I didn’t really know what to expect when heading to Sequoia. I had heard great things things about the park, but in my mind it didn’t share the same ‘wow element’ as Yosemite. It became clear that trying to compare these two parks was a mistake. They are very different and therefore beautifully unique. Where Yosemite has more of a grand ‘in your face’ beauty, Sequoia’s is quiet and subtle…it leads you on and draws you in. Showing itself to those who venture beyond the first glance.
The drive to Sequoia from Yosemite is quite beautiful (once you get off the freeway that is). It winds east from the freeway passing flowing mountain ranges and occasional vineyards, there were even some moments i could’ve sworn I was back home again. Entering into Sequoia is a similar experience to Yosemite. You are greeted by friendly park rangers and ushered up to the visitors centre a few minutes drive from the main entrance. Because I only had half a day here, I wanted to see as much as I could of the lower part of the park (most of the main points of interest are on this side of the park). I was completely spoilt for choice. The volunteers at the foothills visitors centre know everything you could possibly want to know about the national park and can suggest a great day plan if, like me, its a limited visit.
A few of the main points you won’t want to miss are General Sherman tree, Moro rock and Tunnel log. General Sherman tree is the biggest in the world and therefore one of the park’s main attractions. Standing at its base, it’s branches tower into the sky above creating a canopy for the forest floor below. Moro rock is totally worth a look also. It gives great panoramic views of the park from an elevation that makes you feel on the top of the world. Carved into the side of the rock itself, the steps lead from a clearing up and around the side of the rock itself, giving views that show the vastness of the southern section of the national park. Tunnel Log was one of the fun things I found along the way. It’s a small loop road in which a car can drive through this fallen tree. Not terribly complicated, but very amusing.
I would recommend is doing a hike through the Sequoia trees if you get the chance. There are many to choose from. Get away from the main roads in the park and wander until you can just hear the crunching of your own footsteps, the flow of the small rivers and the gentle chirping of the birds perching overhead. I’ve discovered living in a bustling city it’s incredibly rare to hear the stillness of nature above the busyness of life. Turns out I missed it more than I wanted to admit.
My day ended in a wonderful, yet unexpected way. I was trying to find the walking track to beetle rock, but for whatever reason got completely confused with the signposts along the way. The track I ended up following was better than I could have ever imagined. It was one of the shorter hikes ending up at sunset rock. Let me say, it defiantly lives up to the name. The small track leads from a large group of sequoia trees, past a river and up to a collection of pine before opening up to a cliff top clearing.
What is discovered at the end of that path took my breath away. A huge rock awaits, giving the perfect view over the westerly side of the national park. The more time spent there, the more impressive it becomes. I was lucky enough to be the only one there at sunset, taking in the uninterrupted view over the valley below. The only things to be heard…the woodpecker birds in the towering deciduous behind me and the faint roar of marble falls below the place I perched. What transpired before my eyes was nothing short of incredible. The scattered haze of the evening lit up the sky, radiating beams as the sun made its way towards the horizon line and behind the mountain range, creating a spectrum from the sweetest shades of pink to intense burnt oranges. Sunset rock will always stay in my mind as one of my favourite sunsets.
Still don’t know if I ever came across beetle rock?
Sending hugs & smiles,
Vanessa
