Top Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
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Top 10 Things to do 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. Congress Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China
The Congress Trail is one of the connecting paths through the Giant Forest that starts near the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park. The trail is just under 3 miles in length and mostly paved through mostly barren forest with a few streams and lots of sequoia trees to see. We visited in April 2019 while the trail was mostly under snow, making it challenging at times to remain on the trail. Stick to the beaten paths made by previous hikers, from time to time you see asphalt so you know you are on the right path. During the hike, you pass what seems like hundreds of giant sequoias and plenty of lovely scenery. Some famous trees are seen along the trail including the McKinley, General Lee, President as well as the clusters of sequoias like The House and Senate groups. In the end, we really enjoyed the Congress Trail and seeing the sequoias in the area. Would happily repeat this hike the next time we're in the national park.
4. 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.
5. Crescent Meadow Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
Easy hiking trail that takes you past the Chimney Tree and Tharp's Log.
Reviewed By roadtrip_ken_2017 - Oakland, United States
The trails around Crescent Meadow are deservedly some of the most popular in Sequoia National Park. I actually started out with a detour to the first portion of the High Sierra Trail, leading to the spectacular Eagle View. This features a great close-up view of the peaks of the Great Western Divide as well as of Moro Rock. For those who may be apprehensive of climbing Moro Rock, this fairly short and easy hike to Eagle View will provide vistas that are nearly as good, and without the Moro Rock crowds. I returned to the main Crescent Meadow trail from there. Both Crescent Meadow and nearby Log Meadow are beautiful, both ringed by large trees. Tharp's Log is near the north end of Log Meadow and is an interesting fallen tree that was turned into a small, primitive dwelling. On the return leg of the walk is Chimney Tree, a very short distance off the main trail and well worth the diversion. There are many giant sequoias along the way, though not generally as large as the ones in the Giant Forest. Besides the High Sierra Trail, the Crescent Meadow Trail connects with other trails, some of which lead to the Giant Forest. Though my hike took only about 90 minutes, you could easily spend an entire day hiking through the area. Highly recommended trail for anyone visiting Sequoia National Park.
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. Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 334 reviews
A 30-mile scenic drive between Grant Grove and Cedar Grove Village.
Reviewed By RandSand - Poway, United States
This is a beautiful drive with great hikes and incredible scenery. We went in August, though, during the heat wave--and the temperature in Kings Canyon as over 100 degrees. So, maybe consider doing this other than the peak of summer.....
8. 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
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.
10. Grant Grove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Inside Kings Canyon National Park is this grove of giant Sequoias.
Reviewed By roadtrip_ken_2017 - Oakland, United States
Grant Grove, featuring the General Grant Tree among other notable trees, is a short distance from Hwy. 180 not far from the main park visitor center. The trails around the grove are fairly short and easy, suitable for nearly everyone. The General Grant Tree itself is impressive, and the the Fallen Monarch tree that you can walk through was interesting and will be fun for kids. This is the type of place where you could spend a half-hour or a couple of hours. Of course there is the Giant Forest area in Sequoia National Park a bit farther south, but the Grant Grove is well worth a visit whether you're also going to the Giant Forest or not.
