Trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are two beautiful nature reserves with a shared border that are commonly seen as a single unit for all intents and purposes. Sequoia is the southern park of the two. The area of both parks together is 3,416 sq. km. Sequoia National Park is the oldest national park after Yellowstone. It was declared a national park in 1890 to protect the giant Sequoia trees growing in it (after which the park is named), including: the "General Sherman Tree," which is the largest tree in the world.
In Sequoia, you also find the highest mountains in the US outside of Alaska: Mt. Whitney (its height is over 4,800 meters) and Mineral King. Kings Canyon was declared a national park only in 1940. In addition to the groves of massive trees, the park features many caves, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Number of visitors to the park: over one and a half million per year, with most visitors arriving during the summer months. The park is open year-round, but two areas are closed during the winter months: the road to Mineral King (in the southern part of Sequoia) is open only from mid-May to early November (if weather conditions permit its opening) and the road to Cedar Grove (in Kings Canyon) is open from mid-April until early November. The park has over 220 km of roads and 1,280 km of hiking trails! The optimal time for a family visit to the park is two days. Beyond that, you might hear complaints such as: "we've already seen enough of these trees," even at the sight of one of the largest trees in the world...
♦ Recommended hotels for travelers in Sequoia and Kings:
For a trip to the northern part of the park, it is recommended to stay in Fresno:
An excellent suite hotel:
Homewood Suites by Hilton Fresno
Suite hotel for 4-8 people per suite. Kitchen, breakfast included, free internet and parking.
Or:
Cheaper:
Suites and rooms hotel, indoor and outdoor pool, restaurant, free parking.
For the southern and central part, it is recommended to stay in Three Rivers:
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia Kings Canyon - Three Rivers
Rooms for 2-5 guests, seasonal outdoor pool, breakfast included, free parking and internet, hot tub and gym. Self-service laundry available for a fee.
Or inside the park:
Montecito Sequoia LodgeRooms and cottages for 2-6 guests, seasonal outdoor pool, buffet restaurant, free parking and internet.
Park Location and Transportation:
The park is located in the eastern part of the state of California and stretches from the San Joaquin Valley to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Sequoia and Kings are located halfway (and slightly east) between Los Angeles and San Francisco, at a distance of about 5 hours' drive from each. The closest airports to the park are: Visalia Airport, located 58 km west of Sequoia Park, and Fresno Airport, located 85 km west of Kings Canyon. The park has two entrances: Highway 198 (heading east) from Visalia leads to the southern entrance of Sequoia Park. The road passes through the western part of the park and ends in the western part of Kings Canyon. This road has a branch that is closed during winter months to the Mineral King area (in the southern part of Sequoia Park). From Fresno, Highway 180 leads to the northern entrance of the park, with the northeastern part toward Cedar Grove closed during winter months. Both parks are connected by a road called: Generals Highway, which is a beautiful scenic road 74 km long that connects at its ends to Highways 198 and 180. There is no entrance to Sequoia and Kings Canyon from the eastern side of the park, and it is not possible to cross the parks from west to east.
♦ Guided tours to Sequoia Park (available for purchase from Viator):
Weather:
The massive elevation differences in the park: from 460 meters up to 4,800 meters above sea level, result in a wide variety of weather conditions. Therefore, be prepared for significant weather changes and dress in layers. Summer days are warm, and in lower areas, temperatures can reach 38 degrees Celsius. Night temperatures are pleasant, around 20 degrees Celsius. In higher areas (not at the mountain peaks), the summer temperature is 24 degrees by day and 10 degrees at night. Weather in spring and autumn is generally comfortable: temperatures range between 11-26 degrees by day (depending on altitude and location) and 0-11 degrees at night. Winters are rainy and snowy, but the temperature is relatively comfortable: 5-17 degrees by day and +2 to -4 degrees at night.
Recommended Activities and Sites in Sequoia and Kings:
The park has four visitor centers; it is worth visiting one of them at the beginning of your park visit to get information and maps and to view the interesting displays. The Foothills Visitor Center is located near the town of Three Rivers along Highway 198 near the Ash Mountain entrance. This center is open year-round. The visitor center at Grant Grove is also open all year. Additional visitor centers are located in Cedar Grove, Lodgepole, and Mineral King and are open only from May through September.
The main attraction for which most visitors come to Sequoia Park is, of course, the massive Sequoia trees. In several areas of the park, there is a particularly high concentration of these trees; the more famous and unique trees have been given names and can be reached via short and easy walking trails. On additional trails, you will walk among beautiful wildflowers and waterfalls.
The Most Attractive Hiking Trails:
Giant Forest Area:
"General Sherman Tree" - A very short trail leads to the largest tree in the world, named after a general from the American Civil War. Its height is 83.9 meters and its base circumference is 31.3 meters. The tree is located 3.2 km north of Giant Forest Village (where one of Sequoia's lodges is located).
Congress Trail - A 3.2 km loop trail in the heart of the Sequoia grove. The trail starts near "General Sherman" and is highly recommended for first-time visitors to the park. The main attractions on it: the "House" and "Senate" groups, the "President" tree, and the "McKinley" tree. Dedicate one to two hours to the tour on this trail.
"Trail for all People" - A paved trail (also accessible for the disabled) about one kilometer long that circles a round meadow called Round Meadow. In summer, the wildflower bloom is at its peak. Along the trail are explanations about the life of the forest and meadow.
Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road – This dead-end road starts from Giant Forest Village toward the southwest and is about 5 km long. Along the way are several attractions: "Auto Log," where it was once possible to drive a car onto the trunk of a fallen Sequoia tree. Moro Rock - A large and impressive granite dome from which a spectacular view of the western part of the park is visible. However, to reach its summit, you must climb about 400 steep stairs... not recommended for families with small children.
Moro Rock and a tunnel in a Sequoia tree trunk
Further along the road, you will pass through a tunnel dug inside a fallen tree trunk called "Tunnel Log." The road ends at Crescent Meadow where you can hike. In winter, the area is used for snow games and skiing.
Mineral King Area
Located in southern Sequoia, this is the highest area accessible by road in the park. It opens to visitors only at the end of May. The road to it is steep and winding; drive carefully! You reach a beautiful alpine valley with many hiking trails, most of which are quite long and suitable for experienced hikers. The area features a wide variety of interesting rocks of different types (including granite and marble). If you are visiting the park for only one day, skip a tour of this area as the drive in one direction alone takes about an hour and a half.
Crystal Cave
A stalactite cave reached by an 800-meter trail within a beautiful stepped canyon with streams, waterfalls, and rich vegetation. Recommended! The cave is located between the Ash Mountain entrance to Sequoia Park and the "Giant Forest" near the "Generals Highway." The guided tour in the cave departs from the cave entrance, which is web-shaped, and lasts 45 minutes. The temperature inside the cave is 9 degrees Celsius year-round. Bring a light jacket or sweater. The cave is open to visitors from mid-May through September, between 11:00-16:00. Tickets cannot be purchased at the cave entrance, but only at one of the visitor centers in Sequoia Park. Tour price: $5 per adult and $2.5 per child aged 6-12.
Grant Grove Area: (Located in the center of the western part)
"General Grant Tree" - This is the third-largest tree in the world. It was declared the "National Christmas Tree" of the US. A short hiking trail of about 500 meters leads to it. On the way, you pass a historical cabin, additional giant trees, and a giant hollow trunk that you can enter. The tree is located 1.6 km northwest of the visitor center.
"Panoramic Point" - An excellent viewpoint of the Sierra mountains from the northern part of Kings Canyon.
"Hume Lake" – A picturesque lake in Kings Canyon 19 km north of Grant Grove (in the Sequoia National Forest area). In the summer months, you can swim, boat, and fish in its waters. Boats can be rented at Hume Lake Christian Camps.
Cedar Grove Area:
This is the lower part of Kings Canyon, featuring high granite walls, a rushing river, and many waterfalls. It is (quite rightly) called "Yosemite's rival." The most interesting points in it are: "Canyon View" - an excellent viewpoint of the U-shaped Kings Canyon. The viewpoint is located about 1.6 km east of Cedar Grove Village. "Roaring River Falls" - a walk of about 5 minutes will lead you to a rushing waterfall bursting from a narrow crack in granite rock. It is located about 4.8 km east of the "Village." Highly recommended!
"Motor Nature Trail" - A one-way dirt road, suitable for private cars, 4.8 km long that passes through a grove near the river. An excellent opportunity to spot small wildlife while driving.