Planning a trip from Southern California to experience the majestic sequoias? The distance from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park ranges from 200 to 230 miles depending on your route, with a typical driving time of 4.5 to 6 hours. Whether you prefer the flexibility of driving, are considering public transportation, or want tips for seasonal travel, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Distance Between Los Angeles and Sequoia National Park
The distance from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park varies depending on the specific entrance point and chosen route. On average, the distance ranges from approximately 200 to 230 miles (320 to 370 kilometers). Most travelers access the park through the Ash Mountain Entrance near Three Rivers, which is the most commonly used southern gateway to the park.
Driving Distance and Time Estimates
For those driving from central Los Angeles:
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Via CA-99 N and CA-198 E (through Visalia and Three Rivers):
This is the most direct and commonly used route, covering approximately 220 miles. The drive typically takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and seasonal road accessibility. -
Via I-5 N and CA-99 N (less scenic, but potentially faster):
This alternative route is slightly longer, around 230 miles, but may save time if traffic is heavy on the CA-198 corridor. Travel time is similar—approximately 5 hours. -
Via I-210 E and CA-198 E (scenic mountain drive):
This scenic option passes through more mountainous terrain and may take longer—up to 6 hours—especially during winter months or peak tourist seasons when road conditions may vary.
Travelers should note that GPS estimates may not always account for winding mountain roads or park-specific traffic delays, especially near the entrance gates.
Route Options for Public Transportation Users
For those taking public transportation, the journey typically involves a combination of services, including Greyhound, Amtrak, and regional transit systems. These routes do not offer direct service into the national park itself, but rather to nearby cities such as Visalia or Fresno. From there, travelers can connect via local shuttle services (such as the Sequoia Shuttle, available seasonally) to reach the park.
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Los Angeles to Visalia via Greyhound or Amtrak (with bus connections):
This route covers roughly 190 to 210 miles, depending on the service provider and stops. Travel time can range from 6 to 8 hours, including transfers. -
Visalia to Sequoia National Park via Sequoia Shuttle (seasonal):
The shuttle ride from Visalia to the Ash Mountain Entrance adds about 1.5 hours of travel time, depending on pickup location and traffic.
Seasonal and Terrain Considerations
Due to the mountainous nature of the park and potential for snow or road closures, the total travel time and available routes can vary significantly by season. In winter, some roads (such as those leading to the Giant Forest) may require tire chains or be temporarily inaccessible. Always check road conditions and park alerts before departure.
Highway CA-198, the main route into the park from the south, is a winding mountain road with significant elevation gain. Drivers should be comfortable with steep grades and sharp turns, especially in colder months.
Driving by Car
Route Options
Traveling by car from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park offers flexibility and scenic views along the way. The most common route is via CA-99 North and CA-198 East. This path takes drivers through Bakersfield and Visalia before reaching the Ash Mountain Entrance of the park.
Alternatively, travelers can take I-5 North to CA-198 East, which merges with the same entrance route. Both routes are paved and well-maintained year-round, though winter weather may affect travel conditions in higher elevations.
Distance and Estimated Travel Time
The driving distance from downtown Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park is approximately 210 to 230 miles, depending on the exact starting point and chosen route. On average, the drive takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours under normal traffic conditions. Travel time can increase during weekends, holidays, or peak tourist seasons.
Parking at Sequoia National Park
Parking is available at several major visitor centers and trailheads, including the Foothills Visitor Center, Giant Forest Museum, and Lodgepole Visitor Center. During summer months and holiday weekends, parking lots can fill quickly, especially near popular attractions like the General Sherman Tree. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early or use the free shuttle service operating in peak seasons to reduce congestion.
Note that vehicles longer than 22 feet are not recommended beyond the Foothills area due to narrow, winding mountain roads.
Cost Considerations
Driving costs can vary based on vehicle fuel efficiency and gas prices. As of recent averages, roundtrip fuel expenses between Los Angeles and Sequoia National Park typically range from $60 to $100. Gas stations are available in nearby towns such as Visalia and Three Rivers, but options are limited closer to the park.
Entrance fees to Sequoia National Park are $35 per vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days. Annual passes and America the Beautiful interagency passes are also accepted.
Benefits of Driving Yourself
Driving offers maximum flexibility in terms of departure time, route choices, and the ability to make stops along the way. It also allows for easy access to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which are connected by the scenic Generals Highway.
Additionally, having your own vehicle makes it more convenient to explore less crowded areas or trailheads that may not be served by public transit or shuttle systems. Travelers with gear for hiking, camping, or photography may especially benefit from the additional storage and mobility.
Public Transportation Options
Traveling from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park without a personal vehicle is possible through various public transportation methods. Although there is no direct public transit that takes you straight into the park, a combination of bus and train services can get you relatively close, followed by local transit or ride-sharing options.
Bus Travel via Greyhound
Greyhound offers service from Los Angeles to several Central Valley cities that are located near Sequoia National Park, including Visalia, Fresno, and Bakersfield. Typically, passengers opt for a route to Visalia, which is the gateway city to Sequoia National Park.
- Route Details: Buses depart from the Greyhound station in downtown Los Angeles and travel north via Interstate 5 or Highway 99, depending on the specific route.
- Schedule Information: Greyhound buses run multiple times per day, with both morning and afternoon departures. However, not all routes go directly to Visalia; some may require transfers.
- Cost Considerations: One-way tickets from Los Angeles to Visalia typically range from $30 to $50, depending on how early you book and the time of travel.
- Pickup and Drop-off Locations: The Los Angeles Greyhound terminal is located at 1716 E 7th St, while the drop-off is at the Visalia Transit Center, which connects to local shuttles into the national park.
- Travel Duration: Total travel time to Visalia is approximately 5 to 6 hours, not including transfer or waiting time for local park shuttles.
Combined Bus Service (Amtrak Thruway & Greyhound)
A more flexible and comfortable option is using a combination of Amtrak train service and Greyhound or Amtrak Thruway buses. This method provides better connectivity to the towns near Sequoia National Park.
- Connection Points: Travelers typically take an Amtrak train from Union Station in Los Angeles to Hanford or Fresno, then transfer to an Amtrak Thruway Bus or regional transit.
- Schedule Coordination: Amtrak’s website allows for coordinated scheduling of train and bus services, minimizing layover times.
- Total Journey Time: The full trip from Los Angeles to Visalia or Fresno usually takes between 6 to 8 hours depending on the route and transfer times.
- Cost Breakdown: Combined rail and bus tickets range from $40 to $70 one way. Booking early often guarantees lower fares.
- Pros and Cons: This option is more scenic and comfortable, with fewer unknowns in terms of transfers. However, it is slightly longer and may require better planning to ensure smooth connections.
Local Shuttle and Park Access
Once in Visalia or Fresno, visitors can use local transit services to reach the park entrance.
- Sequoia Shuttle: From late May through early September, the Sequoia Shuttle operates daily from Visalia to the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park. Round-trip tickets cost around $20 and include park entrance fees.
- Availability: The shuttle must be reserved in advance and is only available during the summer months.
- Alternative Options: Outside of shuttle season, travelers may need to use ride-share services or rental cars from Fresno or Visalia to access the park.
Accessibility and Limitations
While public transportation to Sequoia National Park is feasible, it does have limitations:
- Seasonal Availability: Services like the Sequoia Shuttle only operate during peak season.
- No Direct Access: Public transit does not go directly into the park year-round, requiring additional planning for the final leg of the journey.
- Longer Travel Time: Compared to driving, public transportation takes significantly more time and may involve multiple transfers.
For those without access to a personal vehicle or looking for a more budget-conscious route, public transportation can provide a workable, if slightly complex, solution to reaching Sequoia National Park from Los Angeles.
Planning Your Journey
Preparing for a trip from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park involves more than just picking a route. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it’s important to consider several key planning elements such as distance, expected travel time, seasonal factors, and the availability of services at your destination.
Distance and Travel Time
Sequoia National Park is located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California. The distance from Los Angeles to the Ash Mountain Entrance of the park — the most commonly used southern entrance — is approximately 215 to 230 miles, depending on your starting point and chosen route. On average, the drive takes between 4.5 to 6 hours under normal traffic conditions.
Travel time can vary significantly based on the time of day, weather, and road conditions. In winter, for example, mountain roads may be subject to closures or require tire chains, potentially extending the duration of the journey.
Choosing the Best Route
If you're driving, two popular routes include:
- Via CA-99 N and CA-198 E (through Visalia): This is one of the most direct routes, taking you through the Central Valley and into the park via the southern entrance. Ideal for those visiting the Giant Forest area.
- Via I-5 N and CA-180 E (through Fresno): This route is typically used if you plan to visit Kings Canyon National Park in conjunction with Sequoia, as both parks are connected.
Both options provide access to scenic views and small towns for rest stops or fuel. However, road conditions in and around the park can be steep and winding, especially as you approach the higher elevations, so plan accordingly.
Accommodation and Park Access
Before setting off, consider where you’ll stay. Sequoia National Park offers lodging options inside the park (such as Wuksachi Lodge) as well as camping grounds. In peak seasons, these fill up quickly, so booking in advance is essential. Alternatively, nearby towns like Three Rivers, Visalia, and Fresno offer a range of accommodations.
Entrance to Sequoia National Park requires a fee. As of 2024, the standard private vehicle entrance fee is $35, valid for 7 consecutive days and covering both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Annual passes and America the Beautiful passes are also accepted.
Seasonal Considerations
The best time to visit Sequoia National Park is typically from late spring through early fall. During these months, most park roads and facilities are fully open. In winter, higher elevations receive significant snowfall, which may limit access to certain areas of the park.
If planning a winter visit, be sure to check the National Park Service website for current road conditions, closures, and chain requirements. Some park areas may only be accessible by snowshoe or cross-country skiing in colder months, and shuttle services may be suspended.
Fuel, Food, and Supplies
Gas stations are not available within the park, so it's important to fill your tank before entering. The last major fuel stops when approaching from the south are in Visalia or Three Rivers. Also, while there are a few dining options inside the park, they can be limited, especially in the off-season. Bringing your own food and supplies is strongly recommended, particularly for longer stays or hikes.
Navigation and Mobile Coverage
GPS can be unreliable in mountainous areas, and cell service in Sequoia National Park is spotty at best. Always bring a physical map or download offline maps before your trip. The National Park Service provides free maps and travel guides that can be printed or saved to your device.
Planning ahead ensures a safe and memorable experience in one of California’s most stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're road-tripping or taking public transportation, understanding the logistics of the journey will help you make the most of your adventure.
Best Time to Travel
The most favorable time to visit Sequoia National Park from Los Angeles is between late spring and early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is more predictable, and most park facilities and roads are open. Summer offers the warmest temperatures and full access to park trails and attractions, but it also brings larger crowds. Spring and early fall provide a balance of pleasant weather and fewer visitors.
In winter, snowfall often causes road closures, especially on mountain passes, and tire chains may be required. If you plan to travel during the colder months, be sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts before departure.
Booking Information
Whether you choose to travel by bus, car, or a combination of services, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. For Greyhound and Amtrak services, tickets can be purchased online through their official websites or at stations. Booking early can also help secure better prices and preferred departure times.
If driving, consider reserving a vehicle in advance if you need a rental. During summer and holiday weekends, rental availability can be limited in Los Angeles.
Luggage Considerations
When using public transportation like Greyhound or Amtrak, be mindful of luggage restrictions. Greyhound passengers are typically allowed one carry-on and one checked bag for free, with additional fees for extra bags. Amtrak also has similar policies, with size and weight limitations.
If you're driving, you have the flexibility to carry more luggage, but be sure to pack efficiently, especially if you're planning to camp or stay inside the park where storage space may be limited.
Park Entrance Information
Sequoia National Park requires an entrance fee, which can be paid per vehicle, per person (for those arriving on foot or bike), or per motorcycle. As of 2024, the standard private vehicle fee is $35, valid for seven consecutive days. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which costs $80, is a great option if you plan to visit multiple national parks throughout the year.
Entrance stations typically accept both cash and credit cards. Visitors should also be aware that cell service can be limited at the park, so downloading passes or maps in advance is a good idea.
Seasonal Service Changes
Some transportation services and park facilities operate on a seasonal basis. For example:
- The Sequoia Shuttle, a convenient option within the park, usually runs from late May through early September.
- Certain roads and trails, especially those at higher elevations, may close during winter due to snow.
- Lodge and campground availability may also vary by season, so it's important to confirm accommodations before your trip.
Always check the official Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks website or contact visitor services for the most current information regarding service changes and seasonal closures.
The journey from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park is a scenic adventure perfect for a day trip or weekend escape. With a clear idea of the distance and route options, plus some foresight into seasonal conditions and travel logistics, your visit to one of California’s most awe-inspiring parks can be hassle-free. Whether you prefer the independence of driving or opt for a public transport combination, planning ahead ensures you'll spend less time navigating and more time marveling at giant sequoias.