By Del Albright – delalbright.com

Few places in America remind us of nature’s power and patience like Sequoia National Park in California. It’s a land of giant, towering trees, ancient stone, endless vistas, and timeless beauty. On my latest visit, a group of us made the trek to two awe-inspiring features: the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth, and Crystal Cave, a marble masterpiece carved by water over the ages.

I had the pleasure of attending the Spring Conference of the Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC), hosted by Visit Visalia and held at the Wyndham Visalia, right at the gateway to the Sequoias. The event offered not only great sessions and fellowship with fellow writers and photographers but also access to some of California’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders.

Giants of Time: The General Sherman Tree

Standing before the General Sherman Tree, you can’t help but feel humbled. This 275-foot-tall titan, with a trunk over 36 feet in diameter, is a living monument to endurance — a reminder of what can grow when nature is left to thrive.

These giant sequoias, found only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, have survived fire, storm, drought, and time itself. They speak to our need to protect, respect, and stand in awe of our wild places.

️Beneath the Forest: Crystal Cave

After honoring the giants above, we journeyed beneath the forest floor into Crystal Cave — a short but a little challenging hike that rewards you with a mind-blowing descent into the underworld of water and marble.

Our tour leader, Daniel Huecker, Field Institute Director from the Sequoia Parks Conservancy, gave us a marvelous, informative, and fun tour.

The cave is a twisting tunnel of eroded marble, highlighted by monster-like formations, carved by a living river over the course of millennia. Inside, it’s a landscape of calcite masterpieces — stalactites dripping from the ceiling, stalagmites rising like silent sentinels, and flowstone walls that glisten in the low light. Bands of schist streak the cavern walls, adding texture and contrast to this ancient underground cathedral.

The river still flows inside the cave today, reshaping and redefining this subterranean wonder with every drop — nature’s patient sculptor at work.

It’s a mile hike down and a mile back up the mountain, so be sure to be prepared (water, good boots, ‘skeeter spray) when you get the chance to see this marvel of nature.  Thankfully, during the 1930s and 1940s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which was building infrastructure in America, added some nice walkways and handrails inside the Crystal Cave.  It is a pure delight to explore Crystal Cave.

Side Note

🌲 Top Sites in Sequoia National Park

1. Moro Rock
A short but steep stairway hike leads to epic panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada. Worth every step!

2. Tunnel Log
Drive through a fallen giant sequoia—great photo op and a fun slice of park history.

3. Crescent Meadow
John Muir called it the “Gem of the Sierra.” A peaceful, scenic walk with chances to see bears, deer, and wildflowers.

4. Big Trees Trail
An easy, paved loop with interpretive signs around a meadow surrounded by—you guessed it—big trees. Great for families.

5. Lodgepole Visitor Center & Market
A solid basecamp with info, restrooms, a small store, and ranger tips on current trail conditions.

Final Thoughts

Sequoia National Park is more than just tall trees — it’s a story written in rock, root, and time. From the sky-scraping sequoias to the deep-buried marvels of Crystal Cave, it’s a place that reaches your soul whether you’re standing under giants or surrounded by stone.

If you ever find yourself near Visalia, California, don’t miss your chance to explore this gateway to wild California, both above ground and below.

#owac #visitvisalia #seethesequoias #outdoorwriterca #wyndhamvisalia #gatewaytothesequoias