Last Updated on twenty eighth February 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Have you ever wished to traipse by a grove of large bushes 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 gorgeous parks positioned 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 house to towering bushes, huge wilderness areas, and breathtaking vistas. Together they’re 1,353 sq. miles, and whereas they’re well-liked, 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 can assist you benefit from your journey and see all of the highlights these nationwide parks have to supply.
When to Visit
The finest time to go to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is in the summertime (June-August). The climate is often within the 70s F throughout the day and 50s at evening, good for being outdoors. Plus throughout the summer season the lodges, campsites, shops, and eating places are all open.
The climate might be unpredictable at different instances of yr. 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, remember to deliver correct gear, together with chains to 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 option to get to both park with out a truthful quantity of driving.
The closest city to Sequoia is Visalia which is a couple of 45-minute drive to the park. The closest industrial 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’ll 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 can be nice choices, although you might need to have a look at Montecito Sequoia Lodge as a result of it’s positioned between Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, which breaks up your driving a bit.
If you favor to camp, Azalea Campground can be positioned between the parks. Lodgepole is near the General Sherman Tree, but it surely will get very crowded in the summertime.
One resort that’s an excellent possibility is the Comfort Inn & Suites, which is clear and has quick access to the park. The Wonder Valley Ranch Resort has a variety of lodging choices together with outside actions akin to archery or fishing.
Day 1 instructed itinerary – Sequoia
Moro Rock
Start your day with a hike to Moro Rock. This hike consists of stairs going up 300 toes from the car parking zone to the summit. It takes about 25 minutes to climb up and 15 to come back again down.
From right here, you’ll have panoramic views of the nationwide park. If you can also make it there early sufficient, it is a beautiful dawn hike that you just received’t remorse getting up early for. It’s the right 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 well-liked trails within the park. But when 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 gorgeous sequoias. Along the path, there are data plaques you’ll be able to learn that can assist you be taught in regards to the bushes round you.
General Sherman Tree
I hope you haven’t had your fill of massive bushes but; there are lots of extra to come back, together with your subsequent cease, the General Sherman Tree. You received’t be capable of fathom how huge it’s till you see it in particular person.
While not the tallest tree on the planet, this tree is named the largest in quantity. It’s 275 toes tall (as tall as a 26-story constructing) and over 36 toes broad. See this well-known tree by taking the 1-mile spherical journey path from the car parking zone. Expect plenty 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 option to the Giant Forest Museum the place you’ll be able to 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 best way 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 straightforward 2 miles to Tharp’s Log and Chimney Tree. There are plenty of large sequoias on this space, and it’s a good way to complete off your day within the park.
Day 2 instructed itinerary – Kings Canyon
Depending on the place you keep, you’ll must plan for the drive to Kings Canyon from Sequoia, which is a couple of 50-mile journey, however you’ll need to take your time on this drive. You’ll be spending some beautiful surroundings, so that you would possibly as nicely take pleasure in it. You may even pull over alongside the best way once 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 bushes on the planet. This one is 267 toes tall and estimated to be round 1,650 years previous, and nonetheless rising robust!
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 car parking zone, this waterfall pours down rocks right into a small pool. The space is surrounded with inexperienced vegetation, and when you’d like, it’s an ideal place to easily discover nature.
Zumwalt Meadows
After the falls, go on to Zumwalt Meadows. This is positioned within the Cedar Groves space, and it’s one of the well-known hikes in Kings Canyon. At the trailhead, there’s a car parking zone with restrooms and picnic tables, and it’s a excellent spot to take a break and eat a snack.
The path itself is a simple 1.8-mile path that may take you out and again in simply over half-hour. You’ll cross a bridge over a gorgeous river and stroll by a surprising inexperienced meadow, the place you’ll be able to see the dramatic cliffs within the surrounding space.
Mist Falls
Next up is a extra reasonable stage 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 best way you’ll see unimaginable 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 variety of shade, so ensure you deliver meals, water, and sunscreen. Once you attain the falls, you’ve 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 if in case you have time. This is a superb place to take pleasure in some water actions or refill the gasoline tank and be in your approach. It has nice entry to lodging and campgrounds.
A ultimate be aware on planning a visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks provide a few of the most gorgeous pure magnificence within the United States. If you’re keen on the nice open air, you actually received’t be disenchanted with these two. Both parks are well-worth visiting, and we’ve solely brushed the floor on what they provide. If you’ve the time and means, lengthen your journey to actually 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 dad and mom 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.