Family Trip to Sequoia National Park

I visited Yosemite a few years ago and thought it was time to go to Sequoia during Labor Day weekend. My mom has never been to a national park before so I took her along with me. We left on Friday (9/4) morning and drove 4 hours to the Ash Mountain entrance of the park.  I got my car pass a month ahead of time to show proof for quick entry but there was no line of car ahead. My Prius did well on steep windy road up the mountain. We stopped along the way to enjoy the sights and take pictures. Tunnel Rock was our first stop. It was before noon and getting hot. I brought tons of water and a cooler of snacks. We tried to keep cool and hydrated as we explored the park.

After checking out Hospital Rock, we went to see the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest tree measured by volume. Mom stopped along the trail and rested on a bench while I continued down the steps to the tree. There are handicapped accessible parking further down, but since I was driving my car I could not park there. My mom has a disabled placard in her old Camry but she doesn't like to drive long distances.  

I loved the view higher up at 6,000 ft. Mom enjoyed the scenery as a passenger and took naps along the way while I drove. I decided to see Tokopah Falls, a 1,200 ft waterfall but mom took a look at the steep trail and decided to go back and wait in the car. It was quite hot, but the trees provided shade and much relief from the sun. I was challenged by the elevation and the trail but it was worth a hike to the majestic waterfall. My legs were sore after the hike so I rubbed some Hit! Balm on my calves after a shower and chilled out in my room with the air conditioning on. It was over 100 degrees outside.

On the second day, we went to see the General Grant Tree but there were lines of cars at the park entrance. We drove further and had lunch at Lodgepole campground. Mom and I walked through the hollow tree on our way around to see the tree and its fire scar. I wanted to go horseback riding, but they were booked weeks ahead of time.