Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, often treated as a single entity, offer a breathtaking escape into the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada. These parks boast giant sequoias, stunning alpine lakes, and rugged granite peaks. Whether you’re seeking accessible roadside attractions or venturing into the wilderness, “A Complete Guide To Sequoia And Kings Canyon” will help you plan an unforgettable trip.
Lost Canyon vista from Black Rock Peak, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Alt: Lush green valley with a sparkling blue alpine lake surrounded by jagged granite mountains in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Planning Your Visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Know Before You Go: Essential Tips
- Dress in Layers: With elevations ranging from 1,370 to 14,505 feet, temperatures fluctuate dramatically. Pack for varying conditions, including potential snow at higher elevations, even in summer.
- Disconnect to Reconnect: Cell service is limited, so download maps and information beforehand. The Sequoia and Kings Canyon mobile app is a great resource.
- Pet Policies: Dogs are restricted to paved areas, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Consider nearby Sequoia National Forest for dog-friendly hiking.
- Fuel Up: There are no gas stations within the parks. Fill up in Three Rivers, Hume Lake Market, or Stony Creek Lodge (seasonal). Use the free shuttle in summer to conserve fuel.
- Earn Your Views: While some attractions are easily accessible, the best experiences often require hiking. Explore trails like Hamilton Lake and Redwood Meadow for secluded beauty.
Getting to Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Located in central California, reaching Sequoia and Kings Canyon requires planning.
- Airports: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS) are the closest options.
- Ground Transportation: Rent a car or use public transportation (V-Line to Sequoia Shuttle in summer).
- Driving Routes: Highway 198 (Sequoia) and Highway 180 (Kings Canyon) are the primary access routes. Ash Mountain, Big Stump, and Lookout Point are the three entrance stations.
General Grant Grove of Giant Sequoias in Kings Canyon National Park, California. Alt: Towering sequoia trees reach towards the sky in the General Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park.
Best Time to Visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon
- Winter: Experience the magic of snow-covered sequoias. Generals Highway is plowed, but remote areas are closed. Enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
- Spring: Waterfalls are at their peak, and wildflowers bloom in the foothills. Highway 180 reopens, allowing access to waterfall hikes in Kings Canyon.
- Summer: The ideal time for backpacking and high-altitude hiking. Be prepared for crowds. Consider Timber Gap or the Big Five-Little Five Lakes Loop for overnight trips.
- Fall: Fewer crowds, open roads, and snow-free trails make fall an excellent choice. Enjoy rock climbing and the Dark Sky Festival.
Sunset over Kearsarge Pinnacles in Kings Canyon National Park. Alt: Vibrant sunset colors reflecting on a calm alpine lake with jagged mountain peaks in the background, Kings Canyon National Park.
Where to Stay: Lodging Options
- Camping: Fourteen campgrounds offer a range of experiences. Reservations are required up to 30 days in advance via Recreation.gov. Lodgepole and Sentinel are popular choices.
- Hotels: Wuksachi Lodge is centrally located and open year-round. Grant Grove Cabins, John Muir Lodge, and Cedar Grove Lodge offer diverse options in Kings Canyon.
- Bearpaw High Sierra Camp: A glamping experience located 11.5 miles into the High Sierra Trail. Reservations are required well in advance. (Currently closed for 2023)
Adventures in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Sightseeing Highlights
- Generals Highway: Drive through the foothills and Giant Forest, stopping at Hospital Rock, Amphitheater Point, and Moro Rock.
- General Sherman Tree: Marvel at the world’s largest tree on the accessible one-mile loop.
- Grant Grove: Explore the well-preserved grove and continue to Kings Canyon Overlook.
- Roaring River Falls and Zumwalt Meadow: Experience Kings Canyon’s beauty with a short hike.
Visitors walking among the giant sequoia trees in General Grant Grove, Kings Canyon. Alt: People walking on a paved path between massive sequoia trees in General Grant Grove, Kings Canyon.
Hiking Trails
- Congress Trail: A three-mile loop through the Giant Forest.
- General Grant Tree Trail: An accessible 0.3-mile trail.
- North Grove Loop: A 1.5-mile serene experience with ancient sequoias.
- Muir Grove: A four-mile out-and-back hike.
- Pear Lake: A strenuous 12-mile hike to a mountain lake.
- Lower Monarch Lake: An 8.4-mile trek.
Visitors enjoying wheelchair access to see the giant sequoia trees in Sequoia National Park. Alt: A woman pushing a man in a wheelchair on a paved path through giant sequoia trees in Sequoia National Park.
Fishing
Rivers, lakes, and streams allow fishing with a valid California fishing license. Top spots include the South Fork of the Kings River, Bubbs Creek, and the alpine lakes of Mineral King.
Sunrise on Hume’s Lake, Kings Canyon National Park. Alt: Calm lake at sunrise with kayaks and small boats, reflecting the colors of the sky and surrounding trees, Hume’s Lake, Kings Canyon.
Backpacking
Explore the backcountry via the John Muir Trail or create your own multi-day loops. Wildland Trekking offers guided trips.
Climbing and Mountaineering
Moro Rock and Charlotte Dome offer climbing opportunities. Numerous peaks, including Mount Tyndall and Mount Silliman, cater to various skill levels.
Camp at the base of the East Face of Mount Whitney, on the boundary of Sequoia National Park and Inyo National Forest. Alt: Campsite with several tents at the base of a towering mountain, reflecting the early morning light.
Snow Sports
Designated snowplay areas at Wolverton, Columbine, and Big Stump provide winter fun. Rent snowshoes and cross-country skis at Wuksachi Lodge and Grant Grove Market. The Pear Lake Winter Hut offers a unique backcountry experience (currently closed for repairs).
Snowy road winding through a forest in Kings Canyon National Park. Alt: Winter scene of a snow-covered road curving through a forest, Kings Canyon National Park.
Stargazing
Experience the Milky Way and attend the annual Dark Sky Festival. Visit in mid-August for the Perseid meteor shower.
Star trails and planetary rotation visible above giant sequoia trees, Sequoia National Park. Alt: Night sky filled with star trails and planets rotating above the silhouettes of giant sequoia trees, Sequoia National Park.
Food and Drink
- In-Park Dining: Cedar Grove Grill, Peaks Restaurant, Wuksachi Pizza Deck, and Lodgepole Café offer various options. The Grant Grove Restaurant is reopening with a focus on local ingredients.
- Nearby Options: River View Grill and Bar (Three Rivers), Sierra Subs and Salads, and Reimer’s Candy and Gifts.
Detours
- Sequoia National Forest: Dog-friendly hiking.
- Jennie Lakes Wilderness: Dog-friendly hiking and backpacking.
- Whitewater Rafting: Mountain Descents and Kaweah Whitewater Adventures (Three Rivers).
- Boyden Cavern: Cave tours near Kings Canyon.
California poppies in full bloom in spring in Sequoia National Monument, near King’s Canyon National Park. Alt: Field of vibrant orange California poppies blooming in spring with mountains in the background, Sequoia National Monument.
Being a Conscious Visitor
- Wildlife: Store food properly to avoid attracting bears. Bear canisters are highly recommended for backpacking.
- Fire Safety: Adhere to fire restrictions. Climate change impacts are increasing, so consider forgoing campfires.
Caution sign depicting wildlife, including bears, ungulates, and striped squirrels. Alt: Yellow caution sign with black images of a bear, a deer-like animal, and a squirrel to warn visitors about local wildlife.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer unparalleled natural beauty and adventure. With careful planning and responsible behavior, you can experience the wonders of these parks while protecting them for future generations. This “a complete guide to sequoia and kings canyon” equips you with the information to plan an unforgettable visit.
