Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Rapids along the Kings River
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California
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| Scenery |  |
Cliffs, streams and giant trees in the Sierra Nevadas |
| Uniqueness |  |
The only area of the world these behemoths grow |
| Wildlife | |
Deer, marmots, lizards and lots of birds |
| Diversity | |
Great diversity, but accessible part is relatively small |
All ratings are on a "4-star" scale - for more on how these were assessed, view the how parks are rated page |
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The Park Sequoia National Park, the second oldest Park next to Yellowstone, was established in 1890 to protect the Giant Sequoia tree species found only in this area of the world. The Giant Sequoia is the largest of all living organisms, but their existence was threatened by logging before the Park was created. Kings Canyon National Park, also home to Sequoia groves and beautiful rocky canyons, was created in 1940. In 1943, the two adjoining Parks were placed under common administration as one large Park.
In a Word "Majestic"
Park Map
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on red circles to see photos
Map for reference only - not intended for navigation
Our Visit I visited Sequoia and Kings Canyon by myself in April 2004. I had one day off from a business trip in Southern California, so I drove 4 hours up to Central California, spent the night, and
visited both Parks the next day.
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Our Weather Hazy but beautiful. The valley was in the 80s, the mountains were about 60 degrees.
Overall Impression Sequoia and Kings Canyons are both fabulous and refreshing Parks. The trees are awe-inspiring, and the canyon is majestic and full of life. A day spent here walking in silence among towering giants or hiking along the banks of the vibrant and rushing King River is just plain good for the soul. Whether you stick to the winding roads or hike into the vast back country, you're surrounded by the beauty of the Sierra Nevadas. While the scenery may not be as breathtaking as Yosemite or Zion, these Parks also lack the crowds of their better known cousins.
Favorite Spot Grant Grove in Kings Canyon
Minimum Time Required About 3 hours. In three hours, you can drive to the Grant Grove Visitors Center, take a short hike among a grove of towering Sequoias and take an out-and-back driving tour of the canyon along the Kings River stopping at Roaring River Falls and Zumwalt Meadow.
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A Longer Visit In one full day, you can drive all the main roads in both Parks and do a few short hikes. Starting at the Ash Mountain Entrance on the Southwest side of Sequoia, you can drive up into the mountains. As you climb, the trees begin to change from deciduous to coniferous until you finally reach Giant Forest, your first chance to see Sequoias. The Giant Forest Museum is a worthwhile stop, and you have to see the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest living thing. If you've got some time, hike around in this area before moving on. A little ways further is Lodgepole Village where you can get a snack and some souvenirs. There aren't many stops between here and Grant Grove in Kings Canyon, but the drive is still beautiful and relaxing.
After driving through Sequoia National Forest, stop at Grant Grove in Kings Canyon to take a short but memorable stroll through a thick grove of large Sequoias. After leaving the grove, it's a good hour to get to the end of the road in Kings Canyon. Most of the drive is outside of the Park, but it's still fantastic scenery with plenty of views of the canyon below. Once you reach the bottom of the canyon, you'll be driving along the South Fork of the Kings River, a lively whitewater river. The road follows the river back into the Park where there are several stops before the road ends. Roaring River Falls is a neat area and only a short distance from the road. If you're feeling up to it, you can hike the 4-mile round trip to Zumwalt Meadow, a beautiful grassy area off the river surrounded by pine trees and sheer gray cliffs. If you don' t have the energy, you can drive and park closer to the meadow instead of hiking. Either way, take some time to just sit beside the river and reflect for a while before heading home.
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Other Nearby Attractions Yosemite NP
Suggestions First of all, don't rush. Take some time to really think about the massiveness and age of these great trees--what a wonder! If you only go one place to see sequoias, make it Grant Grove in Kings Canyon because it's the densest grove you can drive to. Unless it's summer, be sure to take a jacket as the mountains are a good bit cooler than the valley floor.
I didn't experience any in April, but insects can be a problem, so be prepared with some insect repellant. I'd also suggest taking your own food and water as there are only a few places you can get refreshments once you enter the Parks.
If you want a unique souvenir, the Grant Grove Visitors Center sells real-live Giant Sequoias (in travel-tolerant containers) for a very reasonable price. I have one growing in Colorado now. It's only a few inches tall, but every time I look at it, I think of the enormous potential it holds to someday become the largest living thing in the world. . . I guess I'll have to consider moving my house in about 1,500 years, though, to give it room to grow.
Official NPS Website Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP
Stories The Most Helpful Ranger
Photos Click on thumbnails to view larger image
 4. A view of the Kaweah River near the south entrance to Sequoia. Scenes like this are common in both Parks, April 2004 |
 5. Three Sequoias in Giant Forest including the General Sherman Tree (right). It's nearly impossible to get an entire tree in one photograph, April 2004 |
 6. The Sentinel Tree stands just outside the Giant Forest Museum. This tree's relative isolation makes it a good subject for photos, April 2004 |
 7. Looking up at the Sentinel Tree, you just can't get the whole thing into photos, April 2004 |
 8. People walking the path among the giants at Grants Grove in Kings Canyon NP, April 2004 |
 9. Classic view of the cliffs along the Kings River, April 2004 |
 10. Kings River runs through the Park at a rapid pace yielding a soothing vocal accompaniment to nearby hikes, April 2004 |
 11. A quiet place along the Kings River, April 2004 |
 12. Kings Canyon is postcard Sierra Nevadas with craggy peaks, lush pine forests, clear streams and high meadows, April 2004 |
 13. Roaring River Falls is a great place to sit for a few minutes. The falls aren't very big, but they're set against a spectacular backdrop, April 2004 |
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