Three Days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Spending time out in the woods is a meditative experience, especially when you’re surrounded by some of the biggest trees in the world.

Three days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are good for your mind and your body. This guide gets into the best hikes, sights, and the very big trees we saw on our long weekend in the park so that you can replicate our experience.

I’ll even share a pretty dramatic experience in the park involving bears.

I promise most of this will be helpful and will include all the information you need to plan a three-day itinerary for Sequoia and Kings Canyon.

Quick Tips for Your Sequoia and Kings Canyon Visit

Your Flight: Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Visalia Municipal Airport are closest to the parks. You can also go on a road trip from Los Angeles or San Diego, especially if you find a good deal from those hubs.

Use Skyscanner to watch flights. Love deals? Subscribe to Going.

Your Accommodations: We stayed at the Sequoia Resort in Badger. It did the job. Browse Booking.com or Hotels.com for more options. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative.

Your Ride: You’ll need a car to get to and around these parks. Book a rental car ahead of time.

Top Spots: Visit the General Sherman Tree and walk the Congress Trail in Sequoia. Hike to Mist Falls in Kings Canyon.

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How Many Days You Need for Kings Canyon and Sequoia

You need at least two days in Sequoia National Park with an extra day for neighboring Kings Canyon National Park if you don’t want to feel too rushed.

You can do Sequoia and Kings Canyon in one day if you’re here for scenic drives and the main highlights.

With just one day, skip the long hikes in favor of General Grant Grove and the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway in Kings Canyon. In Sequoia, visit the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and the Tunnel Log.

Kings Canyon and Sequoia are not the same park, but they’re managed together and share boundary lines. Whether you look at them singularly or together, they’re some of the most impressive national parks in the United States.

A grove of trees at Sequoia National Park

How far is Kings Canyon from Sequoia?

The distance between Sequoia and Kings Canyon is about 50 miles. Don’t expect to speed through those miles, though.

It takes about two hours to drive through Sequoia and Kings Canyon. The two aren’t very far apart, but you can’t drive very fast through the parks. That’s without scenic stops, too.

How to Get to Sequoia and Kings Canyon

We drove up to the parks from San Diego, our home at the time. If you’re driving from Southern California, expect traffic in and around Los Angeles.

Otherwise, the closest airports to both parks are Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Visalia Municipal Airport. You’re less likely to find a good flight deal from those.

You’ll also have at least an hour’s worth of driving no matter where you fly into, so reserve a car to pick up at the airport.

READ MORE: We’ve been on so many San Diego getaways. Check out our favorites!

Getting Around Sequoia and Kings Canyon

A man hides inside a tree at Sequoia National Park.

I’m assuming you’ll have a car to explore both parks. You’ll be more efficient on a self-drive itinerary and have the most flexibility if you do some hiking.

For a scenic drive of both parks, take the Generals Highway from Lodgepole to Grant Grove. The route connects them both and only closes down in inclement weather.

If you really don’t feel like driving, you have access to the Sequoia Shuttle during high season. The shuttle offers roundtrip access from Sequoia to the nearby towns of Visalia and Three Rivers, in addition to making stops throughout the park.

Those looking for the highlights or unique guided experiences have options. Check out these highly-rated guided tours to Sequoia National Park:

Day 1: Sequoia National Park

This Sequoia and Kings Canyon itinerary assumes you have three full days to experience both parks. It isn’t a ton of time, but you’ll be able to see the highlights and get in some long hikes.

The night before hitting the parks, we relaxed, grilled, and played games at our accommodations. It was a breezy start before the hikes we had planned for the rest of the trip.

Plan to get an early start while you’re here, especially if you’re traveling in the summer. Luckily, many of those crowds sleep in. Don’t do that! Grab a breakfast bar and get on with it.

Note: While you’re at it, have a lunch packed, too, so you’re not wasting time finding food stops in the park. It’s a whole scene having a sandwich surrounded by the biggest trees you’ll ever encounter.

If you simply must stop at a visitor center before you get going, your options are:

  • the Foothills Visitor Center near the  Ash Mountain entrance station,
  • the Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove Village,
  • the Cedar Grove Visitor Center in, predictably, the Cedar Grove area, and
  • the Lodgepole Visitor Center at 6,700 feet.

The center you choose will depend on where you’re coming from.

I’d suggest kicking off your travels with high-priority items. You may also come across road construction during the summer, adding to your travel times. This is normal. The parks have a limited season for repairs.

Expect delays, take a deep breath, and hope for some entertainment while you wait. We watched two influencers unwrapping all of their fresh REI gear, including a poop knife, as we waited at the gate of Sequoia on our first day.

May you be so lucky on your road trips.

Stop 1: General Sherman Tree

A view from below of General Sherman in Sequoia National Park

I was initially skeptical of how impressive a big tree could be, but once you’re there, it’s definitely a whole thing. It’s a big ass tree.

Fun fact: Sequoia National Park was the first park established to protect a living thing, namely those big ol’ trees. 

It’s an easy enough walk down to the tree and surrounding trails, but we were definitely feeling some of that altitude on the way back up.

There are benches along the way for you to contemplate your surroundings and catch your breath.

Stop 1 Alternative: Topokah Falls (3.4 miles roundtrip)

We wanted to hit the general before the crowds did, but I’d suggest starting with this one if you’re interested. It’s longer than the others listed here and you’ll pass by the trailhead on your way to the other highlights.

On the way to the 1,200-foot falls, you’ll walk along the Kaweah River, which sounds quite idyllic. There’s also a good view of the Watchtower monolith at the end.

We just didn’t have the legs for it by the end of the day and knew we had a big hike the next morning.

Stop 2: The Congress Trail (2.7 miles roundtrip)

A woman reacts to a surprise photo on a hike in Sequoia National Park.

From the General Sherman Tree, you have easy access to one of the most popular trails in Sequoia, the Congress Trail.

This is an easy stroll through the woods to see some more impressive sequoias. I’d highly recommend this trek, especially because you’ll lose some of the crowd that’s still gawking at the general.

The trail is named as such because of the trees you’ll see along the way: the President Tree, McKinley Tree, the Congress Group, and the Senate Group. It took a while for that to click for me. 

Stop 3: Big Trees Trail (0.8 miles roundtrip)

A woman looks up at the big trees in Sequoia National Park.

The Giant Forest grove you’ll see on this trail is the second-largest grove of giant sequoia trees in the world.

We were nervous as we approached, as it appeared we had found the crowds. They were apparently picnicking or something because the trail itself was empty.

This short and easy trail will take you around the beautiful Round Meadow, where ideally you’ll get some blue skies for the best photos for friends back home.

If you have the time, this is where you’ll access the Giant Forest Museum, too.

The museum is a great place to start for a primer on the giant sequoias and the more human side of things in the national park. You’ll find Beetle Rock a short walk from the museum, too.

Stop 4: Moro Rock (0.4 miles roundtrip)

A view from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park

It’s a short distance, but you’ll feel all 350 steps to the top of Moro Rock for expansive views of the park. The distance and vistas make this one of the best hikes in Sequoia National Park.

It gets super narrow on the way up and can be a little intense for those who have a fear of heights, but it’s certainly worth it once you’re up there.

Unless you’re a professional canyoner, don’t go climbing up on the boulders, especially if you’re wearing Sketchers. You’ll look foolish, even more so when you need a rescue mission to get you down from there.

Stop 5: Crescent Meadow (1.6 miles roundtrip)

A sign announcing you're about to enter Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park

Experience the gem of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, according to naturalist John Muir, at the Crescent Meadow.

You’ll come across the subtly creepy Tharp’s Log, which may be more or less creepy when you realize someone lived inside the hollowed-out log.

You’ll also come across the Chimney Tree as you continue along the loop.

I liked that this one was an actual path through the forest unlike the paved paths on Sequoia hikes we had been on up to this point.

The lot was full for this one when we arrived, but there were few people on the path. It’s possible many hikers were heading to the High Sierra Trail or other day hikes that start here.

Stop 6: Tunnel Log

A couple poses at the Tunnel Log in Sequoia National Park.

This is a must for anyone who’s on Instagram.

I’m mostly joking. It’s cute. We were lucky that there wasn’t a long line to get our shot at the Tunnel Log, a giant sequoia that fell over in 1937. If there was, we may have skipped it.

I’m really not sure, as I do like seeing all of the things, and hypotheticals are hard for me.

In any case, I love that the park service bored a hole through the tree rather than getting rid of it altogether. They made one of the most popular attractions in the park when they did so.

Stop 7: Dinner

That’s it for the day. We did most of our own cooking back at the “resort,” hitting up a grocery store on the way into Badger the first day. It allowed us to pack lunches, too, so we weren’t wasting time finding food in and around the sights we were interested in.

The only exception to our cooking-in plan was the Pizza Factory in Woodlake on our way back to our accommodations on the first day. The pizza was fine because you know what they say about mediocre pizza. It’s still pizza.

If you’re looking for a sit-down meal during the day or to cap off a long day of hiking in the parks, check out the options below, noting that hours vary by season:

  • Cedar Grove Grill: Light meals on the Kings River are the jam here at this Kings Canyon eatery that operates out of the Cedar Grove Lodge.
  • Grant Grove Restaurant and Courtyard: This classy establishment in Kings Canyon’s Grant Grove Village boasts deck views of Bradley Meadow.
  • Lodgepole Grill: This Sequoia cafe, minutes from General Sherman, is perfect for prepping picnic packs. Find it inside the Lodgepole Market Center.
  • The Peaks Restaurant at Wuksachi Lodge: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at this eatery with easy access to the General Sherman Tree.
  • Wuksachi Pizza Deck: Pizzas and salads if you’re sad are available at this casual Sequoia eatery on the deck of the Wuksachi Lodge.

Day 2: Kings Canyon National Park

Get an early start again, as you’ll likely have a drive to get to the initial trailhead. If you’re here in the summertime, there are a few parts of the trail that are exposed to the elements, so it could get hot.

Stop 1: Mist Falls (8.7 miles roundtrip)

A woman poses on a hike at Kings Canyon National Park.

This popular trail in Kings Canyon is popular for a reason. It’s spectacular. You have the falls at the end, feeding into a river that you can dip your tired legs into at the end, but the scenery along the way is amazing, too.

The image above is around a bend where you hit an exposed rock face on the way up to the falls. It’s incredible, and the photo doesn’t even do it justice.

The hike is long, but not that difficult apart from a stretch of elevation toward the end.

Bring your lunch with you on this one. There are plenty of rocks along the river where you can sit with your feet in the chilly water, admiring the views.

Please don’t go climbing around the falls, though. People have died doing that.

We watched a bro doing just that, a bit of panic settling in when he realized it was steeper up there than he thought. He managed to scoot down on his bottom, inch by inch. Just don’t.

READ MORE: We love an impressive hike, but sometimes they freak me out. Learn about one of the scariest in Colorado!

Stop 1 Alternative: Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

Not everyone is here to hike that aggressively, and that’s OK. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a great way to experience a very photogenic side of the park.

The driving route starts at the Hume Lake Ranger Station and takes you to some of the most impressive attractions in Kings Canyon along its 50 miles.

You can stop at anywhere included in this itinerary, but you’ll pass the Junction View Scenic Overlook, Marble Moutain View, and Grizzly Falls along the way.

Stop 2: Zumwalt Meadow (1.5 miles roundtrip)

A relaxing spot near the Zumwalt Meadow in Kings Canyon National Park

The short path that leads past the Zumwalt Meadow was closed right at the viewpoint when we went, but you’ll get great views regardless at the mouth of the meadow.

You’ll pass across a suspension bridge to get there, too, where we spent more time wading in the water and splashing about.

This isn’t a swimming spot, as the current’s pretty strong here, but it’s a place that can feel quite refreshing in the hot sun.

Stop 3: Roaring River Falls (0.3 miles roundtrip)

A short paved path will take you to the Roaring River Falls, a noisy water feature tumbling its way down into the Kings River. You can see — and hear it — from the road if you’re short on time or unable to find parking.

Stop 4: Grizzly Falls

Grizzly Falls in Kings Canyon National Park

We ended our day at the Grizzly Falls Picnic Area, where we experienced a gentleman blocking the falls with his expansive body for way too long. A lack of self-awareness is often a thing in the national parks.

This is a perfectly fine picnic spot, too, if you didn’t already eat at Mist Falls today.

This day may seem a little light on the stops, but if you recall, we hiked nearly nine miles to start the day.

Yeah. We did that.

Return to your accommodations for a home-cooked meal or take me up on one of the food recommendations I made after your first day in the parks.

Day 3: Kings Canyon National Park

If you haven’t had enough of those big trees, this day’s for you. Kick things off with a trail you likely won’t see many people on. Again, start your day early, especially if you’re extending the first trail into the full loop.

Stop 1: Redwood Creek Loop (7.3 miles roundtrip)

A woman looks up at a tall tree on a hike in Kings Canyon National Park.

This trail deserves a bit of a narrative flourish.

We were walking along this very scenic stretch of trail through the woods with no humans in sight.

About a mile in, hunger hit, and Brian pullled out some jerky. Almost immediately after, we heard a loud “CRACK!”

Something big must have been in the thicket to cause branches to break in such a loud fashion.

It was a bear, a brown one, which we later learned was still a black bear. We knew there weren’t any grizzlies in this park, but you’re not exactly thinking clearly when this happens to you for the first time.

We got even more of a fright when we saw a bear cub, a situation you most definitely don’t want to find yourself in. That’s when you’ll see protective aggression from any wild animal, not to mention the sharp-toothed kind.

Luckily, the mama bear ran off, followed by her cub adorably hopping off a log as he made his exit.

For the rest of the trail, still one of my favorite hikes, I made a ton of noise.

A woman ducks underneath a tree on a hike in Kings Canyon National Park.

There was lots of loud talking about the latest political news, turkey calling, hand clapping, and yelling “BOOGAH BOOGAH!” when I couldn’t think of anything else. It was all I could do to scare off any other bears on the trail.

I had another fright when I heard crunching in the distance, spotting two very large shadows slowly navigating the brush.

They were cows. There are cows in here sometimes, too. I learned later that you’re supposed to report them to the nearest ranger, but there was nary a ranger in sight.

Despite the anxiety for the rest of this very long trail, it was gorgeous.

An enormous tree on a trail in Kings Canyon National Park

We came upon the Cabin Tree first, which is a cabin made out of a tree. When you see something like that after just having seen a bear you’re a little wary about poking around too much, though.

The Hart Tree was next. This keyhole tree, the 24th largest sequoia in the world — it’s still impressive — is off a little spur trail up an incline.

Fallen Goliath was up next, supposedly less than two miles from the Hart Tree, but we never found it. There were a lot of fallen trees that could have fit its description, but we never came across any signage.

If you’re watching your mileage, watch out for this one at 4.8 miles.

Fun fact: If you see fire damage on any trails, don’t get too sad. Proactive, low-intensity fires are critical to the long-term survival of these giant trees. The heat forces the sequoia cones to open up and drop their seeds, leading to new growth.

The last mile or so of this loop is a bit of a killer. There are some uphill portions where you think you should be back at the parking lot by that point.

Things can get a little monotonous when you get in that mode, so try to focus on the splendor around you rather than your jello legs.

We were also hungry but didn’t want to pull out the rest of our snacks because of those bears.

If you want more time in the forest, you can connect to the Sugar Bowl on this trail, expanding the complete hike to 10 miles.

If you only want to check out the Sugar Bowl Trail, you’ll want to start in the opposite direction. You’ll follow along a ridge to the Sugar Bowl for two miles, a very photogenic stretch with a focus on vistas vs. those big trees.

Stop 2: Panorama Point (0.5 miles roundtrip)

A view from Panorama Point in Kings Canyon National Park

We drove and drove some more to the Park Ridge Trail next. A short climb up a paved path will lead to a great payoff and beautiful views at the aptly named Panorama Point.

We were lucky enough to share the view with just one other couple. Some folks might be put off by the drive there. Your online maps may tell you to stop midway up. Obviously, this is not correct. Keep going. You’ll drive right up on it.

Stop 3: General Grant Loop Trail (0.8 miles roundtrip)

General Grant in Kings Canyon National Park

We finished the day off at the General Grant Tree, taking the short loop to check out the Monarch Tree on the paved path.

General Grant is just as impressive as General Sherman. As we were here in the afternoon, we did encounter quite a few people, including crying kids, strollers, and that whole thing.

There are only so many things you can see in the morning, so you’ll need to weigh whether you’d like to start at this stop first and hit the trails after. We like to tackle long hikes first, but you do you.

Note: If you’d like to see more trees from here, you could escape some of the crowds on the North Grove Loop, 1.5 miles of big trees and meadows. That trailhead starts at the Grant Tree parking area.

We went back to our resort after visiting General Grant. As you’ll be near Grant Grove Village, you can spend some time while you’re there exploring the shops, perhaps even picking up an ice cream cone.

You deserve it.

Stop 3 Alternative: Buena Vista Peak Trail (2 miles roundtrip)

This trail was closed during our visit, but if you have the legs for it, it looks fantastic. On a clear day, your efforts will reward you with views of Big Baldy, the Sugarbowl grove, and the impressive rocks of Kings Canyon.

It’s also one of the easiest peaks in the parks, with about 420 feet of elevation gain across the two-mile roundtrip.

More Things to Do at Sequoia and Kings Canyon

That was it for our visit, as we had to head back to San Diego the following morning. With more time, you have SO many options in both Sequoia and Kings Canyon:

  • Arrow Peak: This summit within the Muro Blanco chain is an option for experienced climbers looking for a challenge. Start your trek from the Road’s End in Kings Canyon.
  • Alta Peak: This is one of the toughest hikes in the park, but day hikers seeking icon status won’t want to miss it. This one is 13.5 miles total, with the toughest mileage as you climb to the top.
  • Hospital Rock: This easy stop features pictographs sacred to local Native Americans. Access the site on a viewing platform up a set of steep stairs.
  • Little Baldy Trail: This 3.3-mile trail is a moderately challenging trail with beautiful views. Reviews say things get steep, particularly if you’re not used to the elevation around here.
  • Big Baldy Ridge: This six-mile trek is moderately challenging with great views from the peak. This area has been damaged by fires in recent years, so check out reviews on the AllTrails app before your hike.
  • Boyden Cavern: This marble cavern features stalactites, stalagmites, and other words I can’t pronounce on guided walking tours. Book trips in advance if you’re interested.
  • Crystal Cave: Love a good cave? Add this one to your list on a guided tour with the Sequoia Parks Conservancy. The National Park Service recommends booking tours two months in advance.
  • Sunset Rock: This easy 1.6-mile trail takes you to one of the most popular sunset spots in Sequoia. Visit at other times of the day for peace and quiet.
  • Hume Lake: Fish for trout, hike, or play in the water at Hume Lake. The Hume Lake Recreation Area is accessible from the Generals Highway or Highway 180.
  • The Lakes Trail: This strenuous five-mile trek rewards you with alpine scenery and glacial lakes like the Heather, Aster, and Emerald lakes.

Where to Stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon

A dog lounges at her accommodations in Badger, California.

There are several options for lodging within the parks but expect to pay a premium for the convenience. You’ll be booking those directly through the national park system’s reservation system.

The Wuksachi Lodge offers easy access to the General Sherman Tree at Sequoia, with a restaurant on site.

In Kings Canyon, your options are:

I don’t camp, but there are additional campgrounds located in both parks, including in and around Mineral King Valley. The National Park Service has more information on that for you if you’re interested in camping.

If you’re looking to save some money, stay outside of the parks. Three Rivers and Visalia offer the closest access.

We stayed in Badger at the Sequoia Resort, which offers easy access to Grant Grove Village in Kings Canyon in about a half-hour’s drive. Otherwise, it’s about an hour and a half to the main sites of Sequoia.

It sounds like a lot, but at least the long drives are scenic if winding.

This one suited our needs just fine. There was a scenic lake on the property that the dogs jumped into, if by accident.

A man holds onto his dog at a resort in Badger, California.

Our dog had never been swimming before because she’s afraid of everything, and I’m pretty sure she thought she was going to land on firm land instead of falling into the bog.

If you’d like to browse some more options, check out the map below:

The Best Time to Visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon

The best time to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon on your national park itinerary is late May through early September. That timeframe offers the most access to all of the available services in the parks.

By mid-September, some services shut down for the season and the parks prepare for snow. That white fluffy stuff can come as early as October, depending on how mad Mother Nature is that year. Snow tires are expected by December.

Springtime is a popular time for wildflower enthusiasts, although snow has been reported in the park in April. If you’re headed to Yosemite National Park on the Majestic Mountain Loop as part of your travels, May could be ideal for waterfalls.

You really need to see both of these parks.

Kings Canyon isn’t better than Sequoia, but if you’re seeking hiking trails, you may end up liking it more. Sequoia has more famous giant sequoias, though, so it may be better for anyone on a short California trip.

I suggest a “why not both?” strategy during your weekend trip planning to Sequoia and Kings Canyon. That’s what we did.

Traveling throughout California? Check out these posts:

Love national parks? Check out these guides:

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Agnes Groonwald

Agnes Groonwald is the creator of Travel on the Reg, a travel/humor blog for regular people who travel in a regular fashion. She has been to 50/50 U.S. states and explored 30+ countries, most often as a digital nomad. She's all about sharing the honest truth about travel, real experiences, and all the quirky stuff about her favorite (and not so favorite) places.

8 thoughts on “Three Days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks”

  1. Wow what an incredible place to go hiking through! Those trees are insane!

  2. I have been these parks but dont remember any of it. Its on my list to go back. Great info.

  3. Where do you suggest staying to most conveniently see both Kings Canyon and Sequoia Parks? We plan to hike as well as see some of the more popular sites. (we’re not camping)

    • Hi Karen,
      I list off quite a few accommodation options at the bottom of this post. It all depends whether you prioritize budget or convenience!

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