Finding the best airport for Sequoia National Park can be quite challenging. After all, getting to the Eastern Sierra Mountains of California isn’t the easiest thing to do! Though Sequoia National Park is super popular, there really isn’t a direct or easy route to seeing the largest trees and some of the most amazing mountain views you may ever see in your life! But don’t worry-there are several options to choose from. And trust us-you’ll be so glad you made the trip, especially if you combine it with a visit to Kings Canyon National Park (which is literally connected to Sequoia) or Yosemite National Park, which is just a few hours to the north.
We put together this brief guide to help you figure out the right airport to travel to for your visit to Sequoia, as well as the best entrance to go to based on where you fly!
AIRPORTS NEAR SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK: OVERVIEW
To pick the best airport for Sequoia National Park, you also have to figure out what entrance to use when going into the park. There are two main entrances: The Big Stump Entrance and the Ash Mountain Entrance.
The Big Stump Entrance is on the northwestern side of the park and accessed via Highway 180. The Ash Mountain Entrance is in the southwestern side of the park. Both entrances are close to attractions you are going to want to visit in the park. The Ash Mountain Entrance has narrow and winding roads, though, and you will not want to drive it if you have a vehicle over 22 feet.
Beware that if you are coming into the park in the winter or around inclement weather, that this area gets a ton of snow, and it’s not uncommon for chains to be required. You can check the latest conditions here.
To help you select the right airport for your travels, we put together this graphic to show you what airports and entrances may be the best for you!
In advance of your trip, get a copy of our Sequoia National Park itinerary, which includes how to spend 1, 2 or 3 days in the park, the best hikes to go on (including hiking maps and trailhead directions), what to pack, where to stay and what else to do when visiting the area!
THE CLOSEST AIRPORTS TO SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
Fresno International Airport:
- Symbol: FAT
- Location: Fresno, CA
- Closest Park Entrance: Big Stump Entrance (51 miles)
- Operating Season: Year-round
Bakersfield Municipal Airport:
- Symbol: BFL
- Location: Bakersfield, CA
- Closest Park Entrance: Ash Mountain Entrance (90 miles)
- Operating Season: Year-round
San Jose International Airport:
- Symbol: SJC
- Location: San Jose, CA
- Closest Park Entrance: Big Stump Entrance (205 miles)
- Operating Season: Year-round
Los Angeles International Airport:
- Symbol: LAX
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Closest Park Entrance: Ash Mountain Entrance (212 miles)
- Operating Season: Year-round
Las Vegas International Airport:
- Symbol: LAS
- Location: Las Vegas, NV
- Closest Park Entrance: Ash Mountain Entrance (376 miles)
- Operating Season: Year-round
FURTHER INFORMATION ON SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK FROM JUST GO TRAVEL STUDIOS
- Ahead of your trip, pickup a copy of our itinerary for Sequoia National Park. We have all you need to know to help you plan out your trip!
- We have several other articles on Sequoia National Park, including What to See and Do in Sequoia National Park, Sequoia National Park Campgrounds and the Tokopah Falls Trail or Hiking the Moro Rock Trail in Sequoia National Park and exploring Crescent Meadows.
- After your trip, let us create a custom, vintage-style travel poster for you from your own favorite photo!
