mcfam's Passport
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Send a ComplimentAbout Me & My Family
My husband and I have 4 kids... 3 boys and then our girl. We homeschool them all and travel when possible. We just started letterboxing and are finding ourselves a little obsessed with it.
Our Family's Travel Personality
adventurous, curious, structured, relaxed, simple, independent, spontaneous, easy_going
We Just Got Back From
Zion and Bryce National Parks
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
Camping in Kings Canyon or Yosemite
A Place We'd Love To Visit
The Redwoods in Northern California
Favorite Vacation Memory
Walking the meadows of Yosemite with my family. The quiet, the sparkling water, the rustling grasses, and a dip in the river made for an amazing day.
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
Anytime throw up is involved. Especially when one kid triggers another. And when we are in the car. And when they choose to use the box that is holding all their library books and toys.
Websites I Like:
Best family activities for Sequoia National Park
In the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park, families will love walking among the giant sequoias, climbing to the top of Moro Rock, and taking some gentle hikes. Here is a list of my family's favorite activities in Sequoia National Park.
47050 Generals Hwy
Sequoia National Park, California
Comment:
The Giant Forest Museum is a great first stop for families visiting Sequoia National Park. Unfortunately, this museum is open seasonally and was closed during our recent winter visit. Stop at the Foothills Visitor Center, Lodgepole Visitor Center, or the Grant Grove Visitor Center to find displays and great information on the area.
Highway 198
Sequoia National Park, California
Comment:
Across the street from the Giant Forest Museum is the large and relatively flat section of granite called "Beetle Rock". Our family loved scampering all over the rock with incredible views of the Central Valley and we could even see the Coastal Range 100 miles away.
reviewed on: January 01 2012
"Great rocks to scramble on"
My kids absolutely loved scrambling on and across the Beetle Rocks. They guessed that they got that name because the large ones (100 feet long by 20 feet wide) look like the backs of beetles. My 11 and 9 year old scrambled far down the hill to some lower boulders that they could climb to the top of. My 3 and 5 year old kept to the flatter rocks but had a great time crossing little "ravines" and up and down gentle slopes.We ate our lunch out here on a warm day in December. There was no snow and the sun warmed us to about 65 degrees. We could see the haze of the valley below, but the coastal ranges popped their heads out across the valley 100 miles away.
Parking is difficult in the winter. The parking lot for the Giant Forest Museum was closed, and we honestly could find no parking area except for a turnout just down the road. We parked there and scrambled down the gully and then up the rocks. That was pretty difficult with our little kids. When I realized I left my sunglasses in the car, and the light was glaring on the rock, I walked down the road to the turn out and found it was much easier going and not that far at all. That's the only parking spot I can "recommend" for the winter, but with traffic and snow, I would suggest dropping children and a parent off near the Giant Forest and then another parent parking the car.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park, California
Comment:
Take the road or ride on the shuttle from the Giant Forest Museum to the parking area of Moro Rock and then climb the 400 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the Central Valley to the west and the snow capped mountains of the Central Divide to the west. The climb is safe with excellent guard rails and steps, but it is best to hold on tight to little children as the drop offs beyond are not forgiving.
reviewed on: January 01 2012
"Steep climb with fantastic views"
My 9 year old loved climbing the 400 steps to the top of Moro Rock to see the amazing views down into the Central Valley and over to the Great Western Divide. He said he felt "as fresh as when he had started". My 11 year old felt much more queasy and was quite worried about falling. I talked him down.. and in doing so, reassured myself that it was quite safe to climb. The stone steps are steep and at times narrow, but my 3 and 5 year old handled them with ease. Even though we held tightly to their hands, the trail was bordered with a stone wall or double railings. They would have had to climb over the rocks or on the railing to endanger themselves... which is why we held on tight. They like to climb!
The views of the Great Western Divide (the snow covered mountain peaks... about 15 of them... at or above 12,000 feet) are incredible and really can only be seen from Moro Rock. We cautiously looked down at the curvy Highway 198 below us and "mocked" the cars driving down it. But just the next day, we headed down that road ourselves. Then my kids had fun looking up through the windows at the towering Moro Rock, so proud that they had climbed to the top of it!
Crescent Meadow Road
Sequoia National Park, California
Comment:
Drive through a fallen Sequoia tree on the road leading from Moro Rock to Crescent Meadow.
reviewed on: January 01 2012
"Fun drive through"
Driving through a Giant Sequoia tree might not top your list of "must-dos", but I'm sure it will delight your children! It's a simple drive through, with a bypass road just to the left for larger vehicles. Beware the long lines that can accumulate later in the day as people stop, get out of their cars, climb on their cars, climb on the tree, etc., just to get the best picture. Be sure to drive through on your way to Crescent Meadow as it basically is a one-way drive through with the long line of waiting cars.
Crescent Meadow Road
Sequoia National Park, California
Comment:
This beautiful meadow is alive with flowers in the spring, but it was still amazing covered in ice during our winter visit. There are picnic tables and trail heads at this nice area that families will enjoy.
reviewed on: January 01 2012
"Great hiking, beautiful meadow and forest"
Several hiking trails start at Crescent Meadow and we took the paved one to Tharpe's Log. My kids loved the open meadow (covered in snow and ice in December) and the flat trail that meandered through the woods. I was impressed with the moss covered trees and the sprinkling of Giant Sequoias on our walk. We didn't have a picnic at the tables in December, but I could imagine that it would be a beautiful, shaded, and warm place to enjoy a picnic in other seasons.
Crescent Meadow Road
Sequoia National Park, California
Comment:
This is a great destination point for a 1 1/2 mile round trip hike from Crescent Meadow. Kids will enjoy seeing how Mr. Tharp turned a fallen sequoia into his summer cabin. Along the trail you will see many Giant Sequoias.
reviewed on: January 01 2012
"Beautiful trail through Sequoias"
The 0.8 mile trail was a great one for our family to take on a warm December afternoon. It was relatively flat with minimal elevation changes and the woods were thick and beautiful. I was surprised at all of the green moss growing on the trunks of the trees, and when a Giant Sequoia popped out in the forest, it stood out in it's massiveness. Our kids, 3,5,9,11 enjoyed the walk and found it relatively easy, although our 3 year old needed carrying because of all the walking we had done that day. Any stroller would have worked well on the paved path.
My older kids were fascinated with the fallen Sequoia that Mr. Tharp turned into a rustic cabin, complete with a table, bench, bed, and fireplace. My little ones were too short to look over the wall that separated visitors from the viewing area into the cabin, so I had to lift them up several times.
I especially enjoyed seeing the Giant Sequoias in their element and not guarded by the large railings like those found near the General Sherman tree. Walking next to the meadows was beautiful as well.
There was a trail that went behind Tharp's Log with a marker to "Chimney Tree" and had we taken it, I believe it would have looped back to the trail leading back to Crescent Meadow and would only add 0.1 mile, but we were too tired to try it, and the path was unpaved. Next time!
Highway 198
Sequoia National Park, California
Comment:
Located just a 1/2 mile north from the Giant Forest Museum, this 1 mile loop around a beautiful meadow will delight families with Giant Sequoias and interpretive signs. Restroom available on loop.
reviewed on: January 01 2012
"Great family trail through the Sequoias"
This is a great trail for families to take through the Giant Sequoias and around a beautiful meadow. * Less than a 1 mile loop (perfect amount of family walking)
* Paved for easy accessibility
* Restrooms (Just to the left of the start of the loop)
* No stairs
* Plenty of off trail rocks and logs to climb.
* Incredible views of Giant Sequoias from near by and across the meadow.
* Interpretive signs to help understand the Sequoias and what they need to grow.
We enjoyed walking this loop in late December with our kids, ages 3-11. Our 3 year old was able to walk most of it, but if we had needed a stroller, it would have worked well on the paved trail and boardwalk. My older boys frequently found large rocks to climb on and explore. There was a fallen giant on the west side of the meadow (up the hill) that we saw another family exploring. There were great examples of fire scars, ashy ground with baby sequoias, and young juvenile trees. The Giant Sequoias were incredibly beautiful and magnificent.
On the downside, the parking is limited, although in December, we didn't have trouble finding a spot. The parking lot of the Giant Forest Museum was closed for the season, so I don't know where people would park except at some turnout on the road (not a great choice) in the winter. In the summer, parking is accessible at the Giant Forest, but it will add another 1/2 mile to the trail. The restrooms are pit toilets, which I really don't enjoy as a woman or for my daughter, but they work.
The interpretive signs needed to be read by my older kids and I helped apply the lesson. They were helpful and informative.
This is definitely a trail to take as a family and enjoy!
47050 Generals Highway
Sequoia National Park, California
Comment:
The shuttle stop for the trail to this tree (largest in the world) is just off of the road, north of the Giant Forest Museum. During the summer (crowded seasons) this stop is closed to parking except for cars with accessibility badges. Because the trail to the tree from the parking lot near Wolverton is not stroller friendly, I suggest taking the shuttle or asking for a parking pass for the lower shuttle stop lot.
reviewed on: January 01 2012
"Amazing tree, unfriendly trail"
We found the parking and trail down to this massive tree to be quite un-family friendly. On our winter trip, we parked at the top lot off of the Wolverton Road because we thought the bottom parking lot was reserved only for handicap parking. The trail was wide and nice and less than 1/2 mile, but there were lots of steps down. It was clearly marked that the trail descends about 200 feet down to the tree. We needed to use a restroom but the bathroom at the top of the trail was not "winterized" and we had to wait to get to the bottom of the trail.About 3/4 of the way there, we reached the "footprint" of the General Sherman which was a large turnout on the trail with a very large stone circle that marks the dimensions of the base of the tree. Really cool... and great for our kids to see.
At the bottom of the hill, the trail forks into many paths which take you past many different amazing Giant Sequoias, including walking through a fallen one. At last we reached the viewing point of the General Sherman and we were impressed and humbled with it's massive creation.
The un-friendly aspect of this trail was the prospect of hiking back up the trail to our car. I knew my 3 year old would not make it unless I carried her because she had already been crying from tiredness and hunger. I considered wishing that we had brought a jogging stroller to help her, but I realized that it would not work on the trail because the stairs came in sets of 4 or 5 which no jogging stroller (or any stroller) could hurdle. The borders of the trail are guarded by stones and a cement curb, which would prohibit bypassing the steps either. My husband ended up hiking back to the car and driving down and around to the shuttle stop, which by now was loaded with other cars (without handicap placards) to pick us up.
Recommendations:
* If you come in the winter, usually the upper lot is closed by snow, so park in the lower lot which provides easy and flat access to the General Sherman.
* Come early in the day: before 11 am, if you would like to find easy parking and a less crowded trail. The trails and lot were completely packed in the afternoon!
* If you come in the summer, consider taking the shuttle, or asking for an "accessibility" pass that will allow parking in the lower lot, if you have a stroller.
It's definitely worth visiting this area to see the largest tree in the world! But if you are wanting to take a trail to see the Giant Sequoias, consider taking a trail at Crescent Meadow or the Big Trees Trail.
Sequoia National Park
Woodlake, California
Comment:
From the Lodgepole area take the trail up to Tokopah Falls and stop anywhere along the trail for a rest or explore along the creek.
Generals Highway
Sequoia National Park, California
Comment:
This cave is located on the road between the Foothills Visitor Center and the Giant Forest Museum (Hwy 198). Make sure you PURCHASE TICKETS BEFORE you go. You cannot purchase tour tickets at the cave. Tickets can be purchased at several locations including the Foothills Visitor Center and Lodgepole Visitor Center.
Generals Highway
Sequoia National Park, California
Comment:
This is a large campground that is open year round and is a favorite for its close location to the Giant Forest sequoias, Tokopah Falls and with great amenities at the Lodgepole Market and Visitor Center.
64740 Wuksachi Way Wuksachi Vi
Sequoia National Park, California
reviewed on: January 11 2012
"Amazing beauty, great hotel"
The beauty that surrounds this mountain lodge is indescribable. As I walked in to the front lobby, the sun was setting behind it on Mount Silliman and birds were singing in the trees. I was enjoying our stay at the Wuksachi Lodge already! After checking into our room, we hiked up the hill behind our building to see the sunset. I was amazed at the beauty and the incredible view into the Central Valley. I stood on a rock with an ancient mortar hole, created by a Native American, and I imagined that she was a woman from the Wuksachi Tribe that first inhabited Sequoia and who must have watched the sunset just like I was.Things we loved:
* Location. Location. Location. Short car drives to Giant Sequoia groves, grand vistas, and beautiful hikes. Mountain streams and forests of conifers surround the area with trails leading off in all directions from the Lodge.
* Free Wi-Fi in the lobby and restaurant. This is a new feature for these mountain areas as they have been “off the grid” for as long as I can remember. Having free service is always a plus.
* Comfortable and spacious room (we were in a Superior Room) with a set of sliding doors closing off a small living room for us parents.
* In-room refrigerator, coffee maker, TV (with cable… not always guaranteed in the mountains), and beautiful window views of the Sierra and the pine forest.
* Very delicious food in the Lodge Restaurant. Make reservations before you come or upon arrival: they are REQUIRED for dinner. Call (559) 565-4070.
* Games to play in the lobby.
Things we weren’t so keen on:
* Meals at the fine dining restaurant were very tasty, but came with pretty high prices. In the winter there is nowhere else to secure a meal, unless you consider snack food from the gift shop as a meal. We compromised by really enjoying our food for one dinner, and then bringing other food from a grocery store on our way. During the summer, the market and grill are open at the Lodgepole Village, Grant Grove Village, and at Hume Lake.
COMFORTABLE BEDS
We stayed in the Sequoia Building on the first floor and found the beds to be comfortable and the linens updated and nice. We had the Superior Room, which had two queen beds in one large room, and a TV and sleeper sofa in another room separated by pocket doors. The pull out bed was unfortunately quite uncomfortable, even for our 11-year-old, as the head of the mattress (near the couch) was about six inches lower in elevation than the foot. We had our two kids put their pillows at the other end and they found it more comfortable.
MODERN AMENITIES
You don’t have to trade “Rustic Mountain Experience” for all the modern amenities you enjoy at hotels. I was very appreciative of central heating, television, telephones, hair driers, iron/board, and daily maid service in this hotel.
BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS
The main lobby of the Wuksachi Lodge is in a rustic-styled building and only houses the front desk, gift shop, lobby sitting area, bar, and restaurant on the first floor. Downstairs is the conference rooms and gift shop, which is where cross-country skis and snowshoes can be rented seasonally. The guest rooms are housed in 3 separate lodge buildings (2-3 stories each) located about 300 yards away. There are beautiful lighted paths that wind through young pine trees between the lobby and lodge buildings. We really enjoyed walking to and from the lobby for dinner, and my kids were astonished at the number of stars they could see in the night sky. It was incredibly beautiful.
TOP-NOTCH RESTAURANT
We were impressed with the kindly service and the delicious food in the Wuksachi Restaurant. We had made reservations early and were glad we did as the large room was packed with families enjoying dinner. The kids were disappointed that there weren’t crayons or the typical kids menu activity page to enjoy, but they seemed fine waiting for their pizza (really tasty), macaroni and cheese, and cheeseburgers while we played a game of “find the hidden quarter” on the table. I stole bites of my husband’s bacon-wrapped meatloaf (pleasantly spicy with amazing taste) but I was mostly absorbed in my tender sea scallops and “melt-in-your-mouth” mashed potatoes. Our waitress was pleasant, helpful, and prompt. In the morning, the restaurant serves a breakfast buffet, and then lunch, as well. Guests can also order box lunches such as “Fresh Albacore Tuna Salad on Croissant” or kids lunches to take with them as they explore Sequoia. There is also a dining room Take-Out Menu available from 5pm-8:30pm.
TIPS
There are definitely some things I want to recommend to help other families best enjoy their stay at Wuksachi, so read below and take heed!
* Drive up early and get there before dark. The curvy roads through the park are not lighted and it can feel confusing to drive in the dark. Besides, you'll miss one of the main reasons to visit this lodge: the beauty around it is astounding!
* Make dinner reservations before coming, or as soon as you can on arrival. They fill up quickly. During the winter, it is the ONLY place within a 1-hour drive to get dinner.
* If you are on a careful budget, consider bringing breakfast bars and picnic lunch items from home for meals.
* Do not unload your car when you are at the lobby. You will have to drive to a different parking lot to get to the building you are staying in. There are wheeled carts to assist you in getting your things up the hill to your room. If you have mobility problems, ask for a room on the first floor, as there are no elevators in the lodge buildings.
DRIVING SUGGESTIONS
I have driven all 3 highways in to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park over the years and I recommend taking Highway 180, no matter what your Google or MapQuest directions suggest. Highway 198 and 245 may be a shorter distance but the time spent on very curvy roads can increase driving time and carsickness. Check road conditions, as there is construction on all 3 highways during the 2012 year. Always bring tire chains, especially from November to May. Vehicles longer than 22 feet must take Highway 180, and please note that there is no gas in the park.
BOTTOM LINE
I highly recommend staying at the Wuksachi Lodge on a visit to Sequoia National Park. I actually recommend placing a visit to this National Park on any family’s “Must See List,” and choosing the Wuksachi Lodge as headquarters (especially in the winter) will make the visit much more enjoyable.
This review is based on a complimentary stay at the Wuksachi Lodge. I received no other compensation and the business owner did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view. The opinions I express are my own.
