California lays claim to some of the most beautiful national parks in America, including Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks. Visiting Sequoia/Kings Canyon was definitely worth the two-day investment on our 2024 two-week road-trip from Joshua Tree to Yosemite National Parks.
In this article, I’ll show you how you can see two magnificent parks in one unforgettable weekend. We did it and you can, too! But first, I’ll give you some general information about the parks in case you are unfamiliar with Sequoia/Kings Canyon. (Go ahead and jump to my itinerary if you’re already familiar with the parks’ basics.)
Where Are Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks?
Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks are located on the west side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Eastern Central California. The parks are easily accessible from several major California cities including:
- Fresno- 94 miles (151 km)- 2.25-hour drive
- Los Angeles- 220 miles (354 km)- 4.5-hour drive
- Sacramento- 260 miles (418 km)- 4.75-hour drive
- San Francisco- 269 miles (432.9 km)- 5-hour drive
Although Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks are only about 4 hours from Yosemite National Park (ranked the 6th most popular of all national parks in 2023), Sequoia/Kings Canyon are far less visited than Yosemite. Good news for you, because that means fewer crowds!
Admission Fee for Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks
There is a $35 fee for a private vehicle to enter Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks. The fee covers entry to both parks for 7 consecutive days. See the Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks website for more information.
*If you are staying longer than 7 days OR if you are planning to visit other national parks/monuments within the year, you should invest in the America the Beautiful Pass for $80. This pass will cover entry fees to any national park/monument for 12 months from the date of purchase. I’ve been buying this pass for years, and it has saved us quite a bit of money. Cha-ching.
Best Time to Visit
Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks can be visited any time of year, but the ideal time to visit is between mid-June and mid-September. Weather conditions are more predictable at that time of year and all park features are generally accessible to visitors during those months. Crowds are more predictable, too. You can expect more people!
Visiting Sequoia/Kings Canyon in the shoulder seasons (fall/spring) will mean fewer crowds; however, if you plan to visit in mid-fall and early spring, be aware many features of the parks will be subject to winter closures. You may not be able to access portions of the park you want to see. Keep this in mind when planning your trip.
We were disappointed to find the Cedar Grove area in Sequoia National Park was still closed in late May. That meant we were unable to go to Zumwalt Meadow in Kings Canyon which was high on my wish list of things to see.
Be aware certain features or entire areas may be closed for maintenance, as well. For instance, Crystal Cave was closed in 2024 due to damage suffered from wildfire and the harsh 2023 winter. Know before you go!
Always visit park websites to stay updated on park closures. To find out current conditions at Sequoia/Kings Canyon, click HERE.
Tip: If you’re interested in seeing powerful waterfalls, May-June is the best time to visit Sequoia/Kings Canyon (and Yosemite, for sure). Waterfalls are fueled by snowmelt. As snowmelt decreases over the summer and fall, waterfalls are often reduced to trickles.
Where to Stay When Visiting Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks
There are several gateway cities you may want to consider for lodging when visiting Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks. (Fresno being a little too far from the gate, in my opinion.) Please note, I’ve calculated distances to/from the Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia National Park, because the museum is my first recommended stop. If you are entering through Kings Canyon National Park by Hwy. 180, distances and drive times vary.
- Three Rivers, CA- approximately 20 miles (32 km)- approximately 1 hour drive
- Lemon Cove, CA- approximately 35 miles (56 km)- approximately 1.25-hour drive
- Exeter, CA- approximately 45 miles (72 km)- approximately 1.5-hour drive
- Visalia, CA- approximately 51 miles (82 km)- approximately 1.5-hour drive
- Fresno, CA- approximately 100 miles (161 km)- approximately 2.25 hour drive
All of the gateway cities above have various lodging options available. Make sure you thoroughly read online reviews of each property before choosing accommodations. You should also investigate each area’s dining options and the availability of any other services you think you may need. Visalia and Fresno will have the widest range of restaurants, grocery stores, and retail.
We were able to find lodging that best fit our needs and budget in Visalia, CA.
Even though I don’t get any compensation for mentioning properties where I’ve stayed, this VRBO rental was too good not to share. Check it out if you’re planning to visit the area. (VRBO Property #3109838) Our hosts here were top notch.
A Bit of Background- Quick History of Sequoia/Kings Canyon
Getting Around Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks
All of the sights in my itinerary are easily accessed from Generals Highway. (More about Generals Highway in the itinerary below.) In the busier months (late May-early September), Sequoia National Park offers a free shuttle service to its most popular sights. Please note, there is no shuttle to Kings Canyon and no shuttle within Kings Canyon National Park.
If you are staying in Visalia, CA and you are uncomfortable with driving twisting roads at high elevation, you may want to check into Sequoia Shuttle. The company offers roundtrip shuttle service from Visalia, CA to Sequoia National Park. There is a fee for the Visalia to Sequoia shuttle ($20/person as of 2024). After arriving in the park, visitors can use the park’s free shuttle to access various points of interest. Check the company’s website for more information on schedules and pricing.
My 2 Day Itinerary for Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks
Remember, we’re talking about what you can see in one weekend. If you have more time to spend in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, then lucky you! Weeks could be spent here, and you still couldn’t see everything these sisters have to offer.
Tip: When planning your visit to Sequoia/Kings Canyon, keep in mind the amount of driving time between park features when deciding what you want to see. There may be a LOT of driving involved depending upon your itinerary.
1. Giant Forest Museum & Big Trees Trail (Sequoia)
This should be your first stop in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks (if entering through the Sequoia side). You can get park maps and Junior Ranger books here along with your National Parks Passport stamp. There is a large parking area available, but it tends to be full by mid-morning.
I know the word “museum” = “boredom” to many people, but the Giant Forest Museum is not boring at all. It has some very unique exhibits designed to give you a deeper understanding of the giant sequoias before you get out on the trails. My favorites were the faux walk-through tree and the exhibits about wildfires and prescribed burns. I was blown away by some of the things I learned.
Sequoia Rule #1– Stay on the trail and off the roots! Why? You’ll find out in the museum!
The Big Trees Trail is a .7 (1.1 km) loop to a gorgeous grove and meadow. The trail is paved and flat making it a great choice for visitors with mobility issues. You can access the loop by crossing Generals Highway at the Giant Forest Museum and walk along the trail parallel to the road. Follow the signs to the Big Trees Trail. Talk about a foretaste of sequoia glory divine!
To take a different route to/from the Big Trees Trail, consult the park map for options.
2. General Sherman Tree Trail (Sequoia)
You can’t come to Sequoia National Park and not see the General Sherman. The General Sherman Trail is a paved, mostly accessible, .5-mile (.8 km) nature walk that begins at the Giant Forest Museum and ends at the base of one of the world’s superlative trees. General Sherman is not the tallest or widest tree in the world, but it is the largest. If it’s not the tallest or widest, how can it be the largest? “Largest” is referring to volume. This tree has more junk in the trunk (wood) than any other tree in the world!
Quick Facts about the General Sherman
- Age: approximately 2200 years old
- Height: 275 feet (83.8 meters)
- Circumference: 102.6 feet (31.2 meters)
Just so you know, the tree hasn’t always been named “General Sherman”. In the late 1800’s, a “utopian” (the National Park Service’s language, not mine) logging community named the tree “Karl Marx”. Once the commune was disbanded, the tree once again became known as “General Sherman”. Or so the story goes. The truth is up for debate.
Click the arrow for a little trail advice.
My hike on the General Sherman Trail turned out to be more like a hike on the General Charmin. Be berry careful.
3. Congress Trail (Sequoia)
The Congress Trail is a paved, 2.7 miles (4.3 km) lollipop. To reach the trailhead, take the General Sherman Trail to the General Sherman Tree. (You should be doing this anyway, right?) After you’ve saluted the General, look for the sign marking the Congress Trail. If you only have time for one trail in Sequoia National Park, I recommend General Sherman/Congress Trail be the one you choose.
4. Tokopah Falls Trail (Sequoia)
If you want to experience a different perspective of the park and you have at least a full day in Sequoia, consider hiking Tokopah Falls Trail. This 3.8 mile (6.1 km) out-and-back trail packs a lot of punch in a short distance.
To get to the Tokopah Falls Trail from the Giant Forest Museum, head east on Generals Highway. Take a right onto Lodgepole Road toward Lodgepole Visitor Center and campground. There is a parking area at the trailhead.
There were a couple of areas on the trail that required a little scrambling over fallen trees and crossing shallow (probably seasonal) streams, but nothing too challenging for us. Keep your abilities in mind before striking out on this trail, and don’t be surprised if you get your feet a little wet.
The Tokopah Falls Trail has been hailed by many visitors as having scenery equal to that in Yosemite National Park. Go see for yourself!
5. Moro Rock (Sequoia)
We started our hike from the Giant Forest Museum parking lot about 8:00 AM. The approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) trail winds through a serene forest of giants before reaching the steep climb up to the top of Moro Rock. On a cool and quiet morning, this hike felt like a procession through one of Nature’s finest cathedrals.
Tip: You can drive directly to the Moro Rock trailhead parking lot located on Crescent Meadow Road approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the Giant Forest Museum. (I recommend taking the trail from Giant Forest Museum, though.)
The trail from the bottom to the top of Moro Rock is a steep 1/2 mile (.8 km) up approximately 350 stone stairs. It wasn’t nearly as difficult as we expected, but our legs were definitely feeling it by the time we got to the top.
Be aware! If you are afraid of heights, this may not be the trail for you. There’s no shame in turning around if you find the trail too challenging or terrifying.
At the top, a railing extends on both sides out to the viewpoint. As you can see in the photo, the walkway to the point is fairly narrow. You will have a better chance of enjoying the view without being crowded by getting to the trail early. You’ll also have more time to take photos without feeling rushed, and believe me, you’ll want to take lots of photos! The views of the Sierra Nevada mountains are spectacular from atop Moro Rock.
Tip: Either before or after your hike to the top of Moro Rock, take the trail leading to Hanging Rock. You will get the best photo of Moro Rock here. Bonus- the Hanging Rock Trail might be the easiest hike you’ll find in Sequoia National Park at just .35 miles (6 km) roundtrip. To get to Hanging Rock, look for the small Hanging Rock parking area and sign just before reaching the Moro Rock parking area. It’s a short walk from the Moro Rock parking area.
6. Hospital Rock (Sequoia)
This is definitely worth a short stop. No hiking is required to get to Hospital Rock, but you can’t see the pictographs from the Generals Highway. You must park in the Hospital Rock parking area, cross the highway, and climb a steep set of steps to get to the pictograph panel. I’ve seen countless petroglyphs on other trips, but very few pictographs, so Hospital Rock in Sequoia National Park was a “must-see” for me.
What about these divots in the rock on the right? If you don’t know what they are, you’ll just have to stop and find out. Don’t forget, there were once people here who called this area “home”.
7. Drive the General’s Highway (Sequioa/Kings Canyon)
The Generals Highway is the 32-mile scenic highway that connects Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It ranks #4 in the top five drives we’ve ever taken in the national parks. From the massive sequoia groves to the awe-inspiring alpine vistas, Generals Highway is guaranteed to be a highlight of your Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks trip.
Be aware! Generals Highway is a twisted, narrow road demanding constant driver attention. There are numerous pull-outs, so use them to stop and admire the scenery. Also, Generals Highway is closed in winter and usually re-opens in late May. Plan accordingly. You can find out more about driving Sequoia/Kings Canyon roads on the National Park Service’s website.
8. Grant Grove Village and General Grant Trail (Kings Canyon)
The General Grant is the largest tree in Kings Canyon National Park and is easily reached by a paved trail beginning at the Grant Grove Visitor Center. On the trail, you’ll pass Centennial Stump. Be sure to take a moment to read about its history on the park sign.
Quick Facts about the General Grant
- Age: approximately 1650 years old
- Height: 267 feet (81 meters)
- Circumference: 107.6 feet (32.7 meters)
I wish I could tell you more about this trail, but I can’t. I was very pre-occupied and didn’t pay attention to most of what I saw. More about that later. After our trip, I wondered why General Grant is known as “The Nation’s Christmas Tree”. It looks nothing like a Christmas tree, does it? While writing this article, I looked for the answer online. Stories like these are what add extra appeal to this park.
9. Big Stump Trail (Kings Canyon)
Don’t miss taking a short hike on Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon National Park. I promise you won’t regret it!
Overall, our time in Kings Canyon was, hmm… well… You’ll just have to read about it in my article, Big Stump in Kings Canyon National Park- It’s One Tale of a Trail. Besides an overview of our Kings Canyon experience, you’ll get a detailed description of Big Stump Trail.
Did We See Bears?
Yes, but just one. Ain’t it a beaut? There was no zoom lens involved here. This black bear (there are no grizzlies in Sequoia/Kings Canyon) was foraging on the side of the Generals Highway with only a vague interest in the cars going by. Of course, all of the cars were going by s-l-o-w-l-y. Everyone wanted this photo!
Tip: Make sure you read Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks page title “Black Bears” for information on how to stay safe in bear country. Note: Bear spray is illegal to possess in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks.
Need a Coffee Break?
Sequioa Coffee Company in Three Rivers, CA is a must-stop stop for coffee and donuts on the way to Sequoia National Park. The cafe is renowned for its coffee bar and signature griddled donuts. The donuts alone were worth the stop, and my chai latte was the perfect accompaniment.
*What’s a griddled donut? It’s a plain glazed donut cooked on a waffle iron, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and served warm. Simply yum! You MUST try. But if you can’t get to Sequoia Coffee in California, see my instructions below for making griddled donuts at home.
Homemade Griddled Donut (AKA “Sequoia Donut”)
1. Set a Belgian waffle iron to medium heat.
2. Once pre-heated, spray with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Place the donut on the hot iron.
4. Close the lid and let cook for 3 minutes.
5. Remove the donut and sprinkle it with cinnamon-sugar or confetioner sugar.
Bring those day-old donuts back to life on your waffle iron!
Other Points of Interest Along the Way from Los Angeles, CA to Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park
Lake Kaweah
Oh my gosh, this lake! We passed Lake Kaweah driving to/from Sequoia National Park. The light on these hills was spectacular in the morning and early evening. If you are one of those lucky people who have more than a weekend to spend in this area, you should definitely plan to paddle (or pedal) a few hours out on the lake. Check out Kaweah Marina in Lemon Cove, CA for watercraft rental information. They’ve got you covered for kayaks, aqua cycles, SUPs, and patio boats. Kayaking Lake Kaweah will be at the top of my list if I ever get the chance to return.
My husband is an avid bass fisherman, so when he heard Lake Kaweah was known for its largemouth, he was wishing he had his fishing gear! The lake is also known for its spotted bass and rainbow trout.
Tip: Best time for fishing is April-October. Keep in mind, you must have a California fishing license to fish Lake Kaweah.
Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield
If you’re a fan of the country music legend, Buck Owens, you must stop at Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, CA. For anyone traveling to/from the Los Angeles area, Bakersfield is a short detour.
My husband, being a big Buck fan, really enjoyed the museum. I’ll admit I liked it more than I expected. Seeing Buck’s Cadillac behind the bar was worth the stop for me.
Tip: You can visit Crystal Palace and the Buck Owens Museum even if you aren’t planning to eat at the restaurant or attend a concert. See Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace website for details about museum hours of operation.
Well, What Do You Think?
I hope I’ve encouraged you to put Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks on your travel bucket list. Don’t wait to see these parks someday. Start planning today. You won’t regret it!
Thanks for reading!
I’ll be sharing highlights from Yosemite National Park soon. Keep following my trail for updates!
From My Library
Fantasy is generally not my jam, but I was hooked on The Canopy Keepers by the end of the first chapter. This is a great book for teens to read before a trip to Sequoia/Kings Canyon. I love how the author reinforces that our national parks are for everyone- for everyone to experience, enjoy, and protect.
If you like mysteries based upon true stories, you will enjoy The Last Season. Set in Kings Canyon Naitonal Park, the book exposes the reader to the harsh physical and psychological realities experienced by park rangers tasked to guard our wild spaces. I couldn’t put it down!
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