Two days next week itinerary

Question

We are two seniors in our late seventies. We are active, but our hiking/walking limit is about 2-3 miles without significant elevation. We are coming to SEKI next week, staying in Three Rivers for three nights, so have two days to visit the park. We don’t need to see everything because we want to relax some, but here are our thoughts about an itinerary and we would welcome any advice.

The first day we plan to go to Tunnel Rock, Hospital Rock and then up to the General Sherman Tree and walk General Sherman or Congress Trail (or do both? which is better?). Then back to Giant Forest Museum, Tunnel Log, Tharp's Log, and Crescent Meadow. The Moro Rock Trail will be too steep for us, but how about the High Sierra Trail to Eagle RocK?

The second day we would take Rt. 245 to the Grant Grove entrance. The Kings Canyon highway is about an hour each way, and that would probably be too much driving given that the drive from Three Rivers to Grant Grove and back will be about three hours. Would it be worth it to drive just part of that road?

We will stop at the Big Stump and go to Grant Grove, but I’m not sure which of the many other things in this area would make a good trip for this day. I have seen mention of Panoramic Point, the trail below Grant Grove, the trail around Hume Lake, the trail around the meadow adjacent to the Princess Campground, and the road to Buck Rock Lookout.

Thanks for any suggestions. Bob

Answer

Bob, it sounds like you have a thoughtful plan for your two days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, and your hiking limits are very reasonable. I can suggest a slightly refined itinerary to balance seeing highlights with a relaxed pace.

Day 1 – Sequoia National Park (Giant Forest Area)

Your Day 1 plan is solid. Here’s a suggested order with some notes for your walking limits:

Start at Tunnel Rock and take a short walk to appreciate the rock formation and forest surroundings.
Stop at Hospital Rock for a gentle stroll to view the rock art and meadows.
Proceed to the General Sherman Tree. You can walk the short path to the tree – this is fully paved and easy for seniors. Walking the Congress Trail is ideal, as it’s mostly flat, shaded, and loops past several giant sequoias. Doing both the General Sherman loop and Congress Trail is feasible without overexertion; consider limiting to just the Congress Trail if you want a more relaxed pace.
Visit the Giant Forest Museum to get context on the sequoias and park history.
Drive to Tharp’s Log and Tunnel Log – both are easy to enjoy with minimal walking.
End the day at Crescent Meadow. The loop is mostly flat and beautiful for a gentle stroll, and the open meadow gives a nice change from forest walks.
Regarding the High Sierra Trail to Eagle Rock, this may be a bit ambitious given your preference for gentle walking; consider saving it for another visit or just do the first segment for views without reaching the full trail.

Day 2 – Kings Canyon Area

Given your concern about driving times from Three Rivers, it’s reasonable to limit your exploration to the Grant Grove and nearby highlights rather than the full Kings Canyon drive.

Stop at the Big Stump area to see remnants of giant sequoias. Very minimal walking required.
Visit Grant Grove and walk the easy loop through the sequoias. This is flat, shaded, and perfect for seniors.
Optional: Take the Panoramic Point drive for a scenic viewpoint without much walking.
If you’d like one more gentle trail, the loop around Hume Lake or the meadow adjacent to Princess Campground offers easy walking and open scenery.
Avoid Buck Rock Lookout unless you are comfortable with a short uphill walk; otherwise, enjoy the views from the parking area.

In summary, prioritize flat, scenic loops and easy viewpoints. Day 1 is more forest and sequoias, and Day 2 focuses on Grant Grove and the nearby scenic drives. You’ll experience the highlights without feeling rushed, and there’s flexibility to rest at benches along the trails or drive between stops.

Two days next week itinerary

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