Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is a time when I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same. Today I'm reliving a piece of our recent vacation to Sequoia National Park!
This year, we decided to conquer a couple of the national parks on our vacation. Our itinerary included Sequoia, King's Canyon, and Yosemite. Our friends, Jill and Craig, came on the trip too and were our partners in fun. We flew from St. Louis to Fresno, rented a car, and headed to our rental just outside Sequoia National Park. If you missed the review about the house we rented, you can read it
HERE.
We arrived at the house in the early afternoon and after settling in a bit, decided to head to the park to get the lay of the land. Turns out, this was the best decision ever! The park was not crowded and we were able to do a few things on our list without long lines or waits.
First, the trees are GINORMOUS! Standing beneath a giant sequoia is an experience you’ll never forget. These towering trees, found only on the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, are the largest living things on Earth by volume. Many soar over 250 feet tall, with bases wider than most houses. Their cinnamon-colored bark, thick and deeply grooved, tells the story of thousands of years—some have stood for more than 2,000 years, weathering storms, fires, and seasons without end.
What’s most amazing is how serene they feel. Walking through a grove of giant sequoias feels like stepping into a natural cathedral. Sunlight filters through their high branches, the air is hushed, and there’s a sense of timelessness that makes you pause and simply take it all in. These trees aren’t just part of nature—they’re monuments to endurance, resilience, and the quiet power of the natural world.
On our first night, we had dinner at the Wuksachi Lodge restaurant and lucked out with a window seat looking out over the mountains—the perfect spot to watch a breathtaking sunset.
We had a full agenda for Day Two. Top on the list was climbing Moro Rock. This rock looms overhead when you enter the park and, as you can see from the picture, the road to get there is a little curvy.
To get to the top, you take the 350-step staircase up the massive granite dome. There are handrails along the way. Climbing Moro Rock is equal parts challenge and reward.
The steep stone staircase winds upward with dizzying drop-offs on either side. But the moment you step onto the summit, every ounce of effort melts into awe. The world opens up in a sweeping 360-degree view—jagged Sierra peaks in the distance, forest stretching endlessly below, and the sky feeling just within reach. Standing there, you can’t help but feel a mix of exhilaration, triumph, and deep gratitude. It’s the kind of moment that makes you catch your breath—not from the climb, but from the sheer beauty and accomplishment of it all.
In the afternoon, we hiked another trail along a riverbed. I feel if you were visiting in the spring, most of what we were walking on would be underwater.
We enjoyed a nice picnic in the shade of the trees and relaxed. Our next adventure was taking part in
Wonders of the Night Sky, a stargazing trip from Wuksachi Lodge. This expert-led stargazing adventure fills up fast, so book ahead of you're interested! The views of the stars in a truly dark sky were amazing.
Sequoia National Park is a place that takes your breath away the moment you arrive. Home to the largest trees on Earth, it’s where you can walk among giants that have stood for thousands of years. Beyond the awe-inspiring sequoias, the park offers stunning mountain vistas, crystal-clear streams, and peaceful meadows that feel worlds away from the hustle of everyday life. Whether you’re hiking to a sweeping viewpoint, climbing Moro Rock for an unforgettable panorama, or simply sitting in the shade of a massive tree, Sequoia has a way of making you feel both humbled and inspired. It’s not just a park to visit—it’s an experience to treasure.
The next day, we were off to King's Canyon. I'll be sharing that day with you soon!
Now it's your turn. What are you thinking out loud about today? Link up and share!
