Best location to visit both parks

Question

Hi all,

Need a middle ground to visit both Sequoia and Kings Canyon. We have 3 full days.

Thanks!

Answer

If you have three full days to explore both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the key is to choose a lodging or base location that allows you to access both parks efficiently without spending too much time driving each day. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are contiguous, but the terrain is mountainous and the drives can be slow, so planning wisely is important.

Recommended Base Areas:

Lodging in Three Rivers:
- Three Rivers is the most popular gateway town for Sequoia National Park, located just outside the Ash Mountain entrance.
- Pros: Close to Sequoia’s main highlights like the Giant Forest, Moro Rock, and Crescent Meadow. Also provides restaurants, gas, and general amenities.
- Cons: To reach Kings Canyon Visitor Center or Cedar Grove, expect a 1.5–2 hour drive each way.
Lodging in Grant Grove / Kings Canyon Village:
- Grant Grove Village is located near the Kings Canyon entrance and is ideal for exploring the big sequoias in that park, including General Grant Tree and Zumwalt Meadow.
- Pros: Much closer for a full day exploring Kings Canyon. Less driving if you plan one full day in Kings Canyon.
- Cons: Farther from Sequoia’s Giant Forest and major sites. Limited dining options compared to Three Rivers.
Combination Approach:
- Split the nights: 2 nights in Three Rivers and 1 night in Grant Grove (or vice versa). This reduces driving and allows a more relaxed pace.

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary:

Day 1 – Sequoia Highlights
- Base: Three Rivers.
- Explore the Giant Forest, including General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and Crescent Meadow Loop.
- Optional short hikes like Congress Trail (2 miles, easy-moderate).
Day 2 – Kings Canyon Exploration
- Base: Drive to Grant Grove Village or start early from Three Rivers.
- Visit General Grant Tree, hike the Zumwalt Meadow Trail (1.5 miles, scenic, easy), and take scenic drives along Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
- Consider visiting Roaring River Falls for a short, accessible stop.
Day 3 – Mix and Extra Activities
- Base: Three Rivers (or whichever location is convenient for your departure).
- Return to Sequoia for any missed highlights, such as Tokopah Falls Trail (4 miles round-trip, moderate), or explore Mineral King if time and conditions allow.

Additional Tips:

Make lodging reservations well in advance; accommodations in both parks are limited and fill quickly.
Start early each day to avoid crowds, especially at the Giant Forest and Grant Grove areas.
Check road conditions in advance — some roads, especially in Kings Canyon, may close seasonally or due to weather.
Pack food and water, especially if you want to maximize hiking time and avoid frequent return trips to town.
If driving both parks from a single base, be prepared for long drives (1.5–2 hours each way to the opposite park), so plan accordingly to avoid fatigue.

Overall, Three Rivers is the most convenient central location for a base if you prefer fewer hotel changes and easy access to Sequoia’s main highlights, while a night in Grant Grove helps reduce driving for a full day in Kings Canyon. With three full days, this approach allows you to see the major highlights of both parks without feeling rushed.