LA Getaway: Sequoia National Park Winter Day Trip ⛄️🌲

04:00 departure, 18:00 return—we traded 12 hours for a morning of snow-dusted silence among giants. Here’s our full plan including timeline, route, and snow chain tips. ⏰ 1-Day Itinerary 04:00 – Leave LA in the dark (swap drivers, nap on the road) 06:30 – Sunrise fuel stop in Bakersfield 🚗⛽️ 08:30 – Arrive at Sequoia NP, start exploring 08:30–12:30 – Snow hike + forest walk + car picnic ❄️🥪 13:00 – Begin return drive 14:30 – In-N-Out stop for a hot meal 🍔 18:00 – Back in LA, avoiding evening traffic ❄️ 4-Hour Park Route General Sherman Tree Trail – Go straight here to beat crowds. Congress Trail Loop – Quick walk among giant sequoias in snow. Giant Forest Museum area – Learn sequoia history + grab souvenirs. ⚠️ Must-Know Tips Road conditions – Check the park website or call ahead. We went after a snowfall but roads were clear and dry. Snow chains vs. 4WD – We rented a Jeep with 4WD for about the same price as buying chains. Brought chains just in case (returned via Amazon Fresh later!). Food – Packed sandwiches, tea eggs, snacks in a cooler—stayed fresh all morning. Shoes – Trails can be icy; wear shoes with solid grip if you don’t have snow boots. Timing – Park speed limits are low. Drive carefully and leave enough daylight for the return trip. It’s a long day and demands planning, but standing among silent, snow-covered sequoias at sunrise is absolutely unforgettable. If you’re up for a winter micro-adventure, this is it. 🌄❤️ #SequoiaNationalPark #LAWeekend #WinterRoadTrip #CaliforniaSnow #NationalParks #DayTrip #SnowHiking #TravelGuide #WinterWonderland #ExploreCalifornia #RoadTripTips #SequoiaSnow #LAtoSequoia