Note: This post contains affiliate links. In the parks, wildlife has the right of way. Drive four miles south to Redwood Mountain Overlook and stop to look southward over the 3,400-acre Redwood Mountain Grove, the worlds largest remaining stand of sequoias. You can buy online or at the entrance. A travel obsessed mom and a nature obsessed son exploring at home in Southern California as well as throughout the world looking for adventure, nature and a little luxury too! Distance: 60 mi/97 km Vehicle length limits and advisories are in place on many park roads, including the Generals Highway from the foothills to Giant Forest. Going further into Kings Canyon National Park will add about an hour or so to your drive time. Bus, drive via Three Rivers 5h 46m. We visited Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park on a road trip through California. In summer months the trail is a concrete path, but during the winter it is covered in snow so it is much easier to lose your way once you get off the highly traveled areas by General Sherman. As you can tell from our number, the trail is not well signposted along the way. Please drive slowly and cautiously and use paved turnouts to view wildlife. Lots of overlooks to enjoy the amazing scenery: sequoia groves or sheer canyons. Hiking Poles: I really enjoyed having my lightweight hiking poles with us during the trip. If you want to visit both sides of the park, we suggest staying 1 or 2 nights near Squaw Valley or inside the park and 2-3 nights in Three Rivers or on the Sequoia side of the park to maximize your visit. Be sure to check information on vehicle length limits and advisories. Death Valley National Park (West Entrance) The weather here can range from downright cold to moderate at anytime of the winter season. The John Muir Lodge is the only hotel on the Kings Canyon side of the park. Take exit 96 onto CA-198 E towards Visalia. We started very early in the day (leaving at 6:30 am from our hotel) in order to maximize our time to explore both parks. There are many giant sequoias here, but finding the General Sherman is easy. Continuing, youll arrive at another fun landmark: the Tunnel Log. to keep the kids hydrated and happy during your adventures. Cheers, Julie. Not to be missed is the Foothills Visitor Center, which opens at 8 am and is just a short drive after entering the park. Park roads and facilities will be gradually re-opening over the coming months. This shuttle connects Moro Rock, the Giant Forest Museum, and the General Sherman tree for free. For us, the thought of walking through a cave on a guided tour sounded uninteresting. The General Sherman Tree is the worlds largest tree, by volume. I did, with several of my stupid friends! San Francisco We especially love it as its directly across the street from our favorite place in town Gorilla Quesadilla! In normal years I might suggest staying inside the park so you can avoid driving on the windy curvy roads every day, however during COVID I highly recommend staying outside of the park where you have more flexibility in cooking your meals and keeping socially distant. No gasoline is available in the national parks, though nearby national forests have gas stations. The Generals Highway is the main (and only) paved road running through Sequoia National Park from the north to south entrances. We did all three during our visit. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. When visiting Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks, you can enter from either the North (via Squaw Valley), or from the South (via Three Rivers). We started on the highway with sun and blue skies and ended it about 20 degrees cooler with grey skies in snow! Grab panoramic photos from the phenomenal overlook. North of this spot the road deteriorates significantly. Otherwise you will have to drive to Grants Grove in Kings Canyon NP to the next restaurant (25 miles north of Wuksachi). However, stay on the trail because the snow can get deep! Theres simply no way to convey just how large this sequoia is, so you really have to see it in person. We have not used it, so I dont know how it lines up with our itinerary, but for $10 it sounds like a good deal if you like to learn more about what you are seeing. The climb took us about thirty minutes. Vehicle length limits and advisories are in place on many park roads, including the Generals Highway from the foothills to Giant Forest. For maps, detailed descriptions and driving itineraries, see the National Park Service's Sequoia & Kings Canyon website, and navigate to its Summer Drives and Viewpoints pages. Having binoculars made the experience even more exciting for the kids. Theres a lot to see at Sequoia NP and the adjoining park, Kings Canyon National Park, and we planned to stay at least 3 nights so camping was not in the cards this trip. These giant trees attract quite the crowd. There is currently no access to giant sequoias, the General Sherman, or Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park. Overall, we had the best time at Sequoia National Park. Vehicles that exceed lengths limits cannot navigate tight curves without crossing the double yellow line. Stroll a lovely meadow trail and hear how it got its name. Now you will be driving on Generals Highway, the scenic road that connects the two parks together. To help plan your route, check our driving map of the parks and regional maps of the area. The majestic red giants are covered in glistening white snow creating a breathtaking landscape that is hard to beat. Roads become steep and you may be increasing speed without realizing it. Visalia Find out why obsidian has been so important to archaeologists working in the Sierra Nevada. Sequoia National Park is the more popular of the two parks. The General Grant tree is the worlds second largest tree. We then go to General Sherman tree trail, afterwards, we drove along the General highway to the Kings Canyon national park, there are some overlooks in the Kings canyon portions. The park newspaper says that the trail is a bit scary in some sections when the trail is icy and covered in snow, but overall this 3.74 mile trail is beautiful to hike in the winter. Note for the 2021 winter season, the Lodgepole Market is closed so there are no rentals within the park available. Gasoline is available at two locations within the surrounding Sequoia National Forest at Hume Lake and Stony Creek. Take in the views of one of the largest redwood groves in the entire world. A true long and winding road. Adventure on the Tokopah Falls Trail. Drink plenty of water the day before your visit and stay well hydrated while there too. I had planned to take my two but decided against it after learning about some questionable handrails. I felt secure with the anti-slipping soles, my feet were mostly dry (except when snow slid down from the top!) As you tour this jaw-dropping primeval forest, youll learn about the areas early inhabitants, from the Paiute tribe to the founders of a secretive, ill-fated colony. Time: 5 hours 25 min Take You must arrange for a car yourself. This fee includes both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park and is valid for up to 7 days. Electric vehicle charging stations may be available near the parks. Driving in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Roads here are steep, winding, and narrow. During our visit we hiked about 2.5 miles in almost to Moro Rock before turning around and heading back. Its a very small town with limited options for accommodations and restaurants, but it is close to the park entrance. A true international family a Texan bred Mom, Irish bred Dad and a son born in India exploring the world one trip at a time. The Generals' Highway connects Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Youre welcome! In our Half Dome Hiking Guide, learn what it takes to hike this challenging trail. Distance: 130 mi/209 km Before you go, I recommend checking the National Park Service websites for updates about road closures and conditions in both parks. Click like comment and subscribe for more videos:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjTBBaWcz5zNKVPf4nDYhTA/videos?disable_polymer=1If you think i made a difference in your life, please consider supporting me in my endeavors by donating so that i can continue to upload quality videos. Although guide books will tell you there is no gasoline in the park, the National Forest Service operates Sony Creek Lodge on Generals Highway, about midway between Grant Grove and Wuksachi and there is gasoline, a restaurant and store there. Your email address will not be published. ), but you will need a decent pair of boots that go up to your mid-calf if you can find them. You will need to bring all of your own snow play gear sleds, snowshoes, cross-country skis, etc. [] doing some climbing in Sequoia, but decided to continue on to Yosemite. Snowshoe the Road to Auto Log & Moro Rock. Thus, it is best to check on current conditions before planning your adventure. Across the highway is the trailhead for the hike to Buena Vista Peak (one mile).The drive continues southeast, reaching Stony Creek Lodge in seven miles (groceries and gas available). Only 2 people on the trail from the Giant Forrest Museum to Moro Rock, and two separate guys from Moro Rock back along the trails to Lodgepole campground. I think the drive from San Jose to Sequoia/King Canyon is tough? Although summer is the best time to . You can also learn more about the national parks and get a FREE printable checklist in our US National Parks Checklist. To get to Sequoia National Park from Kings Canyon, drive south past Grant Grove and follow the signs for Sequoia National Park. Regardless, this record holding tree is spectacular and worth waiting in line to see. In Fresno, take exit 133B onto CA-180 E. Continue to the Big Stump entrance of Kings Canyon National Park. The Generals Highway is a highway that connects State Route 180 and State Route 198 through Sequoia National Park, Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Kings. Sequoia groves and snowplay areas are located at higher elevations, often with icy, slick conditions in the morning. Huacachina Oasis & Mini-Galapagos! Scale stone steps to reach one of the greatest vistas in the entire park. During our visit, we managed to walk about 3.7 miles total. This is also the starting point for the Congress Trail mentioned above. We saw so many birds and even a family of bears twice! One of the most important parts of planning a visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in winter is understanding what is open, what is closed and what the road conditions are during your visit. Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. The Majestic Mountain Loop is a new route created from existing highways that sets up a three-day driving itinerary of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, as well as Yosemite National Park. Planning a visit to the US national parks? The General Sherman Tree is located in the Giant Forest. One of the best drives in the NPS. It is a 0.75-mile walk one way and should take about 15 minutes to get there. Use Highway 198 to enter Sequoia National Park, and Highway 180 to reach Kings Canyon National Park. Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are open 24 hours a day 365 days per year. Visalia is a good-sized Californian town with lots of options for accommodations and restaurants. The parks and Sequoia Natl Monument are next to each other. | Hobie Surf Shop l BLOG, Climbing Moro Rock, Sequoia National Park | The Wherever Writer, Red Rock Canyon to Zion, and back again | AlpineMonkeys, West Coast road trip: the USA's true beauty - Live Recklessly, A guide to visiting Sequoia National Park - Road Trippin' The States, Sequoia National Park, CA Town Traveller, https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/moro-rock-sequoia/, Crescent Meadow Loop to Chimney Tree and Tharps Log in Sequoia National Park, Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia National Park. From the Foothills to the General Sherman Tree, this is one of the most beautiful drives in the National Parks System. Dress in layers because temps do get chilly as you head up the mountain! We liked being here since there were a lot of restaurants to choose from and the next day we drove to San Diego. Thanks. Does anyone know if there are restrictions on when you can be up there? We drove through it on the way to Visalia and Three Rivers definitely has a lot more character and a better setting. Expect to drive an additional 1-2 hours up winding mountain roads to arrive at the most popular Sequoia National Park attractions. To see the chart-topping General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on earth by volume, turn left at the sign for Wolverton/General Sherman Parking and then follow the 0.5-mile trail downhill to the tree. Your meals and activities are included in the price and the food is very good with plenty of choices at every meal, including healthy options. Its beautiful, quiet and the perfect place to socially distance! Snap some photos from another great overlook and find out just how high the Sierras reach. Discover how the road you're driving on actually changed this national park in unexpected ways. To visit Crystal Cave, you can only do so on a tour. Interested in creating custom self-guided tours for your customers? Wolverton Meadows is about 2 miles from the General Sherman Tree. Driving in Sequoia National Park in Winter, 7 Things to Do in Sequoia National Park in Winter. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. If you are coming from the north or west on CA 180 do not be discouraged by Fresno and the smog. You start at the iconic Sequoia sign, past tunnel rock and then twist and climb up the mountain. When you drive into Sequoia take highway 180 instead of 3 Rivers (that road to 3 Rivers has many switchbacks and last time we did it was in the fog.). However, the rangers told us there have been years when there is little snow that the road re-opens mid season. This is the most epic of the trails in Sequoia offering amazing groves of sequoia trees, nature, tranquility and beauty. Try climbing up there in the middle of winter! After Grant Grove, we crossed Highway 180 and drove on a very narrow and very curvy road to Kings Canyon Panoramic Point. Alternatively, there are plenty of spots to capture photos of Moro Rock, rather than climb it. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States? Your $20 round-trip ticket on Sequoia Shuttle covers your entry into the park as well as unlimited, free shuttle service inside. I wouldnt think you would have any problems getting from park to park, with the exception of traveling from Yosemite to Death Valley (depending on the route and the order you plan to visit the parks). There are no gas stations within park boundaries, though there are limited, seasonal stations on nearby national forest lands. From Zumwalt Meadows, travel back along the Scenic Byway. More Information for Your Trip to California, Planning a trip to the United States? - pickup at Anne Frank. Our adventure to Sequoia National Park with kids was the highlight of the year! During the summer months, leave your car and ride the free shuttle bus to other highlights in the Giant Forest area, including Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow, and the Giant Forest Museum. This portion is quite winding, but it's ok as long as you follow the rules not over-speed. I dont know if it is open all the time. If you are prone to altitude sickness (or even motion sickness), come prepared with the medication or gear you need. There areseveral spots for photos at the scenic overlooks. Planning a visit to the US national parks? But if we can do it, so can you! Arrive early to avoid crowds. Fresno Be sure to use paved turnouts only, as hot brakes and mufflers can start fires in dry grass. The General Grant tree is also known as the nations Christmas tree. The section of the byway just below the turn off to Hume Lake closes for the winter so plan your tour mid-May to mid-October. Its a nice view but it is skippable if you just want to move on to the more popular sites. No worries! Here, a tunnel has been carved through a fallen sequoia, and its big enough to drive most cars through! Listen to the dramatic tale of the Paiute people who refused to be forced off their land. National Park, CA 93262, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Temporary Closures -, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Scenic Drives. More than 40 miles of trails travel through the Giant Forest; pick any one and take a walk among natures majestic sentinels. Its a bit of a drive from the main parts of the park, but it adds much more convenience to your overall trip in these times of social distancing. Snowshoes: Depending on the snow conditions during your visit, you may want/need snowshoes. Luxury buses! Stairs, [] view from my back yard of Moro Rock with rainbow on 9-20-11 [], [] that was tougher had 3 people on it. Fortunately park planners had the forethought to create wonderfully scenic drives through them, with evocative names like the Generals Highway and the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. If the Generals Highway is closed, visitors will need to make a choice in where they want to enter the park. The road is well maintained, especially during winter, but as you enter Sequoia NP the many switchbacks can give some kids (and adults!) If the bus isnt running, you can drive yourself (the three-mile-long Crescent Meadow Road is a left turn off the Generals Highway just past the Giant Forest Museum). The cost per vehicle is $35. Like where to fly into and rent a car for my trip close to the Sequoias? Its a great spot to get your bearings, use the restrooms and plan your itinerary for the day. Thank you for your continued support. Crampons just add on to your shoes making whatever you are wearing just a bit more slip resistant! Moro Rock rises 6,725 feet above sea level, but you climb only the last 300 feet. And what an awesome road trip you are planning! [] Ironic, isnt it? Capture the perfect family photo in the tunnel carved beneath this fallen giant. Take CA-85 S and merge onto US-101 S. Take exit 356 onto CA-152 E. Take CA-99 S. Take exit 133B onto CA-180 E. Continue to the Big Stump entrance of Kings Canyon National Park. Get a glimpse into ancient Paiute mythology with this recounting of one of their most important legends. We were there in September, 2017 and stayed at the Montecito Sequoia Lodge and Family Camp and loved it. In this itinerary, the most crowded spots will be the General Sherman Tree, the General Grant Tree, and Moro Rock. Either way, this is a fabulous area to visit, another massive tree whose scale is hard to even comprehend with a variety of beautiful trails to explore. This is especially common in the Foothills area of Sequoia National Park. Visit the trail for amazing views, photo ops and opportunities to walk on top of or climb through the sequoia trees! 47050 Generals Highway In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. One of the biggest reasons folks steer clear of Sequoia National Park in winter is fear of driving on the snowy and icy roads in the high sierra. It was mainly the length of this road and 180 that was tiring. Uncover more about the formation of this landscape at another excellent overlook. Admire this enormous stump and hear about its bizarre history. If you suffer from motion sickness, make sure you take your Dramamine or anti-nausea medication before starting this drive. The drive back down at night was much better for me bc I was not on scary side and couldn't see the drop offs nearly as well. Continue onto CA-14S. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. All individual tours come with lifetime validity. Explore a trail frequented by black bears and learn why they're not nearly as scary as they might sound. Pack your vehicle with plenty of water and snacks (although dont leave your car unattended with food inside use the bear boxes!) Learn how to plan for a wait at the entrance station. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. The drive from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park is about 4 hours heading north past Bakersfield via the I-5 northbound. This is the only chain hotel in the area and is quite comfortable. Sequoia National Park is home to the General Sherman tree, the largest tree in the world. Self-Guided Driving & Walking ToursAn audio guide, map, and tour book all in one! Note that navigation systems may not give accurate directions to the park. A first time for us here on the ranch. Time: 6 hours, 30 minutes Even though we didnt do it, I still wanted to include Crystal Cave in this post since this is a popular spot to visit in Sequoia National Park. Next time just head to Visalia or Fresno and go from there, much easier. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Self-Driving Audio Tour 10 Recommended Adventure Tours from $14.99 per group (up to 4) Private Guided Hiking Tours - Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 16 Recommended Adventure Tours from $400.00 per group (up to 1) Semi Private Tour to Sequoia National Park with Lunch Full-day Tours from $250.00 per adult n audio guide, map, and tour book all in one app! You dont need to get all fancy and order Sorel boots (but you can if you want! Find out why some mountain peaks in the park are "bald" as you pass this popular hiking trail. Take any highway to I-5 N. Continue onto CA-99 N toward Bakersfield/Fresno. There are two areas within the park for snow play and sledding depending which side of the park you are on. The delay of five or more vehicles is prohibited by California state law. Points of interest in all three parks are detailed at www.MajesticMountainLoop.com. Continue to the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia National Park. Waterproof Outer Layers: If you plan on doing any winter hiking, or snow play, you will want waterproof hiking pants (these are also great) and a waterproof jacket.