Top Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
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What to do and see in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
This park's main draw, the forest of Giant Sequoias, is home to the largest living things on Earth.
1. Mount Whitney
2. 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.
3. Mineral King Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
A good hiking and backpacking area.
Reviewed By G1575LKmikec
Don't go here expecting to day hike. Everything is long and steep, requiring 4 days minimum to really enjoy, and it's all at elevation, requiring further time car camping or renting lodging near the trailheads to acclimatize for most people. It's also a long, tedious drive on a winding, narow, steep road to get there at all. That said, if you have the better part of a week and the stamina to hike 30 miles and gain 9100' minimum, you'll have relative solitude and views you won't forget.
4. 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!
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. Little Baldy Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By jjo
That's what the ranger who recommended this hike said, and I think she was right. Of course, you have to hike to get here, but it's on the easy side of a moderate trail. Very few people, so we had the 360 viewpoint all to ourselves. Just a breathtaking view.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
