Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. California (CA)
  4. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Question about lodging choice

We are going mid September and are booked at John Muir Lodge as we couldn't get into the Wuksachi Lodge. We have 3 nights before heading to Yosemite so roughly 2 full days. Our main interest is big trees, General Sherman, Big Trees trail, Congress Trail, Moro Rock. These are all in the South and an hour away from the lodge. They are also about an hour away from Three Rivers.

Wondering if we should just get a place in Three Rivers as the cost is significantly less and the accommodations are significantly better. Looks like we are about the same distance away. Since we only have 2 full days I'm thinking this is plenty for this time around. We can leave through Kings Canyon and explore something the last day if it's cool.

Thoughts?

For a mid-September visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon with only 2 full days, your lodging choice depends on your priorities: convenience, cost, and comfort. John Muir Lodge is inside the park, which gives you early access to trails and sights, but Three Rivers accommodations are generally cheaper and more comfortable, and the drive to the main attractions is similar—about an hour either way.

Given your interests—General Sherman Tree, Big Trees Trail, Congress Trail, Moro Rock—you’ll spend most of your time in the Giant Forest and nearby areas. Here’s a breakdown of considerations:

  • John Muir Lodge:
    • Inside the park: early access before crowds, especially useful for Moro Rock sunrise or early wildlife sightings.
    • Proximity to some trailheads (though not significantly closer than Three Rivers for the main sights).
    • Limited dining and lodging options, slightly rustic experience.
  • Three Rivers:
    • About an hour to the Giant Forest, so the drive is manageable for morning and afternoon excursions.
    • Better accommodations and more dining options.
    • More flexible in case of late arrivals or departures.
    • May require an earlier start to reach trails before crowds.

Since you have only 2 full days, you could structure your visit like this:

  • Day 1: Drive from Three Rivers to the Giant Forest. Visit General Sherman Tree, Big Trees Trail, and Congress Trail. Moro Rock in the late afternoon or sunset if you’re inside the park.
  • Day 2: Optionally explore Kings Canyon or the nearby Lakes area, then return to Three Rivers in the evening.

Overall, staying in Three Rivers makes sense for your short visit. The slight extra drive is negligible compared to the savings and comfort, and you’ll still be able to access all the key trails and attractions efficiently. Staying inside the park would mainly benefit those wanting to catch sunrise or avoid any drive at all, but for 2 days, Three Rivers is plenty practical.

More Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Travel Questions

Popular Destinations

Jiming Temple
Country Parks
Shenzhen University
Sanqingshan Scenic Area

Popular Travel Questions