Travel Budget for Sequoia National Park Visit Sequoia National Park on a Budget or Travel in Style

Sequoia National Park, California, United States of America
North America / United States of America / The West / California /
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Sequoia National Park is a surreal national park known for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Sequoia National Park, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Sequoia National Park?

You should plan to spend around $152 per day on your vacation in Sequoia National Park. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $53 on meals
  • $56 on local transportation
  • $127 on hotels

A one week trip to Sequoia National Park for two people costs, on average, $2,128. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $152
  • One Week Per person
    $1,064
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,128
  • One Month Per person
    $4,560
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,128
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,256
  • One Month For a couple
    $9,120
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Sequoia National Park cost?

A one week trip to Sequoia National Park usually costs around $1,064 for one person and $2,128 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Sequoia National Park on average costs around $2,128 for one person and $4,256 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Sequoia National Park will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Sequoia National Park on average costs around $4,560 for one person and $9,120 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Sequoia National Park expensive to visit?

Sequoia National Park is a popular national park that attracts a diverse array of travelers, reflecting a mix of travel styles and spending habits. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.

Sequoia National Park can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including enjoying the free hiking trails and finding more rustic accommodation.

On average, budget travelers spend $67 per day, mid-range travelers spend $152 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $291 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sequoia National Park.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Sequoia National Park is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in North America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Hope, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Key West.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Sequoia National Park Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Sequoia National Park?

The average Sequoia National Park trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sequoia National Park travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sequoia National Park cost?

Sequoia National Park on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$28 $64 $121
Local Transportation 1 $24 $56 $106
Food 2 $23 $53 $102
Entertainment 1 $13 $31 $59
Alcohol 2 $2-5 $4-12 $7-22

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Sequoia National Park without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $67 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Sequoia National Park will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $152 per person, per day.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $291. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the national park means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Stargazing - Sequoia National Park - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Sequoia National Park

Hotel prices in Sequoia National Park can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $267, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $498. Budget accommodations range from $267 to $0, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Sequoia National Park for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $127. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $64 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $64
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $127

Hotels in Sequoia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Sequoia National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Sequoia National Park

The average hotel room price in Sequoia National Park based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $267 in the low season and $498 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a very family friendly national park. If you're traveling with kids, you'll likely want to find an apartment or accommodation with more space.

Many people spend up to a week in Sequoia National Park. If you're here for an extended time, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be helpful for preparing your own meals.

By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of summer, you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Sequoia National Park

The public transit system in Sequoia National Park is not very good. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.

Regrettably, the walkable areas in the national park are quite limited. While there are countless hiking trails, you'll need a car to efficiently get around the park.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (moderate)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $56 per person, per day, on local transportation in Sequoia National Park. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sequoia National Park is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $56

Transportation Tips

If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.



Flights to Sequoia National Park
How much does it cost to go to Sequoia National Park? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Sequoia National Park
The price of renting a car in Sequoia National Park will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Sequoia National Park

In Sequoia National Park, you'll find limited food options that aren't the best in quality. It's wise to prioritize your budget for activities that provide a better return on your time. There are restaurants, cafes, and markets in the park where you can pick up food. Some options are only open seasonally so check in advance to make sure you understand the options.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Sequoia National Park can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sequoia National Park is $53 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $53

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sequoia National Park is around $53 ($53) per person, with previous travelers spending from $23 to $102. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Sequoia National Park are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $5 to $16
  • Lunch: $8 to $21
  • Dinner: $16 to $37
  • Coffee: $4
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $8

For visitors staying overnight, it is a good idea to consider buying food and supplies in advance on the way to the park. Once inside the park, King's Canyon, Lodgepole, and Cedar Grove visitor centers as well as Mineral King Ranger Station do have some food and shops available. Lodgepole and Mineral King are located within Sequoia National Park while King's Canyon and Cedar Grove are located within Kings Canyon National Park. The shops mostly sell maps, books, and educational materials. Lodgepole has a deli, market, and snack bar offering a variety of foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while Cedar Grove has a snack bar with some light meal and snack options. There is also a small selection of restaurants located at the park's lodges and resorts, as well as picnic areas scattered throughout.

Food & Dining Tips

If you're on a trip with your kids, find restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can really help you save money since those options are typically much more affordable. Some places might not show the kids' meals on their menu, so be sure to check with your waiter first.

Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.

By making a picnic, you can save money and take in the views. Locate a nearby grocery store or market, pick up some fresh food, and find a charming park or scenic location for your meal.

Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.

While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sequoia National Park

Visitors find Sequoia National Park irresistible, especially for its hiking, budget-friendly accommodations, family-friendly activities, and romance.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sequoia National Park typically cost an average of $31 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $31

A fee of $20 per private vehicle allows entrance to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Sequoia, of course, is named for its groves of the largest known trees in the world, while Kings Canyon is named for the deep valley cut over time by the Kings River. Both parks harbor alpine and woodland habitats for a vast array of plant and animal species like black bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes.

Grants Grove is one of the first features visitors will see, located near the west entrance of Sequoia. Another collection of groves is situated in Giant Forest, a few miles south of the main visitor center. This site is also home to the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest tree (by volume and weight) as well as a museum. South of the Giant Forest, visitors can also climb a staircase to the summit of Moro Rock - a granite dome with spectacular views of Sequoia's mountains and the Great Western Divide. Crystal Cave is another popular attraction, an excellent example of a marble cavern with streams and interesting rock formations.

Other attractions of the adjoining parks include the Tunnel Tree, Crescent Meadow, Cedar Grove, and Mineral Kings. Most of the popular locations can be reached along the scenic drive and pull-off areas, while others must be approached via hiking trails.



Sequoia and Kings Canyon both have plenty of opportunities for hiking and overnight backpacking. Each area of the parks has its own network of trails for all levels of difficulty. Check with a ranger at one of the visitor centers to get an idea of which routes might be most suitable, or plan ahead of time by checking out the trail descriptions on the National Park Service website. A few suggested day hikes include Alta Peak, Tokopah Falls, Lookout Peak, and Mist Falls. Each path winds past scenic views with natural features from dense forest and waterfalls to sunny meadows, towering granite cliffs, and grand vistas. Other activities include things like horseback riding, fishing, rock-climbing, and camping. In the winter, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular.

Sightseeing Tips

Hiking:
The hiking scene in Sequoia National Park is truly remarkable. Hiking options range from day hiking to overnight backpacking. The hikes can be easy and accessible or more challenging, but whatever your style, you're sure to be amazed by this spectacular setting. The trails wander through high reaching trees or along steep canyons. Some of the most popular trails include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.

A nice way to explore destinations in Sequoia National Park is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Sequoia National Park Adventure from Tulare for $299 details
  • 5 Star Rated Sequoia National Park Tour for $289 details
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Sequoia and Kings Canyon for $25 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Sequoia National Park

The nightlife in Sequoia National Park is pretty much non-existent. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $7.84 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Sequoia National Park per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $7.84
Nightlife Tips

Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Sequoia National Park

  • In summer, you'll find prices climbing and the national park brimming with visitors. For a more affordable and peaceful experience, try to plan your visit during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • By taking a slower approach to travel, you can enjoy the local beauty while saving money. When you jam-pack your schedule with activities, your expenses can skyrocket. But if you allow yourself to relax and take in the sights, you might find you're spending less overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Sequoia National Park has limited options for public transportation. You might want to rent a car or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
  • Hostels are not plentiful in Sequoia National Park, so if you're banking on finding a budget dorm, it may be time to rethink your travel plans. A cheap hotel or apartment rental could be a much better option.
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Traveling in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park Sequoia National Park, California

Located in the southern part of California's Sierra Nevada mountain range, Sequoia National Park is best known for its giant sequoia trees, most notably the General Sherman tree which stands as the largest tree in the world. The park is also noted for features like the Crystal Cave, Moro Rock, and Tunnel Tree.

Since they are adjacent to each other, Sequoia National Park almost operates as a single unit with Kings Canyon National Park which offers more opportunities for experiencing mountain and forest scenery.



Neighborhoods & Around

The nearest major cities are Fresno and Visalia, located to the west of the parks. Fresno is the main gateway to the area via plane, while Visalia offers a direct shuttle into the park from its train station. Both are prime locations to stock up on food and supplies before entering park territory, offering all the comforts and amenities of civilization.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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