Riding the Spine of Giants: Generals Highway and the Heart of Sequoia
A high-country scenic drive that delivers intimate encounters with the largest trees on Earth.
You round a blind hairpin and the world shifts. One moment the road is a ribbon through chaparral and live oak; the next it is shaded by trunks wider than houses, their reddish bark glowing like embers. The air cools. There is a hush you can feel in your bones—an animal quiet that seems to ask for respectful breathing. This is Generals Highway: the paved spine that stitches the Sierra foothills to the high groves of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and it delivers its audience to some of the most surprisingly intimate encounters with old growth trees left on Earth.
Trail Wisdom
Start early or late
Beat the mid-day crowds and capture the best light by visiting General Sherman and Crescent Meadow in the morning or late afternoon.
Layer for elevation
Temperatures can drop several degrees between Three Rivers and the Giant Forest—pack a warm layer even in summer.
Respect wildlife and trees
Stay on trails, do not climb on or touch sequoia roots, and keep a safe distance from wildlife to protect both you and the ecosystem.
Bring water and snacks
Short walks can feel strenuous at higher elevations; carry at least 1–2 liters of water per person and energy-rich snacks.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Beetle Rock and the hidden alcoves around Crescent Meadow for quiet picnic spots
- •Tokopah Falls trail (near Lodgepole) — a moderate walk to a photogenic cascade below granite cliffs
Wildlife
Black bear, Mule deer
Conservation Note
The parks emphasize Leave No Trace practices; staying on trails protects sequoia roots and understory plants, while paying entrance fees supports stewardship and trail maintenance.
Generals Highway was constructed in the early 20th-century to connect valley gateways with the parks' high-country attractions and to make the sequoia groves accessible to automobile-era visitors.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower displays in meadows, Cooler daytime temperatures
Challenges: Late snow may keep higher pullouts closed, Variable road conditions
Spring brings wildflowers and melting snow—many lower-elevation trails open early, but higher sections of Generals Highway can remain intermittent until late spring.
summer
Best for: Guaranteed access to higher groves, Warm valley weather
Challenges: Peak crowds and limited parking, Hot temperatures in the foothills
Summer reliably opens the highway and groves, but expect the most visitors; arrive early or book a small-group tour to avoid congestion.
fall
Best for: Fewer crowds and crisp air, Golden light for photography
Challenges: Shorter daylight hours, Cooling temperatures at elevation
Early fall offers clear air, lower visitation, and excellent photographic light—an optimal window for visiting the sequoias.
winter
Best for: Snow-dusted sequoias and quiet roads, Snowshoeing nearby
Challenges: Road closures and chain requirements, Limited services and reduced access
Winter can render parts of Generals Highway impassable; check road conditions and expect to use chains or avoid higher stretches entirely.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Provides traction on paved loops, roots, and rocky viewpoints around the groves.
Layered clothing (fleece + shell)Essential
Keeps you comfortable across temperature shifts as you gain elevation.
Water bottle or hydration pack (1–2L)Essential
Necessary for short hikes at high elevation where shade is limited.
Wide-angle lens or smartphone with panorama
Helps capture the scale of giant sequoias and sweeping meadow vistas.
Common Questions
Is Generals Highway open year-round?
Not always—higher sections can close in winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service road status before you go and be prepared for chain requirements when conditions warrant.
Do I need a permit to visit General Sherman or other groves?
No special permit is required for day visits, but park entrance fees apply. For overnight backcountry trips, separate permits are required.
Can I drive a regular car on Generals Highway?
Yes; the road is paved and suitable for standard vehicles, though some stretches are narrow and winding—drive cautiously and watch for large tour buses.
Are guided tours worth it?
A small-group tour from Three Rivers removes parking and navigation hassles, adds local interpretation, and can gain access to quieter spots you might miss on your own.
Is the General Sherman Tree accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
The paved loop to the General Sherman Tree is short and wheelchair-accessible with some grade; however, some surrounding trails are uneven.
What wildlife might I see along the highway?
Expect mule deer, squirrels, and seasonal black bear activity—observe from a distance and secure food properly.
What to Pack
Sturdy shoes for uneven paths, layered jacket for elevation chill, 1–2L water for hydration, sunscreen and hat for sun exposure.
Did You Know
The General Sherman Tree—adjacent to Generals Highway—is the largest known living single-stem tree by volume, estimated to be around 2,200–2,700 years old.
Quick Travel Tips
Buy a park pass or pay entrance fee in advance; arrive early to avoid crowds; download offline maps—cell service is spotty; check road/chain requirements in winter.
Local Flavor
Three Rivers serves as the relaxed gateway—expect local cafes serving hearty breakfasts, small outdoor outfitters, and seasonal farmers' stands; ranger-led talks in summer add deeper context to the groves' natural and cultural stories.
Logistics Snapshot
Know-before-you-go: park entrance fee required, variable road conditions (snow possible in winter), limited cell service, accessible short walks around major points, consider a guided small-group tour for convenience.
Sustainability Note
Stay on designated trails and boardwalks to protect shallow sequoia roots, pack out all trash, and consider taking a guided tour to reduce individual vehicle pressure on popular pullouts.