Sequoia National Park Fall Color Report: November 2025
Hi friends! If you’re wondering what fall looks like right now inside Sequoia National Park, this real-time update will walk you through everything I experienced last week, including where the best colors are hanging on, what’s already fading, and the beautiful pockets you must catch before winter arrives.
Despite the ongoing government shutdown, Sequoia is still open and absolutely stunning in November. You should expect fewer services, closed visitor centers, and quieter-than-usual trails. There’s something truly magical about having parts of the Giant Forest nearly to yourself on a crisp fall day. Below is your full report, so you can quickly scan what’s peaking, what’s fading, and what’s still worth the drive. All images in this report were captured November 4–5, 2025.
Sequoia Fall foliage at Hazelwood Nature Trail
Sequoia & Kings Canyon 2-4 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
If you’re planning a Sequoia National Park road trip, make sure to download my complete Sequoia & Kings Canyon 2-4 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes an hour-by-hour schedule, Google & Apple map pin locations, the best stargazing spots, a dining guide, recommendations on where to stay, activities outside the park, and more! Download it today and make your national park planning easy!
Fall leaves near Big Trees Trail in Sequoia National Park
Fall Color Status (as of 11/5/25)
🟢🟡🟠 Foothills (1,000–4,000 ft): Mid season color. Mostly developing scattered yellow beginning at Swinging Bridge & along river corridors near Hospital Rock.
🟠🔴🟤 Giant Forest (5,500–7,000 ft): Just past peak but beautiful. Dogwood leaves falling fast, fading reds, some remaining bronze & soft gold along Big Trees Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, and Generals Highway as you enter the Giant Forest.
🟠🟤⚪️ High Country (>7,000 ft): Fall color is finished for the season.
Foothills Visitor Center closed due to government shutdown
Current Conditions by Area
Entering from Three Rivers
With the government shutdown still in effect, there are no rangers collecting entrance fees, no paper maps being handed out, and no staff available to share park information. Restrooms remain open, but expect limited services for the foreseeable future. Many travelers were stopping at Tunnel Rock, but there’s no fall color here right now — just the classic granite view. If you want actual foliage, keep moving up the road.
Foothills Visitor Center
The visitor center is currently closed due to the government shutdown, though the restrooms here are open. This is a good reminder to:
• Pack out all trash
• Park only in designated areas
• Be extra mindful of wildlife + store food properly
• Bring your own maps (download offline maps before your trip)
Swinging Bridge along the Kaweah River in Sequoia National Park
Swinging Bridge (Dump Station Pull-Off)
A quick scramble leads to the picturesque suspension bridge and beautiful river views where the yellow colors have begun to appear. This area usually colors later than the higher elevations, and that pattern is holding true this year. Always adventure with wisdom and caution near the waters edge, cold water temperatures and swift moving river currents must not be underestimated as water fatalities happen inside the park almost every year.
Hospital Rock
The pictographs at Hospital Rock are gorgeous (as always), and the trail down to the river offers peaceful views, but foliage is still mostly green this week. Walk the short trail down to the water for more of the yellow colors. For more info on this unique Sequoia spot, check out my full Hospital Rock post.
Generals Highway
As you climb in elevation, the scenery shifts. The Amphitheater Point Viewpoint is breathtaking right now, with sweeping views of the Great Western Divide and pops of Fall colors perched along the hillside below Moro Rock. As you continue further up Generals Highway, the dogwoods and other foliage are really vibrant just past the Giant Forest sign and as you drive beneath The Four Guardians.
Fall colors at Tunnel Log in Sequoia National Park
Tunnel Log
Always one of the most photogenic spots in fall. The dogwoods lining the approach are currently a mix of peaking and just past peak, with many fallen leaves and just a few trees still holding on to some soft reds. While some small clumps remain vibrant, the peak 2025 color was clearly peaking last weekend. See my full Tunnel Log for more info on this park visitor favorite spot.
Crescent Meadow
This popular loop trail is a beautiful walk, but the color is fading fast. Most trees have lost their leaves and the meadow is transitioning into its late-fall look with the beautiful green summer ferns now wilting and bronze. Just eight weeks ago this meadow was lush green...it’s amazing how quickly Sequoia transforms.
Giant Forest Museum Area
Typically bustling mid-afternoon, but with the government shutdown, I had the entire plaza and the Sentinel Tree to myself at 2pm...definitely not something you would typically expect. The museum is completely closed, but restrooms & parking are accessible. From here, walk the short connector trail toward Big Trees Trail and Hazelwood Nature Trail, which is where the colors were richest this week. The dogwoods were a mix of buttery yellow and vibrant orange, and the leaves were continually falling all around you with every whisper of a breeze.
Dogwood along Big Trees Trail in the Giant Forest
Big Trees Trail
The paved walkway around Big Trees Trail is famous for its up-close views of the giant sequoias, but you’ll also see a few patches of orange and red along the path still clinging on. Check out my full Big Trees Trail guide for more details on this area.
Hazelwood Nature Trail
One of my favorite fall loops in Sequoia has to be Hazelwood Nature Trail. I was told the colors were popping over the weekend, but by my midweek visit many of the leaves were already falling, blanketing the path. The last of the beautiful autumn color is still lingering, glowing warm in the filtered light, but with every breeze the leaves are falling to the ground. This trail dramatically changes from late September to early November. The color contrast from lush green to rich golden is incredible. Check out my full Hazelwood Nature Trail guide for all the details on this often slept on park gem.
General Sherman Tree
No Sequoia visit is complete without seeing the largest tree on Earth. A short but steep paved path leads to the General Sherman Tree, and there’s almost always at least a little line formed for photos at the base of the tree sign, but nothing too long. Behind the Sherman Tree, near the accessible path towards the restrooms and Congress Trail junction, I found some of the prettiest late-season color of my entire trip. Soft golds and warm bronzes of the willow leaves tucked into the massive sequoia grove make this spot shine even after peak.
Side note – if asked to recommend one Giant Sequoia Trail inside the park to first time visitors, the Congres Trail might just be my pick. The amount of mature trees and stunning scenery is unmatched in my opinion. The majority of visitors just stop to see the General Sherman Tree here, so the further you go on the Congress Trail the less people you’ll see, making this is a great hike for anyone who wants to see the giant sequoias without the crowds. Learn all about this hike and the highlights in my full Congress Trail post.
Vibrant Fall foliage near General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park
Know Before You Go
• No entrance station staff, no maps, and closed visitor centers (Foothills & Giant Forest) due to the ongoing government shutdown. Pack extra patience and always practice the Leave No Trace Principles.
• Most restrooms are still open, including at the Foothills Visitor Center, Giant Forest Museum parking, and Sherman Tree main lot.
• Generals Highway is currently clear and dry. Expect cooler temps at higher elevations and always check road conditions as snow will most likely be arriving soon.
• Cell service is unreliable in many parts of Sequoia National Park, so bring a reliable GPS device with pre-downloaded maps. I love using Gaia GPS for iPhone and Android devices.
• Mornings are chilly, afternoons are mild, and evenings can get windy. Layers are essential.
• Always visit the official Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, air quality, and possible closures prior to your visit.
Sequoia Fall colors along Generals Highway in the Giant Forest
Frequently Asked Questions
When is peak fall color in Sequoia National Park?
Generally late October/early November at higher elevations (5,500–7,000 ft). Lower elevations can peak later into November.
Is Sequoia still worth visiting after peak?
Absolutely. Even after the leaves fall, the sequoia groves are gorgeous in late fall and far less crowded.
Are visitor centers open right now?
No. Due to the government shutdown, both the Foothills Visitor Center and the Giant Forest Museum are temporarily closed, so check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date park info before your visit.
Can I still drive to the Giant Forest?
Yes. All major roads, including Crescent Meadow Road, were open during my visit, but roads can close and chains can become required at any time with unpredictable winter snow.
Is Moro Rock open?
The overlook is accessible, but stair access can become icy and slick after cold rain/snow. Check NPS alerts before arriving.
Where is the best color this week?
Just beyond the Giant Forest sign along Generals Highway and the walkway between The Giant Forest Museum and Big Trees Trail are the best high elevation spots currently. The maples along the Kaweah River at lower elevations are just coming alive and should be beautiful the next couple weeks.
Downloadable Itineraries & Travel Guides
Planning a trip to California and the west coast? I’ve got in-depth travel guides and itineraries for several national parks and beautiful destinations. Check out a few of them below, or click here to see them all!
Fall colors blanketing Hazelwood Nature Trail in Sequoia National Park
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Sequoia National Park. For a virtual visit of my fall road trip, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Pops of Fall colors below Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…
About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
Search the Blog
Featured Posts
Etsy Shop
