voyage en direct sequoia

Voyage Sequoia National Park

Contactez un conseiller spécialiste 514 722 0909

Idées voyages Sequoia National Park

Voyages itinérants Etats-Unis - Ouest - Californie du Nord

De san francisco à la napa valley - road-trip en californie du nord.

Une belle boucle à travers les régions méconnues du Golden State, pour un autre voyage dans l’Ouest

12 jours, de 4200 à 5100 $ CAD

Voyages itinérants Etats-Unis - Côte ouest - Seattle - Napa Valley - San [...]

De seattle à san francisco - l'ouest américain côté pacifique.

Vivre le vrai American dream le long des panoramas grandioses de la route 101

15 jours, de 6700 à 8200 $ CAD

Le guide Sequoia National Park

5 parcs de l'ouest américain hors des sentiers battus

10 parcs nationaux américains pour en prendre plein la vue

A voir dans l'ouest américain avant qu'il ne soit trop tard

Idées associées.

Plus de 200 conseillers spécialisés par pays et régions, vous aident à créer un voyage selon vos envies et votre budget.

Personnalisation

Suivant les suggestions de votre conseiller mais aussi vos idées, nous construisons un voyage ultra-personnalisé : étapes, hébergements, activités, rencontres...

Conciergerie francophone à destination, assistance 24/24, salons lounge, douanes rapides, early check-in : un éventail de services d’excellence à votre disposition.

• Nos agences

514 722 0909

• Montréal (514) 722-0909 295 rue de la Commune Ouest H2Y 2E1 Montréal
• Québec (418) 651-9191 540 rue Champlain G1K 4J3 Québec

• Créer un compte / Se connecter

Les 10 incontournables du parc Séquoia et Kings Canyon

Vous ne vous sentirez jamais aussi petit que dans le Parc Séquoia & Kings Canyon.

Marcher entre les plus gros arbres de la planète donne en effet l’illusion d’évoluer à l’intérieur d’un monde de géants .

Si vous n’êtes pas convaincu d’ajouter cette destination légendaire à votre prochain road trip en Californie , voici 10 bonnes raisons de le faire :  

Carte des incontournables du parc Séquoia

Parc Séquoia  

#1- general sherman tree .

Le General Sherman Tree est fort probablement l’ attrait le plus important du parc Sequoia . Il est incontournable dans tous les sens du terme et un symbole lorsque l'on pense aux vacances en famille aux USA .

Cet arbre géant de 84 mètres de haut et de 31 mètres de circonférence est le plus gros organisme vivant de la planète et   il est âgé de plus de 2200 ans. Fascinant n’est-ce pas ?

Il y a 0.8 km aller-retour entre le stationnement et le General Sherman Tree. Comptez 45 minutes pour la visite .

Voyage de rêve en Californie

#2- congress trail .

C’est vrai que le General Sherman Tree est un arbre imposant et qu’il ne faut pas le manquer. Cependant, ce serait bien dommage de s’arrêter là.

Au départ du General Sherman Tree se trouve le sentier de randonnée « Congress Trail » qui vous fera découvrir vraiment l’essence de cette forêt étonnante.

C’est lors de cette excursion que nous constatons vraiment à quel point nous sommes petits dans ce monde de géants.

Ce sentier est une boucle facile de 3.2 km . Comptez environ 1 heure pour cette randonnée.  

#3- Giant Forest Museum 

Si vous désirez approfondir vos connaissances sur les Séquoias , vous devez absolument faire un arrêt ici.

Vous trouverez par ailleurs une foule d’informations touristiques sur le parc et la région.  

#4- Big Trees Trail 

Cette randonnée facile de 2.4 km (boucle de 1 heure) commence au Giant Forest Museum.

D’ailleurs, ce sentier est un peu la suite du musée puisqu’il est parsemé de panneaux d’interprétation.  

#5- Moro Rock 

L’ascension des 400 marches qui vous mènent au sommet de ce rocher de granit dénudé vous permet d’obtenir une vue alpine spectaculaire.

Ce point de vue est idéal pour observer la Sierra Nevada qui effleure parfois le ciel du haut de ses sommets de 4000 mètres.

On obtient une meilleure visibilité en faisant l’ ascension de Moro Rock tôt le matin ou lors de journées plus fraîches.

Comptez environ 30 minutes pour faire cette excursion panoramique.  

#6- Tunnel Log 

Ce Séquoia, tombé sur la route, a été creusé de telle manière que les voitures peuvent passer au travers .

Ceci donne une très bonne idée de la grosseur de ces arbres.

Il s’agit d’une curiosité amusante où l'on peut prendre de belles photos originales.  

#7- Crescent Meadow 

Ce sentier facile de 3.2 km (boucle de 1 heure) serpente dans une prairie alpine entourée de Séquoias.

Vous trouverez 2 curiosités le long de ce sentier.

Premièrement vous découvrirez Tharp’s Log , une magnifique petite cabane qui est la plus vieille du parc.

Deuxièmement, faites le petit détour qui mène au Chimney Tree et assoyez-vous à l’intérieur de l’arbre pour méditer un peu. Encore un bel endroit pour prendre des clichés hors du commun.  

#8- Crystal Cave 

Cette grotte de marbre est l’un des secrets les plus mal gardés du parc Séquoia.

Des visites guidées de 45 minutes sont offertes mais aucun billet ne peut être acheté à l’entrée de la grotte. Pensez à acheter vos billets avant au Lodgepole Visitor Center ou au Foothills Visitor Center.

Cette visite  est accessible aux simples curieux ou aux familles avec de jeunes enfants .

Pour les plus aventureux, il existe des visites guidées qui avancent plus en profondeur dans les recoins sombres et étroits de la grotte.

P.S. - N’oubliez pas votre veste car la température à l’intérieur de la grotte ne monte pas en haut de 10 degrés Celsius.

Voilà pour le parc Séquoia, un des parcs oubliés de l'Ouest américain , qui ne devrait pourtant pas l'être!

Kings Canyon

#9- general grant tree trail .

Ce sentier facile de 0.8 km (boucle de 30 minutes) vous mène au General Grant Tree, un des 5 arbres les plus larges au monde .

Aussi, le long de ce sentier, vous croiserez le Fallen Monarch Tree , un séquoia couché dans lequel vous pourrez marcher.

#10- Kings Canyon Scenic Byway 

Si vous aimez les beaux paysages de l'Ouest américain , cette route panoramique d’environ 80 kilomètres qui mène à Cedar Grove en serpentant dans le canyon le long d’étroites falaises et près de la Kings River est pour vous.

Comptez environ 3 heures pour parcourir cette route magnifique aller-retour (160 km).  

Selon vous, manque-t-il des attraits à voir absolument dans ces 2 parcs californiens ? 

Si vous avez des questions et/ou suggestions, n’hésitez pas à vous exprimer dans la  zone commentaires ci-dessous .

Simon est un Québécois passionné par son coin de pays et désireux de vous le faire découvrir. À ce point qu'il a fondé Authentik Canada et Authentik USA, des spécialistes du voyage sur mesure en Amérique du Nord pour les familles et les couples.

LAISSER UN COMMENTAIRE

Répondre à: -.

Votre adresse de messagerie ne sera pas publiée.

17 commentaires

Guide de voyage gratuit, articles les plus lus, suivez-nous, articles les plus récents, quel est le prix d'un voyage tout compris aux états-unis , le meilleur road trip d'une semaine aux usa, top 5 des plus beaux couchers de soleil en floride, top 10 des choses incontournables à faire à san francisco en famille, l'ultime road trip en vr dans l'ouest américain, saguaro national park : le guide ultime, 5 astuces infaillibles pour économiser sur votre location de vr aux états-unis, le meilleur circuit pour visiter les parcs nationaux de l’ouest américain, pourquoi ne faut-il pas aller dans l’ouest américain en 2024, visiter boston : le guide complet.

• Gens de l’industrie
• Hébergement
• Technologie
• Océanie et Antarctique
• Publi-Reportage
• Miss Curieuse
• L’aventurier épicurien
• Testeuse suisse
• La Marieuse
• L’expert de Disney
• Petites annonces
• Abonnez-vous
• Contactez-nous

Voyages en Direct lance plusieurs actions concrètes pour soutenir les agents de voyages

Date de publication : 2020/03/11

Date: Mar 11 2020

Par: frenchblogs

11 mars 2020 – La communication en temps de crise n’est visiblement pas la même selon les réseaux et fournisseurs.  Certains ont compris que c’est dans les coups durs qu’on peut parfois faire briller davantage son expertise auprès de ses clients, partenaires et prospects. Après l’ACTA qui a affiché une grande solidarité depuis le début des inquiétudes concernant le Coronavirus, c’est maintenant au tour de Voyages en Direct de se manifester. Le réseau annonce aujourd’hui des actions concrètes visant à soutenir les agents de voyages et les fournisseurs en cette période de crise.

Campagne de communication « Mon Voyage, Mon Agence »

Voyages en Direct lance la campagne « Mon Voyage, Mon Agence » via ses outils de diffusion auprès du grand public afin de soutenir les agents de voyages du réseau, mais aussi toute la profession. Cette campagne de communication vise à valoriser le rôle de l’agent de voyages, particulièrement précieux en ces temps de crise.

«C’est un juste retour des choses. Les conseillers en voyages de notre réseau nous font confiance pour la diffusion de contenu en leur nom via courriel et sur les médias sociaux. Aujourd’hui, nous allons utiliser les mêmes plateformes pour répandre en masse, des messages positifs de valorisation de leur métier et de leur expertise », souligne Richard Villeneuve, président de Voyages en Direct.

Si ces messages viendront soutenir en premier lieu les membres du réseau Voyages en Direct, c’est tous les agents de voyages du Québec et les fournisseurs en voyages qui en bénéficieront :

« Avec nos canaux de diffusion, l’idée est de faire passer le message au grand public qu’il n’y a jamais eu de meilleur moment que présentement pour s’appuyer sur les conseils des professionnels du voyage pour faire les bons choix et pour être épaulé(e). Il n’y a pas meilleure personne qu’un conseiller en voyages pour informer le client sur les promotions et politiques de flexibilité créatives déployées par les fournisseurs pour soutenir les ventes durant la crise. Nous allons faire en sorte que cela se sache », poursuit Richard Villeneuve.

Espace dédié aux fournisseurs pour les agents dans le Portail SEQUOIA

Parallèlement, pour aider les conseillers du réseau à orienter au mieux leurs clients, Voyages en Direct a créé au sein du portail SEQUOIA un espace où les agents de voyages pourront retrouver en tout temps, tous les avis et communiqués émis ainsi que les politiques mises en place par les fournisseurs en voyages. Dès qu’il y aura des mises à jour, elles seront également ajoutées au portail.

« Le portail SEQUOIA, le guichet unique utilisé par tous les agents du réseau Voyages en Direct, va nous permettre d’être la place centrale où retrouver en tout temps tous les documents de référence diffusés par les tour opérateurs, les compagnies de croisières, les hôteliers, etc. », argumente Richard Villeneuve. Le réseau a contacté la grande majorité des fournisseurs pour recevoir les politiques exceptionnelles en application afin de les transmettre aux 2 700 agents membres de Voyages en Direct. D’autres actions concrètes et positives pour le bénéfice des agents seront dévoilées dans les prochains

By: frenchblogs

Julie Voyage

VISITER SEQUOIA PARK ET KINGS CANYON

Les parcs nationaux de sequoia et de kings canyon sont absolument magnifiques, il serait dommage de les rater surtout que  l'accès à ces deux parcs est très simple.  les hôtels sont nombreux autour du sequoia park, principalement à three river . retrouvez mes conseils sur la meilleure saison pour y aller , nous sommes allés à sequoia park et kings canyon en mars et avons du revoir nos plans à cause de la neige. nous avions une journée pour visiter sequoia et kings canyon , ce qui est faisable à condition de bien sélectionner les points de vues et randonnées que vous souhaitez faire..

De Yosemite National Park à Sequoia National Park

En partant de Mariposa vous pouvez prendre la Highway 99 qui est assez rapide, comptez environ 2h30 pour arriver à Three River. Mais si, comme nous, vous recherchez de beaux paysages, des ranchs typiques et des lotissements bien américains je vous conseille de prendre la route 49 à Mariposa puis la 41 pour rattraper la 99 à Fresno. En prenant notre temps pour déjeuner et faire des photos on en a eu pour 4h30 environ.

Quand visiter Sequoia park  ?

Mai, juin, septembre et octobre

Sont les meilleurs mois pour visiter les parcs Sequoia et Kings Canyon car vous éviterez la foule et profiterez du beau temps.

Attention aux périodes de neige

Nous y sommes allés fin mars et bien qu'il n'y ait eu presque pas de neige au Yosemite, il y avait au moins 1m50 de neige à Sequoia Park et Kings Canyon ! La route principale était déneigée mais nous n’avons pas pu visiter la totalité des deux parcs. Cependant nous étions presque seuls et le paysage sous la neige était absolument magnifique, je dirais donc qu’il faut bien se renseigner si vous souhaitez y aller en hiver ou début printemps. Des chaines à neige peuvent être obligatoires mais les rangers vous le diront à l’entrée. Si c'est le cas, pas de panique vous trouverez sur la route des hôtels et stations essence qui en louent pour une trentaine de dollars la journée.

Se rendre à Sequoia Park et Kings Canyon

Pour rentrer dans le parc de Sequoia il n’y a qu’une entrée, par la route 198 via Three River et pour Kings Canyon la seule entrée se fait par la route 180.

Les deux parcs sont reliés via la route 198, nous avons voulu commencer par visiter Sequoia Park puis continuer sur la 198 pour arriver à Kings Canyon, mais une fois arrivés à mi-chemin la route était fermée car non déneigée. Nous avons donc rebroussé chemin pour sortir du parc Sequoia et rattraper l'autre côté de la route 198. En chemin on a trouvé plus sympa de prendre la vraiment très petite route de campagne J21, je vous la conseille elle passe devant des petits ranchs et de belles prairies, c'est très bucolique. Par contre il ne faut pas être pressé car on ne peut pas rouler vite sur ce type de route. On a rattrapé la 245 pour enfin retrouver la 198 après 2h de détour quand même, il fallait le vouloir !

Visiter Sequoia et Kings Canyon en une journée

Nous nous sommes levés tôt pour pouvoir visiter Sequoia Park et une partie de Kings Canyon en une journée. C’est partie pour une très longue journée de route !

On arrive donc à l’entrée du parc des Séquoias géants  Foothills Visitor Center , accueillis une fois de plus par un ranger vraiment très sympa qui nous annonce qu’il y a de la neige mais que les chaînes ne sont pour l’instant pas obligatoires. Si toute fois il venait à neiger, des rangers feraient le tour du parc pour prévenir les touristes qui n’ont pas de chaînes de rebrousser chemin, donc pas de panique !

La route dans Sequoia Park est vraiment très sinueuse et elle monte beaucoup, offrant des points de vue à couper le souffle, prenez votre temps pour admirer le paysage. Comptez au moins une heure de route pour arriver au coeur du parc.

1er STOP Big Trees Trail  Le parking de cette randonnée se trouve à 5 minutes après le Giant Forest Museum sur la gauche. La neige avait totalement recouvert le chemin de randonnée donc impossible de savoir par où aller mais on s’est quand même aventurés dans la forêt enneigée au milieu des séquoias géants, on était seul, l'atmosphère était assez féerique.

2ème STOP General Sherman Tree  5 minutes de voiture après Big Trees Trail . Depuis le parking un chemin vous amène au pied de l’arbre le plus large au monde, appelé General Sherman .

Ensuite nous avons voulu continuer la route 198 pour arriver dans le parc de Kings Canyon, mais la route était barrée à cause de la neige. Il était à peine 11 heures alors on a décidé de sortir de Sequoia National Park pour rattraper l’entrée principale de Kings Canyon (cf. plus haut) ce qui nous a pris pas moins de 4h de route sinueuse au lieu d'1h si on avait pu traverser, mais bon c’était superbe !

Mais la suite de la journée ne s'est pas déroulée comme prévue, car nous n'avons pas pu visiter Kings Canyon, à cause de la neige et d'un manque d'essence ... mais je vous la détaille tout de même.

3ème STOP Kings Canyon Visitor Center  Après 4h de voiture on y arrive enfin, mais avec le réservoir d'essence presque vide, nous avons donc demandé au ranger où était la station essence la plus proche. Il nous a indiqué Hume, à "seulement" une quarantaine de minutes en traversant Kings Canyon...

Nous avons donc repris la route, en pleine tempête de neige qui venait de commencer et sur une route en bord de falaise ! Je pense que le paysage devait être à couper le souffle voire même un peu flippant mais nous ne pouvions absolument rien voir à cause du temps, nous étions dans un épais brouillard de neige, c’était vraiment dommage, en tout cas niveau sensation on a été servi !

4ème STOP Hume Lake  C'est un camp de vacance catholique, donc rien de fou fou, l'ambiance était même assez étrange. Alors nous avons pris de l'essence, fait une petite balade histoire de se dégourdir les jambes et avons fait demi tour pour sortir de Kings Canyon car toutes les routes étaient barrées. C’était donc repartit pour 3h de route…

Mais encore une fois la beauté de la route et des paysages nous font vite oublier les kilomètres, surtout en arrivant an bas de la sierra face à un double arc-en-ciel  à Woodlake baignée dans un coucher de soleil rose magnifique.

La visite de Kings Canyon n’a donc pas été une réussite à cause de la météo, mais bon c’était à prévoir fin mars.

A ne pas rater

Tunnel Log - Sequoia Park Le fameux tunnel creusé dans un séquoia géant tombé sur la route.

Crescent Meadow - Sequoia Park Randonnée dans une belle prairie entourée de séquoias géants.

Ces deux sites sont accessibles via Cresent Meadow Road (ouvert en été, en hiver cette route est une piste de ski).

Panoramic Point Road - Kings Canyon  Route étroite, ouverte seulement en été, qui offre une vue spectaculaire sur la Sierra Nevada.

Redwood Mountain Overlook - Kings Canyon  Point de vue surplombant la forêt de Séquoias.

Où dormir à Sequoia Park   ?

Le plus simple et le plus économique est bien sûr de faire du camping dans les parcs mais attendez au moins le mois de mai, car fin mars nous avions encore beaucoup de neige. Il y a aussi des lodges dans le parc mais ce n’est pas donné.

Si la saison n’y est pas ou que vous n’êtes pas très camping optez plutôt pour un des lodges à Three River le long de la highway 198.

Nous sommes restés au Sierra Lodge , un motel plutôt qu’un lodge d’ailleurs, à une dizaine de minutes de l’entrée de Sequoia Park, à 57euros/nuit. En arrivant on a été un peu déçu par l'état extérieur du motel par contre la chambre était grande et propre avec une belle vue sur les montagnes. En revanche, le "petit déjeuner" offert est vraiment limite mais bon c’est comme ça pour beaucoup de motels.

Restaurants à

Three rivers.

Three River est très pratique car à 10 minutes de Sequoia National Park mais ne vous attendez pas à une vraie ville, c’est plutôt une route au bord de laquelle il y a quelques hôtels, une station essence et trois ou quatre restaurants. Voici les deux que nous avons testés :

River View Restaurant & Lounge  Vu de l’extérieur ce restaurant passe inaperçu mais n’hésitez pas à pousser la porte. Après une grande salle pas super accueillante il y a une magnifique terrasse au bord de la rivière. Ils ont de très bonnes bières locales et font de très bons tacos et burgers ! J'ajoute que les employés étaient vraiment très accueillants !

Pizza Factory  Après une longue journée à visiter les parcs on n’a pas cherché bien loin et on est allé dans cette pizzeria. Ce sont des pizzas américaines, genre pizza Hut, pâte très épaisse et bien grasse quoi. Mais bon ça a fait l’affaire on avait juste envie de dormir.

Autres articles sur l'Ouest Américain

Les choses à savoir en plus pour préparer son road trip aux USA

Ce qu'il faut savoir pour conduire aux USA

Louer une voiture aux Etats-Unis

Les étapes pour préparer son road trip dans l'Ouest Américain

Faire du camping aux Etats Unis

Quel budget pour un road trip dans l'Ouest Américain ?

Trip planner

Start exploring.

Planning a national park vacation can be almost as fun as taking one. From the world’s largest trees to a gorge deeper than the Grand Canyon – adventure awaits in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

To the south, explore the Giant Forest Museum, Visitor Center and Moro Rock. Grab supplies at the  Lodgepole Market , or dine at  The Peaks Restaurant  at Wuksachi Lodge.

To the west, marvel at the  General Grant Tree  and seek comfort at  John Muir Lodge  or rustic  Grant Grove Cabins , where you’ll also find the  Grant Grove Visitor Center ,  Grant Grove Restaurant , and  Market .

And to the east, relish the towering cliffs and tumbling waterfalls along the Kings River to  Cedar Grove Lodge . And through it all, experience adventure in every direction.

With  maps , information about transportation,  weather , wilderness trips, park safety, and  more  – a little national park travel planning will help to inspire an itinerary that creates everlasting memories.

Latest road conditions

For the latest Road Conditions update recording, call  (559) 565-3134 , then 1 & then 1 again  when prompted.

Indulge in High Sierra dining options inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, from lodge dining to café counter service.

Begin your journey of discovery in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, where one-of-a-kind adventure and exploration await at every turn.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Landscape
• 1.3 Flora and fauna
• 1.4.1 Foothills
• 1.4.2 Middle Elevations
• 1.5 Visitor information
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.5 By foot
• 3 Fees and permits
• 4.2 By free in-park shuttle
• 5.1 Visitor Centers
• 5.2 Sequoia
• 5.3 Kings Canyon
• 6.1 Day hikes
• 9.1 Lodging
• 9.2 Camping
• 9.3 Backcountry
• 10.1 Wildlife
• 10.2 Natural hazards
• 10.3 Driving

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are two national parks in the Sierra Nevada region of California . These two adjacent parks offer a variety of mountain and forest scenery.

Understand [ edit ]

Although they are separate national parks, Sequoia and Kings Canyon generally operate as a single unit in many ways. One fee ($20 per person or $35 per private vehicle) allows entrance to both parks.

The combined area of these two parks is 865,952 acres (3,504 km²) with most of that area being wilderness backcountry. The elevation in the parks ranges from 1,300 feet (418 m) to 14,505 ft (4421 m). The front country area can be divided into these areas: The Foothills, Giant Forest, Mineral King, Grant Grove, and Kings Canyon and Cedar Grove.

History [ edit ]

Humans have travelled or lived in the Southern Sierra for at least 6-7,000 years. In the higher mountains, and also down into the western foothills, lived hunters and gatherers remembered today as the Monache or Western Mono. West of the Monache in the lowest foothills and also across the expanses of the Great Central Valley were a second group, the Yokuts.

In the late 1700s and early 1800s, Spanish began exploring the edge of the Sierras. Soon afterwards, trappers, sheepherders, miners, and loggers poured into the Sierras seeking to exploit whatever the mountains had to offer. By the end of the 19th century, San Joaquin Valley communities increasingly looked to the Sierras for water and recreation. In the struggle between all these competing interests, two national parks were created that became Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Today the parks protect 265 Native American archeological sites and 69 historic sites. Sequoia, as the nation's 2nd national park (1890) and the first of the California National Parks, is its own historic site.

Landscape [ edit ]

Sequoia is named for its groves of Sequoia trees, the largest trees known, and Kings Canyon is named for the deep valley of the Kings River.

Flora and fauna [ edit ]

Extreme topographic differences and a striking elevation gradient (ranging from 1,360 feet (412 m) in the foothills to 14,494 feet (4,417 m) along the Sierran crest) create a rich tapestry of environments, from the hot, dry lowlands along the western boundary to the stark and snow-covered alpine high country.

This topographic diversity in turn supports over 1,200 species (and more than 1400 taxa, including subspecies and varieties) of vascular plants, which make up dozens of unique plant communities. These include not only the renowned groves of massive giant sequoia, but also vast tracts of montane forests, spectacular alpine habitats, and oak woodlands and chaparral.

The richness of the Sierran flora mirrors that of the state as a whole—of the nearly 6,000 species of vascular plants known to occur in California, over 20% of them can be found within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks support a wide diversity of animal species, reflecting the range in elevation, climate, and habitat variety here. Over 260 native vertebrate species are in the parks; numerous additional species may be present but have not been confirmed. Of the native vertebrates, five species are extirpated (extinct here), and over 150 are rare or uncommon.

There have been some studies of invertebrates here, but there is not enough information to know how many species occur in the parks. Many of the parks' caves contain invertebrates, some of which occur only in one cave and are known nowhere else in the world.

Climate [ edit ]

Foothills [ edit ].

These lower elevations (under 4,000 feet) are characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Precipitation usually occurs from January to mid-May; rain in the summer is rare. Average rainfall is about 26" (66 cm). During the winter, low-hanging clouds often drift in from the west, obscuring the countryside for several days at a time.

Middle Elevations [ edit ]

Summer in this forested area of the parks offers warm days and cool evenings. These elevations (4,000 - 7,000 feet) receive an average of 40-45" (102–114 cm) of precipitation annually. Much of this falls during the winter, resulting in a deep blanket of snow from December to May. Sub-zero temperatures, however, are rare. In the summer, occasional afternoon thundershowers may occur.

In fall and winter, Lodgepole Campground is generally 10-15 °F (6-9 °C) colder than the average middle-elevation temperature shown on the chart.

Summer temperatures in Cedar Grove are generally hotter than the average for the middle elevations, and cooler than the foothills. Temperatures in mid-summer may reach the 90's (35-40 °C). Cedar Grove is closed in the winter due to common rockfalls on the road.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Park website
• 36.74 -118.9635 1 Kings Canyon Visitor Center ( On Highway 180 in Grant Grove Village, 3 miles (5 km) east of the Big Stump Entrance. ). This visitor center is in Grant Grove Village at an elevation of 6,500 feet (1,980 m). Stop here to learn about three magnificent regions in Kings Canyon National Park: giant sequoia groves, the Kings Canyon itself (often called Cedar Grove), and the High Sierra. Watch a 15-minute movie (English/Spanish). A park store sells books, maps, and educational materials. Other services include accessible restrooms, a pay phone, local wilderness permits, and an AED for cardiac emergencies. ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.6043 -118.7321 2 Lodgepole Visitor Center ( On the Generals Highway 21 miles (34 km) north of the Ash Mountain Entrance. 2 miles (3 km) north of the General Sherman Tree. ). In the conifer zone; elevation 6,700 feet (2,040 m). Explore the natural and human history of the southern Sierra Nevada and view a short video, "Bears of the Sierra." ( updated Jun 2020 )

Get in [ edit ]

The parks are distant from major cities and airports, and there is no public transportation to or within King Canyon National Park, only Sequoia National Park

By plane [ edit ]

The closest commercial airports are Fresno Airport and Bakersfield. The nearest international airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). All three offer car rentals. To reach Sequoia Park, take Greyhound to Visalia, then the Sequoia Shuttle to the park.

By train [ edit ]

Fresno and Hanford are the closest cities with an Amtrak station, both served by the San Joaquins Oakland/Sacramento - Bakersfield route. Transfer to the Amtrak or KART county bus to Visalia for the Sequoia Shuttle to Sequoia National Park.

By bus [ edit ]

Greyhound stops in Fresno and Visalia. From Visalia, a $20 round trip shuttle [dead link] goes to Sequoia National Park.

By car [ edit ]

The parks are on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, and can only be entered by car from the west. The two main entrances are:

• Route 180 east from Fresno . This enters the parks at Grant Grove and divides there to go either northeast to the main part of Kings Canyon or southeast to Sequoia. This is the recommended route from Northern California, and from Southern California if you intend to go directly to Kings Canyon.
• Route 198 northeast from Visalia. This enters Sequoia from the south, and is the recommended route from Southern California. This route is not recommended by the park for long vehicles such as RVs. On 12 a mile stretch from Potwisha Campground to Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia Park, advised maximum is 22 ft (6.7 m). Maximum length limit on the Generals Highway is 40 ft (12 m) for single vehicles, 50 ft (15 m) for vehicles plus a towed unit.

Both routes are winding mountain roads; driving speeds will be slower than usual and special conditions will apply in winter.

The Northern park entrance is somewhat more than an hour east of Fresno, with the park centers being another 45–60 minutes, and the total driving time from San Francisco should be close to five hours, and a little less from Los Angeles , using the Southern entrance. Those coming from the South may still prefer to enter the parks via the Northern entrance, since that route is less winding once you enter the parks. Larger vehicles such as RVs are not allowed from just inside the Southern entrance to Giant forest.

The Mineral Kings area is accessed via a separate road off Highway 198. Turn right in Three Rivers, before reaching the Ash Mountain park entrance. The road is single lane, and paved only part of the way.

Gasoline is not sold in the park, except the Grant Grove market which sells cans of emergency gas, so you should be careful to fill up at one of the towns on the way to the park or in the National Forest between Grant Grove and the rest of Kings Canyon.

By foot [ edit ]

The Eastern parts of the park are accessible from trailheads off Highway 395.

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a well-known trail that extends along the crest of the western alpine United States, from Mexico to Canada. It passes through California, Oregon, and Washington State.

Fees and permits [ edit ]

Entrances fees are valid for seven days and allow unlimited re-entry to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Fees as of 2023 are:

• $20 Individual on foot or bike
• $30 Motorcycle
• $35 Private vehicle
• $70 Sequoia & Kings Canyon Annual Pass

There are several passes for groups traveling together in a private vehicle or individuals on foot/bike that provide free entry to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and all national parks, as well as some national monuments, national wildlife refuges, and national forests:

• The $80 Annual Pass (valid for twelve months from date of issue) can be purchased by anyone. Military personnel can obtain a free pass by showing a Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID.
• The $80 Senior Pass (valid for the life of the holder) is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. Applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and age. This pass also provides a 50% discount on some park amenities. Seniors can also obtain a $20 annual pass.
• The free Access Pass (valid for the life of the holder) is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and permanent disability. This pass also provides a fifty percent discount on some park amenities.
• The free Volunteer Pass is available to individuals who have volunteered 250 or more hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program.
• The free Annual 4th Grade Pass (valid for September to August of the 4th grade school year) allows entry to the bearer and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle. Registration at the Every Kid Outdoors website is required.

The National Park Service offers free admission to all national parks on five days every year:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January); next observance is January 20, 2025
• The first day of National Park Week (third Saturday in April); next observance is April 20, 2024
• The National Park Service Birthday (August 25)
• National Public Lands Day (fourth Saturday in September); next observance is September 28, 2024
• Veterans Day (November 11)

Get around [ edit ]

Roads through both parks are at high altitude, and are generally slow and winding. Navigation is relatively straightforward: Route 198 is the main road through Sequoia, continuing from the Ash Mountain (southwest) entrance north through Sequoia's main sights (most of which are on signposted side roads) to intersect with route 180 at Grant Grove just inside the Big Stump (west) entrance, while Route 180 is the main road through Kings Canyon, continuing north and then east from Grant Grove to the main Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon. Parking is generally ample at most sights in the park.

By free in-park shuttle [ edit ]

Sequoia National Park provides a free in-park shuttle . There is no public transportation in Kings Canyon National Park.

See [ edit ]

Driving in the parks provide mostly up-close views of trees, so the roadside vista points that do exist should not be overlooked:

• The road to Cedar Grove provides many excellent views of the narrow Kings Canyon.
• Between Grant Grove and Lodgepole is only one major lookout. Great view of the Sierras.
• The steep and winding road from Giant Forest down to the Ash Mountain entrance has some good vistas of the Kaweah River valley.

The following are some of the scenic attractions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, divided by area. A broad variety of wildlife can be seen in both parks, including deer, birds, and bears.

Visitor Centers [ edit ]

• 36.7911 -118.6712 1 Cedar Grove Visitor Center ( On Highway 180, 30 miles (48 km) east of Grant Grove. Next to Sentinel Campground. ). This visitor center is next to the South Fork of the Kings River in mixed conifer forest at an elevation of 4,600 feet (1,400 m). Learn about the natural and cultural history of the Cedar Grove area. A bookstore offers books, maps,and educational items. Other services include accessible restrooms and a pay phone. ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.491 -118.8254 2 Foothills Visitor Center ( On the Generals Highway 1 mile (1.6 km) north of the Ash Mountain Entrance. ). In the foothills oaks and chaparral; elevation 1,500 feet (457 m). Focus here is on the Sierran foothills, the most biologically diverse area of these parks. ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.5647 -118.7729 3 Giant Forest Museum ( On the Generals Highway 16 miles (26 km) north of the Ash Mountain Entrance. ). Housed in a historic market building in the Giant Forest sequoia grove at 6,500 feet (1,980 m) elevation. Learn about sequoia groves and fire. Get park information and browse books in a small bookstore. ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.4528 -118.6109 4 Mineral King Ranger Station ( On the Mineral King Road 24 miles (39 km) from the junction of Highway 198 in Three Rivers. ). In the mixed-conifer forest; elevation 7,600 feet (2,320 m).This small station houses some exhibits on Mineral King's human and natural history. Books, maps, and educational items for sale. Bear canisters available. Pay phone in nearby campground. First aid. Local wilderness permits. ( updated Jun 2020 )

Sequoia [ edit ]

Kings canyon [ edit ].

• Road's End . Literally the end of highway 180. A parking area provides access to many backcountry trails. Muir's Rock is located near the parking area and provides impressive views of the King's River surrounded by high peaks.  

Do [ edit ]

Sequoia and Kings Canyon both provide many trails for hiking and backpacking, and some facilities for horseback riding.

Day hikes [ edit ]

• Alta Peak . Longer day hike to a rugged peak with excellent views. The most practical trailhead is Wolverton, just south of Lodgepole.  
• Big Stump Trail . Near the Big Stump Entrance in Kings Canyon, this 2-mile loop trail explores a grove that was heavily logged in the late 19th century.  
• Crystal Cave Tours , Crystal Cave Rd ( 15 miles (24 km) from the Sequoia Park entrance on Hwy 198, and 3 miles (5 km) south of the General Sherman Tree Maximum vehicle length is 22' (6.7 m) ), ☏ +1 559 565-3759 . Tour times: Saturdays 11AM, noon, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, & 4PM; Sundays through Fridays at 11AM, 2PM, & 3PM . A large cave filled with various water-sculpted features. The temperature in the cave is 50°F (10°C) so dress warmly. No strollers, tripods, or baby backpacks are allowed in the cave and it is not wheelchair accessible. Tickets for a tour must be bought at either the Lodgepole or Foothills visitor center, neither of which is located near the cave. No tickets are sold at the cave. Adults (13-61): $12, children (6-12): $6, seniors (62 and up): $8.95, six and under are free .  
• Lookout peak . Easy day hike from Grant Grove. Especially attractive in the winter when the road to Cedar Grove is closed, as it affords a similar view.  
• Mist Falls Hike . A good day hike when in the canyon.  
• Tokopah falls . Easier day hike to a large waterfall, near Lodgepole. 3.5 miles round-trip.  

Eat [ edit ]

Food and shops are available at Grant Grove, Lodgepole, and Cedar Grove visitor centers. Overnight visitors should consider buying some food in advance on the way to the park.

Drink [ edit ]

Sleep [ edit ], lodging [ edit ].

Lodging is available at the Wuksachi Lodge in the Lodgepole area (Sequoia), in the John Muir Lodge and the Grant Grove cabins at Grant Grove Village (Kings Canyon) and at the Cedar Grove Lodge in Cedar Grove (Kings Canyon). Reservations are recommended. Cedar Grove closes for the winter in October.

In addition, a range of hotels and motels are available outside the park, including several lodges in the National Forest (on the road from Grants Grove to Cedar Grove) and motels in Three Rivers (on Route 198 near the southwest entrance).

Camping [ edit ]

Camping is the most common way to stay in the park. There are campgrounds available in all areas of the park, although the ones closest to main attractions may require reservations at peak times. All campers should be aware of the presence of bears, and should stow any unattended food in bear-proof containers as instructed by park rangers.

• 36.4649 -118.6692 1 Atwell Mill Campground ( 19 miles (31 km) from Highway 198 on Mineral King Road, which turns off in Three Rivers, and 6 miles (10 km) before the end of the road. ). 21 sites. The campground is situated along the East Fork of the Kaweah River in a once logged sequoia grove. There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 1.7 miles (3 km) east of the campground. More extensive services can be found in the town of Three Rivers, 23 miles (37 km) west of Atwell Mill Campground. $12 per night (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.7436 -118.9658 2 Azalea Campground . 110 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Azalea campground is located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance in the Grant Grove area. The campground is situated under open stands of evergreen trees. Services can be found in Grant Grove Village. $22 per night for tent and RV sites (2022 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.523 -118.7638 3 Buckeye Flat Campground ( on the Generals Highway, 6 miles inside the park entrance. To reach the campground, use Highway 198 to enter the park through the town of Three Rivers. ). 28 sites. The campground is situated on the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River under an open stand of oaks. The closest services can be found in the town of Three Rivers just west of the Ash Mountain Entrance Station. $22 per night (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.7872 -118.6655 4 Canyon View Group Campground ( 32 miles from Kings Canyon Park entrance in the Cedar Grove area. The entrance is along Highway 180. ). 16 sites. Canyon View campground is located on Highway 180, 0.25 miles from Cedar Grove Village. The campground is situated on the floor of the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River. This campground is for medium and large groups. Services can be found in Cedar Grove Village. $40 Mid-Sized Group Site, $50 Large-Size Group Site B, $60 Large-Size Group Sites A, C & D (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.4514 -118.6121 5 Cold Springs Campground ( 23 miles (37 km) from Highway 198 on the Mineral King Road. ). 40 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. The campground is located near the Mineral King Visitor Center amid aspen trees and conifers. There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the campground. More extensive services can be found in the town of Three Rivers, 27 miles (44 km) west of Cold Springs Campground. $12 per night (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.7437 -118.9637 6 Crystal Springs Campground ( 4 miles (6 km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance in the Grant Grove area. The entrance is on Crystal Springs Road. ). 50 sites, 14 group sites. Group sites can be reserved in advance, individual sites are first-come, first-served. The campground is situated under open stands of evergreen trees. Services can be found in Grant Grove Village. $18 per night for tent and RV sites, $40 Mid-Sized Group Site (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.6389 -118.8048 7 Dorst Creek Campground ( 10 miles (16 km) north of the Giant Forest ). 222 sites, 4 group sites. The campground is located under open stands of evergreen trees. Services can be found at Wuksachi Lodge (8 mi, 13 km), Stony Creek Lodge (5.5 mi, 9 km), or Lodgepole Village (9 mi, 14.5 km). $22 per night for tent or RV site, $50 Group Sites A & B, $60 Group Site D, $70 Groups Site C (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.6057 -118.7244 8 Lodgepole Campground . 204 sites. This large campground is located in fir forest along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. The closest services can be found 0.25 miles away in Lodgepole Village. $22 per night (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.7858 -118.6613 9 Moraine Campground ( on Highway 180, 0.75 miles from Cedar Grove Village ). 121 sites. The campground is situated on the floor of the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River. Of the Cedar Grove campgrounds, Moraine offers the best views of Kings Canyon's steep granite cliffs. Services can be found in Cedar Grove Village. $18 per night for tent and RV sites (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.5165 -118.8007 10 Potwisha Campground ( on the Generals Highway, 3.7 miles inside the park entrance. To reach the campground, use Highway 198 to enter the park through the town of Three Rivers. ). 42 sites. Situated along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River under an open stand of oaks, the campground is hot in the summer and usually snow-free in the winter. The closest services can be found in the town of Three Rivers just west of the Ash Mountain Entrance Station. $22 per night (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.7909 -118.6734 11 Sentinel Campground ( on Highway 180, 0.25 miles from Cedar Grove Village ). 82 sites. The campground is situated in the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River under open stands of evergreen trees. Services can be found in Cedar Grove Village. $18 per night for tent and RV sites (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.7932 -118.6799 12 Sheep Creek Campground ( on Highway 180, 0.25 miles from Cedar Grove Village ). 111 sites. Sheep Creek campground is situated on the floor of the canyon beside the confluence of the South Fork of the Kings River and Sheep Creek. Services can be found in Cedar Grove Village. $18 per night for tent and RV sites (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.3187 -118.7763 13 South Fork Campground ( Take Highway 198 to the town of Three Rivers. Five miles before the main Sequoia park entrance, turn onto South Fork Road and travel east for 12.3 miles. The paved road ends a short distance before you reach South Fork Campground, and a dirt road continues to the campsites, ending at the Ladybug Trailhead. ). 10 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. This small, primitive campground is situated in a remote area of the foothills on the South Fork of the Kaweah River at the transition from oaks to evergreens. Two trails leave from a trailhead nearby: the Garfield Grove and Ladybug trails. Other park features are over an hour's drive away. The dirt portion of the road is rough, and cars with low clearance are not recommended. Free in Winter, $12 in Summer (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 36.7372 -118.9659 14 Sunset Campground ( 3 miles (5 km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance near Grant Grove Village ). 159 sites, 2 group sites. Sunset Campground is located in an open stand of evergreens. Services can be found in Grant Grove Village. $22 per night for tent or RV site, $40 Group Sites A & B (2020 rates) . ( updated Jun 2020 )

Backcountry [ edit ]

The High Sierra is a backpackers' paradise, and numerous trails wind through Kings Canyon and branch out from Mineral King. Permits are required and may be requested on a first-come, first-served basis at the ranger station nearest the trailhead that is going to be used. Permits are issued the morning of the backpacking trip or after 1PM the day before the trip. The cost of a permit between mid-May and late September is $15 per group. Permits are free the remainder of the year. There is a quota for each trailhead and when it is reached, no more permits are issued for that day. Popular areas may fill well in advance during the summer, so reservations are recommended and can be made after March 1 by faxing in a form (available from www.nps.gov/seki/resform.htm ) no later than three weeks prior to the planned start date.

Stay safe [ edit ]

For all emergencies in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, dial 911 (toll free) from any phone.

Wildlife [ edit ]

Do not feed or touch any of the wildlife as there is the possibility of acquiring the plague from fleas that live on the animals. Be aware of rattlesnakes and always check where you are stepping.

Cougars (or "mountain lions") also inhabit the park, but are rarely seen. They look like light brown house cats, but 5–8 feet long (including the tail). In the unlikely event that you run into one, don't approach it, and don't run. A cougar expects prey to flee and will react appropriately. Pick up any small children or pets. Make eye contact, spread your arms to make yourself look bigger, and back away slowly. If it approaches you, make noise and throw things at it; let it know that you're dangerous too. If it attacks, don't curl up defensively... fight back .

The park is prime habitat for black bears and it is very likely that you will see one. Stay a safe distance from bears and be careful never to come between a mother bear and her cub. Never leave food in your vehicle or unattended at a camp site. Bear-proof containers are provided for food storage at camp sites and trail heads. Safely storing food is required by park regulations and is essential for your own safety and also for the ultimate well-being of the bears. You can find more information on bears in the park, how to deal with a bear-human encounter, and park regulations about bears at the National Park Service web site. [1]

Ticks are prevalent in the park and may carry Lyme disease. To avoid tick bites, tuck pants legs into socks and tuck shirts into your pants. If you do find an attached tick, remove it carefully with tweezers and seek medical advice from a ranger or a doctor. If bringing your dog along, make sure to check the dog for ticks after your visit as well.

Natural hazards [ edit ]

Poison oak is also present at elevations up to 5000 feet (1,500 m) in the park. It causes itching, burning rashes in the affected areas and is easily spread. Most trailheads have a bulletin board with a picture of poison oak. If you come in contact with poison oak, wash your clothes and the affected areas immediately. A product named Technu (found in camping stores and drugstores) is good for neutralizing the toxic oils from the plant. Avoid contact with your eyes.

Water from natural sources should be treated or boiled before drinking as it may contain giardia, a protozoa that causes intestinal illness.

Lightning can be a great hazard, especially on rock outcrops, on ridges or in meadows. If a storm approaches, try to get indoors or inside a vehicle. Do not stand under trees or in shallow caves.

Driving [ edit ]

Many of the roads in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are very steep. Use low gears when going downhill to avoid overheating and possible failure of the brakes. Slower traffic must use turnouts to let faster vehicles pass.

Especially in winter, roads can be snow-covered or icy. For up-to-date road conditions, call +1 559 565-3341 then press 9, then 4.

For 24-hour emergency towing, dial +1 559 565-3341, then press 0. In Sequoia NP, AAA service is available 24 hour for out-of-gas, lock outs, jump starts, and minor repairs. Call +1 559 565-4070.

Crime [ edit ]

Due to the remote nature of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, it is sometimes the site of illegal marijuana cultivation. If you come across a marijuana farm, immediately leave the area. Do not linger in the area of the farm as the people who plant the farms are often armed and do not take kindly to visitors. Report to park rangers as well as authorities immediately.

Go next [ edit ]

• Yosemite National Park
• Mount Whitney , the highest mountain in the contiguous United States, lies on the eastern border of Sequoia National Park. However, it is blocked from view from the developed areas of the park by the Great Western Divide. Unlike other day hikes, hiking in the Mount Whitney area requires a permit. It's a one- or two-day hike; it is very strenuous if done in a single day.

• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Has mapframe
• Maps with non-default size
• Articles with dead external links
• See listing with no coordinates
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Has routebox
• Usable parks
• Usable articles
• Park articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Sierra Nevada
• All destination articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

• California Tourism
• California Hotels
• California Bed and Breakfast
• California Vacation Rentals
• Flights to California
• California Restaurants
• Things to Do in California
• California Travel Forum
• California Photos
• All California Hotels
• California Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in California
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

From Hayward, Ca to Sequoia Kings Canyon-short trip advice? - California Forum

• United States    
• California (CA)    

From Hayward, Ca to Sequoia Kings Canyon-short trip advice?

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• United States forums
• California forum

We have a few days available for a quick trip and have never been to SEQUOIA KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS. Is it worth the drive from the Bay Area to go and stay for a few nights in a nearby town?

Yes - the big trees, a hike, going to Kings Canyon all are worth it. Staying in Sequoia is good (if they have availability).

http://nationalparkreservations.com/sequoia.htm

or stay in the Three Rivers area if there is not availability (close by....need to drive up the hill into the park - best to stay in the park)

http://www.kaweahcommonwealth.com/threerivershotels.html

Enjoy your trip.

Kings Canyon is absolutely worth seeing. It's a pretty spectacular canyon. No, it's not Yosemite, but it's worth the drive, for sure. There are some great hikes back in the canyon that go to waterfalls. You'll love it. As for Sequoia - some big trees. It does have some of the biggest trees in the state. I think General Sherman might be the biggest, in fact. Kind of cool, but the canyon is the big draw for me.

I've only camped there, so I can't comment on nearby accomodations.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Can I buy ticket at the entrance? 1:51 am
• Crossing into Tijuana tomorrow afternoon(Adam) 1:51 am
• Mission Bay Vs Mission Beach 12:59 am
• City of Santa Ana Bans Short-Term Rentals 12:51 am
• central coast may 12 to 17 12:43 am
• How early to arrive in LAX for international departure? 12:02 am
• Early July Big Sur travel. Need help! 11:25 pm
• DisneylandForward Plan Approved by Anaheim City Council 11:22 pm
• Camera care. 11:18 pm
• Zoo memberships vs. day tickets - most economical way to go? 10:45 pm
• San Francisco to Los Angeles - California roadtrip 10:26 pm
• Tennis walls near Encinitas? 10:24 pm
• Driving to Reno from Vegas and considering going through Dea 9:58 pm
• Fine dining 9:32 pm
• Best places to visit in California 10 replies
• California weather in December .... ??? 12 replies
• Hotels along I-5 between San Fran and LA 14 replies
• All inclusive resorts 14 replies
• redwood forest 6 replies
• Southwest airlines - wanna get away fare 6 replies
• Luxury Hotels on Northern Pacific Ca Coast or Or coast 17 replies
• convertible rental for a coastal drive 12 replies
• Driving from San Francisco to Vancouver 14 replies
• Car Rental Las Vegas to Los Angeles - Help 3 replies

California Hotels and Places to Stay

• FAQ: What you Need to Know Before you drive here
• FAQ: California Itineraries and Trip Reports
• Check Major Road Closures in CA via this official Map
• FAQ: Yanks drive on the wrong side of the road. Can I adjust?
• FAQ: RVing in California: Is it Right for you?
• FAQ: My Travel Agent told me

• Our Partners

• Our Agencies

Voyages en direct Anjou

Rabaisvoyages.com

Euro Vacances

Voyages G Travel

Voyages Les Ailes D'Or

AGENCE DE VOYAGES LE$$-GO!

Les Voyages MV

Voyage Horizon

Voyages en Direct Ville Mont-Royal

Voyages Action

Voyages Diane Ford

Voyages Inter Nations

Voyage Globallia inc.

Voyages Aqua Terra

Voyages Destination.com

Les Voyages Interconseil

Voyageaquarelle.com

Vacances Michel Demers

Voyagessuperprix.com

Voyage Autour du Monde

Aéroport Voyage

Voyages Solange Goulet

Voyages Jean-Pierre

Voyages Aqua Terra Sherbrooke

Jaimonvoyage.com

Voyages en Direct Beloeil

Voyages Routair Inc

Voyages Cinquième Saison

La Grande Hermine

Voyages Martine St-Laurent

Elegance Voyages

Voyages Chantal Legault

Voyages Liquidation

Voyages Linda Goulet

Voyage Évasion Monde

Voyage à Tout Prix

Voyages FunRex Alcyon

Agence de Voyages Chantal Fournier

Espace Voyages

Voyages Aqua Terra Hautes-Laurentides

Voyages Bélaro

Exotentik Voyages

Voyage Plaisance

Voyage Charterama

Voyages DMC Travel

Vacances Marden

Agence de Voyages Mascouche

Agence de Voyages Lennoxville inc

Voyages Globe-Trotter

Station Vacances

Frantzi Voyages

Voyages Richelieu Inc

Voyages Carpe Diem

Voyages Bélaro d'ici et d'ailleurs

Voyages Aqua Terra Rive-Sud

Voyages Signés Mario Brisebois inc.

Voyages Lacroix Tours

Voyages de l'Est

La Maison du Voyage

Voyages Reid

Voyages Belaro Sans Limite

Voyages Eric Belanger

Voyages Fontainebleau

Voyages Michel Barrette

HELO Voyages MM

Voyages Aqua Terra Levis

Voyages Éclipse

Voyages Aqua Terra Donnacona

Les Voyages Simon Pelletier

O'céania Voyage

Voyages Constellation

Voyage Soleil Levant

Voyages 737

Panda Vacations

Laporte sur le monde

Accès Croisières et Voyages

Our Destinations Travel

Super Club Vacances

Voyage Escapade 2000

Escapade Voyages et Aventure

Voyages Performa

Voyages Carl Adam

Voyages Brunet

Voyages Optimistes

Voyages 1001 Destinations

Agence De Voyages Des Halles

Agence Bon Voyage

Voyages 123go

Voyages Memorables

Voyages Lachance

LGBT Voyages

Agence Vogue Voyage

Voyage Essence-ciel

Voyages et Croisières Aquamonde

Voyages Soleil Vicky Touchette

Voyages AZZA

Air Marin Croisières et Cie

Voyages Constantin

Concept Voyages

La Folie des voyages

Voyages Cap Evasion

Inspirations Voyage

Voyages Innovation

Voyage Régence

Croisières et Voyages Lapointe

Voyage Regence

Voyages Bleu Mer

• Win a Vacation!
• Online Brochures
• Travels Inspirations

Travel Network

Information.

514-876-3672

Agency locator

Voyages en Direct. All rights reserved. Voyages en Direct is licensed in Quebec.

• Become Affiliate
• Devenez agent VED
• Become preferred supplier/advertiser
• Lowest Price Calendar

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Sequoia National Park Itinerary

Last Updated on January 11, 2024

by Sarah Dittmore

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the a 2 to 3 days in Sequoia National Park itinerary is a great option if you want to visit a ore “odd the beaten path” California national park. Sequoia is a stunning 404,000-acre National Park in the Sierra Nevada.

Unlike its more famous northern neighbor, Yosemite National Park , Sequoia is a much less crowded destination compared to Yosemite for those curious about the beauty of the Sierras. While famous for its giant sequoia trees, there’s tons to do here beyond that.

With 2 to 3 days here, you can hike through the massive trees, visit the 1,200-foot waterfall, enjoy a stunning sunset, and spend a day splashing in the lake.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Sequoia National Park?

When planning a trip, one of the first questions that comes up is how many days to spend in Sequoia. While it would take several days to visit every corner of the park, 2 days in Sequoia National Park is plenty of time to see all the major sites, such as the largest tree in the world and a gorgeous marble cavern.

For those who want to spend a day splashing in the mountain lake and driving through one of the deepest canyons in North America, you’ll want 3 days in the Park. No matter how many days you spend, you’re going to fall in love with the massive trees and striking blues and greens that make up this incredible park.

Getting To & Around Sequoia National Park

Those driving south to Sequoia National Park will take Highway 180 to the Big Stump Entrance while those driving north via Highway 198 will use the Ash Mountain Entrance.

No matter which way you enter, you’ll have to pay the entrance fees for Sequoia and Kings Canyon, which vary depending on your length of stay and the type of vehicle you’re driving.

Once inside, it’s pretty easy to get around the park as there’s really only one made road through the park (Generals Highway) with a few side routes that take you to different viewpoints and trailheads.

While there are shuttles within the park, I highly recommend driving your own car or renting a car for your trip to Sequoia. The roads don’t get overly crowded, so you can easily park and drive around from site to site.

Plus, having your own car will allow you to get to some of the more hard-to-reach destinations or make a detour to nearby Death Valley National Park.

If you need to rent a car for this trip you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates prices across several different companies. Alternatively, if you prefer camping, you can rent an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy.

2 to 3-Day Sequoia National Park Itinerary

Whether you’ve chosen to spend 2 days or 3, there are plenty of sites and activities in the park to fill your day. Between short hikes to stunning viewpoints and ancient pictographs from early Indigenous tribes, this route covers all the best things to do in 2-3 days.

Day 1 – Tunnel Rock, Crescent Meadow, Congress Trail, and More

The first day of our itinerary takes you to some of the most famous landmarks of the park. You’ll get a chance to learn about the Indigenous people who lived there thousands of years ago, stand at the base of the tallest rock in the world, and drive through a tunnel carved out of a giant sequoia tree.

Tunnel Rock

When entering Sequoia National Park via Generals Highway, your first stop will be Tunnel Rock.

A fallen granite boulder balances above the road and though vehicles can no longer drive under the rock, it’s still a great photo op as visitors are welcome to walk under or climb atop the rock! Dug in 1930, this tunnel continues to be a top attraction on any trip to Sequoia National Park.

Hospital Rock

Another famous Sequoia rock is Hospital Rock. So named for the dramatic red streaks that paint the surface of the rock, the area surrounding Hospital Rock was home to hundreds of Indigenous people as far back as 1350 CE.

In addition to outdoor exhibits that educate visitors on life for the Indigenous tribes of the area, you can see the ancient pictographs that cover Hospital Rock.

Crescent Meadow Loop

No trip to Sequoia would be complete without a few hikes. After viewing Tunnel Rock and Hospital Rock, head over to Crescent Meadow to the trailhead for the Crescent and Log Meadows Trail . This 1.8-mile loop is a fairly easy trail that takes about 44 minutes to complete.

Make sure to stop by Tunnel Log on your way to the trailhead for the opportunity to drive through a fallen tree. Halfway through your hike, you’ll pass Tharp’s Log. This cabin was built in 1861 by Hale Tharp out of a giant sequoia tree.

You’ll see the towering Moro Rock throughout your 2 days in the Park, but to get the most out of your visit, make sure you head to the viewing area atop the rock.

A stone staircase climbs 350 steps up from the parking lot to the top of Moro Rock where you can get a sweeping view of the surrounding nature.

Congress Trail

Keep heading north through Sequoia National Park and you’ll hit the start of Congress Trail , a 3-mile paved loop that takes you to the base of General Sherman Tree.

While Congress Trail takes about 1.5 hours to complete, those who are looking for less hiking in their Sequoia itinerary can take the half-mile walk from the parking lot to General Sherman.

The General Sherman Tree is the largest tree in the world, standing at 275 feet tall and 36 feet wide.

Continue along the trail to see many other giant sequoias in the heart of the Giant Forest.

Sunset Rock

End the first day by getting a stunning view of the sunset at the aptly named Sunset Rock . It’s about a mile out on a flat trail to the viewpoint, which takes just over 20 minutes to complete and is well worth it.

Once you get out there, you’ll end at a large, flat rock where you can settle for a picnic and a view of the orange skies that cover the park during sunset. 

Day 2 – Beetle Rock, Big Trees Trail, and Tokopah Falls

During day 2, you’ll see more giant sequoia trees, explore the marble cavern, and hike to Sequoia National Park’s famous waterfall. Plus, if you’re up to it, there’s a great sunrise view waiting for you!

Beetle Rock

Beetle Rock is an easy quarter-mile walk on a paved trail from the Giant Forest Museum and a wonderful place to start the day. If you’re an early riser, start day two by watching the sunrise at Beetle Rock.

It likely won’t be crowded thanks to the early hour, so you’ll have the spot to yourself while you watch the morning sun paint the sky. If early rising isn’t your thing, it’s still worth a quick visit for the stunning viewpoint of the park.

Giant Forest Museum

Walking back from Beetle Rock will drop you right at the front of the Giant Forest Museum. The museum is totally free and tells the long and storied history of the sequoias.

From understanding the giant sequoia trees to learning the history of the Sequoia National Park, the Giant Forest Museum is a great place to deepen your knowledge of the area.

Big Trees Trail

Just north of the Giant Forest Museum, you’ll find the trailhead for the Big Trees Trail .

This 1.3-mile trail is an easy, paved, flat loop that takes about half an hour to complete. In addition to taking you by some gorgeous giant sequoia trees, the Big Trees Trail is full of educational displays that tell you more about the history and science of these incredible trees.

There are benches and picnic tables along the trail, so pack a picnic lunch and spend some time eating alongside the trees during day 2 of your itinerary!

Crystal Cave

When people think of Sequoia National Park, they think about the giant trees and stunning views. But one of the park’s most unique attractions is the Crystal Cave.

This marble cavern is full of picturesque stalagmites reaching covering the roof. Due to the fragile nature of these formations, tours are required to visit. You can buy tickets for the 50-minute through Sequoia Parks Conservatory , but make sure to book ahead, because tickets sell out quickly!

Tokopah Falls

To wrap out your first 2 days in Sequoia National Park, head over to Tokopah Falls. This 1,200-foot mountain waterfall can only be viewed via a short hike, but it’s well worth the effort.

The 4-mile out-and-back hike takes almost 2 hours to complete (one hour each way) and takes you right to the base of these stunning falls. The trailhead can be found on Lodgepole road. The largest falls in the park, Tokopah Falls are a necessary part of any Sequoia itinerary.

Day 3 – Hume Lake, Boyden Canyon, and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

For those spending 3 days, the last day will take you further north where you can enjoy a picturesque mountain lake and even visit Kings Canyon National Park for a visit to another marble cavern, a drive through one of North America’s deepest canyons, and more!

If you’re spending 3 days, Hume Lake is a great destination for your last day. Surrounded by emerald pines, this crystalline lake is surrounded by sandy shores that make for a wonderful lake day.

Fish for rainbow trout, take out a canoe, bike the nearby trails, or try your hand at the Ponderosa ropes course. However you choose to spend the day, you can kill a full day resting on the beach, playing in the water, and enjoying the famous California sunshine.

Grant Grove Village

The western portion of Kings Canyon National Park is made up of Grant’s Grove. You can eat, shop, and get to know the area a bit more at Grant Grove Village. From the parking lot, you can access a 1/3-mile paved loop that takes you through many stunning trees, including the General Grant Tree.

Also known as the Nation’s Christmas Tree, this tree is around 1,650 years old and is the second-largest sequoia tree in the world.

Boyden Cavern

Whether you got a chance to tour Crystal Cave or not, Boyden Cavern is a great addition to your itinerary. This spectacular marble cavern showcases incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and more that lie deep below the 2,000-foot-high walls of the famous Kings Gate and Windy Cliffs.

The tours last about 45-60 minutes and take you through the cavern. Be sure to book in advance as they often sell out. While worth a visit any time, make sure you put this on your route.

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

From Hume Lake, drive up the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway into Kings Canyon National Park. Sequoia’s northern neighbor, Kings Canyon makes a great addition to your Sequoia National Park itinerary. Your entry pass for Sequoia will get you into Kings Canyon as well.

The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a 2 to 3-hour round-trip drive that takes you to Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in North America. On the drive, you can also pass Cedar Grove and the beautiful Zumwalt Meadow.

Where to Stay near Sequoia National Park

Parks Inn – This lovely bed and breakfast offers a range of comfortable rooms within driving distance of the entrance of Sequoia NP. There is a seasonal pool and hot tub for guests to enjoy.

Sequoia Resort – This resort offers a range of houses that can accommodate different group sizes including larger families. Each house has self-catering facilities as well as outdoor dining and a BBQ. It is also pet friendly!

Private Rental – There are a range of private rentals to choose from near Sequoia National Park such as this romantic riverfront cabin that can be a great option if you want to self-cater primarily during your trip.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options near Sequoia National Park!

Whether you spend 2 or 3 days in the Park, there’s tons to do and see in Sequoia. From towering trees to mountain waterfalls, it’s truly a magical destination that shows off what makes the Sierra Nevada such a special place.

Are you planning to visit Sequoia National Park? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Essential Guide to Visiting Lake Tahoe in Winter

The Essential California Packing List

The Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip Itinerary

About Sarah Dittmore

Sarah is a writer for The World Was Here First. A California native, she loves travelling around her home state as well as visiting places further afield. She has spent over a decade travelling the world and writing stories inspired by the people and places she encounters along the way.

Booked 4 nights at the Wuksachi in Sequoia in May and discovered this wonderful itinerary. You made my trip. It’s perfect.

Excellent suggestions, great photos and inspiring.

Thank you for the itinerary suggestions. I would like to visit in 2022, but still need to plan for it. It’s been on my bucket list! Your very detailed description of the trails, what to expect and best times will be very helpful.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Mining & Minerals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Pulp, Paper & Forestry Products
• Fostering Inclusive Trade
• Addressing Social Challenges
• Partnerships
• Certifications
• MSC Modern Slavery Transparency Statements
• MSC Ship Recycling Policy

/en/newsroom/customer-advisories/2022/september/temporary-service-suspension-sequoia-service

Temporary Service Suspension - Sequoia Service

Due to significantly reduced demand for shipments into the US West Coast during the past weeks, MSC will be taking certain actions in order to strengthen our offered transit times and reliability. We will therefore temporarily suspend our Sequoia service under 2M until further notice to alleviate existing port congestion.

As from vessel GERNER MAERSK, voyage 242N – PF position 18 October in Ningbo, and until further notice, there will be no more sailings on the Sequoia service.

The Sequoia service will be merged into the Jaguar service, with the following rotation:

Shekou – Nansha – Yantian – Ningbo – Shanghai – Long Beach - Busan

All cargo currently carried on the Sequoia service can hence be carried on the Jaguar and Orient services, with similar or better transit times. 

This temporary suspension and associated network changes will also help remove the last remaining waiting times for berthing in Los Angeles. 

Should you have any questions, please contact your local MSC representatives in our global network of more than 675 offices. 

The driving distance from San Jose, California to Sequoia National Park is:

234 miles / 377 km.

• San Jose to Visalia drive
• road conditions from San Jose to Visalia
• flattest route from San Jose to Visalia

Map of driving directions from San Jose, CA to Sequoia National Park

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest .

More trip calculations

• Driving Time
• Cost Of Driving
• Reverse Drive Distance
• Stopping Points
• Hotels near Sequoia National Park
• Flight Time
• airports near Sequoia National Park
• airlines flying to Sequoia National Park
• Nonstop Flights
• Time Difference

Driving distance from San Jose, CA to Sequoia National Park

The total driving distance from San Jose, CA to Sequoia National Park is 234 miles or 377 kilometers .

Your trip begins in San Jose, California. It ends in Visalia, California.

If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from San Jose, CA to Sequoia National Park so you can see when you'll arrive at your destination.

You can also calculate the cost of driving from San Jose, CA to Sequoia National Park based on current local fuel prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

If you're meeting a friend, you might be interested in finding the city that is halfway between San Jose, CA and Sequoia National Park .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the straight line distance to fly from San Jose, CA to Sequoia National Park .

San Jose, California

Related links.

• airlines serving San Jose, CA
• hotels near San Jose, CA
• airports near San Jose, CA
• cities near San Jose, CA

Sequoia National Park

• hotels near Sequoia National Park
• cities near Sequoia National Park

Driving distance calculator

Travelmath helps you find driving distances based on actual directions for your road trip. You can get the distance between cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes to figure out the best route to travel to your destination. Combine this information with the fuel cost tool to find out how much it will cost you to drive the distance, or compare the results to the straight line distance to determine whether it's better to drive or fly. You can print out pages with a travel map.

Home  ·  About  ·  Terms  ·  Privacy