Day One: All things Three Rivers

Morning

Congrats, you’ve landed yourself in the land of legends. Wake up at AutoCamp Sequoia, nestled into the gateway of Sequoia National Park–Three Rivers, California. Make yourself at home for the next couple of days. Kickstart your explorations with complimentary granola and coffee from the Clubhouse on your way out the door, or head to the pool for a refreshing morning dip (the pool is heated in the colder seasons!).

Looking for a cold plunge? Take the short walk down to the Kaweah River, which runs along the property and offers tranquil views and perfect skipping stones. Make sure to check the river conditions before jumping in—varying factors like water level and temperature can impact your experience. Nothing wakes you up for adventures like fresh, cold water from the Sierra Nevada!

Day One

Afternoon

We’re headed into town for lunch! Just a few minutes up the road is Three Rivers Brewing Co., where you’ll find good beer and good people. Brewer and owner, Matt McWilliams, is an award winning brewer, and the brewery prides itself on being a family-friendly environment. Grab a cold one (or a flight of tasters!) and find a seat overlooking the Kaweah River, with plenty of lawn games to go around.

When you’ve built up an appetite, there’s no need to go far, Pupusas La Sabrosa is parked on property, serving up authentic Salvadoran cuisine with traditional recipes and tortillas handcrafted daily.

Once you’ve taken in the views, the brews and all the pupusas you can eat (don’t forget the tacos too!), take the short walk down Sierra Drive to visit local small businesses like Sequoia Coffee & Kitchen, Three Rivers Dry Goods, and Stem + Stone.

Day One

Evening

After you’ve had a moment to rest and reset amongst the tranquil settings of AutoCamp Sequoia, make your way back into Three Rivers for dinner and let the views do half the work.

Check out River View Grill & Bar, a laid-back, family-owned spot known for its signature 3R burger and an unmatched view of the Kaweah River.

Back at camp, pick up a s’mores kit from the General Store, light your fire pit, and watch the night sky fill with stars. Sequoia sits within a designated Dark Sky Region, meaning the stars here shine brighter than you’ve ever seen. You might even catch live music, a fireside chat with a ranger, or a stargazing session—it all depends on what’s on the AutoCamp calendar.

Day Two: Walk under the giants

Morning

Hit the road early and fuel up with Sequoia Coffee & Kitchen on your way to Sequoia National Park. The park opens around sunrise, and morning light through the forest is not to be missed (not to mention beating the crowd). The drive to the big trees takes about one hour from Three Rivers–and it gives you a view you’ll never forget. Don’t forget to bring snacks from the General Store.

Your first stop: The Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, where the famous General Sherman Tree stands tall as the largest living tree on Earth. Park at the trailhead off of Generals Hwy or at the main trail lot on Wolverton Road. From either, a paved path leads to the tree. Stop, marvel, repeat.

Don’t leave without a quick trek through the easy Congress Trail Loop to see other massive Sequoias like the President and the Senate, some over 2,000 years old, and with less of a crowd.

Up next, head for something more vertical: Moro Rock. It’s a 350-step climb, but the payoff (sweeping views of the Great Western Divide) is well worth the leg burn. On a clear day, you can see the Pacific Ocean.

Day Two

Afternoon

Spread out at a shaded picnic area (remember those snacks we mentioned?) or hike the trail of Crescent Meadow–one of our favorite quiet spots. Bonus: it doubles as a picture-perfect backdrop for a quick photo op. Along this trail, you’ll walk below ancient giants, gaze at one of the High Sierra’s most magnificent meadows (full of wildflowers in the Spring!), and pass by Tharp’s Log, a fallen Giant Sequoia fashioned into a cabin by a 19th-century cattle rancher.

On your way back down the hill, swing by Sierra Subs & Salads for sandwiches to be enjoyed on their outdoor patio or back along the river at camp. Spend the final moments of the afternoon with a refreshing dip in the Kaweah River, a lounge in a hammock, or a yoga flow on the lawn.

Day Two

Evening

When dinner rolls around, grab a grill kit from the General Store–prepare directly over your personal fire. Or reserve a Gozney Pizza Oven and make your own personal pizzas from your own personal pizza oven delivered directly to your suite by the AutoCamp team. Post-meal, grab your favorite wine or beer and join fellow travelers around the communal fire storytelling and good company under the stars.

Day Three: Dive into lakes and trails

Morning

Your final morning begins with a slow breakfast from The Kitchen (hello, breakfast burrito), a coffee beside the fire with a view of the Sierra foothills, and maybe a short outdoor yoga  sessions.

Looking for something to do with the kiddos?

Visit the Blossom Park Ranch to meet and interact with rescue animals, including horses, goats, pigs, cow, and more! You can book with them on AirBNB experiences here.

Stop by Three Rivers Yogurt to create your own delicious dessert and enjoy it by the river.

Before heading off to your afternoon adventures, be sure to visit Reimers Candies and step into a world of handcrafted candies, house-made chocolate, old-fashioned charm, and joyful moments.

Day Three

Afternoon

Then select your grand finale:

Adventure with Sequoia Parks Conservancy: Explore unique adventures and events around both Sequoia and Kings Canyon, curated by the parks’ official nonprofit partner.

Lake Kaweah: Just nine minutes from camp, perfect for a kayak rental, swim, or picnic on the shore.

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway: If you’ve got a few extra hours before heading home, this drive rivals anything you’ll see on social media.

If you’re looking for more in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, we highly recommend a guided tour with Big Trees Tours to explore all of the giant sequoia groves, mountain vistas and dark skies that these special places have to offer. Scott has worked in the parks for more than 10 years and provides opportunities for those that are looking to explore, learn about, and cherish the wonders of the Southern Sierra and Foothills areas.

Day Three

Evening

Whether you’re looking for a dining experience or a casual outdoor setting for your final night of an unforgettable trip, Tony’s Taverna has you covered with a new dine-in outpost or their beloved authentic Mediterranean food truck, both just up the road from AutoCamp.

Have room for a sweet treat after another day of nature escape? S’mores kits are calling your name back at AutoCamp Sequoia. Who can resist an ooey, gooey, perfectly toasted marshmallow? Not us.

And that’s a wrap on your time in Sequoia. Three days, endless memories beneath the world’s tallest trees—don’t wait too long to visit again.

Looking to dive deeper into Sequoia? Check out Wildsam’s field guide to the Big Trees of California: 145 pages of expert itineraries, naturalist insights, arboreal wonders, journeys to mountains and coasts.