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road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are appropriately called the “Land of Giants.” These California parks are home to the world’s largest trees and towering mountains, deep canyons, and vast caverns. So you should definitely take a road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon.

Tips for Visiting Popular National Parks

Nearby Yosemite often overshadows these parks, but Sequoia and Kings Canyon are worth the drive up into the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Here’s how to plan an epic road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon!
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road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon

When To Go

The parks are open year-round, but June – August is when all areas of the parks, shuttle services, and accommodations are open and accessible. Outside of these months, services become more limited, and some parts of the parks become inaccessible due to weather. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two of the best summer destinations in the U.S.

In September – November, the Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas close, light snow is possible, it will be cold at night, there are fewer ranger programs, and many facilities reduce their hours and operations.

From December – March, you have a great chance of experiencing the beautiful snow-covered parks, but there’s no guarantee of snow. Tire chains are usually required during these months, the Sequoia shuttle service still runs between the Giant Forest Museum and the Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant, but there’s no shuttle service in Kings Canyon.

Wildflowers and the alpine fields are the reasons to visit in Spring. Full shuttle services restart in May, and many facilities and accommodations will begin to re-open with limited hours in April. Temperatures will still be chilly, especially at night, so have plenty of layers.

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    road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon

    What To Do

    Hikes: Panoramic Point to Park Ridge Fire Lookout (moderate); Congress Trail, which includes General Sherman (easy); Moro Rock (moderate); General Grant Tree Trail, which includes the Fallen Monarch (moderate); Rowell Meadow (moderate); Mitchell Peak (difficult, but worth it); Seville Lake (moderate – difficult); Redwood Canyon (moderate).

    Scenic Drives: Drive through the Tunnel Log, Panoramic Point Road (RVs and trailers aren’t allowed on this road), Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, Majestic Mountain Loop, which is a three-day driving itinerary of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Yosemite National Park.

    Tours and Rentals: Guided Tour of Crystal Cave, Fly-fishing lessons and trips, Ranger-led snowshoe tours, Sequoia Field Institute custom guided tour, Horseback ride.

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    road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon

    Know Before You Go

    These side-by-side parks have an elevation range of 1,370 – 14,494 feet, so they’re more challenging to reach than many other national parks, and you’ll need to factor in how the higher elevation will affect your breathing and pace during your trip.

    Both parks are only accessible from the West (no roads into the parks from the East).

    This is bear country, so have bear spray on hand at all times, and make sure all food is stored correctly in your backpack, car, and lodging.

    Because of the high elevation, you’ll want socks, long pants, and a jacket for the mornings and evenings, even in the summer. You’re also closer to the sun than you’re probably used to, so sunscreen is a must year-round.

    There are restaurants in several of the parks’ lodges, but I recommend packing-out your lunch so that your schedule isn’t constrained by having to find a place to eat. Here’s a list of dining options in the parks. Many of these places are only open seasonally and are subject to closures and hourly changes. So always check ahead of time if an eating place is open or requires a reservation.

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    road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon
    road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon
    road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon

    Where To Stay

    As with all U.S. National Parks, I highly recommend staying inside the park. This will save you driving time, lets you start your day earlier and end later, and often, the in-park lodging has exclusive benefits or access to the park.

    I stayed at Sequoia High Sierra Camp. The hike-in glamping site is the perfect blend of luxury and rustic living. Your spacious canvas tent is lit by gas lamps and furnished with plush beds and antique furniture not too far from the bathhouse. You’ll enjoy a five-course meal every evening from the best sunset spot in the park.

    Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have various accommodation options – tent sites, RV parks, lodges, motels, log cabins. And you usually need to book well in advance to secure lodging inside the park. There are also vacation homes inside and near the parks.

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    Is there anything you’d add to this guide for a road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon? If so, let us know in the comments!
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    For Planning The Rest Of Your California Trip
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    Frequently Asked Questions
    • How many days do I need in Sequoia National Park?

      I recommend spending at least three days in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park.

      The Best Things To Do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks:

      Hikes: Panoramic Point to Park Ridge Fire Lookout (moderate); Congress Trail, which includes General Sherman (easy); Moro Rock (moderate); General Grant Tree Trail, which includes the Fallen Monarch (moderate); Rowell Meadow (moderate); Mitchell Peak (difficult, but worth it); Seville Lake (moderate – difficult); Redwood Canyon (moderate).

      Scenic Drives: Drive through the Tunnel Log, Panoramic Point Road (RVs and trailers aren’t allowed on this road), Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, Majestic Mountain Loop, which is a three-day driving itinerary of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Yosemite National Park.

      Tours and Rentals: Guided Tour of Crystal CaveFly-fishing lessons and trips, Ranger-led snowshoe tours, Sequoia Field Institute custom guided tourHorseback ride.

    • What is the best time of year to visit Sequoia National Park?

      The parks are open year-round, but June – August is when all areas of the parks, shuttle services, and accommodations are open and accessible. Outside of these months, services become more limited, and some parts of the parks become inaccessible due to weather. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two of the best summer destinations in the U.S.

      In September – November, the Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas close, light snow is possible, it will be cold at night, there are fewer ranger programs, and many facilities reduce their hours and operations.

      From December – March, you have a great chance of experiencing the beautiful snow-covered parks, but there’s no guarantee of snow. Tire chains are usually required during these months, the Sequoia shuttle service still runs between the Giant Forest Museum and the Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant, but there’s no shuttle service in Kings Canyon.

      Wildflowers and the alpine fields are the reasons to visit in Spring. Full shuttle services restart in May, and many facilities and accommodations will begin to re-open with limited hours in April. Temperatures will still be chilly, especially at night, so have plenty of layers.

    • Is it hard to drive up to Sequoia National Park?

      It can be, depending on the weather and your vehicle. Roads here are steep, winding, and narrow. Vehicle length limits and advisories are in place on many park roads, including the Generals Highway from the foothills to Giant Forest.

      The Best Things To Do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks:

      Hikes: Panoramic Point to Park Ridge Fire Lookout (moderate); Congress Trail, which includes General Sherman (easy); Moro Rock (moderate); General Grant Tree Trail, which includes the Fallen Monarch (moderate); Rowell Meadow (moderate); Mitchell Peak (difficult, but worth it); Seville Lake (moderate – difficult); Redwood Canyon (moderate).

      Scenic Drives: Drive through the Tunnel Log, Panoramic Point Road (RVs and trailers aren’t allowed on this road), Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, Majestic Mountain Loop, which is a three-day driving itinerary of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Yosemite National Park.

      Tours and Rentals: Guided Tour of Crystal CaveFly-fishing lessons and trips, Ranger-led snowshoe tours, Sequoia Field Institute custom guided tourHorseback ride.

    • What is the most scenic route to Sequoia National Park?

      The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (a 50-mile stretch that follows a portion of Highway 180) is the most scenic route to get to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. as they head to the parks.

      The parks are open year-round, but June – August is when all areas of the parks, shuttle services, and accommodations are open and accessible. Outside of these months, services become more limited, and some parts of the parks become inaccessible due to weather. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two of the best summer destinations in the U.S.

      In September – November, the Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas close, light snow is possible, it will be cold at night, there are fewer ranger programs, and many facilities reduce their hours and operations.

      From December – March, you have a great chance of experiencing the beautiful snow-covered parks, but there’s no guarantee of snow. Tire chains are usually required during these months, the Sequoia shuttle service still runs between the Giant Forest Museum and the Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant, but there’s no shuttle service in Kings Canyon.

      Wildflowers and the alpine fields are the reasons to visit in Spring. Full shuttle services restart in May, and many facilities and accommodations will begin to re-open with limited hours in April. Temperatures will still be chilly, especially at night, so have plenty of layers.

    • Is Yosemite better than Sequoia?

      Sequoia and Yosemite are both incredible National Parks that will give you very different experiences and offer different activities. Yosemite is larger and more popular than Sequoia (and neighboring Kings Canyon National Park), which is more compact and more off-the-beaten-path.

      Both of these parks are worth visiting, and they’re close to each other. So I suggest combining these national parks into an epic California road trip!

      The parks are open year-round, but June – August is when all areas of the parks, shuttle services, and accommodations are open and accessible. Outside of these months, services become more limited, and some parts of the parks become inaccessible due to weather. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two of the best summer destinations in the U.S.

      In September – November, the Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas close, light snow is possible, it will be cold at night, there are fewer ranger programs, and many facilities reduce their hours and operations.

      From December – March, you have a great chance of experiencing the beautiful snow-covered parks, but there’s no guarantee of snow. Tire chains are usually required during these months, the Sequoia shuttle service still runs between the Giant Forest Museum and the Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant, but there’s no shuttle service in Kings Canyon.

      Wildflowers and the alpine fields are the reasons to visit in Spring. Full shuttle services restart in May, and many facilities and accommodations will begin to re-open with limited hours in April. Temperatures will still be chilly, especially at night, so have plenty of layers.

    • Which is better Sequoia or Redwood National Park?

      Sequoia and The Redwoods are both incredible National Parks that will give you very different experiences and offer different activities. Many people think these parks are too similar or interchangeable, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

      These parks each provide completely different and unique landscapes, trees, and experiences, so you should definitely visit both of them!

      The parks are open year-round, but June – August is when all areas of the parks, shuttle services, and accommodations are open and accessible. Outside of these months, services become more limited, and some parts of the parks become inaccessible due to weather. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two of the best summer destinations in the U.S.

      In September – November, the Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas close, light snow is possible, it will be cold at night, there are fewer ranger programs, and many facilities reduce their hours and operations.

      From December – March, you have a great chance of experiencing the beautiful snow-covered parks, but there’s no guarantee of snow. Tire chains are usually required during these months, the Sequoia shuttle service still runs between the Giant Forest Museum and the Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant, but there’s no shuttle service in Kings Canyon.

      Wildflowers and the alpine fields are the reasons to visit in Spring. Full shuttle services restart in May, and many facilities and accommodations will begin to re-open with limited hours in April. Temperatures will still be chilly, especially at night, so have plenty of layers.

    • What city is closest to Sequoia National Park?

      Visalia is the closest city to Sequoia National Park (about a 45-minute drive). But there are small towns that are closer to Sequoia, such as Lemon Cove and Three Rivers.

      The parks are open year-round, but June – August is when all areas of the parks, shuttle services, and accommodations are open and accessible. Outside of these months, services become more limited, and some parts of the parks become inaccessible due to weather. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two of the best summer destinations in the U.S.

      In September – November, the Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas close, light snow is possible, it will be cold at night, there are fewer ranger programs, and many facilities reduce their hours and operations.

      From December – March, you have a great chance of experiencing the beautiful snow-covered parks, but there’s no guarantee of snow. Tire chains are usually required during these months, the Sequoia shuttle service still runs between the Giant Forest Museum and the Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant, but there’s no shuttle service in Kings Canyon.

      Wildflowers and the alpine fields are the reasons to visit in Spring. Full shuttle services restart in May, and many facilities and accommodations will begin to re-open with limited hours in April. Temperatures will still be chilly, especially at night, so have plenty of layers.

    • Does Sequoia need reservations?

      As of this post’s publishing date, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks do not require reservations.

      The parks are open year-round, but June – August is when all areas of the parks, shuttle services, and accommodations are open and accessible. Outside of these months, services become more limited, and some parts of the parks become inaccessible due to weather. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two of the best summer destinations in the U.S.

      In September – November, the Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas close, light snow is possible, it will be cold at night, there are fewer ranger programs, and many facilities reduce their hours and operations.

      From December – March, you have a great chance of experiencing the beautiful snow-covered parks, but there’s no guarantee of snow. Tire chains are usually required during these months, the Sequoia shuttle service still runs between the Giant Forest Museum and the Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant, but there’s no shuttle service in Kings Canyon.

      Wildflowers and the alpine fields are the reasons to visit in Spring. Full shuttle services restart in May, and many facilities and accommodations will begin to re-open with limited hours in April. Temperatures will still be chilly, especially at night, so have plenty of layers.

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    This post is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this article about a road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon are entirely my own. Some of the links in the post about a road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this post about a road trip to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon.

    Comments:

    • Lindsay

      September 3, 2020

      It was good to meet you at the park! We had so much fun at this park. My first trip to this camp was with a friend that was visiting me from the East Coast. 2 women on an adventure in the woods. It was magical and why I wanted to bring my family back for the trip we met you on. I love that it’s an adventure with guard rails on it. The drive up is crazy, the hike in fun, and the food divine! Maybe we will run into you again, if you ever want to do Monterey again I will take you to the best spots :).

      reply...
    • September 11, 2020

      I am really impressed along with your writing abilities and also with the structure for your weblog. Is that this a paid topic or did you customize it your self? Either way stay up the nice high quality writing, it’s uncommon to look a nice blog like this one these days.

      reply...
    • October 4, 2020

      That Sequoia Camp looks soo dreamy! One of the things I regret is not taking a trip up North when we lived in SD. Ive been to LA and San Francisco but CALI is best outside of every major city imo 🙂

      reply...

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