getting from Kingman to Sequoia NP & Pinnacles NP

Question

We are a couple in our 70s living in the Eastern USA. We plan a trip into Phoenix the end of September. We will stay 2 nights in Phoenix, 2 in Sedona and 2 in Flagstaff. We have been in each of these towns before.

Then we plan to drive to Kingman AZ from Flagstaff on the original Rt. 66(or as much of it as we can) - the real purpose of the trip.

Then from Kingman to Sequoia NP and Kings Canyon NP, then to Pinnacles NP, then to Channel Island NP. We will fly home out of San Diego.

I would welcome comments on any or all parts of the trip but especially on the stretch from Kingman to Sequoia. I am pretty sure we take Rt. 40 to Barstow, then 58 up to Bakersfield.

From there should I take 65 or 99 up to 198 to enter the Kings Canyon/Sequoia NP? One poster said that 198 can be very windy. Is that a reason to take 65?

I am also realizing that Pinnacles NP is very remote. Where is the best place (we are not campers) to stay that is closest to Pinnacles?

Also a question about Channel Islands NP. How is the best way to visit the islands? Keeping in mind that we are in our mid-70s and that we can do an easy 5 mile RT hike or a 3 - 4 mile RT moderate hike. We would love to see some whales, seals, sea lions, pelicans, etc.

We plan on spending multiple weeks on our trip,

Answer

Your planned road trip across Arizona and California sounds fantastic and well-paced, especially considering you’re aiming for scenic drives and national park experiences at a relaxed pace. Here’s some guidance for the sections you asked about, particularly Kingman to Sequoia, Pinnacles, and Channel Islands.

Kingman to Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP

The drive from Kingman to Sequoia NP is long but doable over multiple days if you prefer to break it up. The most common route you mentioned is:

Take I-40 west toward Barstow, enjoying stretches of historic Route 66 along the way.
From Barstow, take CA-58 west toward Bakersfield. This is a relatively smooth highway and avoids much of the desert traffic.
Once in Bakersfield, you have two options to reach Sequoia/Kings Canyon:

Take CA-65 north to CA-198 east: This route is more gradual and tends to be less winding, especially suitable if you prefer an easier drive.
Take CA-99 north to Visalia, then CA-198 east: This is the more common route but, as noted, the eastern part of 198 can be quite winding, especially near the foothills. It’s scenic but requires careful driving.

Given your preferences, CA-65 north may be slightly less stressful than the winding sections of 198, though 198 directly from Visalia is very scenic and well-maintained.

Once in the park, for an easier experience, focus on the Giant Forest area in Sequoia NP for viewing large sequoias without strenuous hiking. Short walks and scenic drives are plentiful.

Pinnacles NP Accommodation

Pinnacles NP is indeed remote. Since you’re not camping, the closest convenient towns for overnight stays are:

Hollister, CA – about 30–40 minutes drive to the east entrance. Offers several hotels and motels with standard amenities.
Soledad, CA – about 30–40 minutes drive to the west entrance. Smaller selection but convenient if entering from the west side.

Staying in Hollister may be more flexible for dining and shopping options.

Channel Islands NP Visit

The Channel Islands are best accessed via boat tours from Ventura or Oxnard. Consider the following:

Book a boat tour with Island Packers, the official concessionaire. They offer trips to several islands including Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Rosa.
For easy to moderate hiking (3–5 miles round-trip), Santa Cruz Island has some manageable trails with great wildlife viewing.
Wildlife you can expect includes sea lions, seals, pelicans, and in September/October you may see migrating whales off the coast. Early morning tours often give the best chances for whale sightings.
Island trips can be half-day or full-day, depending on your stamina and interest. Full-day trips allow exploration of trails, beaches, and wildlife observation.

Additional Suggestions

Plan extra time for travel between Kingman and Sequoia NP; it’s a long stretch with limited services once you leave major highways.
For Pinnacles, bring snacks, water, and layers since temperatures can fluctuate, and services inside the park are limited.
Channel Islands tours can be affected by weather, so check sea conditions and book in advance.
Enjoy scenic stops along Rt. 66 in Kingman and Barstow for photo opportunities and historical context; it’s part of the charm of this trip.

Overall, your itinerary is adventurous but reasonable for your pace, especially if you focus on short hikes, scenic drives, and wildlife observation. Breaking long drives into segments and staying in convenient towns near parks will make the trip more relaxing and enjoyable.

getting from Kingman to Sequoia NP & Pinnacles NP

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