About the park
Region: Pacific Coast
State: California
Established ranking: 2nd (Seq), 24th (KC)
Visitor ranking (2023): 26th (Seq), 34th (KC)
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Two parks connect to form one large Californian beauty! Sequoia was established as America's second national park, all the way back in 1890, in order to protect the huge Sequoia trees that cover large parts of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The slightly larger Kings Canyon was originally called General Grant National Park, after General Grant, the second largest tree in the world based upon trunk size and volume. The park was then greatly expanded and renamed as Kings Canyon in 1940, and the National Park Service now jointly administers the parks together.
The majority of visitors to Sequoia NP come to see General Sherman - the largest tree in the world. Within the same grove, called the Giant Forest, are 4 more of the world's top 10 biggest trees by volume. Generals Highway connects to a small section of Kings Canyon, the main location in that park. Around 90% of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are designated as wilderness, being suitable for only the most resilient and prepared adventurers. This includes those hiking along the Pacific Coast and John Muir Trails, which pass through the east of the park.
Aside from seeing the enormous trees, popular activities include climbing the stairs to Moro Rock, stopping off at Tokopah Falls, exploring beneath the park in Crystal Cave, and viewing Mt Whitney from afar, the tallest mountain in the US outside of Alaska. Fishing is also a popular pastime in the park, along with horseback riding and rock climbing. When visiting, you'll also likely see the aftermath of the SQF and KNP fires of 2020 and 2021 respectively, which have damaged large parts of the park, but serve as a reminder of both the delicacy of the forests, but also their resilience as they start to regrow.
Can't miss
Soar on top of Moro Rock
Moro Rock is a granite, dome shaped formation which is one of the most iconic sights in Sequoia. Hike, drive or shuttle bus to the base depending on the time of year, and climb up the 400 or so steps to the top for great views of the surrounding mountains, including the Great Western Divide.
Stare up in Grant Grove
One of the most famous and popular groves of sequoias in the two parks, Grant Grove, lies in the small section of Kings Canyon to the west. The area covers 154 acres, and is home to General Grant, the second biggest tree in the world at an incredible 267 ft - not far off the height of New York's Statue of Liberty!
Experience the Dark Sky Festival
Being high up in the beautiful Californian mountains, light pollution is virtually non-existent, making it perfect to explore the stars! The Dark Sky Festival is usually held at numerous different locations throughout the parks, across a summer weekend. Definitely something to check out!
Explore the park
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Points of interest
Trails
As ever, we recommend conducting some of your own research on hikes as well as talking to park rangers in order to find less populated trails that may be of interest, helping prevent overcrowding and erosion of the park's best known routes. But here are a few suggestions to consider to get you started...
Gentle
Big Trees Trail
Giant Forest Museum
Length (roundtrip): 1.3 miles
Approximate duration: 30 mins
Maximum elevation: 6450 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 70 ft
While Sequoia and Kings Canyon is home to wildlife and stunning valleys, they're most well known for protecting the immense trees that surround you in so many areas of the park. So taking a quick hike beneath them and trying to comprehend how their trunks get so massive is a must for any visitor!
There are plenty of options for hikes, but we rather like Big Trees Trail, tying it in with a visit to the Giant Forest museum. The museum teaches visitors about both the life of sequoias, but also the history of the park and humans that have settled and explored the area.
The hike itself is short and offers the opportunity to spot birds and wildflowers alongside the Sequoias. The path is well maintained making it accessible for all visitors. After finishing the hike, make sure to check out General Sherman and the Lodgepole Visitor Centre. Crystal Cave is also not far away for those looking to explore beneath the surface of Sequoia!
Moderate
Tokopah Falls
Tokopah Falls Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 4.0 miles
Approximate duration: 3-4 hours
Maximum elevation: 7380 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 640 ft
Dropping 1200 ft over a series of cascades, this picturesque waterfall lies at the end of one of the parks most popular hikes. Located in one of the busier areas of Sequoia, close to Giant Forest museum and General Sherman, this out and back hike is a reasonable length and difficulty for many to tackle, even during summer months.
With no junctions along the hike, this is lovely and simple to follow. Gradually ascend up to the falls, with the trail lined by tall trees that occasionally surrender to broad, open meadows. After a couple of crossings of the river, Tokopah Falls slowly comes into view, along with a soaring mountain peak - the Watchtower. An impressive sight!
Once you've reached the falls, take your time to fully appreciate the beauty and consider how the snow has melted, rushing past you, and will now continue to wind its way out to Lake Kaweah. Take plenty of photos before carefully heading back down along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah river.
Demanding
Alta Peak
Lakes Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 14.0 miles
Approximate duration: 6-8 hours
Maximum elevation: 11,275 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 4000 ft
An extremely tough hike due to both the length and the incredible elevation change, this trail is for more experienced hikers who will definitely need to prepare well. Ensure you spend at least a few days at this altitude to acclimatise before tackling the trail.
Despite the strenuous nature of the hike, many believe Alta Peak to be one of the best hikes in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon area. Be willing to take a whole day in your schedule to explore it! The reward for reaching the summit? Stunning panoramic views of the large swathes of the Sierra Nevada! On clear days, you can even see Mt. Whitney, the highest peak on the horizon, and in fact in the whole of the lower 48!
Again, don't underestimate the effect of altitude when taking on this hike. Some people prefer to camp overnight at Alta Meadow, allowing the final push to the summit to be tackled on the second day. Make sure to get a wilderness camping permit if this is how you want to take on this fantastic hike!
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When to visit
We recommend:
June, October or November - with decent weather and lower risk of wildfires compared to late summer
Itineraries
