25 Best Things to Do in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
From beautiful, easy trails that wind their way through the biggest trees on Earth to pristine, glacial-fed lakes and towering peaks throughout the High Sierra, both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are two uniquely beautiful and diverse National Parks that vary dramatically in many ways related to elevation, accessibility, seasonal snow, where the Giant Sequoias are located, and—most notably—crowds!
All these reasons are why trying to recommend one park over the other is truly impossible given how fun and beautiful each National Park is in its own way, which is why I highly recommend visiting both Sequoia and Kings Canyon at the same time!
However, if time is a limiting factor during your visit, be sure to read through the short breakdown I’ve written below, as I think it will become clear why more visitors choose to spend their time in Sequoia over Kings Canyon National Park.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park?
Both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are open year-round, but Generals Highway between the parks is not maintained throughout the winter off-season, nor is Highway 180 into Cedar Grove.
This means that from early January – late March, depending on conditions, Sequoia and Kings Canyon really feel like two separate National Parks, as each requires a long out-and-back drive in and out of the Sierras to reach both Giant Forest and Grant Grove.
However, when both Generals Highway between the parks and Highway 180 to Cedar Grove are open for the summer season (typically early May – early- to mid-November), Sequoia and Kings Canyon become the most accessible and enjoyable to visit, particularly once the trails become snow-free around mid-June.
Now, it’s not entirely fair to simply say "visit during the summer," as statewide California is known for having one of the most aggressive wildfire seasons in the country.
This is why I often say the best time of year to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is early summer, specifically mid- to late June, before wildfire season gets into full swing by mid-July.
This recommendation is obviously biased toward the best things to see and do in the Sequoia–Kings Canyon front country, but typically by mid-July and onward, the high-elevation trails and lakes above 10,000 ft. (3,048 m) have partially or fully opened for the season—meaning the best time to visit ultimately depends on personal preference and what you’re hoping to do when visiting either park.
Sequoia vs. Kings Canyon
Sequoia National Park
By and large, Sequoia National Park is more popular than Kings Canyon, which I believe can be summed up in one word: accessibility.
By this, I mean that in Sequoia, Giant Forest off Generals Highway is the most popular year-round destination, as this is where the majority of Giant Sequoias across the Sierras are located.
That said, Giant Forest—and everything off Generals Highway—is fairly easy to get to and from, and there is a very convenient shuttle system (off-season hours vary) to some of the most popular stops within the forest that have limited parking.
This is why I like to say that it’s really not hard to get into the big trees, and many of the most popular destinations require very little—if any—hiking.
However, for those who are interested in exploring some of the lesser-known areas off Generals Highway, such as the Little Baldy Trail, I think escaping the crowds in an otherwise very busy National Park up in Giant Forest is very easy to do by simply venturing away from the most popular trailheads serviced by the park shuttle.
Kings Canyon National Park
Compared to Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon is similar in some ways, yet very different in others.
What I mean is that everything off Generals Highway and Highway 180 in Grant Grove is similar to that of Giant Forest in Sequoia, and I say this because everything is very easy to get to and from after making the long drive into the park from either the Central Valley or Sequoia National Park.
However, apart from everything to do within Grant Grove Village, accessibility in Kings Canyon National Park changes considerably, as the majority of the best things to do in the park are located out of Cedar Grove at the bottom of the long, windy 28-mile (45.1 km) one-way drive to the bottom of Kings Canyon.
That is to say, you’re missing many of the best things to do in the park if you don’t commit to the long out-and-back drive between Grant Grove Village and Cedar Grove.
That said, Cedar Grove is very much a hiking destination—especially backcountry hiking—as many of the trails that branch out from the bottom of Kings Canyon lead to a number of stunning destinations up in the high country!
With all that in mind, I would never discourage visiting Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon simply because it’s best seen on foot, as the long, winding drive into the canyon is truly worth the trip alone! Not to mention, there are a number of beautiful day hikes within the canyon that are best enjoyed over a night or two, considering the long drive is not something I recommend doing multiple days in a row, or even twice in one day.
Hiking Checklist - Sequoia-Kings Canyon
Obviously, for camping, you will need general backpacking gear. For this reason, I wrote a separate post about what backpacking gear is worth the money, from my experience, and what the best alternatives are to save you money.
Read My Separate Post: Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear
In addition, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
That said, bear spray is purposefully excluded from this list because, while the Sierra Nevadas are home to a large Black Bear population, bear spray is not allowed in either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park.
25 Best Things to Do in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
The following list is written in no particular order of best or worst.
However, this does not go without saying that accessing either park requires a very long drive out of the Central Valley—meaning that if you want to make the most of your time, it’s best to arrive first thing in the morning, especially because simple things like finding parking only get more difficult as the day goes on during the busy summer travel season.
On a different note, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
1. General Sherman Tree
Distance (Roundtrip): 1.0 miles / 1.6 km
The General Sherman Tree is the biggest tree in the world, so for obvious reasons, it’s absolutely a must-see if it’s your first time visiting Sequoia National Park!
That said, the General Sherman Tree is really just the beginning of the longer 2.9-mile (4.7 km) Congress Trail, which extends beyond the Sherman Tree through some of the most pristine Sequoia groves in the world!
In any case, the Sherman Tree Trail is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure, and it goes without saying that it is easily the most popular trail in Sequoia National Park!
This is why I highly recommend reading my thoughts about when to visit the Sherman Tree in my separate post, as it can undoubtedly be an entirely different experience, depending on when you choose to visit during the day.
Read My Separate Post: General Sherman Tree Trail
My Print - General Sherman Tree
2. Congress Trail
Distance: 2.9 miles / 4.7 km
The Congress Trail is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful trails to enjoy the Giant Sequoias in all of Sequoia National Park!
As previously mentioned, the Congress Trail is truly just an extension of the Sherman Tree Trail, meaning that it’s most common to combine both hikes into one.
In any case, Sequoia trees throughout much of the Congress Trail are generally broken up into various clusters, with the Congress cluster located toward the far end of the loop. However, there are seemingly countless different groves to see on this one beautiful loop, making the Congress Trail a really fun adventure to slow down and take your time!
For any photographers looking for good light and unique angles, I personally recommend hiking the Congress Trail during early morning or late afternoon hours, as this generally brings out the best photo opportunities when the light breaks through the small gaps in the forest canopy at an angle, as opposed to midday light coming straight down.
Read My Separate Post: Congress Trail
3. Little Baldy Trail (Sunrise & Sunset)
Distance: 3.4 miles / 5.5 km
The Little Baldy Trail is a short but steep day hike outside of Giant Forest, off Generals Highway, that, in my opinion, feels like a hidden gem in what can seem like a very busy National Park, considering that many visitors do not venture beyond Giant Forest to see everything the park has to offer!
That said, the summit of Little Baldy is one of the most beautiful and 'relatively easy' overlooks to hike to, which is why it is one of my favorite adventures to hike for both sunrise and sunset!
This photo was taken at sunrise.
Read My Separate Post: Little Baldy Trail
4. Tunnel Log
Tunnel Log is easily one of the most popular destinations within Sequoia’s Giant Forest, so for obvious reasons, photos like this are fairly hard to come by!
In fact, I spent about an hour and a half until the very last bus in the evening just to wait out the crowds in order to get this shot!
However, I’d say it was worth the wait, especially because the hill was so fun to skate!
In any case, many people like the idea of standing on the tree for a photo, but know that most vehicles won’t fit through the Tunnel Log, as it’s much shorter than it may appear.
Google Maps Directions: Tunnel Log
5. Moro Rock Trail
Distance (One Way): 0.3 - 2.1 miles / 0.5 - 3.4 km
With expansive views of the High Sierras on one side and beautiful west-facing views toward sunset on the other, the Moro Rock Trail is easily one of the best day hikes in Sequoia National Park!
That said, the distance mentioned is so variable because it entirely depends on whether you choose to hike the entire Moro Rock Trail or just the final and most popular portion up Moro Rock itself.
To learn more about both options, I highly recommend reading my separate article, which includes detailed photos of the final ascent up Moro Rock, the most visited section of the entire hike.
Read My Separate Post: Moro Rock Trail
6. Sunset Rock Trail
Distance: 1.6 miles / 2.6 km
The Sunset Rock Trail is a short, easy, out-and-back day hike on the edge of Giant Forest that, for obvious reasons, is one of the most beautiful places in Sequoia National Park to end the day!
In my opinion, the Sunset Rock Trail is the type of adventure to bring a blanket and a bottle of wine, as the hike ends on a beautiful, open granite clearing where you can sit back and enjoy the sunset on the edge of the western Sierras!
Read My Separate Post: Sunset Rock Trail
7. Hazelwood Nature Loop Trail
Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 km
The Hazelwood Nature Loop Trail is a very short and easy day hike among a number of other popular adventures in Sequoia’s Giant Forest, and it’s one of my personal favorite day hikes, as the loop is not only filled with beautiful Giant Sequoias and wildflowers, but Hazelwood Meadow is also one of the better places to see wildlife in a typically busy area of the park!
To learn more about why I say this and how to improve your chances when hiking through the Giant Sequoias, I highly recommend reading more in my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Hazelwood Nature Loop Trail
8. Hanging Rock Trail
Distance: 0.2 miles / 0.3 km
The Hanging Rock Trail is one of the easiest day hikes in either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park, and of any time to visit, sunset is the most beautiful and enjoyable time of day, as the soft golden light fades across the High Sierras!
By all this, I mean that the short 0.1-mile (0.2 km) Hanging Rock Trail is one of the best effort-to-reward adventures in either park, and it’s a personal favorite of mine to watch the sunset over the neighboring and much more popular Moro Rock, as far fewer visitors hike to Hanging Rock in comparison!
Read My Separate Post: Hanging Rock Trail
9. John Muir Lodge
The John Muir Lodge is the best place to stay within either Sequoia and Kings Canyon when it comes to enjoying the best of both parks!
I say this because whether you’re driving into Sequoia via Three Rivers or into Kings Canyon from Fresno or Visalia, the drive into either is long, windy, and most of all, slow!
That said, I highly recommend spending one or a few nights at the John Muir Lodge in Grant Grove, as it makes for a great central location to enjoy the best of both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park—especially considering all the amenities in Grant Grove!
John Muir Lodge
10. Tharp’s Log Trail (Log Meadow Loop)
Distance (Full Loop): 2.2 miles / 3.5 km
Tharp’s Log is a hand-built, one-of-a-kind log cabin in Sequoia National Park, made by a man named Hale Tharp in the 1860s, a settler who lived among the Sequoias to graze cattle prior to the establishment of the National Park in September 1890.
To this day, the log and all its contents are beautifully preserved inside the fallen Sequoia, which can be hiked as an out-and-back adventure, or you can continue further on a one-way loop around Log Meadow, ending at the same High Sierra Trailhead where the Tharp’s Log Trail began.
Read My Separate Post: Tharp’s Log Trail
11. Don Cecil Trail (Lookout Peak)
Distance (Roundtrip): 11.2 miles / 18.0 km
The Don Cecil Trail to Lookout Peak is a long adventure when compared with other, more involved day hikes in Kings Canyon, as the 5.6-mile (9.0 km) out-and-back trail is on the more challenging side in terms of an all-day hike.
I say this because, as mentioned previously, Kings Canyon National Park is very much a backcountry destination, meaning day hikes within Cedar Grove are relatively few and far between compared to Sequoia.
That said, the Don Cecil Trail is about as long as it get before trails in Kings Canyon are then considered to be overnight adventures.
If this is a hike you’re considering, know that the official Don Cecil Trail to Lookout Peak can be a bit more confusing than it may initially seem, as Lookout Peak is actually located off-trail, just outside the park boundary in the Sequoia National Forest.
This is why I highly recommend checking out my separate post to learn more about what it takes to scramble up to Lookout Peak, as there are truly no views at the official Don Cecil Trail terminus, where the National Park Service stops maintaining the trail.
Read My Separate Post: Don Cecil Trail
12. Crescent Meadow Loop Trail
Distance: 1.4 miles / 2.3 km
The Crescent Meadow Loop Trail is an easy, kid-friendly day hike around one of Giant Forest’s most beautiful meadows!
I say this because Crescent Meadow makes for a great trail to look for wildlife in the early morning and late evening hours, as the loop attracts far fewer visitors compared to other, more popular day hikes in Giant Forest, like the Congress Trail—all of which contribute to make the Crescent Meadow Loop one of my personal favorite easy day hikes in Sequoia National Park!
Read My Separate Post: Crescent Meadow Loop Trail
13. Mist Falls Trail
Distance: 8.2 miles / 13.2 km
The Mist Falls Trail, not to be confused with the popular Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park, is a stunning day hike that winds its way up the South Fork of the Kings River within the Sequoia–Kings Canyon Wilderness, leading to Mist Falls, a beautiful long cascade on the much longer and much more involved Rae Lakes Loop Trail!
That said, I highly recommend reading my thoughts about the best time of day and season to hike the Mist Falls Trail, because, in my opinion, many visitors miss seeing the waterfall when it’s most beautiful, as shown in the photo below!
Read My Separate Post: Mist Falls Trail
14. Hotel Creek Trail (Cedar Grove Overlook)
Distance: 4.4 miles / 7.1 km
The Hotel Creek Trail is a short but steep day hike from the bottom of Kings Canyon, and for this reason, it is one of the most overlooked adventures in the Cedar Grove District of the park!
This is one of a few reasons why the Hotel Creek Trail to the Cedar Grove Overlook is my personal favorite sunset hike from within Kings Canyon— not to mention, the viewpoint at the end is an expansive, west-facing overlook that looks directly out of Kings Canyon toward the sunset, with the High Sierras surrounding the trail in every other direction!
All this to say, hiking the Hotel Creek Trail for sunset obviously isn’t practical if you weren’t planning to spend the night at either the Cedar Grove Lodge, one of the campgrounds, or in the National Forest, as the long, winding road out of Kings Canyon is not something I recommend driving in the dark.
Read My Separate Post: Hotel Creek Trail
15. Big Trees Trail
Distance (From Giant Forest Museum): 1.4 miles / 2.3 km
The Big Trees Trail is a short and easy loop trail in Giant Forest, and it’s the best day hike in Sequoia National Park to learn about why Sequoias grow best in Giant Forest over anywhere else in the world!
For this reason, I personally think the Big Trees Trail is a must-see if it’s your first time visiting Giant Forest, which I recommend hiking in the direction shown in my separate article in order to best follow along with the interpretive signs scattered throughout the loop.
Read My Separate Post: Big Trees Trail
16. Dead Giant Trail
Distance (One Way): 0.4 miles / 0.6 km
The Dead Giant Trail is a little-known hidden gem in Sequoia National Park, as it’s one of the easiest adventures in the park, yet so few visitors hike the trail simply because it’s so obscure to even find!
To learn more about what I mean by this and to find out where to park, as well as my recommendations for creating a longer loop out of this easy day hike, I highly recommend reading all the details in my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Dead Giant Trail
17. Buena Vista Trail
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
The Buena Vista Trail in Kings Canyon National Park is a beautiful out-and-back day hike, and in my opinion, it’s the best sunset hike on this list, due largely to the fact that it is one of the easiest and most rewarding trails in either park, much like the Hanging Rock Trail in Giant Forest!
For all these reasons, Buena Vista Peak is one of my personal favorites, and I highly recommend visiting late in the day, as there truly is no better place to hang out and watch the sunset along the beautiful cliffs of the western Sierra!
Read My Separate Post: Buena Vista Trail
18. Cedar Grove Lodge
Visiting the Cedar Grove District at the bottom of Kings Canyon is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience the park because it’s one of the best ways to take it slow and see Kings Canyon over time rather than rush through it!
However, this doesn’t go without saying that Cedar Grove is extremely remote, and spending a full day in the canyon with plans to stay outside of the park is very impractical.
In fact, spending a full day in Cedar Grove, with reservations to stay at the John Muir Lodge up in Grant Grove, is also less than ideal.
I say this because Cedar Grove truly is that remote, and the best way to enjoy the bottom of Kings Canyon without feeling rushed or stressed is to spend one or a few nights at the bottom!
Cedar Grove Lodge
19. Zumwalt Meadow Loop Trail
Distance: 1.6 miles / 2.6 km
The Zumwalt Meadow Loop Trail is the best and easiest trail to enjoy the beautiful views among the towering granite cliffs at the bottom of Kings Canyon, similar to the feeling of walking parts of the Valley Loop Trail in Yosemite National Park!
On top of this, Zumwalt Meadow, along with the River Trail that the loop shares a portion with, is one of the best places to spot Black Bears of any hike at the bottom of Kings Canyon!
To learn more about the best places to look, the best times of day to visit Zumwalt Meadow, and the best spots for photographers to capture photos, I highly recommend checking out my separate article linked below!
Read My Separate Post: Zumwalt Meadow Loop Trail
20. Panoramic Point & Park Ridge Trail
Distance (Roundtrip): 0.5 - 5.2 miles / 0.8 - 8.4 km
The Panoramic Point Trail is a quick and easy day hike, and it’s my number one recommendation for those visiting Kings Canyon National Park who don’t have the time to make the long, windy drive down Highway 180 to the Cedar Grove District!
I say this because Panoramic Point is the best viewpoint in the Grant Grove District to see the canyon and the High Sierras from above!
In addition, there’s the option to hike past both viewpoints to reach an active fire lookout farther up the ridge, which you can learn more about in my separate Park Ridge Trail article, as it includes both the beginning sections up the easy Panoramic Point Trail, as well as the less-trafficked sections up Park Ridge.
Read My Separate Posts: Panoramic Point Trail / Park Ridge Trail
21. Big Baldy Trail
Distance (Roundtrip): 4.6 miles / 7.4 km
The Big Baldy Trail in Grant Grove is the sister hike to Little Baldy in Sequoia National Park. However, Big Baldy is much more closely related to the Buena Vista Trail, just a few miles to the south.
I say this because both Big Baldy and the Buena Vista Trail are amazing sunset hikes in Kings Canyon along the western Sierra, with distance being the biggest difference between the two.
When considering either, know that the trail to Big Baldy Peak is slightly longer, and for this reason, the summit at sunset is almost always empty, as few, if any, park visitors are up for the 2.3-mile (3.7 km) hike back in the dark.
Read My Separate Post: Big Baldy Trail
22. Big Stump Loop Trail
Distance: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km
The fight to save California’s big trees is as old as their discovery, and the Big Stump Loop Trail is the best trail across both Sequoia and Kings Canyon to truly see just how close Giant Sequoias were to being lost to the logging industry forever!
The short 2.2-mile (3.5 km) Big Stump Loop passes by a number of both named and unnamed Sequoia stumps, with the most iconic being the Mark Twain Stump.
That said, there is a very quick and easy way to see the Mark Twain Stump without hiking the full loop, which I encourage you to learn more about in my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Big Stump Loop Trail
23. Roaring River Falls Trail
Distance: 0.4 miles / 0.6 km
The Roaring River Falls Trail is one of the easiest day hikes across both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park!
I say this because the easy 0.2-mile (0.3 km) out-and-back trail is paved, making it one of the most accessible trails, especially since the elevation change is very minimal.
That said, the same can’t be said about other paved trails, like the Sherman Tree Trail, which is why I highly recommend stopping by to check out this beautiful, quick, and easy stop in the Cedar Grove District, with the option to continue further on the River Trail for those who are interested in a longer adventure.
Read My Separate Post: Roaring River Falls Trail
24. General Grant Tree
Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 km
Behind only the General Sherman and the President Tree on the Congress Trail, the General Grant Tree is the third-largest tree on Earth!
For this reason, the Grant Tree Trail is among the most popular in Grant Grove and all of Kings Canyon National Park, which is why I highly recommend visiting first thing in the morning in order to enjoy the best the popular trail has to offer, while saving other, less crowded adventures for later in the day.
Read My Separate Post: General Grant Tree Trail
25. Tokopah Falls Trail
Distance (Roundtrip): 4.0 miles / 6.4 km
With its countless different pools beneath a waterfall that cascades down roughly 1,200 ft. (365.8 m) from the High Sierra, the Marble Fork of the Kaweah and the Tokopah Falls Trail that parallels it is one of the best day hikes on a hot summer day in Sequoia National Park!
This is because the Marble Fork of the Kaweah is a favorite for both those staying at the Lodgepole Campground and those visiting for the day when it comes to going for a swim!
However, having the opportunity to swim depends entirely on the time of the summer season you plan to visit Sequoia National Park, which is why I highly recommend learning more about how the Marble Fork changes by month in my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Tokopah Falls Trail
Bonus
It didn’t feel right to exclude the incredible Sequoia–Kings Canyon Wilderness from this list, along with your options to book a local guide.
26. Mineral King Loop Trail
Distance: ~44.0 miles / 70.8 km
The Mineral King Loop Trail is the best of the best in the Sequoia National Park backcountry, and it’s an adventure not known by many who are interested in venturing into the Sequoia–Kings Canyon Wilderness, which is exactly what makes the Mineral King Loop Trail one of the most relaxing multi-day trips one can take in the High Sierras!
That said, there is a lot to consider when planning the Mineral King Loop Trail, including routes, permits, trailheads, and more—something that is not the case for the popular Rae Lakes Loop Trail in Kings Canyon National Park.
This is why I highly recommend reading the first few sections of my separate article, as planning is a big part of making the Mineral King Loop Trail a reality!
Read My Separate Post: Mineral King Loop Trail
27. Sequoia & Kings Canyon Private Tour Guide
I get it. It has taken me many visits over many years to truly feel like I’ve begun to see the best of both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, which is exactly why booking a local private guide may be the best option if you’re a first-time visitor to either park.
Before booking, know that there are a variety of options to consider, including those that specialize in winter trips, which I highly recommend checking out if this is when you plan to visit, as they can provide essential gear in order to stay safe during the winter off-season.
8 Best Things to Do Near Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
1. Yosemite National Park
This recommendation should come as no surprise, as one of the most common California roadtrips is visiting all three National Parks in the Sierra Nevada at once.
For this reason, I want to highlight that Yosemite Valley is only a 3-hour, 30-minute drive from Grant Grove Village in Kings Canyon National Park.
This is why, if you enjoyed reading everything I’ve written about both Sequoia and Kings Canyon, I recommend checking out my separate article about Yosemite National Park, where I share the same inside information about everything there is to see and do both in Yosemite Valley and beyond.
Read My Separate Post: Yosemite National Park
2. California Tacos (Dinuba, CA)
There’s no shortage of Mexican food outside of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, but California Tacos are worth going out of your way for!
Located about 30 minutes south of Yokuts Valley, outside of Kings Canyon, California Tacos in Dinuba is my go-to spot after spending a long day exploring Grant Grove—especially because they stay open later than most restaurants in the area!
Yelp: California Tacos
3. Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is only a 5-hour, 45-minute drive from Grant Grove Village in Kings Canyon National Park!
I mention this because Lake Tahoe, along with all the other destinations in and around the Sierras, can easily be added to your California roadtrip—especially if your trip is starting from Sacramento or Reno!
Google Maps Directions: Lake Tahoe
4. Gena’s Sierra Inn & Restaurant
The one thing that sets Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park apart from many other parks across the country is the long drive in and out of both.
That said, finding places to stay and eat can be very inconvenient, especially when staying in either park late for sunset!
This is why I love Gena’s Sierra Inn and Restaurant, because not only is it one of the best and closest places to stay, but it’s also one of the best nearby dining options, with great burgers and beer just outside of Grant Grove!
5. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park may seem a bit out of the way from both Sequoia and Kings Canyon, but if you’re flying to Sacramento to visit the Sierras, then Lassen isn’t as out of the way as it may initially seem.
In fact, from the Sacramento Airport, Lassen Volcanic is only 2 hours and 40 minutes away—more than an hour closer than driving to Yosemite Valley.
To learn more, I’ve written an entirely separate post about Lassen Volcanic, similar to my detailed articles about visiting the parks in the Sierras.
Read My Separate Post: Lassen Volcanic National Park
6. Mt. Whitney (Highest Peak in California)
Even though Mt. Whitney borders Sequoia National Park, the most common and easiest route route to climb to the summit is via Whitney Portal, just outside of Lone Pine, which is only a 5-hour drive from Giant Forest.
That said, there’s nothing quite like climbing to the summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest summit in the lower 48 states!
Before visiting, there is quite a bit to know about the climb, including how to get a permit for the trail, which you can read all about in my separate article linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Mt. Whitney Trail (Lone Pine)
7. Redwood National & State Parks
Redwood National Park and Sequoia National Park are not convenient to one another in terms of driving. However, aside from visiting Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks in one trip, visiting Redwood National and State Parks as part of a California 'big trees' roadtrip is one of the most common itineraries.
For this reason, I wanted to highlight that I’ve also visited the California Redwoods many times, where I share the same insider information and recommendations, just as I have here!
Read My Separate Post: Redwood National & State Parks
8. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is not a park I recommend visiting if you’re visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon during the beautiful, sunny summer season, but if you happen to be visiting the Sierras during the winter off-season, Death Valley can be a great place to add to your list!
That said, Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park is roughly 6 hours and 50 minutes away, as the long drive takes you out and around the southern foothills of the Sierras.
However, I’d say the drive is well worth the effort to see Death Valley during the best and most beautiful winter off-season, which can easily be planned on a February roadtrip if you’re already trying to see the famous Fire Falls in Yosemite National Park!
Read My Separate Post: Death Valley National Park
3 Things to Know Before Visiting Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
1. Come prepared with the right gear for right the right time of year.
Both Sequoia and Kings Canyon are known for having beautiful, sunny summers and deep winter snow during the off-season, which is why it’s important to come prepared for the season and conditions that you anticipate.
In the winter, this may mean carrying tire chains, as the National Park Service reserves the right to require all cars to have them before entering either park.
As for the summer, many of the best adventures off Generals Highway in both Giant Forest and Grant Grove are located between 6,000–8,000 ft. (1,829–2,438 m). I mention this because it’s much easier to burn when spending a lot of time outside at these higher elevations.
At the same time, lingering winter snow in the early summer season can keep trails covered well into June and even July in the High Sierras, which is why micro-spikes are a must on many upper-elevation trails, as conditions can be particularly hazardous when the snow is melting during the day and freezing overnight in the spring.
2. There is free camping near both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
For visitors looking to car camp or camp in a nearby pullout, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are fortunate to be surrounded—and somewhat divided—by the Sequoia National Forest, where free camping is much easier to come by!
By this, I mean that visitors looking to stay near either park only have to make short drives outside the park boundaries, which is surprisingly convenient near Giant Forest, Grant Grove, and even the deepest parts of Kings Canyon in Cedar Grove.
To learn more, I recommend looking over the Sequoia–Kings Canyon National Park map below to see where the National Park–National Forest boundaries are located.
3. Do not camp in Three Rivers during the summer.
Elevation makes a big difference in terms of temperature in both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, and during the best and most beautiful summer months, Three Rivers and other areas of similar elevation are far too hot and uncomfortable during the overnight hours.
This is why it’s much better and more practical to drive up and spend the night in the National Forest off Generals Highway between the parks, or just outside Grant Grove Village off Highway 180.
Either way, sleeping at these higher elevations should mean getting better sleep, as opposed to sweating through the night in one of the lower-elevation towns outside of the Sierras!
