Last Updated on twenty eighth February 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Have you ever needed to traipse by a grove of big timber or swim in a mountain waterfall, nearly feeling such as you’re on one other planet? Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are two beautiful parks situated within the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California the place you are able to do simply that. This article is all in regards to the good 2 Days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon itinerary that you just’ll need to steal for your self!
These parks are residence to towering timber, huge wilderness areas, and breathtaking vistas. Together they’re 1,353 sq. miles, and whereas they’re in style, they’re lots much less crowded than Yosemite National Park, which is simply to the north.
Sequoia National Park was the primary park created to guard a dwelling organism. If you solely have a few days to discover these lovely parks within the state of California, you’ll need to plan fastidiously.
Here’s a two-day itinerary for Sequoia and Kings Canyon that will help you profit from your journey and see all of the highlights these nationwide parks have to supply.
When to Visit
The greatest time to go to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is in the summertime (June-August). The climate is normally within the 70s F in the course of the day and 50s at night time, good for being exterior. Plus in the course of the summer time the lodges, campsites, shops, and eating places are all open.
The climate will be unpredictable at different occasions of 12 months. However, individuals who’ve visited within the winter say that seeing the sequoias within the snow is magical. If you go to within the winter, you’ll want to carry correct gear, together with chains in your tires.
How to Get There
Since we’ll be spending the primary day in Sequoia National Park, you need to go there first. Unfortunately, there isn’t actually a technique to get to both park with out a honest quantity of driving.
The closest city to Sequoia is Visalia which is a few 45-minute drive to the park. The closest business airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport in Fresno, about an hour and a half away from Sequoia.
The park’s south entrance is on Highway 195 and most simply accessed from Visalia. No matter the place you come from, it should take some driving from any main metropolis in California as a result of the park isn’t on a significant freeway.
Where to Stay
There are some lodges in Sequoia National Park, like Wuksachi Lodge or Cedar Grove Lodge, which are nice choices, although it’s possible you’ll need to have a look at Montecito Sequoia Lodge as a result of it’s situated between Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, which breaks up your driving a bit.
If you like to camp, Azalea Campground can be situated between the parks. Lodgepole is near the General Sherman Tree, but it surely will get very crowded in the summertime.
One resort that’s possibility is the Comfort Inn & Suites, which is clear and has quick access to the park. The Wonder Valley Ranch Resort has a number of lodging choices together with outside actions equivalent to archery or fishing.
Day 1 prompt itinerary – Sequoia
Moro Rock
Start your day with a hike to Moro Rock. This hike contains stairs going up 300 toes from the parking zone to the summit. It takes about 25 minutes to climb up and 15 to return again down.
From right here, you’ll have panoramic views of the nationwide park. If you can also make it there early sufficient, this can be a beautiful dawn hike that you just gained’t remorse getting up early for. It’s the proper place to take a pause when you’re out in nature.
Big Tree Trail
Next, you’ll need to head to the Big Trees Trail, one of the in style trails within the park. But in case you get there proper after your dawn hike, you’ll beat the crowds.
The 0.75-mile, paved path will circle Round Meadow and take you previous some beautiful sequoias. Along the path, there are info plaques you may learn that will help you be taught in regards to the timber round you.
General Sherman Tree
I hope you haven’t had your fill of massive timber but; there are a lot of extra to return, together with your subsequent cease, the General Sherman Tree. You gained’t be capable of fathom how large it’s till you see it in individual.
While not the tallest tree on the planet, this tree is called the most important in quantity. It’s 275 toes tall (as tall as a 26-story constructing) and over 36 toes huge. See this well-known tree by taking the 1-mile spherical journey path from the parking zone. Expect a lot of crowds on this space.
After the General Sherman Tree, it’s time for lunch. Pack yours or eat on the Wuksachi Lodge for pizza or sandwiches.
Giant Forest Museum
While you digest, make your technique to the Giant Forest Museum the place you may be taught all in regards to the ecology of Sequoia National Park. Explore the shows and interactive stations when you be taught in regards to the magical place you’ve been wandering round all day.
Tunnel Tree and Tharp’s Log & Chimney Tree
Next drive over to the Crescent Meadow Loop. On the way in which there, you’ll be capable of drive by the tunnel tree, which was created by a tree that fell on the highway in 1937.
At the Crescent Meadow Loop, you’ll hike the simple 2 miles to Tharp’s Log and Chimney Tree. There are a lot of big sequoias on this space, and it’s a good way to complete off your day within the park.
Day 2 prompt itinerary – Kings Canyon
Depending on the place you keep, you’ll must plan for the drive to Kings Canyon from Sequoia, which is a few 50-mile journey, however you’ll need to take your time on this drive. You’ll be spending some beautiful surroundings, so that you may as effectively take pleasure in it. You may even pull over alongside the way in which while you see one thing that strikes you.
General Grant Tree
Once you arrive in Kings Canyon National Park, head straight to the General Grant Tree, one other one of many largest timber on the planet. This one is 267 toes tall and estimated to be round 1,650 years previous, and nonetheless rising sturdy!
In 1926, President Calvin Coolidge coined the General Grant Tree because the nation’s Christmas tree, and it’s simple to see why. The trek to this well-known tree is a simple 0.3 miles.
Junction View
After seeing the General Grant Tree, head to Junction View, the place you’ll be capable of see the place the Middle and South Forks of the Kings River converge. You’ll additionally be capable of get your bearings within the park and see the Western Sierra and an awe-inspiring canyon.
Grizzly Falls
Next, you can also make a cease at Grizzly Falls. Just a brief stroll from the parking zone, this waterfall pours down rocks right into a small pool. The space is surrounded with inexperienced vegetation, and in case you’d like, it’s an amazing place to easily discover nature.
Zumwalt Meadows
After the falls, go on to Zumwalt Meadows. This is situated within the Cedar Groves space, and it’s one of the well-known hikes in Kings Canyon. At the trailhead, there’s a parking zone with restrooms and picnic tables, and it’s a good spot to take a break and eat a snack.
The path itself is a simple 1.8-mile path that can take you out and again in simply over half-hour. You’ll cross a bridge over an exquisite river and stroll by a shocking inexperienced meadow, the place you may see the dramatic cliffs within the surrounding space.
Mist Falls
Next up is a extra reasonable degree hike to Mist Falls. This 7.8-mile out-and-back path begins out fairly flat, however will get rather less simple after mile 2. Along the way in which you’ll see unbelievable views of the valley.
The path takes you to a waterfall, good for swimming in or enjoyable subsequent to. The hike doesn’t have a number of shade, so be sure you carry meals, water, and sunscreen. Once you attain the falls, you may have the choice to maintain going to see some epic views behind you.
Hume Lake
The final cease you’ll need to make is at Hume Lake you probably have time. This is a superb place to take pleasure in some water actions or refill the fuel tank and be in your approach. It has nice entry to lodging and campgrounds.
A closing notice on planning a visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks provide a few of the most beautiful pure magnificence within the United States. If you like the good outdoor, you definitely gained’t be dissatisfied with these two. Both parks are well-worth visiting, and we’ve solely brushed the floor on what they provide. If you may have the time and means, lengthen your journey to essentially soak in these locations.
Have a good time in these two lovely locations!
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About the writer: Lexi Cooper is a contract editor and author. Her mother and father taught her a love for touring, seeing new sights, and studying in regards to the world. Along along with her ardour for journey, she loves tales and goals of spending her days studying and writing books and wandering the globe.