.1 km)1 hr 17 min
Visalia40.2 mi (64.7 km)1 hr 21 min
Orange Cove40.5 mi (65.2 km)1 hr 22 min
Dinuba43.8 mi (70.5 km)1 hr 27 min
Tulare46.2 mi (74.4 km)1 hr 32 min
Reedley47.7 mi (76.7 km)1 hr 34 min
Big Pine49 mi (78.9 km)1 hr 36 min

How to read these numbers

Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.

Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.

Region pages

Common questions

What is the closest town to Sequoia National Park?

Lone Pine, about 30.6 mi (49.3 km) away — roughly 1 hr 5 min of driving.

Where should I stay when visiting Sequoia National Park?

The practical bases are Lone Pine, Porterville, and Visalia — all within a reasonable drive of the park.