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Sequoia National Park is an American national park in the southern Sierra Nevada east of Visalia, California. The park was established on September 25, 1890, and today protects 404,064 acres (631 sq mi; 163,519 ha; 1,635 km2)[2] of forested mountainous terrain. Encompassing a vertical relief of nearly 13,000 feet (4,000 m), the park contains the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet (4,421 m) above sea level.[4] The park is south of, and contiguous with, Kings Canyon National Park; both parks are administered by the National Park Service together as Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. UNESCO designated the areas as Sequoia-Kings Canyon Biosphere Reserve in 1976.[5]
Kings Canyon National Park is an American national park in the southern Sierra Nevada, in Fresno and Tulare Counties, California. Originally established in 1890 as General Grant National Park, the park was greatly expanded and renamed on March 4, 1940. The park's namesake, Kings Canyon, is a rugged glacier-carved valley more than a mile (1,600 m) deep. Other natural features include multiple 14,000-foot (4,300 m) peaks, high mountain meadows, swift-flowing rivers, and some of the world's largest stands of giant sequoia trees. Kings Canyon is north of and contiguous with Sequoia National Park, and both parks are jointly administered by the National Park Service as the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Introduction
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, jointly administered since 1943, form a remarkable pair of protected wilderness areas in California's southern Sierra Nevada mountain range. These parks showcase diverse landscapes, from towering mountains to rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world's largest trees, the ancient giant sequoias. Giant Sequoias trees are the largest in the world by volume. The trees thrive at middle elevations along the west slope of the Sierra Nevada. While not the world's oldest trees, they can live up to an astonishing 3,400 years. The General Sherman Tree, the largest living sequoia on Earth by volume. The parks vertical relief spans from 1,370 to 14,505 feet (Mount Whitney), making them the most diverse protected areas in the lower 48 states. Plan your winter visit to the mountains, but be prepared for snowy roads where tire chains may be required.
Top Hikes
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are incredible places to hike. There are over 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of trails. We are listing out our favorites but go to the NPS website for more information. Much of the park is at high elevation. Shortness of breath is common. If possible, give yourself time to climatize to the altitude.
Giant Forest: These are must do's in the park. The three trails are the General Sherman Tree, Congress and Big Trees trails. The trails are not long and include the largest of the Sequoia groves.
Moro Rock. This granite dome, follows a stairway that climbs 300 feet (0.09 km) to the summit. A spectacular view of the Great Western Divide and the western half of the park. The parking area is two miles (3.2 km) from the Generals Highway. Don't climb if ice or snow are present on the stairs; it is very dangerous.
Trail of the Sequoias winds through the heart of the giant sequoia forest. The trail covers approximately 7.0 miles (11.25 km) in total with an gain of 1,253 feet (1,253 m). Highlights includes the famous monarch sequoias in the Giant Forest and the General Sherman Tree:
Cedar Grove Overlook Trail has stunning vistas of the park. This out-and-back trail covers approximately 5 miles (8 km) round-trip, with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet (365 m). As you ascend, you'll be treated to incredible views of Kings Canyon, Kings River and the canyon. The trailhead is located 4.5 miles (7.25 km) east of Cedar Grove Village.
Mist Falls is approximately 7.8 miles (12.5 km) as an out-and-back route, with an elevation gain of 875 feet (266 m). The trailhead is located in Kings Canyon at the Road's End Trailhead. The trail has beautiful views of the canyon. Mist Falls, especially after a wet winter, are incredibly beautiful. Due to the isolation of the area, wildlife is abundant.
Backpacking within the park is strenuous but you are rewarded with some of the most beautiful areas in the United States. Plan on a lot of elevation change. Permits are required for any over night trips. Keep in mind that portable bear canisters are needed in locations where bear lockers are not provided. The trips below are my favorites.
Lakes Trail to Pear Lake is a stunning hike that takes you through beautiful meadows to Heather and Pear Lakes. The trail covers approximately 11.9 miles (19.2 km) as an out-and-back route, with an elevation gain of 3,080 feet (939 m). Along the way, you'll encounter Heather Lake and Pear Lake. Pear Lake offers breathtaking granite views in the glacially carved Tokopah Valley. Emerald and Aster Lake are also close by and can be accessed via short side trips.
The Rae Lakes Loop is one of the most coveted multi-day backpacking trips in the Sierras. The loop covers approximately 41.4 miles (67 km) and can be completed either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the permit you obtain The trail climbs from an elevation of 5,035 feet (1,535 m) at the trailhead to a high point of 11,978 feet (3,651 m) at Glen Pass. Trailheads are at Wood's Creek Trailhead (Clockwise): This is the most common starting point for the loop. Bubb's Creek Trailhead (Counterclockwise) is the other trailhead. The trail takes you past stunning alpine lakes, including Rae Lakes, Charlotte Lake, and Kearsarge Lakes. The climb to Glen Pass rewards you with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. In May and early June, high water at stream crossings can be challenging. Glen Pass may be impassable to hikers until mid-late July.
The High Sierra Trail is one of my favorite hikes in the country. It is an epic hike that spans the Sierra Nevada from west to east (one-way). It is a very difficult hike, with a lot of it in very high altitude. I would highly recommend getting acclimated before departing and buying a map of the trail. The trail covers approximately 72.2 miles (116 kilometers) and typically takes 6 to 8 days to complete. Over the course of the trail, you'll ascend a total of 13,303 feet (4,055 m). The trail begins at Crescent Meadow and crosses the Great Western Divide by the 10,700-foot (3,261 m) pass known as Kaweah Gap. From there, it descends into Big Arroyo, then climbs up to the Chagoopa Plateau, and finally drops down into the Kern River Canyon. After about 49 miles (79 km) from the starting point, you'll reach the junction with the John Muir Trail. From this junction, you can follow the John Muir Trail for an additional 13 miles (21 kilometers) to reach the summit of Mount Whitney. Keep in mind you will need transportation back.
Fishing
Fishing in the Sierras is incredible. The high mountain lakes and the views are breath taking. Anyone 16 years of age or older are required to have a California fishing license. Obtain copies of park-specific regulations at any visitor center. Licenses are not always available in park markets, so consider bringing them with you or purchasing them in nearby communities before entering the park. You can also get one at Hume Lake (north of the Grant Grove area). Tackle is available at most park markets. There are specific regulations with in the park. Visit the NPS website for more information.
Camping
There are fourteen campgrounds in the parks, including two that are open during all four seasons. Each has a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a metal food-storage box. Nearly all campgrounds require advance reservations at recreation.gov. Make sure you use the bear lockers when you are not cooking. This is a high level overview. Please visit the NPS website for more information.
Grant Grove Campgrounds is located near Grant Grove Village, these campgrounds serve as the gateway to Kings Canyon National Park. Elevation is approximately 6,500 feet (1981 m).
· Azalea Campground has 110 sites, 20 sites are first come first served.
· Sunset Campground has 158 reservable sites.
· Crystal Springs Campground has 50 reservable sites
Foothills Campgrounds are situated at an elevation of 2,500-3,000 feet (762-914 m). The Giant Forest Access is winding drive leads to the Giant Forest sequoia grove (note that vehicles over 22 feet are not advised on this road). In summer, fire restrictions are often in effect due to high temperatures and dry conditions.
· Potwisha Campground has 42 reservable sites and is open year-round.
· Buckeye Flat Campground has 27 reservable sites. The campsites are near the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River.
Lodgepole and Giant Forest Campgrounds is centrally located in Sequoia National Park at an elevation of 6,700 feet (2050 m).
· Lodgepole Campground has 214 reservable sites, 76 are tent only. This is a large campground within walking distance of Lodgepole Village. There is a free shuttle during the summer.
· Dorst Creek Campground: Further north than Lodgepole, this campground has a shuttle stop for easy access to the General Sherman Tree and Giant Forest area during busy summer months.
Mineral King Area Campgrounds is located in Kings Canyon.
· Atwell Mill Campground has 21 reservable tent sites. No RVs
· Cold Springs Campground is located near Mineral King Ranger Station and has 40 reservable sites.
· Cedar Grove Area Campgrounds is on the East Fork of the Kaweah River. It has 21 tent only campspots.
· Canyon View Campground has 16 reservable sites. It is on the floor of the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River.
· Moraine Campground is located in the heart of Kings Canyon and has 121 reservable sites.
· Sheep Creek Campground It is situated in the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River and has 111 reservable sites.
· Sentinel Campground has 85 reservable sites. It is situated in the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River.