The Perfect 2 Days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon Itinerary
Last Updated on 19th August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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Have you ever wanted to traipse through a grove of giant trees or swim in a mountain waterfall, almost feeling like you’re on another planet? Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are two stunning parks located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California where you can do just that. This article is all about the perfect 2 Days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon itinerary that you’ll want to steal for yourself!
These parks are home to towering trees, vast wilderness areas, and breathtaking vistas. Together they are 1,353 square miles, and while they are popular, they are a lot less crowded than Yosemite National Park, which is just to the north.
Sequoia National Park was the first park created to protect a living organism. If you only have a couple of days to explore these beautiful parks in the state of California, you’ll want to plan carefully.
Here’s a two-day itinerary for Sequoia and Kings Canyon to help you make the most of your trip and see all the highlights these national parks have to offer.
Contents
When to Visit
The best time to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is in the summer (June-August). The weather is usually in the 70s F during the day and 50s at night, perfect for being outside. Plus during the summer the lodges, campsites, stores, and restaurants are all open.
The weather can be unpredictable at other times of year. However, people who’ve visited in the winter say that seeing the sequoias in the snow is magical. If you visit in the winter, be sure to bring proper gear, including chains for your tires.
How to Get There
Since we’ll be spending the first day in Sequoia National Park, you want to go there first. Unfortunately, there isn’t really a way to get to either park without a fair amount of driving.
The closest town to Sequoia is Visalia which is about a 45-minute drive to the park. The closest commercial 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 easily accessed from Visalia. No matter where you come from, it will take some driving from any major city in California because the park isn’t on a major highway.
Where to Stay
There are some lodges in Sequoia National Park, like Wuksachi Lodge or Cedar Grove Lodge, that are great options, though you may want to look at Montecito Sequoia Lodge because it’s located between Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, which breaks up your driving a bit.
If you prefer to camp, Azalea Campground is also located between the parks. Lodgepole is close to the General Sherman Tree, but it gets very crowded in the summer.
One hotel that’s a good option is the Comfort Inn & Suites, which is clean and has easy access to the park. The Wonder Valley Ranch Resort has a lot of lodging options along with outdoor activities such as archery or fishing.
Is 2 days enough time in Sequoia and Kings Canyon?
If you don’t have a great deal of time to set aside to visit the parks, then two days is a sufficient amount of time to enjoy the highlights and must-sees of the parks. However, if you want to delve deeper into the off the beaten path spots and more hidden gems, then you’ll need three or four days.
Day 1 suggested itinerary – Sequoia
Moro Rock
Start your day with a hike to Moro Rock. This hike includes stairs going up 300 feet from the parking lot to the summit. It takes about 25 minutes to climb up and 15 to come back down.
From here, you’ll have panoramic views of the national park. If you can make it there early enough, this is a gorgeous sunrise hike that you won’t regret getting up early for. It’s the perfect place to take a pause while you’re out in nature.
Big Tree Trail
Next, you’ll want to head to the Big Trees Trail, one of the most popular trails in the park. But if you get there right after your sunrise hike, you’ll beat the crowds.
The 0.75-mile, paved trail will circle Round Meadow and take you past some stunning sequoias. Along the trail, there are information plaques you can read to help you learn about the trees around you.
General Sherman Tree
I hope you haven’t had your fill of big trees yet; there are many more to come, including your next stop, the General Sherman Tree. You won’t be able to fathom how big it is until you see it in person.
While not the tallest tree in the world, this tree is known as the biggest in volume. It’s 275 feet tall (as tall as a 26-story building) and over 36 feet wide. See this famous tree by taking the 1-mile round trip trail from the parking lot. Expect lots of crowds in this area.
After the General Sherman Tree, it’s time for lunch. Pack yours or eat at the Wuksachi Lodge for pizza or sandwiches.
Giant Forest Museum
While you digest, make your way to the Giant Forest Museum where you can learn all about the ecology of Sequoia National Park. Explore the displays and interactive stations while you learn about the magical place you’ve been wandering around all day.
Tunnel Tree and Tharp’s Log & Chimney Tree
Next drive over to the Crescent Meadow Loop. On the way there, you’ll be able to drive through the tunnel tree, which was created by a tree that fell on the road in 1937.
At the Crescent Meadow Loop, you’ll hike the easy 2 miles to Tharp’s Log and Chimney Tree. There are lots of giant sequoias in this area, and it’s a great way to finish off your day in the park.
Day 2 suggested itinerary – Kings Canyon
Depending on where you stay, you’ll need to plan for the drive to Kings Canyon from Sequoia, which is about a 50-mile journey, but you’ll want to take your time on this drive. You’ll be passing some gorgeous scenery, so you might as well enjoy it. You can even pull over along the way when you see something that strikes you.
General Grant Tree
Once you arrive in Kings Canyon National Park, head straight to the General Grant Tree, another one of the largest trees in the world. This one is 267 feet tall and estimated to be around 1,650 years old, and still growing strong!
In 1926, President Calvin Coolidge coined the General Grant Tree as the nation’s Christmas tree, and it’s easy to see why. The trek to this famous tree is an easy 0.3 miles.
Junction View
After seeing the General Grant Tree, head to Junction View, where you’ll be able to see where the Middle and South Forks of the Kings River converge. You’ll also be able to get your bearings in the park and see the Western Sierra and an awe-inspiring canyon.
Grizzly Falls
Next, you can make a stop at Grizzly Falls. Just a short walk from the parking lot, this waterfall pours down rocks into a small pool. The area is surrounded with green vegetation, and if you’d like, it’s a great place to simply explore nature.
Zumwalt Meadows
After the falls, go on to Zumwalt Meadows. This is located in the Cedar Groves area, and it’s one of the most well-known hikes in Kings Canyon. At the trailhead, there’s a parking lot with restrooms and picnic tables, and it is a great place to take a break and eat a snack.
The trail itself is an easy 1.8-mile trail that will take you out and back in just over 30 minutes. You’ll cross a bridge over a beautiful river and walk through a stunning green meadow, where you can see the dramatic cliffs in the surrounding area.
Mist Falls
Next up is a more moderate level hike to Mist Falls. This 7.8-mile out-and-back trail starts out pretty flat, but gets a little less easy after mile 2. Along the way you’ll see incredible views of the valley.
The trail takes you to a waterfall, perfect for swimming in or relaxing next to. The hike doesn’t have a lot of shade, so make sure you bring food, water, and sunscreen. Once you reach the falls, you have the option to keep going to see some epic views behind you.
Hume Lake
The last stop you’ll want to make is at Hume Lake if you have time. This is a great place to enjoy some water activities or fill up the gas tank and be on your way. It has great access to lodging and campgrounds.
A final note on planning a trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer some of the most stunning natural beauty in the United States. If you love the great outdoors, you certainly won’t be disappointed with these two. Both parks are well-worth visiting, and we’ve only brushed the surface on what they offer. If you have the time and means, extend your trip to really soak in these destinations.
Have a great time in these two beautiful places!
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About the author: Lexi Cooper is a freelance editor and writer. Her parents taught her a love for traveling, seeing new sights, and learning about the world. Along with her passion for travel, she loves stories and dreams of spending her days reading and writing books and wandering the globe.
