When most people think of California, the thoughts usually involve palm trees, sunshine, and beaches. Unbeknownst to many, California is also home to some of the most beautiful mountains in the world and yes, it does, in fact, snow in California. Home to the world's biggest tree by mass, Sequoia National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is truly is a destination unlike anywhere else. Imagine thousands of trees in every direction, packed together very densely, reaching hundreds of feet into the sky. Some of the tallest, widest, and flat out biggest trees you have ever seen exist here. I was absolutely blown away.
I also edited a short film from my visit:
I hope these photos & videos have been able to convey to you how much natural beauty actually exists in Sequoia. So, next time you're in California, while you should definitely give the beach a visit, don't forget to visit the mountains too.
Thanks you for reading!
Really nice video! I'm living in Long Beach, California at the moment (moved here from Finland two months ago) and I really look forward to going to Sequoia and Yosemite. When do you think is the best time of the year to go there? :)
No way! I'm actually living and studying Long Beach, California as well. What a small world.
I've only been to Sequoia in the winter time, and Yosemite in the summer. So those are the only two times I can really recommend. Summer is unbeatable. If you enjoy hiking, swimming, camping, then I would definitely recommend going starting in March or April. Spring/Summer in the Sierras is breathtaking.
Haha, that's funny! Do you go to Cal State? It definitely is a small world!
Sequoia in wintertime must be really cold? Did you rent a cabin or just have really warm sleeping bags? I might go there during thanksgiving week, and we were planning on sleeping in the car but I am afraid it's gonna be way too cold...
I'd say anytime June-September is great. Any time outside of that you could find road closures due to snow. It all depends on the weather that year. And different times have different benefits/problems. June will have high water flow from the snowmelt so waterfalls will look really awesome, but creek crossings can be hazardous. July and August are the warmest weather, but the bugs can get bad. September the fall colors can be amazing, but the nights can start to get really cold. Personally I like September the best.
Okay! Thanks for the tips :) I'm only staying in California until next june so I guess I'll try to go in late may or june. I look forward to seeing the waterfalls! My mom is visiting me in March and I would love to show her the mountains, but I guess the roads might still be closed then...
It all just depends on the weather. Definitely go to Yosemite for the waterfalls. May/June is a great time to see the waterfalls. Yosemite valley is at lower elevations and can be great even earlier in the year as long as you aren't trying to get into the high country. March would most likely be fine for Yosemite valley, but a late snowstorm would still be a possibility. Here's a picture of Nevada falls. It isn't the largest waterfall in Yosemite, but it's my favorite!
Looks gorgeous!! Yes I will definitely go to Yosemite for the waterfalls. My mother loves nature so I am trying to figure out all the most stunning places to take her to when she's here :) I feel like she won't enjoy the cities too much, they're too hectic. Yosemite valley is definitely on the list now :)
I love Sequoia! You are right, so many people think all of California is beaches. The highlight of California is actually the mountains! Nice photos and video.