Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks must be on your California bucket list. Imposing canyons, cascading waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, sweeping viewpoints, and some of the tallest trees in the world. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have all this and more.
Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is definitely worth it because these parks perfectly represent the awe and splendor of California.
Here’s how to spend four amazing days at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks — and why you shouldn’t spend any less.
Visiting Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon in One Trip
Sequoia and Kings Canyon are administered jointly as one park (you pay for one, you pay for both) since they share a border — so it can be convenient and cost-effective to see both while you’re in the area.
Some people may suggest to do both parks in one day (it sounds crazy because it is) but I’d really recommend staying longer.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Try to Fit Both Parks in One Day
You will hit all the crowds. If you want to see the main attractions without crowds, you must do so in the mornings or in the late afternoons when all the day-trippers are gone, and that’s not possible with a one-day itinerary.
It takes too long to get to the parks. A one-day itinerary doesn’t take into account how long it takes to drive in/out of the parks, so it’s really not practical.
You’ll miss out on too much. If you can spend four days in these magical Sequoia forests, consider yourself lucky. It’s an incredible place you won’t regret visiting.
How Long to Spend in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
This itinerary is for four days and it allows you to experience the best of what both parks have to offer. It essentially allots one day for driving/travel, one day for exploring Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon, one day for exploring Grant Grove in Kings Canyon, and one day for exploring Sequoia National Park.
If you’re local to California, you can also visit each park on separate weekends. Check out my itinerary for Kings Canyon and my itinerary for Sequoia if you’d prefer to do that.
About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia National Park is home to the largest tree in the world (by volume) — General Sherman Tree — as well as thousands of other huge and ancient sequoias. It’s hard to describe the beauty and majesty of these trees until you’re standing in front of them.
Sequoia National Park is the second national park ever established in the United States (technically, it’s the fourth, as two others were established before Sequoia [Mackinac and Rock Creek] but both those parks have since been decommissioned or merged).
Kings Canyon National Park has two main areas: Cedar Grove and Grant Grove. In Cedar Grove, you’ll find the magnificent canyons that give Kings Canyon its name. In Grant Grove, you’ll find impressive sequoias, including the second largest tree in the world (by volume) — General Grant Tree.
What’s the Difference Between Sequoia and Kings Canyon?
Both have tall Sequoia trees. Both are in the Sierra Nevada mountains. They share a border and are even administered jointly, like some kind of conjoined twins.
Despite their similarities, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are separate national parks.
Here are some differences between Sequoia and Kings Canyon:
Sequoia is more popular. You’ll find more crowds in Sequoia National Park.
Sequoia has a shuttle system. All of the crowds have led Sequoia to start utilizing a shuttle system in the summer. There is no shuttle system in Kings Canyon.
Kings Canyon has one of the deepest canyons in the United States. It’s even deeper than the Grand Canyon.
Kings Canyon is slightly bigger. Sequoia is roughly 631 square miles while Kings Canyon is 722 square miles.
Your Perfect 4-Day Itinerary for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Overview of Itinerary for Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Day 1: Cedar Grove (Kings Canyon National Park)
Day 2: Cedar Grove to Grant Grove (Kings Canyon National Park)
Day 3: Grant Grove (Kings Canyon National Park) to Sequoia National Park
Day 4: Sequoia National Park
This itinerary starts at Kings Canyon National Park as that makes the most of time. Most travelers will be coming from the north (due to Fresno Yosemite International Airport being the closest airport). But even if you’re coming from the south, starting from Kings Canyon will allow you to end and drive out of Sequoia, so either way it works out.
Day 1: Cedar Grove (Kings Canyon National Park)
On the first day, you’ll be driving to Kings Canyon National Park, which can take a few hours depending on where you’re coming from. I’d recommend heading to Cedar Grove first. It’s farther into the park, about an hour drive from Grant Grove.
You can have dinner at Cedar Grove Grill and enjoy the scenery. You’ll also be staying the night in Cedar Grove so you can explore first thing in the morning.
If you arrive earlier and have the energy to explore, feel free to do a few easy hikes today (examples below).
Keep in mind, though, that you may need to get acclimated to the elevation. The parks sit at about 7,000 feet (Cedar Grove is slightly lower at 4,600 feet) so take it easy the first day.
Note: There are plenty of other more advanced hikes in the Cedar Grove area, which you can do instead of these three easy ones below!
Walk to Roaring River Falls (Cedar Grove)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.25 miles
Elevation gain: 26 feet
Trail condition: Paved trail with lots of flying bugs (seasonally)
It’s a quarter-mile walk to reach Roaring River Falls from the parking lot, so not a long walk.
Beware the bugs: There were a lot of flying bugs here, surrounding us, which perhaps had to do with the time of year (early September, summer). This was the only place we found these flying bugs (gnats? I’m not sure what they were) as they weren’t in Grant Grove. Take a can of woodsy bug repellent with you because you may need it! (You can purchase bug repellent in the Cedar Grove Lodge store.)
It was still a really nice, peaceful walk, and a beautiful waterfall. Not many other people here at this time of day, either, which was nice.
Hike the Zumwalt Meadow Loop Trail (Cedar Grove)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation gain: 157 feet
There is a 1.5-mile trail at Zumwalt Meadow that is supposed to be very lovely with wildflowers and greenery. It was once a loop but flooding has washed away part of the trail, making it an out-and-back trail now. You’ll also pass by the river on this trail and see the imposing canyons.
See Grizzly Falls (Cedar Grove)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.10 miles
Elevation gain: 32 feet
Grizzly Falls is right off the road, so not really any hiking involved. It’s a quick photo stop. There are picnic benches here in case you’d like to sit and have a snack or something. There weren’t any flying bugs, thankfully, and it was a pretty waterfall.
Day 2: Cedar Grove to Grant Grove (Kings Canyon National Park)
In the morning, after breakfast (there’s a store and restaurant at Cedar Grove Lodge), you’ll head out to explore more of Cedar Grove (depending on what you were able to do the day before) or just make your way to Grant Grove.
If you’re coming from Cedar Grove, before reaching Grant Grove, I’d suggest stopping for gas at Hume Lake (more information about that at the bottom of this post) if you don’t want to back-track later. You can also eat lunch at Hume Lake while enjoying the lake views.
Hike to Big Stump Grove (Grant Grove)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.8 miles
Elevation gain: 193 feet
The Big Stump Picnic Area is right by the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park, a perfect place to stop and stretch your legs after a long drive. Here you’ll find the trailhead to the Big Stump Grove.
The Big Stump Grove Loop Trail is about 1.8 miles long and is exactly what it sounds like — a trail that goes by very big stumps.
This area was used for logging many years ago (back in the late 1800s), so several huge sequoias were chopped down, leaving their stumps. It’s a beautiful and fascinating trail.
You don’t need to walk the whole trail if you’re just looking to see the big stumps — they are littered all along, so you can turn around any time. Feel free to make the trail as long or as short as you’d like.
If you’re brave, like my friend, you can even try climbing atop the stumps.
See General Grant Tree and Hike the Grant Grove Loop Trail (Grant Grove)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.70 miles
Elevation gain: 32 feet
The Grant Grove Loop Trail is about half a mile long, and it contains the second-largest tree in the world (by volume) — General Grant Tree. There are also a lot of other cool sights here, such as the Fallen Monarch and some benches to sit and enjoy the trees.
It’s the most popular part of the park, so try to visit during non-peak hours — early morning or late afternoon. We visited in late afternoon and there were plenty of parking spaces.
While walking on the Grant Grove Loop Trail, don’t miss the Fallen Monarch, a fallen redwood tree that was hollowed out by fire over 300 years ago. It resides near the Robert E. Lee tree on the Grant Grove Loop Trail. The Fallen Monarch is an impressive sight, definitely worthy of a photo. We walked through it a few times! I mean, how many times in your life will you get to walk INSIDE a tree?
Do a Short Sunset Hike to Panoramic Point Overlook (Grant Grove)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.50 miles
Elevation gain: 98 feet
The hike to Panoramic Point Overlook in Kings Canyon National Park is best done at sunset. The sunlight against the trees, the colors in the sky — so, so beautiful. This hike was the highlight of our trip to Kings Canyon, so be sure to time it right.
It’s about a half-mile, easy climb to Panoramic Point Overlook from the parking lot. The parking lot is about a 5-minute drive from John Muir Lodge (and the road is right behind the lodge).
On the way, we saw a deer peacefully eating moss. The whole experience was magical. Definitely come at sunset, the views are magnificent.
Day 3: Grant Grove (Kings Canyon National Park) to Sequoia National Park
Drive to Sequoia National Park
After breakfast (I’d recommend the breakfast burritos at Grant Grove Restaurant!), you’ll need to check out of your hotel before driving about 25 miles along Generals Highway to Sequoia National Park.
It can take about an hour to drive from Kings Canyon to Sequoia. Along the way, you can stop at some overlooks.
On Generals Highway, you’ll also pass by the only gas station near Sequoia National Park — it’s at Stony Creek Village, on the side of the road. Be sure to fill up!
Overlooks and Scenic Spots Along Generals Highway:
- Redwood Mountain Overlook
- Kings Canyon Overlook
- Lost Grove
- Buena Vista Peak (uphill 1-mile hike to a vista point)
You should reach Sequoia National Park by lunchtime, so you can try the Wuksachi Pizza Deck or grab something from the Lodgepole Cafe.
Visit the General Sherman Tree and the Giant Forest Museum
Length: 1 mile, round trip
Difficulty: Easy
The Giant Forest Museum was designed to serve as the starting point for visitors to the grove, according to the NPS site, so why not start your Sequoia journey here?
After learning the stories of the giant sequoias, head to the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree in the world by volume.
It’s 275 feet tall and 36 feet in diameter at the base. It’s a very impressive tree and definitely worth a visit. Pay your respects to the tree — it’s been here a lot longer than us and will continue on long after we’re gone.
The trail to the General Sherman Tree is about a half-mile long. It’s paved and quite popular. We arrived in late afternoon, and there were parking spaces open, but best to come during non-peak times.
Hike the Congress Trail
Length: 2.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
If a half-mile trail is not long enough for you, you can continue walking along the Congress Trail, which is about 2.7 miles round trip. It branches off from the Sherman Tree Trail and passes through more giant sequoias.
I’d recommend calling it day at this point, grabbing some dinner, and settling into your lodgings. Save the other activities in Sequoia for tomorrow as they’re best done in the early morning when crowds are minimal. You’ll have a much better experience, trust me.
Day 4: Sequoia National Park
Climb Moro Rock
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 0.5 miles, 350 steps
Climbing Moro Rock is sure to be a highlight, so definitely don’t miss this. You’ll be treated to incredible 360-degree views.
There are more than 350 steps to the top of Moro Rock, and it’s about a half-mile long. Though it’s short, it can be strenuous with the amount of stairs. Take breaks and enjoy the views going up.
Get to Moro Rock first thing in the morning as the small parking lot fills up fast. I don’t remember exactly what time we arrived, but I’m guessing it was around 9 a.m., and there were still free spaces. By the time we were done with the hike, however, all spaces were full.
(The NPS site says that on summer weekends the road to Moro Rock is closed off, and you’ll have to take a free shuttle to reach it.)
Drive through Tunnel Log
Tunnel Log is a fallen tree with a car-sized hole in its trunk. It fell on the roadway and was too large to move, so a hole was cut. People have been driving through it since 1935. Visit Tunnel Log in the morning if you’d like to have a picture without a line of cars behind you. That way you’ll be able to park and get out and take a proper photo.
Wander around Crescent Meadow
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
There is a 1.5-mile, flat, loop trail around Crescent Meadow that sounds just magical in the morning sun. The meadow features pretty wildflowers, plants, and trees.
However, bears also enjoy Crescent Meadow. We saw a few during our visit. Even though we were disappointed to have to return to the parking lot, it’s best to respect wildlife and give them their space. Instead, we found a sequoia grove in a different area to explore a bit.
I hope you can experience a bear-free Crescent Meadow, but be on your guard, in any case. Consider bringing bear bells, as well. Read the NPS’s tips for encountering bears in the wild.
Visit Hospital Rock
As you leave Sequoia National Park, be sure to make one more stop on the way out.
Hospital Rock, which is more toward the foothills, is a historical Native American site. A community of hundreds of people once lived here, and signs of their presence are all around in the form of petroglyphs, pictographs, historic fire pits, and artifacts. There are some informational signs that explain the history here.
There are also picnic benches, restrooms, and a nearby river. It was a really interesting stop.
Safe Travels on Your Drive Home
It takes about an hour to drive down the mountain and reach Three Rivers, an unincorporated community at the foothills. The road is windy, curving over cliff sides, hugging the mountain. But you’ll drive past gorgeous sequoia trees that seem magical. I hope you enjoy your last views of these sequoias as you make your way home. Safe travels!
Some Pit Stops on the Drive Home:
- Naturally Nuts, in Visalia, to stock up on snacks
- Bravo Farms Traver (36005 Hwy 99, Traver, CA 93673) for an interesting lunch
- Tunnel Rock
Before You Go: Check Current Conditions
Check for any road closures on the official NPS website. Roads are often closed during winter due to snow, and sometimes, in summer, roads can be closed due to fire. Always check current conditions before setting out.
Entry Fees
It costs $35 per vehicle to enter both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and your entry is valid for one week.
If you plan to visit more than three national parks in a year, definitely get an America the Beautiful pass to save money.
How to Get to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
For California or local visitors: It can take a few hours to reach Kings Canyon National Park, which is up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, depending on where you’re coming from. California is a huge state.
I live in the LA area, so it took about 7 hours for me, not including all the stops for gas and lunch. (I also had to stop in Fresno first to meet up with friends who were coming along from NorCal.) So the first day of my trip was just getting there.
For out-of-state or international visitors: The closest international airport to Kings Canyon National Park is Fresno Yosemite International Airport. It’s about a one-hour drive from there to reach Grant Grove.
It’s a windy, mountain road, so be careful. I’d suggest downloading directions to your phone so you can use it without service. YES, you will need a rental car. Public transportation is nearly non-existent here, unfortunately.
Where to Stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
While staying in Kings Canyon’s Cedar Grove, I recommend staying at Cedar Grove Lodge. Not because it’s nice (it’s actually very bare bones in terms of accommodations) — but because it’s the only lodging in the Cedar Grove part of the park. The toilets don’t work too well, the bedding and carpet are outdated. But it’s all you’ve got. You’ll stay for only one night, so it should be okay.
While staying in Kings Canyon’s Grant Grove, I recommend staying at John Muir Lodge. It’s a much nicer accommodation than Cedar Grove Lodge — the toilets work and it’s much more up to date. There’s also a nice fireplace in the lobby area and a nice porch with rocking chairs at the other end of the building. John Muir Lodge is in Grant Grove, perfect for exploring this area of Kings Canyon National Park.
While staying in Sequoia National Park, I’d highly recommend staying at Wuksachi Lodge, which is the only lodging in Sequoia National Park. There are 102 guest rooms, and they book up quickly, especially during summer months.
It’s very convenient staying here as the park is right at your doorstep. You don’t have to drive an hour down the mountain and an hour back up in the morning to keep exploring. You get first access to the trail parking lots before they fill up with the day-tripper crowds.
If the lodge is booked for your ideal dates, keep checking as cancellations often occur. I honestly wouldn’t bother coming to Sequoia National Park unless I had a room booked at Wuksachi Lodge.
For the campers, there are several campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Check the NPS website for more information on camping.
Where to Eat in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Dining Options at Kings Canyon National Park:
When in Cedar Grove, your only option (aside from any food you brought with you) is the Cedar Grove Grill. The food was actually pretty good, and all the tables have great views of the outside scenery, including the nearby river. There is also a small convenient store at Cedar Grove Lodge (for microwave foods and snacks).
When in Grant Grove, eat at Grant Grove Restaurant! It’s a quick walk from John Muir Lodge, and they have a large, beautiful dining room and great food options.
Dining Options at Sequoia National Park:
In Sequoia National Park, you have a few options of where to dine — Lodgepole Cafe, Lodgepole Market, the Wuksachi Pizza Deck, and/or The Peaks Restaurant.
Where to Get Gas in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Gas in/near Kings Canyon National Park:
If you need to refill your gas tank, there’s only one gas station near the park without having to drive all the way down the mountain. It’s at Hume Lake, which is a man-made lake and camp on national forest grounds, about 11 miles from Grant Grove. Its gas station, general store, picnic areas, and cafe are open to the public. Other parts of the camp are exclusive to guests. There’s only one gas pump, so it’s a small station that kinda blends into the camp. It’s right at the front of the camp, near the store.
After filling up the gas tank, you can get coffee from the general store and even have lunch at their pizza restaurant. We stopped here after leaving Cedar Grove, before arriving at Grant Grove, as it’s a good mid-stop if you don’t want to back-track later. The lake is very beautiful, so feel free to walk around and enjoy it before heading out on the road again.
Gas in/near Sequoia Canyon National Park:
The only gas station near Sequoia National Park is on Generals Highway at Stony Creek Village. Be sure to fill up when you pass it coming from Kings Canyon!
Map of Sequoia and Kings Canyon Itinerary Activities
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Should you visit both Sequoia and Kings Canyon in one weekend?
Sequoia and Kings Canyon are administered jointly as one park (you pay for one, you pay for both) since they share a border — but I’d recommend visiting them on separate weekends if you’re local or spending an extra 1-2 days to visit both (so 3-4 days total).
Trying to see both in one weekend means you’ll miss out on a lot or else really rush through the experience.
Can you see Kings Canyon and Sequoia in one day?
I think visiting both Kings Canyon and Sequoia in one day would mean spreading yourself too thin. There’s a lot to see and do, and there’s also a lot of driving involved.
It’s about 30 miles, or an hour’s drive, between the two parks. It’s also about an hour’s drive to get up the mountain.
Is your goal to drive by everything and not get out, explore, hike, or enjoy the nature?
Which is better — Sequoia or Kings Canyon?
I personally liked Sequoia better, but it is the more crowded park.
What should you not miss in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park?
In Sequoia, don’t miss the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and the tunnel log!
In Kings Canyon, don’t miss the General Grant Tree and sunset hike to Panoramic Point Overlook.
Do you need reservations for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?
You do not need a reservation to enter Sequoia National Park or Kings Canyon National Park.
How crowded are Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?
Crowds in Kings Canyon
The only part of Kings Canyon National Park that feels a little crowded is the area where General Grant Tree resides. Otherwise, I would say, it didn’t seem to get half the visitors as its neighbor, Sequoia National Park.
Crowds in Sequoia
If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, be aware that there could be traffic or limited parking. In summer months, the park may operate a shuttle system to help lessen congestion.
We found that mornings are the best times to explore the park as the traffic is minimal. Definitely plan on spending the night in the park so that you can have the park virtually to yourself in the early morning the next day.
Are Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. The Sequoias are one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. These big, beautiful trees will stay in your memories long after you leave.
How big are Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?
Together, the parks are roughly 1,353 square miles.
How far apart are Sequoia and Kings Canyon?
The parks share a border, so technically, they are right next to each other. However, it takes about an hour to drive the 30 miles between the main parts of either park (General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon to General Sherman Tree in Sequoia).
Where are Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?
The parks are in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, in the middle of the state, but more towards the Nevada border. The closest major city is Fresno, CA.
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