Things to Do
Mather's Peak Alternatives
Sequoia Trees: John Muir Grove
The John Muir Grove provides the greatest opportunity for solitude among giant sequoias in any national park.
Granite Dome Views: Little Baldy
Little Baldy provides all the glory of Moro Rock with almost none of the hassle. Just be prepared for a workout.
5 Hikes That Mather
Additional Mathers
Park Shuttle: Free & Mediocre
Sequoia’s free shuttle system is, like most park shuttles, decent but not great. The buses just don’t come frequently enough to prevent long lines from forming. At some point, especially if you’re going to Moro Rock or General Sherman during peak hours, you’ll end up waiting for more than one bus.
Crystal Cave Tours
If exploring caves interests your or your kids, you can (and must) book tours of varying lengths. Longer tours book up sooner, so it's a good idea to buy tickets when you reserve your campground.
Mather's One-Day Itinerary
These times are based on summer daylight hours, typical temperatures, and crowd sizes.
6:00a - Wake Up
7:00a - Arrive Moro Rock
7-8am - Climb/Enjoy Moro Rock
8-9am - Full Breakfast
10am - Arrive John Muir Grove Trailhead
10a-130p - John Muir Grove (fill out your junior ranger book beneath the sequoias for bonus points)
130-230p - Lunch
230-430p - Little Baldy
5-6p - Dinner at Pinewood Picnic Area (busy during the day, empty in evening)
6-9p - General Sherman/Congress Trail
10p - Pass Out