Itinerary help. Mid April

Question

Hello! Thanks in advance for help. We are 55-63, active, love hiking, camping, photography and night skies.

We are traveling north from visiting Joshua Tree and Death Valley to Kings Canyon, Sequoia and Yosemite in mid Apr. I will have 4 solid days to spend in these parks. How do I best divide and spend that time. Do I skip something? I understand there is a highway closed due to a rock slide as well. Would love must do hikes, places to see suggestions.

Also, interested in recommendations for lodging. Bringing camping gear as well.

Thank you,

Answer

With four solid days and your interests in hiking, photography, camping, and night skies, you can see some of the best spots in Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite in mid-April. Since you are coming from Joshua Tree and Death Valley, and considering some road closures, planning carefully is key.

Day 1 – Sequoia National Park:

Drive early from Joshua Tree/Death Valley to Sequoia (approx. 5–6 hours).
Explore the Giant Forest: hike the Congress Trail to see General Sherman Tree and nearby sequoias (easy/moderate, ~2–3 hours).
Optional short hikes: Big Trees Trail for photography or Moro Rock (moderate, 15–20 min climb) for panoramic views.
Camping: Lodgepole Campground is ideal if you’re bringing gear, or stay at Wuksachi Lodge for indoor lodging.
Evening: Enjoy star photography in the park’s dark sky areas.

Day 2 – Kings Canyon National Park:

Drive from Sequoia to Kings Canyon (1–1.5 hours).
Visit must-see sights: Roaring River Falls, General Grant Tree, and Zumwalt Meadow.
Hiking options: Zumwalt Meadow Trail (easy, ~1.5–2 hours) for photography and short walks; or short segments of Rae Lakes Loop if trails are snow-free.
Camping: Cedar Grove or stay again in Sequoia if you prefer minimal driving between days.

Day 3 – Yosemite National Park:

Drive to Yosemite Valley (approx. 5–6 hours; note: Tioga Pass may still be closed in mid-April due to snow, so check road conditions).
Afternoon: Explore iconic Valley viewpoints – Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall.
Short hikes: Mirror Lake Trail or Cook’s Meadow Loop for easy access and photography opportunities.
Camping: North Pines or Upper Pines Campgrounds if available; otherwise, nearby lodges such as Yosemite Valley Lodge or Tenaya Lodge.
Evening: Night sky photography is fantastic in Yosemite Valley.

Day 4 – Yosemite National Park:

Hiking: Consider moderate hikes like Mist Trail to Vernal Fall or short day hikes if snow permits.
Photography: Sunrise at Valley View, Glacier Point if accessible, or reflections at Sentinel Bridge.
Optional scenic drives: Wawona Road or Mariposa Grove (giant sequoias) for final park highlights.
Evening: Begin drive back toward southern California if heading home, or stay another night if time allows.

Additional Tips:

Check for real-time road closures (especially Highway 41 and Tioga Pass) before traveling; rockslides can impact routes.
Book campgrounds or lodges in advance; mid-April can still be early season for some facilities.
Bring layers: April mornings and evenings are chilly, especially at higher elevations.
Photography gear: tripod, wide-angle lenses for waterfalls and night sky shots.
Consider skipping extremely long hikes in favor of quality photography and moderate walks, given limited time and travel distances.

This itinerary balances driving, hiking, and photography opportunities while covering the highlights of Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite in a manageable four-day trip.

Itinerary help. Mid April

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