If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Main roads are plowed inside the park often, however as snow accumulates and the sun is hidden, parts of the road can become icy and slick. If not, put it on your bucket list and get busy planning your trip with our tips below. To get to Sequoia National Park from Kings Canyon, drive south past Grant Grove and follow the signs for Sequoia National Park. The beauty of a winter visit means you most likely wont have to wait in line though as the park is much quieter. The National Park Service does not tow or repair vehicles. In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: c37d82d7d1a146ac1c278da8de72a3ca. Take US-50 E/CA-99 S towards Fresno. Any suggestion for planning an out west trip would be appreciated. There is an additional fee to tour this cave. It can get busy during weekends, so plan to visit early! Death Valley National Park (West Entrance) That is left for a second, longer trip. Save these tips for . Hike the Congress Trail. We started on the highway with sun and blue skies and ended it about 20 degrees cooler with grey skies in snow! Generals Highway connects the two parks, and their two celebrated stands of giant sequoia groves. However, the rangers told us there have been years when there is little snow that the road re-opens mid season. More than 15,000 sequoias larger than a foot in diameter thrive in this grove. We did all three during our visit. Find out why some mountain peaks in the park are "bald" as you pass this popular hiking trail. Self-Guided Driving & Walking ToursAn audio guide, map, and tour book all in one! The trail on this granite mountain is cement steps, about the same size and shape as those in your house. Wow! If you are looking for a magical getaway, consider visiting Sequoia National Park in winter. Sequoia National Park is one of our favorite national parks during the busy summer months, but now that we have visited in winter we are even more in love. There are 14 campgrounds in the two parks, including several that are open year-round. Kings Canyon Scenic Byway traverses an extraordinary cross section of geographical terrain, and provides progressively more stunning views of Kings Canyon. Please drive slowly and cautiously and use paved turnouts to view wildlife. Cross-Country Skiing Scenic Drives Where to Camp Where to Stay Nearby How to Get There Accessibility Tips for Your Visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - Headquarters Address 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA Phone +1 559-565-3341 Web Visit website 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. One of the best drives in the NPS. Crampons just add on to your shoes making whatever you are wearing just a bit more slip resistant! Distance: 225 mi/362 km Take exit 96 onto CA-198 E towards Visalia. If you visit during a snowstorm, expect even colder temperatures. There are two areas within the park for snow play and sledding depending which side of the park you are on. The road is in reasonably good shape from the south entrance to the Wuksachi Lodge (roughly halfway), and for about another 5 miles north until you reach the Little Baldy Saddle. To get here, it is one hour of driving round trip from the Giant Forest Museum. We liked being here since there were a lot of restaurants to choose from and the next day we drove to San Diego. Along the way, you can stop at the Grant Grove Restaurant (Kings Canyon) or at the Lodgepole Deli (Sequoia) for lunch. The drive from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park is about 4 hours heading north past Bakersfield via the I-5 northbound. Every thing about it is amazing the entire way. Explore Kings Canyon. Need Tire Chains? There are two main sections to Kings Canyon: General Grant Grove and Cedar Grove/Zumwalt Meadows. Three Rivers, Be sure to check information on vehicle length limits and advisories. Here you can visit the General Grant tree. I definitely thought so! Vehicle length limits and advisories are in place on many park roads, including the Generals Highway from the foothills to Giant Forest. Drive along paved roads, and stop to hike and enjoy a picnic lunch in the greatest of the great outdoors. Grab supplies at the Lodgepole Market, or dine at The Peaks . Follow these recommendations for your safety, and the safety of others: Downshift Generals Highway, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park: Address, Phone Number, Generals Highway Reviews: 4.5/5. You definitely need a full tank of gas and your own water before heading out. If you have the time, we highly recommend making a visit to the Kings Canyon portion of the park during your visit. Learn more about the immense trees which dominate this park. Consider taking the free shuttle from the Giant Forest Museum. Simply put, Action Tour Guide is an audio guide, map, and tour book all in one app! 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. The distance between the two entrances from outside the park is about an hour and a half. Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. The main campgrounds open year round include: Potwisha Campground in the Foothills of Sequoia and Azalea Campground in Grant Grove. From the entrance of Kings Canyon National Park, you take the Generals' Highway (if it is open) south to Sequoia National Park and the Wuksach Lodge. There is a flat walking trail into the Zumwalt Meadows. Next, youll come to the Four Guardsmen, which will serve as your introduction to the natural wonders this park has to offer. You can buy online or at the entrance. Hike to a couple of historic structures hidden away in the wilderness. The great thing about Sequoia is you can see so much of the greatness of the park from this road. Here is our one day itinerary for Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Learn how the Sierra Nevada mountains actually formed and what their future might look like. We took a 12-passenger Ford Transit up Pike's Peak and over the Beartooth Hwy in Montana this summer, and it worked. The General Grant tree is the worlds second largest tree. Watch for steep grades. Our day started in Mariposa, located just outside of Yosemite National Park. Required fields are marked *. The museum is free of admission. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Check out a historic, 19th century cabin and find out who once lived there. The spires to the south, and across the Kaweah Canyon, stood out in bold relief, too. Current Conditions - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (U.S - NPS Stop for a picnic alongside a lovely meadow and watch for local wildlife. As you stroll around this behemoth, youll learn some fun facts about it, including how it got its peculiar name. Continuing, youll pass Halstead Meadow, a perfect place to hop out for a picnic if youre feeling peckish. The centuries-old trees, some of which are the largest in the world astonish families at every turn especially kids! There was very little traffic in October and the trees are beautiful. Distance: 330 mi/531 km San Jose Overall, this drive must be completed on any trip to Sequoia National Park. You do have the option to walk here from Moro Rock. Gasoline is available at two locations within the surrounding Sequoia National Forest at Hume Lake and Stony Creek. :) The switchback curves can get tight, especially with on-coming traffic. The road is well maintained, especially during winter, but as you enter Sequoia NP the many switchbacks can give some kids (and adults!) This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The kids will be tired from a long day of adventure, anyway. Since this is a driving tour, we suggest you buy one tour per car for the best experience. At the General Sherman Tree you get to forest at its grandest. 4. Saw a very unique and beautiful red colored sunset over city lights on our way down on 180, leaving Kings Canyon though. Also, there is no gasoline available in the park. Distance: 130 mi/209 km Driving in Sequoia National Park in Winter, 7 Things to Do in Sequoia National Park in Winter. Depending on the snow levels, you can either snowshoe or hike with or without crampons. But youre not in King Canyon National Park yetfirst, youll pay a visit to the General Grant Tree, the second largest in the world. 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. Driving to Sequoiascary ASF? : r/Bakersfield - Reddit ), but you will need a decent pair of boots that go up to your mid-calf if you can find them. Time: 5 hours, 50 minutes There are no roads in these parks that cross the Sierra Nevada mountain range. We wanted our young kids to be rested and ready for long days of hikes and exploring. Sequoia National Forest - Kings Canyon Scenic Byway Kings Canyon Scenic Byway Reviews | U.S. News Travel You can experience ourdrivingandwalkingtours at your own pace and literally at any time of the day! Walk the 0.3-mile loop and feel tiny as you stand next to these giants. I think were going to go reverse order because its so much cheaper to go into LAX and leave from San Jose. All tours are valid for a lifetime. It may seem obvious, but make sure your car is filled up before entering the park as youll be doing a lot of mountain driving. Generals Highway (Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park) - All You Having binoculars made the experience even more exciting for the kids. Read all of our articles about California in our. If you are visiting during winter you have to be prepared for both sunny, clear days as well as cloudy, overcast snowy days. Seems to me the best time would be in the morning before the heat begins to create the haze that sometimes comes in. During the summer months, expect to share the views with lots of people. Park rangers will turn guests away once the park reaches capacity, so it is advised to go early especially on weekends or holidays. This section also consists of numerous switchbacks, and has a speed limit of 10 MPH. 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. But if we can do it, so can you! Time: 5 hours 25 min Take 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. Not to be missed is the Foothills Visitor Center, which opens at 8 am and is just a short drive after entering the park. Experience astonishing views at this commanding overlook as you exit Sequoia National Park. It follows along a portion of Highway 180 and stretches for about 50 miles as it winds its way from the Sierra Nevada foothills before zig zagging deep into Kings Canyon. we entered the Sequoia national park from the South entrance, then drive along the General highway, to the Giant Forest Museum, during this portion, we pass thru' the Hospital rock, some overlook points such as the Eleven range overlook. You must arrange for a car yourself. Long, scary winding road that never seemed to end and we took the less scary route. To the south, explore the Giant Forest Museum, Visitor Center and Moro Rock. These are the snow pants and snow jacket my son wore and loved. Box 89, Sequoia Time: 4 hours General Grant Grove is home to the largest sequoia trees in Kings Canyon, including General Grant, the second largest tree in the world. Take I-80 W towards Sacramento. Typically once the road is closed for the season it will not open up again until the spring. Get acquainted with Kings Canyon, the sister park to Sequoia. It's just scary on all of these highways (including parts of Sequoia) because many places have no guard rails and the roads aren't very wide. Your Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks tour begins at the southern end of Sequoia National Park, near the visitor center. In other years, you can rent snowshoes from the Lodgepole Market or the Grant Grove Gift Shop on the Kings Canyon side. Just think about how much human history has taken place during this one trees lifetime. I guess I should say 180 as a whole and not just the highway was scary and very long and winding. In Sequoia except for periodic road construction I find the roads fine. Thus, it is best to check on current conditions before planning your adventure. Hike a moderate trail which boasts some absolutely stunning views at the end. During our visit, the shuttle drove right past Tunnel Log so we could only see it on a drive-by. The drive from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park is about 4 hours heading north past Bakersfield via the I-5 northbound. We are a GPS-enabled app-based tour that narrates information based on your location right on your phone. There was only about 6 inches of hand rail showing and that drop to your death weighed heavy on my mind at the time! You are now down in the heart of Kings Canyon, with the mountains looming overhead. Changing travel date? Hike one of the most popular trails in the park, which serves as a proper introduction to the majesty of the giant sequoias. Hear how park rangers keep the wildlife of Kings Canyon safe from extinction. Our self-guided driving audio tours will work in any car via an aux cable or Bluetooth. This tree used to hold the record for the second largest tree in the world by width, but I believe that has been overtaken by The President which can be found on the Congress Trail mentioned above. Planning a trip to the United States? Curves and switchbacks often lead to surprise wildlife encounters. The General Sherman Tree is located in the Giant Forest. Next time just head to Visalia or Fresno and go from there, much easier. This is especially common in the Foothills area of Sequoia National Park. Most of these visitors choose to go in the summer, when temperatures are warm, but is summer the best time to visit Sequoia National Park? No gas in the Parks Grab panoramic photos from the phenomenal overlook. Check out sturdy types of snow boots, like these. Use Highway 198 to enter Sequoia National Park, and Highway 180 to reach Kings Canyon National Park. Take CA-198 E to the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia National Park. There are areas to stop along the way, but this hike might be best for families with older kids. However, if you only have one day, you have just enough time to visit the highlights of both parks. Keep an eye out on the weather forecast and ask rangers if any inclement weather is expected before heading out for the day. I highly recommend these poles for snow and regular hiking! The 278-mile-long Grand Canyon, located east of Vegas, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Worldand a true American mainstay. If you are driving slowly or stopping to view the scenery, pull into the paved turnout areas and let other vehicles pass. Thanks again! How scary are the roads in KCNP and SNP? - Sequoia and - Tripadvisor Be sure to use paved turnouts only, as hot brakes and mufflers can start fires in dry grass. Take any highway to I-5 N. Continue onto CA-99 N toward Bakersfield/Fresno. Layers, layers, layers is what everyone always says for any winter destination and Sequoia is no different. Luxury buses! Additional information can be found on our Directions & Transportation page. My friend traveling with us suffered from altitude sickness and had to skip the entire day. Three Rivers, (Note: snowshoes are not snow boots these are different than regular boots and something you add onto your existing waterproof boots). From South Lake Tahoe take US-50 W towards Sacramento. However, rangers will often not press too hard about chain requirements if the roads are very clear and there is no chance of precipitation in the forecast. And what an awesome road trip you are planning! Your $20 round-trip ticket on Sequoia Shuttle covers your entry into the park as well as unlimited, free shuttle service inside. He was kept warm and dry even rolling around in the snow all day long. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Take exit 96 onto CA-198 E towards Visalia. Gasoline is available at two locations within the surrounding Sequoia National Forest at Hume Lake and Stony Creek. Map and Directions | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks This is especially common in the Foothills area of Sequoia National Park. From the Foothills to the General Sherman Tree, this is one of the most beautiful drives in the National Parks System. Changing travel date? If you want to explore further, walk the Congress Loop, a 2-mile loop that heads further into the forest. Go underground and explore this marble cavern. It actually is climbable and has [], [] https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/moro-rock-sequoia/ []. Below are our top picks on places to stay inside the park as well as in Three Rivers near the Sequoia side of the park. Continue to the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia National Park. PRO TRAVEL TIP #1: This is a very, very windy road. We spent an entire afternoon exploring, climbing and enjoying our picnic here. There, youll find additional must-stop vistas, incredible landmarks like Boyden Cavern (a marble cave), and the self-explanatory Roaring River Falls. Then youll reach Kings Canyon Overlook, a breathtaking first look at the canyon from afar. The snow can get DEEP here! If you stay within the confines of the railing, this is a very safe trail, and is a lot of fun with a partner or two. You start at the iconic Sequoia sign, past tunnel rock and then twist and climb up the mountain. Overall, this is a great family friendly trail for all ages. In less than 10 miles, the road loses more than 3,000 feet in elevation, and the air temperature rises substantially. Learn what the harsh colder months are like in the high elevations of Kings Canyon. Something like everyone must be off Moro Rock by sunset or 8pm or whatever? 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. In addition to shoes and socks that will hold up to water and hiking, make sure everyone packs a lightweight jacket or zip up for when they get chilly in the shade, in caves or at higher elevations. Take I-15 S towards Los Angeles. Moro Rock rises 6,725 feet above sea level, but you climb only the last 300 feet. Read all of our articles about California in our California Travel Guide and about the USA in our United States Travel Guide. Elizabeth | Adventure + Travel Blog on Instagram: "Planning to visit Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov. Take exit 179 onto CA-58 W towards Bakersfield. As you noted, well miss things in Kings Canyon/Sequoia (and Yosemite) due to the weather. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To avoid the worst of the crowds, especially during the summer months, it helps to get an early start to the day (7 am is ideal). Extensive road damage requiring significant repairs occurred during winter storms in early 2023. Snow Boots: One of the most important things to have during any winter visit to Sequoia is decent winter boots. San Francisco Its home to General Sherman, the worlds largest tree. In Fresno, take exit 128 onto CA-180 W. Merge onto CA-180 E. Continue to the Big Stump entrance of Kings Canyon National Park.