Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Things to do in  Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Give trees a chance

The world’s largest trees; one of the deepest canyons on the continent; glacier-carved landscapes that rival Yosemite—there are lots of things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Most visitors will want a few days to explore the giant sequoias, including General Sherman and General Grant, hike between the granite walls of Cedar Grove, rock climb, and leisurely wander the Giant Forest Museum area. In winter, lower elevations remain open (chains suggested) and you'll find the parks’ beloved sequoias covered in a layer of marshmallow white.

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Top 1 attractions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

#1

Sequoia National Park

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Known as the "land of giants," Sequoia National Park is home to towering old-growth redwood trees known as sequoias. They are the world's largest living trees, some of which can reach heights of 275 feet (83 meters). Administered by the National Park Service, the park showcases thick forests, mountains, rugged foothills, canyons, and vast caverns.More
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Explore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park by interest

Top activities in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

10+ Self-Guided Driving Tours from Las Vegas

10+ Self-Guided Driving Tours from Las Vegas

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30+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

30+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle

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$84.99
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Private Stargazing - Sequoia National Park

Private Stargazing - Sequoia National Park

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12
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$200.00
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Heart of the Giant Forest Hike

Heart of the Giant Forest Hike

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$450.00
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Annual Pass National Parks with Audioguide

Annual Pass National Parks with Audioguide

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Sequoia National Park Small Group Tour from Three Rivers

Sequoia National Park Small Group Tour from Three Rivers

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$289.00
Shaka Guide: Sequoia National Park Audio Tour Guide

Shaka Guide: Sequoia National Park Audio Tour Guide

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$12.99
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Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Sequoia and Kings Canyon

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Sequoia and Kings Canyon

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$24.99
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Shaka Guide: Kings Canyon National Park Audio Tour Guide

Shaka Guide: Kings Canyon National Park Audio Tour Guide

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Private Snowshoe Adventure - Sequoia National Park

Private Snowshoe Adventure - Sequoia National Park

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$325.00
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Sequoia National Park Adventure from Tulare

Sequoia National Park Adventure from Tulare

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$299.00
All-In-One California Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle Tour

All-In-One California Self-Guided Driving & Walking Bundle Tour

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$64.99
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5 Star Rated Winter Private Tour in Sequoia

5 Star Rated Winter Private Tour in Sequoia

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7
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$329.00
Southwest USA Discovery: Ultimate Self-Guided Road Trip Bundle

Southwest USA Discovery: Ultimate Self-Guided Road Trip Bundle

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$84.99
5 Star Rated Sequoia National Park Tour

5 Star Rated Sequoia National Park Tour

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14
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$289.00
Sequoia & Kings Canyon Np Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Sequoia & Kings Canyon Np Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

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Sequoia Full Day Private Tour and Hike

Sequoia Full Day Private Tour and Hike

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Private Guided Hiking Tour - Sequoia National Park

Private Guided Hiking Tour - Sequoia National Park

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See all Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park tours

All about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

When to visit

Most visitors see Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks June through August—there’s excellent weather, visitor services and roads are reliably open, and ranger programming is at its height. The season winds down in September, and roads into Kings Canyon (Mineral Road, Highway 180 from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove, etc.) start closing in October and November, opening back up around March. If you do visit November–March, you’ll see fewer destinations more thoroughly—and share them with fewer travelers.

Getting around

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have a small shuttle system that runs around the General Sherman Tree and Giant Forest Museum areas in summer and briefly in winter over the holidays. To get elsewhere, you’ll likely want a car. In winter, chains are often required through most—but not all—areas of the park. Be sure you know how to use them.

Traveler tips

In winter—especially during or after a snowfall—it’s entirely possible to get some of the park’s iconic experiences to yourself. Grab an off-season discounted room at one of the in-park lodges, and get out there when Jack Frost lights up those giant trees. Even if you don’t have chains for your car, some lower-elevation areas of the park will be open.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
PST (UTC -8)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
1
Tours
18
Reviews
290
EN
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People Also Ask

How many days do you need for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park?

You should plan for at least two days: one for Sequoia and highlights such as the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and Tunnel Log, and one for Kings Canyon and highlights such as the General Grant Grove, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, and Zumwalt Meadows. Another two days are needed to really do the parks justice.

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What should I not miss in Sequoia and Kings Canyon?

In Sequoia, don’t miss the General Sherman Tree—the largest tree in the world by volume—or a drive through Tunnel Log. In Kings Canyon, don’t miss the General Grant Tree—the second-largest tree in the world—and Panoramic Point, for sweeping views of Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the country.

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Are Sequoia and Kings Canyon worth visiting?

Yes. The two side-by-side national parks are home to some truly incredible scenery and nature, including some of the largest trees on the planet, towering peaks (including Mount Whitney), deep canyons, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, a network of marble caverns, lush forests and meadows, scenic drives, sweeping overlooks, and numerous trails.

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Is Kings Canyon better than Sequoia?

Although both parks offer groves of sequoia trees, Sequoia is home to the world’s largest tree, while King’s Canyon is home to the second largest. King’s Canyon is also home to one of the deepest canyons in the country. Since the two parks are next to each other, it’s easy to visit both in one trip.

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How long does it take to drive through Sequoia and Kings Canyon?

It depends on which way you drive. It takes at least two hours just to drive from the southern entrance to the northern entrance on Generals Highway, not including any stops. You can also spend more than four hours just driving within the parks, such as between the Ash Mountain and Cedar Grove entrances.

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Can you see Sequoia and Kings Canyon in one day?

Yes, it is possible to see both in one day, since the two parks are situated right next to each other. However, squeezing in both parks in one day means you would be spending much of your time in your car and could only see the top highlights, such as the General Sherman Tree and the General Grant Tree. Try to allot more time if you can.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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The top things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are:
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