This location is also home to a beautiful panel of pictographs. In the National Forest, they can go on trails with you but must be on a leash less than 6 feet long. The best way to get around Sequoia National Park is by car and on foot. In fall, you'll find colorful foliage along the river in Kings Canyon. To get to the parking area, head north on Generals Highway. Sequoia Resort is a 377-acre vacation property with trails and paved paths that are great for walks, hikes, jogs, and biking. While Sequoia National Park is open year-round, some seasons are better than others, depending on what you want to do and see during your trip. There are any number of trails in Sequoia National Park for all abilities and ages. This is also a popular place to spot deer and bear. If you enjoy your time at Sequoia Nationa Park, consider donating online or becoming a volunteer for the. The loop will end at the General Sherman Tree, where you can continue back to the parking area. If you’re flying in and planning to visit Sequoia National Park and Yosemite together, which I recommend as they’re quite close together, I suggest renting a car at LAX if you don’t have your own. The Sequoias are waiting and are surely glowing in the early-morning lighting. With giant sky-scraping trees, and terrain that invites engagement with adventure, it's a natural wonderland where … 11 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Denver, Colorado, 75 Perfect Camping Quotes & Captions for Instagram, Read my privacy policy and disclaimer here. Rome2rio makes travelling from Napa Valley Wine Train to Sequoia National Park easy. Compare prices for car rental from Los Angeles here. This area has camping, hiking trails, river access, concessions, a visitor center, and even hot showers! The Generals Highway runs nearly 50 miles from Sequoia National Park's Ash Mountain Entrance to Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park, passing through the Giant Forest, home of the world's largest sequoia trees. The moment you’ve been waiting for… Giant Sequoias! Today we are starting off with a couple of sights in the Giant Forest before heading north on Generals Highway. Notice the bowl-shaped carvings in the stone? First, you avoid traffic on your way to Sequoia National Park. The most scenic way to get to Sequoia (and the shortest route from Los Angeles) is to take California Highway 198 through Visalia and Three Rivers until you reach the Ash Mountain entrance, which is about an hour's drive from U.S. Highway 99. Not too many people in October (and probably due to smoke, but I must say at this elevation smoke is not an issue) Highly recommend as an intro to sequoia park! You will pass the visitor center, which is a great place to stop to buy a hiking map and get current park information. Some tips for visiting Sequoia National Park:-Sequoia National Park is often lumped in with nearby Kings Canyon. Most people drive to Sequoia National Park from Los Angeles or San Francisco, but Los Angeles is about an hour closer. Nature is at the forefront of things to do in Sequoia National Park, but there are also several manmade structures and attractions worth checking out during your trip. In spring and summer, you'll see showy wildflower blooms at Sequoia, and the waterfalls in the park are at their peak in summer. When driving around Sequoia, expect to maintain an average speed of 25 miles per hour or less, which means it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to drive from Grant Village to Roads End in Kings Canyon. Read my privacy policy and disclaimer here. In the Giant Forest, the Congress Trail, a paved 2-mile loop that begins near the General Sherman Tree, is a … For simplicity, this guide refers to them all as "Sequoia" in the descriptions below. Explore some of America's most beautiful scenery. This area is home to giant Sequoias, waterfalls, a rushing river, meadows of wildflowers, alpine lakes, deep canyons and black bears. We’re continuing on the Crescent Meadow Road toward Tunnel Log! Explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with the free, official National Park Service App. Keep your eyes peeled! There are no gas stations in either park, but you can fill up your tank at Hume Lake, Stony Creek, and Kings Canyon Lodge. The Little Baldy Trail is a popular 3.5-mile out and back hike that will take about 2 hours to complete. Sequoia Shuttle allows guests to relax and enjoy the journey into the Giant Forest. The trailhead is located near the parking area. The morning views from Beetle Rock are magnificent. We know you can’t wait to explore even more of the Giant Forest. Only a short 3-minute walk from the Giant Forest Parking Area, this is a spectacular viewpoint to hang out at while drinking your morning coffee. You will pass the visitor center, which is a great place to stop to buy a hiking map and get current park information. This is where we leave you to discover your next adventure — either in Kings Canyon National Park as you head north or on your way back home after enjoying a short visit to Sequoia National Park. These were created over many years of grinding acorns for cooking in a pestle and mortar fashion. Those big trees you heard so much about will begin to make an appearance as you continue on Generals Highway. If you've only got a day to see the park, the giant redwood trees are a must-see feature of the parks; be sure to stop by the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on the planet, by taking a short walk from the main road while you're there. You will feel like an ant next to this chunk and look kind of like one in your photos. Elevation varies at Sequoia but starts at more than 6,000 feet. If you wish to see Sequoia National Park: Do it only if you’re in the southern area of California as it’s nearby and you can also check out other areas in the region such as the southern coast of California and even head east towards Nevada and check out places like Death Valley National Park. The hike to General Sherman is an easy ½-mile walk down a paved trail. After about 6 miles, turn right onto Crescent Meadow Road and follow signs to the Moro Rock Trailhead. Follow Generals Highway about 2 miles from the Sequoia National Park sign. Back on Generals Highway, we’re headed over to the Lodgepole Area. Located in California's southern Sierra Nevada mountain range, Sequoia National Park and the adjacent Kings Canyon National Park are known for their towering sequoia trees and miles of uninterrupted wilderness trails. However, the park is planning to install a new cell tower by 2020, so the signal available in the park may improve significantly in the near future. Park in the large lot at the Hospital Rock Picnic Area to check out Hospital Rock right across the street. It’s amazing to think Generals Highway used to direct traffic right under it! This is a great area to spot deer and bear grazing in the meadow area. There are many beautiful campgrounds as well as conveniently located lodges right inside the park. find a list on the national park website of places nearby that rent chains, visit the alerts page of the national park website, guide to finding hotels and campgrounds at Sequoia. You will be accessing the park through the Ash Mountain Entrance Station at the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas: the perfect start to any road trip to Sequoia National Park! Although Congress created these two parks in the southern Sierra Nevada at different times, Sequoia and Kings Canyon share miles of boundary. How to Spend a Weekend in Sequoia National Park Sequoia and Kings Canyon are called “hiker’s parks” and rightfully so. Additionally, Crystal Cave, a marble cave filled with huge stalactites and stalagmites that offers guided tours, is only open during the summer, and this season is the best time to hike to the summit of Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. A visit to Sequoia National Park is the perfect opportunity to explore the rugged natural landscapes California has to offer. Time to leave the heat behind and drive into the mountains where it’s a little cooler. Bears are among the many creatures that live in Sequoia National Park. However, if you're traveling from Sacramento and northern California, you'll want to exit U.S. Highway 99 at Fresno and take California Highway 180 east, which will take about an hour and a half to reach the Foothills entrance. Copyright 2019 - Eternal Arrival. The spectacular groves that the Giant Sequoias grow in are spaced throughout the park and are accessible by car and foot! Follow Generals Highway from Hospital Rock for about 8 miles until you reach Crystal Cave Road on the left. Mobile devices may not work everywhere. Just sitting still on Beetle rock, away from others (or on a big log on the hill behind it) you'll start to see all kinds of things (including beetles, but also lizards, ground squirrels, tree squirrels, chimpmunks, … Soon after, there will be a parking area on the side of the road. If constant communication is important, check your provider's coverage map and leave your hotel phone number with the folks back home. Halstead meadow is a perfect place to stop along Generals Highway to set up camp chairs or a hammock to relax in. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks In summer, a free in-park shuttle runs through the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas of Sequoia National Park, from Giant Forest Museum to Dorst Creek Campground. If you’re interested in hiking a bit further, the Hospital Rock Trail continues down to the Kaweah River. From hiking to fishing, and rock climbing to wildlife viewing, activity opportunities are endless in Sequoia & Kings Canyon. I’ve rented cars dozens of times through various search engines and have settled on Discover Cars as the best car rental search engine – it searches over 500 trusted rental companies to find the cheapest price for your rental! Although the viewpoint is fenced in, it can trigger sensations of discomfort for some. Our first stop is always to the visitor center to pick up the Junior … Larger vehicles are encouraged to use the Big Stump Entrance to the north to avoid the sharp switchbacks along the winding mountain road. Not sure where to get the best deal on your rental? In the off-season and winter, the entrance kiosk closes and the payment center for visiting the park moves to Grant Village. From General Sherman, follow signs for the Congress Trail. This park … Sequoia National Park, or “the land of giants” as it’s often referred, will make you feel like you’re wandering through a fairytale and leave you in complete awe! You can find campgrounds, cabins, and hotels in the national park, in the national forest, at the national monument, and on private property outside the park boundaries. There are plenty of day hikes available, in varying degrees of difficulty, that will take you to the base of giant sequoias, and through … Really nice walk along giant sequoia trees. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. The main trail walks by a meadow where you can see the contrast of the meadow with the large sequoias growing right on the edge of the meadow. Connecting the adjacent parks, and two celebrated giant sequoia groves (the Giant Forest and Grant Grove ), is the Generals Highway. It’s tree-hugging heaven. There’s one more hike on the list for today, and wow are the views of the Western Divide at the top worth the trek! If you’re able to make the short ¼ – mile hike up, you’ll be generously rewarded with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain landscape. Happy trails! The river’s flows are powerful, especially in the spring and early summer, so use extreme caution at its banks! With frequent service to visitor centers, trailheads, and more, shuttles are a quick and easy way to discover the sequoias while reducing air pollution. If you don't stop to pay the fee, you risk being ticketed by a park ranger while in the park. Sequoia National Park, well-known in part for its namesake giant trees, is also home to some fantastic alpine lakes. Additionally, according to California state law, you should always have chains with you in the winter. Along Generals Highway, you will pass multiple scenic turnouts. You’ve definitely earned a little time with your feet up! After your hike, grab a treat at the Lodgepole Market and Grill before heading off to your next site. The new Majestic Mountain Loop is another way to experience the highlights of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, as well as Yosemite National Park. In winter, visitors may find the giant sequoias covered in snow like over-sized Christmas trees, but you'll miss some of the park's most spectacular scenery this season. There’s so much to see in Sequoia National Park, so lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get ready for two days of adventure: here’s your perfect Sequoia itinerary! There are no Giant Sequoias here, but still plenty of exciting attractions to explore. Located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, Sequoia National Park boasts endless mountain views, epic whitewater rivers, and, of course, Giant Sequoias. Remember, only take memories and photos of these beautiful groves. This is a great place to get an up-close look at the Kaweah River. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are administered jointly along with Sequoia National Forest, which is located south of the parks, and Giant Sequoia National Monument, which includes two areas west of them. This neat tunnel carved out of a fallen Sequoia makes for a great op of you and your road-tripping rig. Head back toward Generals Highway after your fun adventure through Crescent Meadow and park in the Giant Forest Parking Area. Walk over and check out Tunnel Rock. a cabin he built into a Sequoia tree that had fallen down! Find all the transport options for your trip from Napa Valley Wine Train to Sequoia National Park … Book your tickets to tour Crystal Cave at least 48 hours in advance to reserve your spot. You don’t need to be an accomplished climber to get on top because the NPS has laid 350 steps to make it an easily accessible lookout. Take advantage of the opportunities to stop and enjoy the view! Fortunately, the park is rarely overcrowded and gets about one-third of the visitors that Yosemite welcomes every summer. Although there are places inside to park to stop and get a bit to eat, you … Soak in the scenery on your hike while reminiscing on all the memories you’ve made following this Sequoia National Park itinerary. Her adventurous spirit has led her to the high peaks of the Sierras and the largest wilderness areas in the lower 48. General Grant National Park, the forerunner of Kings Canyon, was the third, established in 1940. Walk over and check out Tunnel Rock. Take the short trail to the Giant Forest Museum to learn a little more about these massive trees you have been encountering! Along the trail, you’ll pass by Tharp’s log, which is a fallen Sequoia converted into a cozy woodland cabin. Betsy has been writing about California for nearly more than two decades as TripSavvy's expert on the state. . Follow Generals Highway about 2 miles from the Sequoia National Park sign. Soon after, there will be a parking area on the side of the road. Drive the Steep Winding Road to Mineral King. Now you will be driving on Generals Highway, the scenic road that connects the two parks together. When she’s not writing, Emily can be found backpacking, road tripping to outdoor destinations, climbing, or rowing whitewater. The trail hugs the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River before arriving at the beautiful 1,200 ft falls that cascade over the impressive granite walls. The tree you’re thinking of once stood in Yosemite National Park, but fell over in 1969! Here are 50 things to do see and eat while exploring Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon. Call (559) 563-3341 for a recorded message about road conditions or visit the alerts page of the national park website. The road will switchback and is best taken at a slow speed. One of the side trails we opted to do was The Thorpe’s Tree loop. Emily is a freelance travel and outdoor recreation writer from Big Sky, Montana. Getting to Sequoia National Park The most scenic way to get to Sequoia (and the shortest route from Los Angeles) is to take California Highway 198 through Visalia and Three Rivers until you reach the Ash Mountain entrance, which is about an hour's drive from U.S. Highway 99. This 1.7-mile loop begins at the parking area at the very end of the Crescent Meadow Road, and it leads hikers right through a beautiful Sequoia Grove. The parks offer a chance for visitors to explore expansive mountain peaks, sprawling woodlands, profound canyons, a vast array of wildlife, and the world’s largest trees. Time to rest up for another fun day in Sequoia National Park. Activities and Things to Do in Sequoia National Park. Even away from cell service, this interactive guide will help you make the most out of your trip. This is a popular inquiry, but you won’t find that attraction here. Path is paved, which makes it less dusty. Forest fires are always a possibility from spring through fall, but they're especially likely in the summer. Fun and easy on the legs. Eternal Arrival is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. You were looking for the standing Sequoia that you can drive underneath? It took us to Mr. Thorpe’s summer house . The Top Destinations in Sequoia National Park Foothills. Sequoia trees can only grow between 4,000 and 8,000 ft elevation, so don’t be surprised to find that every inch of the park isn’t completely covered in these beasts. Restaurants Inside the Park. In the national parks, pets are allowed only in campgrounds, picnic areas, and other developed areas. Winter snow sometimes closes the road between the Giant Forest and Grant Village, and you may not be able to get into Sequoia National Park from Highway 180. Bring plenty of water to start out the day if you’re traveling in summer. Along the road to get there, you'll pass by the Auto Log and drive through the Tree Tunnel, both of which were carved out of giant fallen sequoia trees. The moderate 4-mile out and back Tokopah Valley Trail to Tokopah Falls begins from the Lodgepole Parking Area. Not only is Crystal Cave closed each winter, but from mid-November through mid-May, the road that takes you on a dramatic drive through Kings Canyon down to the Kings River is also closed. Ready for a visit to the biggest tree in the entire world? This park will treat you to the oldest and most spectacular trees in the world. You can continue on to other national parks like Joshua Tree and Death Valley easily based in Southern California as well. Sequoia is particularly great for short hikes and "poking around." You’ve probably spotted the iconic granite face of Moro Rock standing proud above the foothills at 6,725 ft. You’ve had a good look, and now it’s time to stand on it! The dramatic landscapes of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks lie side by side in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains – a testament to the majesty and geographic diversity of the Western United States. 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