Top Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
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The 9 Best Things to do for Honeymoon in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
This park's main draw, the forest of Giant Sequoias, is home to the largest living things on Earth.
1. Giant Forest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,714 reviews
A forest with ancient sequoia trees.
Reviewed By markpN8874JB - Denver, United States
Make sure to visit Mono Rock, Congress Trail, Sherman Tree, Grant Tree, Sentinel Tree, Tunnel Log, Auto Log, Grant Grove, all withing the Giant Forest.
2. Moro Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,545 reviews
A challenging walk up 400 steps to a spectacular view.
Reviewed By TravelingMerm - Monrovia, United States
You'll earn the view...it's 350 steps and takes you to 6725 feet elevation! It's sooo worth it! The climb up is relatively easy, even if you're moderately out of shape like me! There are sections of gradual inclines in between stairs so you get a break. There are plenty of points climbing up where you'll want to stop and take pictures also, so you can catch your breath. There were several families with babies even climbing up. Your reward is an amazing view of the national park and the Great Western Divide! It's a short hike, we were only here about 30-40 minutes. But a definite must-see while you're here!
3. Sequoia Sightseeing Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 393 reviews
Sequoia Sightseeing Tours offers daily tours of the largest trees on earth and deepest canyon in the United States. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are two of the most beautiful places on the planet! Our tours enable the visitor to get the most out of their time and maximize their experience. Avoid waiting in long lines, looking for parking and waiting in long shuttle lines! You will feel like a VIP. Through a fun and educational experience, each tour covers the highlights of the park plus we also get you away from the crowds to some amazing secret spots! We travel with small groups which allows us to us to visit areas few people see or would even know were there. Our exceptional guides have spent many years living, working and playing in these parks. A unique and memorable adventure awaits. Please join us!
4. Lakes Trail in Sequoia National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By Susie1028 - San Diego, United States
The Lakes Trail is between 12-14 miles and 2,800 feet of elevation gain (depending on if you take the side trails to the lake, and whether you do the Watchtower or Hump Trail). It is easily accessed from the main part of Sequoia from the Wolverton Trailhead. The hike itself is a great Sierra sampler, it starts winding through the giant forest, then and offers expansive views of deep valleys, endless Sierra granite, and 4 beautiful subalpine lakes--Heather, Aster, Emerald, and Pear. The trail can be taken as a longer day trip, or backpackers may camp at either Emerald or Pear Lakes. Permits are required for overnight travel. A great hike!
5. Kings Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 942 reviews
Kings Canyon National Park is named for this large canyon, perfect for hiking.
Reviewed By BangkokSachse - Bangkok, Thailand
Kings Canyon National Park is wonderful. We like the HWY 180 scenic drive, the King River, cliff overlooks, Grizzly Falls, Roaring River Falls, wild flowers, and Visitor Center. You could visit a cavern at Sequoia National Forest which is in the Kings Canyon.
6. Generals Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 426 reviews
A 30-mile scenic drive at 7,000 feet.
Reviewed By sdbctb - Brooklyn, United States
Incredible views on southern portion which get more amazing with every turn as you go from south to north building up excitement as you watch the terrain and trees change.
7. General Sherman Tree
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,162 reviews
An 249.9 foot ancient tree believed to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old.
Reviewed By ELKW
you can drive to go there or take shuttle bus (in summer time), if you drive, you need to park in a more remote parking lot, and need to walk a long way to the Sherman tree, but we take the bus, can get off at the bus stop where is wheelchiar-accessible trail head, so with a short walk, you can go to the Sherman tree. It's the biggest tree (by volume) in the world, so worth to take a look. by the way, there is a fallen tree truck with a hole, so you can walk through the tunnel, it's quite interesting, and both adults and kids love to go through it. It's a point of interest besides the Sherman tree, so if you go to this National park, it's a MUST to walk this trail and to take a look to the Sherman tree, also there are several giant red wood trees can be seen in this trail
8. Crystal Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 362 reviews
Crystal Cave is a marble cave with a wide variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and other geologic features and cave-adapted wildlife that add to its popularity with visitors and scientists from around the world. There is a wide variety of tour options and experiences that appeal to adults, families, and the wild caver. Crystal Cave is open early May-late November, weather and conditions permitting. Advance reservations are online. Please review the physical fitness precautions before purchasing tickets. No pets.
Reviewed By SequoiaGuides
Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park is a fun, family-friendly adventure! The cave is accessible only by guided tour but luckily tours generally run May-November and it's easy to purchase affordable tickets. About the cave Crystal Cave is a marble solution cave which means that it was naturally sculpted by water thousands of years ago and is predominantly comprised of marble, which is rare, only about 10% of caves in the world are made of marble. Expect gorgeous white sparkling calcite formations inside as well as multiple water features. The cave was discovered by accident in 1918 by two park employees and remains a popular destination, inspiring curiosity and awe. The walkable underground tour route has paved paths and is lighted by solar-power. The whole experience is both exciting and calming and is sure to be a truly memorable adventure. Tours The Family Tour is 50 minutes long and is the perfect, all-ages introduction to Crystal Cave. Other types of tours are also available for those seeking a more in depth experience. All tours are led by Sequoia Parks Conservancy Naturalists and are educational, entertaining and full of wonderful natural and human history. The tour is 2 miles round trip; 1/2 mile from the trail head parking lot where you check in using your ticket confirmation number, 1/2 mile route inside the cave on the guided tour, and 1/2 mile back up the cave trail to the parking lot. Expect to spend about 2 hours round trip. The trail to get to the cave is beautiful and you pass several waterfalls along the way. There are a few flights of stairs and narrow corridors within the cave so accessibility by wheelchair is not an option.The only items allowed inside the cave are your jacket, water bottle, flashlight and camera. No bags of any kind are allowed (including baby carriers) but they may be left unattended at the entrance of the cave during your tour. How to prepare Aim to arrive about 15 minutes prior to the time of your tour so you will be ready. There are no refunds for missed tours. Be sure to bring your own water and use the restrooms that are available in the parking lot before your tour as there are no restrooms at the cave. No food is sold here except bottles of water and small snacks but they do have souvenirs and parking is free. Temperatures inside the cave are 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) year round, so remember to bring a light jacket. Flashlights are not required but they sure do add to the fun so I recommend bringing one. You will be in active Black Bear habitat so you will need to put any food or heavily scented items from your vehicle into the free 'bear boxes' located around the parking lot. The road to get from Generals Highway to the cave parking lot takes about 20 minutes to drive and doesn't allow vehicles over 22 feet in length. The Sequoia Shuttle bus does not go to Crystal Cave. Drive slowly along the cave road as the road becomes a single lane at some points. Cave protection When visiting Crystal Cave, preservation of this irreplaceable resource is very important. Do not touch the formations or the walls of the cave as the oils in your skin can cause damage. It is also important to know about White-nose syndrome, which is a fungal disease killing millions bats in North America. Luckily the disease has not been detected in Crystal Cave but people can spread the fungus from one cave to another because it can be carried by shoes, clothing, or gear. Therefore if you have visited caves in other parts of the country, you must not wear the same clothing or equipment when visiting Crystal Cave. Thank you in advance for doing your part to protect the cave! All in all, when visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Crystal Cave is definitely a must-see! Purchase tickets 2020 Crystal Cave Tour Season: FRIDAY, MAY 22 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Purchase your tickets in advance at Recreation.gov by searching 'Crystal Cave Sequoia'
9. General Grant Tree Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 745 reviews
Reviewed By NSecondDegree - Chicago, United States
This trail has easy access from the parking lot to be able to explore the world of the Giant Sequoia.There are several trees that are right along the trail for you to explore. The path is well paved and takes you by several trees and a lodge. Located close to the park entrance, its a great way to explore the world of Sequoias with limited time.
