Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon – California

At least once in your lifetime, make sure to visit the ancient, majestic trees in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Sequoia National Park! This park seamlessly blends into Kings Canyon National Park, offering a two-for-one experience. Even if you only have a day, you can still appreciate these magnificent trees. For those who are passionate about nature, history enthusiasts, or outdoor adventurers, you could easily spend a week or more exploring. Camping and overnight backpacking are available for dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, while lodging options in the park or nearby provide comfort for those who prefer not to pack in and pack out gear. Alternatively, you could strike a happy medium by renting or bringing your SUV.

KEY FEATURES & ATTRACTIONS

• Sequoia Trees: These are what we come for – to witness the incredible living giants that are over 2,000 years old! They’ve been around since the time of Jesus. How amazing is that? If only they could tell their stories. Some greats among the living include:
  • General Sherman: The world’s largest tree, located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia NP.
  • General Grant: The world’s second-largest tree, found in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon NP.
  • The President, Lincoln, Senate, and House tree groups: Located on the Congress Trail in the Giant Forest of Sequoia NP.

• Fallen Trees:
  • Tunnel Log: Drive through this fallen tree on Crescent Meadow Road near the Giant Forest Museum.
  • Fallen Monarch: Located on the General Grant Tree Trail in Kings Canyon NP, with fascinating history as a shelter for people and horses.
  • Mark Twain Stump: Found in a forest area of Kings Canyon where trees were cut down. It’s a poignant reminder of the great trees lost. Obtain a specific map at the visitor center to locate this stump as the trail is not well marked.
  • Tharps Log: A home built in a hollowed fallen tree from the 1800s in Crescent Meadow.

• Geological Features:
  • Moro Rock: A prominent geological feature, offering a trail with over 350 steps and incredible views.
  • Hanging Rock: includes a view of Moro Rock and only a couple miles away provides a great prelude before you tackle Moro Rock.
  • Boyden Caverns: Explore this cave in Kings Canyon for an additional cost.

• Giant Forest Museum
• Panoramic Views & Waterfalls

The most striking attraction in Sequoia NP is the sequoia trees, with General Sherman as the main star. Pictures really do not do justice to the immense size of these impressive specimens. Even when a person is present in a photo for context, you can’t truly appreciate them until you see them for yourself. Did you know giant sequoia trees are related to the coastal redwoods? Coastal redwoods are the tallest trees in the world and giant sequoias are the biggest by volume. Giant sequoias only grow in this specific region of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range between 5,000-7,500 feet elevation. Higher than this is too cold for them and lower is too dry. Come and learn for yourself what makes these trees worthy of a study!

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES

• Trails and trees: This is what we come for! Explore numerous trails and immerse yourself in nature. Most of the trails are very family-friendly and offer educational signs along the way. Visit the Big Trees Trail (right by the museum, flat and just over a mile loop), Sherman Tree Trail (more steep with a 200 foot decent from the trail head – and what goes down must climb up. There is also an option before the parking lot, to access the iconic General Sherman tree, without doing the trail for those with mobility issues), and Congress Trail (joins with the Sherman Trail for an additional three mile loop) for iconic tree views and to see the famous world record holding giants. The General Grant Trail in Kings Canyon has the world’s second largest tree and the impressive Fallen Monarch. If you’ve already done these trails, try a road less traveled with some of the many other trail offerings in the park.

• Visitor Centers: Start at the Foothills Visitor Center for maps and updates and to get your national park passport book stamped! Or the Grant Grove Village Visitor Center if you’re coming in from the north can also help you out.
• The Giant Forest Museum: Learn all about these amazing giants through displays that offer insights into the sequoia lifecycle. Discover the probability of a sequoia seed maturing and learn about the conditions necessary for these trees to thrive. Did you know fire is an important element in the survival of these forests?

Everything in nature called destruction must be creation – a change from beauty to beauty.

John Muir 1869

• Hiking: If you want a little more challenge hike up Moro Rock. It’s an excellent extra-miniature alternative to Yosemite’s Half Dome hike as it only takes 20-30 minutes to climb up and still provides a sense of accomplishment and amazing panoramic views.
• Horseback Riding: Available in the Grant Grove and Cedar Grove areas of Kings Canyon.
• Camping: Both parks offer options with various facilities to make your outdoor stay as civilized as possible.

TIPS

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Plan your visit to fit in your top priorities. If General Sherman is on your list, it can be seen in a couple of hours. The Giant Forest Museum and Big Trees Trail are in close proximity and perfect for families. For older families (teens and adults), Moro Rock offers a more challenging experience. Bring food, and store it in bear-proof containers provided in parking areas.

Our recommended itinerary for a first visit to Sequoia NP: (This can be done in a day with an active family of teens and up. For younger families, omit Moro Rock and possibly do Tunnel Log to Hanging Rock as a second day adventure).

• Foothills Visitor Center
• Giant Forest Museum
• Big Trees Trail (flat 1.2 mile loop)
• General Sherman Tree (steep 1.2 mile)
• Congress Trail (flat 2.9 mile loop)
• Tunnel Log
• Tharps Log Trail (flat approx 2 mile loop – not as well marked)
• Hanging Rock (steep .2 mile)
• Moro Rock (very steep .5 mile)

Our recommended itinerary for a first visit to Kings Canyon NP: (This can be done in a day with a fit and mature age group. For younger families, break it up. There is a scenic drive with lots of sharp turns and steep vista views between Grant Grove Village and the Roaring River Falls. Some parts of this area close for fall and winter, so be sure to check for latest info)

• Grant Grove Village Visitor Center
• General Grant Tree Trail (flat .5 mile loop)
• Big Stump Loop (mostly flat 1.5 mile loop)
• Boyden Caverns (steep short hike up and about an hour tour)
• Grizzly River Falls (road-side waterfall and picnic area)
• Roaring River Falls (just off the highway, less than .5 mile loop)

As of 2024, avoid bringing an electric car due to limited charging options. What are your favorite trails in these parks? Have you tried any lesser-known paths? What adventures have you had in these parks?