Often overshadowed by Yosemite, their more famous sister park to the North, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are no less beautiful or awe-inspiring. With over 900,000 acres of wilderness, these two relatively uncrowded interlocking natural wonderlands are filled with enormous sequoia trees, scenic hikes, raging rivers and quiet solitude. And they are just a few hours drive from Los Angeles.
EXPLORING SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
Dedicated in 1890, Sequoia National Park is the second-oldest national park in the US. The massive sequoia trees only grow naturally in one place in the world; on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Famous conservationists John Muir explored, named and brought attention to this forest of giants. Now easily accessible to all ages and levels of fitness, there are a few not to miss highlights for your first visit.
General Sherman Tree and Congress Trail
General Sherman Tree is the world’s largest tree and as such it has become one of the most visited sites within the park. There is a large parking lot, with plenty of spots, bathroom facilities, and water fountains. The trail down to the massive tree is an easy 1/2 mile of a paved walkway with only a few stairs.
Be sure to stay on the trail, as veering off could damage the fragile root systems of the grand sequoia trees. Although they are giants, their fragile roots that run close to the surface are their Achilles heel. In fact, the main cause of sequoia deaths is toppling. They have a shallow root system without a taproom. Root damage and strong winds can lead to toppling.
The General Sherman tree is estimated to be 2,200 years old (the oldest tree in the park is thought to be 2700 years old). It weights approximately 2.7million pounds, is 275 feet in height and an impressive 102 wide. The largest branch alone is almost seven feet in diameter.
Once you have stood in line and taken your photo in front of General Sherman, continue down the path to the Congress Trail. After walking just a few meters along the trail, the crowds trickle off and you will find yourself nearly alone among the towering trees. This level 2-mile loop trail meanders through a stunning grove of sequoias each rivaling the other in scale. About halfway through the loop, there are two distinct groves, one representing the Senate and the other the House of Representatives. Amazingly, they all seem to cooperate with one another. Admire the sheer scale of the trees, notice the black scars of past fires and try to fathom the centuries of time these trees have witnessed.
(General Sherman sequoia pictured on the left; another sequoia pictured at right)
Moro Rock
This is a stair climber designed by nature. Prepare yourself for 400 stone stairs carved out of the side of the mountain. The 1/4 mile staircase will take you to the top of the massive granite dome. Once atop, you will be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the mountains. Time your visit to catch the sunrise over the mountains or sunset behind them. You might even be lucky enough to see the Peregrine Falcons who nest upon the rock soaring on the updrafts.
Crescent Meadow
Just beyond Moro Rock, you will find Crescent Meadow. This was one of John Muir’s favorite meadows. Once your eyes behold the lovely and tranquil patch of bright green wetland among the towering sequoias, you understand why. There is an easy loop trail around the meadow that provides peaceful views and a chance to encounter wildlife. It is not unusual to spot black bears, owls, wolverines, and deer along the trail. Bring bug spray as the mosquitos also love this wetland meadow.
EXPLORING KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Established in 1940 to protect the General Grant Grove of sequoias, Kings Canyon National Park is not only home to soaring trees, but also magnificent granite peaks, roaring waterfalls and the deepest canyon in the United States. Carved out of the granite by glaciers, Kings Canyon is over 8,200 feet or one and a half miles deep. Ansel Adams and John Muir explored this amazing park even stating it “rivaled Yosemite” in its beauty. Grab your camera, hiking boots and a sense of adventure as you explore the highlights of Kings Canyon…. Yosemite without the crowds.
Cedar Grove
This valley dramatically formed by glaciers features towering cliffs, bright green meadows, and the raging Kings River. The lower elevation means you won’t find any giant sequoias, but the cedar forest, warmer temperatures, and stunning waterfalls make it a park favorite. This is where you can also find two of the favorite hikes in the park.
Roaring River Falls
An easy, short and accessible walk shaded by trees, takes you to a roaring waterfall that you will hear long before you see. The raging water bursts through a narrow channel in the granite mountainside. Feel the misting water on your face as you enjoy a snack while sitting on the giant rocks surrounding the falls. If you are up for it, you can hike from the falls, along the Kings River, and through the canyon to Zumwalt Meadow.
Zumwalt Meadow
This lush green meadow trail is a flat 1.5-mile loop that takes you over and along the Kings River, meanders along the steep granite walls of the canyon and provides and expansive views of the grassy meadow and cliff walls.
Big Stump Loop
One of the lesser-visited trails within Kings Canyon, the Big Stump trail is an easy hike that provides a glimpse into the history of the area before it was designated as a national park. The 2-mile trail meanders through sequoia groves and among massive stumps and man-made meadows from the logging days. One of the stumps is that of the Mark Twain tree, a small ladder allows you to climb up onto the stump and experience its scale.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT
Pull Over
Don’t be afraid to visit some of the numerous roadside pullouts along the highway. Strategically located to take in the best vistas, these quick stops allow you to view the impressive, mountains, trees, and canyon created by glacial gouging and continuing today with the powerful river and streams.
Forest Fires Are An Essential Part Of The Sequoia Lifecycle
For many years forest fires were thought to be harmful to the parks and resources were quickly summoned to stamp them out. However, Rangers eventually discovered that without fires the sequoias couldn’t reproduce. These majestic trees needed fire to clear the canopy to allow sunlight to reach the seedlings and resulting ash was essential to fertilize the forest floor. The adult sequoias have a thick and spongy bark, which helps them survive the most raging fires. You will see many trees that look to be ravaged by fire on one side, yet thriving on the opposite. The harsh black scars from the fire juxtaposed against the cinnamon-colored untouched bark, and dark green foliage creates a dramatic and beautifully modern composition.
Don’t Feed The Bears
Black bears abound in the parks and it is not unusual to see one on your hikes. Take appropriate precautions to safely store the food in your campsite or car and use the bear-proof bins to dispose of your trash.
Keep Out Of The Water
You will see warnings to stay away from the rivers. The water is swift-moving, cold and very dangerous. Each year several people get swept away and become victims of the very powerful current.
Avoid Donating Blood To The Insects
Cover up and bring along insect repellent. The parks contain many very aggressive mosquitos, especially near some of the wetlands and meadows. These mosquitos are plentiful and will attempt to bite through your clothing. Arm yourself with bug spray to avoid being swarmed and eaten alive.
WHERE TO STAY
As long as you plan well in advance, there are accommodation options to meet every budget and required comfort level.
Within the parks, camping is allowed at numerous campgrounds. For those seeking indoor plumbing, there are several cabins and lodges that range from rustic to luxurious with price points to match. These lodges book up very quickly during peak season, so make your reservations early by visiting the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park website.
Within Sequoia National Park:
Wuksachi Lodge is open year round and is the parks newest and most modern hotel. It includes a full-service restaurant and gift shop. It even has a ski shop if you plan to visit during the winter.
Montecito Sequoia Lodge is also open year round and additional information can be found at their website.
Stony Creek Resort is only open during the summer months. It is a small and rustic lodge that offers 11 rooms and has a small snack bar. Visit www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com for more information.
Within Kings Canyon National Park:
Grant Grove Cabins & John Muir Lodge, both are open year round. The Lodge is nestled within Grant Grove Village and features 36 rooms that have recently been updated while still maintaining their classic lodge charm.
Cedar Grove Lodge in the Kings Canyon is open only during the summer months.
More information on these in-park lodging options can be found at visitsequoia.com
Just outside of the park you will find a few lodges within the National Forest or there are several options in the neighboring towns of Three Rivers and Squaw Valley. While modern lodging and fine dining options are available in Visalia.
Whether you start at Sequoia and finish your national park visit at Kings Canyon or go the other way, both parks offer awe-inspiring views, stunning nature and mind-blowing trees that have survived a millennium. As John Muir discovered, there is something for every adventurer in these two amazing National Parks.
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