Are you planning a family adventure in the Sequoias but unsure what to do? Then you are in the right place! Here is my guide for visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks! Exploring the beauty of the high sierra of central California is something that will stick with you forever. Your children will surely remember the giant trees and incredible views. Standing beneath a towering Sequoia is a sight everyone should enjoy, and it is inspiring for kids! Here are the sights you don’t want to miss, followed by our one-night itinerary for visiting Sequoia National Park!
One of my favorite ways to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is to couple it with a visit to Yosemite National Park. If you want to plan a road trip between Sequoia and Yosemite, make sure to check out my other planning resources here!
Table of Contents
DON’T MISS THESE HIGHLIGHTS WHEN VISITING SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Here are our favorite things to do and see inside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. You can read more about each destination below. Once you pick what is suitable for your family, you can create your adventure. Or jump below to one of our family’s itineraries that includes the park highlights.
OUR FAVORITE STOPS TO EXPLORE
- ASH MOUNTAIN ENTRANCE STATION
- FOOTHILLS VISITOR CENTER
- TUNNEL ROCK
- HOSPITAL ROCK
- GIANT FOREST MUSEUM
- REDWOOD MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK
OUR FAVORITE HIKES AND WANDERINGS
- BIG TREES TRAIL
- MORO ROCK
- CRESCENT MEADOW LOOP TO THARP’S LOG
- GENERAL SHERMAN TREE
- TOKOPAH FALLS
- PANORAMIC POINT
- GENERAL GRANT TREE
- BIG STUMP BASIN
OUR FAVORITE PLACES TO STAY
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are unique gems on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The backcountry offers endless opportunities for backpacking and exploration. However, when traveling with kids, chances are good that you are looking for adventure with a side of comfort and convenience. Here are some essential things to know before heading into the Sierra Nevada Mountains on your quest for family adventures.
NO CELL SERVICE
There is no cellular service in the parks, regardless of your carrier. The lodges have wifi for guests, but it is very spotty and nothing substantial enough for streaming or Zoom. This is important to remember when it comes to your directions and plans. Screenshot or print important information or lodging confirmations you may want access to during your visit.
Make sure to download the National Park app onto your phone, search Sequoia and Kings Canyon and then click “save this park for offline use.” I highly recommend downloading the park app before your visit. It has information on current conditions and a map that shows you where you are at all times without cell service.
NO GAS AVAILABLE IN THE PARK
There is no gas available inside the park. Make sure to fill your tank before heading in because there is plenty to see and do during your visit. Don’t let gas be what holds you back!
CHECK CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS
As with any wilderness area, it is important to check current road conditions before your visit. You must safely navigate park roads during your visit. Weather is a big issue for the parks, and during winter months, many main roads are closed, making it impossible to drive through the park. Although the park is open year round, sometimes, the highway closures make most of it inaccessible. We love to visit in summer and fall, but I always check the National Park Service website and monitor the conditions leading up to our trips. I also follow @SequoiaKingsCanyonNPS on Instagram because they tend to post timely information for visitors.
WINDY ROADS
When entering Sequoia National Park from the southern foothill area, you have about a 90-minute drive up a very windy road until you reach the “hub” of Sequoia National Park. If anybody in your car is susceptible to car sickness, I highly suggest Dramamine before you start the climb. Our son struggles with getting car sick on windy mountain roads, and Dramamine has saved our adventures many times. If you forget, there is a pharmacy in Three Rivers right off the road where we purchased it last minute. And in the worst case, having a few of these bags in the glove box can save the day (I speak from experience!!)!
HIGHER ALTITUDE
Many destinations and hikes in Sequoia National Park are between 5,000 – 7,500 feet in elevation. These higher altitudes are new for many and may cause shortness of breath or dehydration. Make sure to bring plenty of water and take your time. There is so much to see around you; slow down and take it all in. The park visitor centers and lodge lobbies have water bottle-filling stations. Make sure your kids are staying hydrated too!
BLACK BEARS
Bears are found throughout the park. A bear sighting is fascinating and memorable. Obviously, it is important for your safety to watch from a distance and never approach a bear. In addition, make sure to store all food and scented items in the bear lockers in the park parking lots. Hide your coolers and bags, as bears know what they are looking for! You can read more about bear safety from the park here.
IN-PARK LODGING – BOOK NOW!
In-park lodging is incredibly limited, and books up months in advance. I highly recommend holding a reservation even if you are beginning to think about a visit. You will need to pay for the first night as a deposit, but you can cancel for a full refund up to two days in advance. If everything is booked, do not be discouraged. Keep checking for cancellations- more on my strategy for booking in-park lodging below.
I also highly recommend staying outside the park the night before you enter. Coming from the south, the final hour up Generals Highway to the Wucksachi Lodge is windy and not ideal in the dark. Consider staying outside the park in Exeter, Visalia, or Three Rivers the night before when coming from hours away. You will save money and probably get a complimentary breakfast to take with you into the park. Below, you can read more about our favorite place to stay the night before our park visit- the Best Western in Exeter, CA.
LIMITED IN-PARK DINING OPTIONS AND HOURS
Nothing can bring a trip down more than being hungry in a beautiful location and unable to get food where you are. Dining is limited in the parks. The main food options are at the Wucksachi Lodge, Lodgepole Market, and Grant Grove. Check the current hours and have a tentative plan in your head. We have found the hours to be very short with gaps between lunch and dinner service.
For this reason, I HIGHLY recommend bringing a picnic into the park with you. This ensures you have a variety of snacks and sandwiches or wraps to keep everyone happy throughout the day. The Lodgepole Market has grab-and-go options as well. It is essential to use the bear lockers when parking to avoid any issues. The dining options are nothing you miss out on, and everything costs more inside the park.
PARK ENTRANCE FEE
Current park fees are $35/vehicle for seven days. If you plan to combine your visit with Yosemite National Park, I highly recommend America the Beautiful Pass for $80. You can purchase either entry at the entrance station. You will have access to all US national parks and monuments for a year for only $10 more than the two park entry fees. Use this link to check out the other discounts available that may apply to you before your visit (4th-grade pass, military discount, etc.).
WEATHER AND SEASONAL CLOSURES
Summer months are my favorite time to visit the park. Many roads and destinations are closed during winter months and snow chains are often required to visit. We visited at the start of summer, which gave us beautiful blue sky, 70°+ adventures. We also visited in late fall, when the leaves were falling, and temperatures dropped to low 40° at night. However, the winter months change accessibility to many locations. We had friends walk to General Sherman in the snow. They had lunch at Wucksachi Lodge in fog so thick they could not see the trees around them. If you are visiting in colder times, check out this post from 2TravelDads for information on visits in colder weather.
WHAT TO PACK
When visiting most national parks, I always pack a few similar things for the kids. I mention a few in this guide, but for the complete list, check out my post on the “must-haves” for kids in National Parks. Our family takes a lot of road trips, so I have a lot of recommendations in that area as well. Check out my post on road trip essentials if you are nervous about having the kids in the car for so long!
PHOTOS ON iPHONE
You definitely want to bring a camera when you visit Sequoia National Park. My camera is my iPhone, so it does not have to be anything extra. However, I read about a trick for tall buildings, tried it in Sequoia, and wanted to share. Put your phone on panoramic and tilt it from the bottom up to the top of the tree. Then you don’t have to have half the tree cut off!
WHAT TO DO IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
There are two entrances to Sequoia National Park. You can enter from the northern Kings Canyon Big Stump Entrance Station or the southern Mountain Entrance Station. Coming from San Diego, we recommend the Ash Mountain Entrance Station and a stop at the Foothills Visitor Center to start your adventure.
ASH MOUNTAIN ENTRANCE STATION
As you pay your fee or purchase your pass to enter the park, make sure to ask for a few essential items. You want to get the park brochure, which includes a park map, and the park newsletter/trip planner, with information relevant to the season of your visit.
Of course, your next stop should be a family picture with the entrance sign! The views of the Kaweah River are beautiful here, so take a moment to hop out and stretch your legs.
There are usually people around to take a photo, but if not, I always have my $5 selfie stick from Target, and my husband hates it! Ha! It was the perfect tool to ensure we still had family pictures during our June 2020 peak COVID madness trip!
After the entry gate, you will begin a 90-minute windy drive up the Generals Highway to the Giant Forest. This area is one of the most notable highlights of visiting Sequoia. But do not rush straight up the highway, as there are many fun stops on the way up. With limited time in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, you want to see your sights in the order of your drive to avoid added driving time.
FOOTHILLS VISITOR CENTER
One of my first stops in any national park is the visitor center to pick up a few essential items. Hopefully, you grabbed your map and newsletter at the entrance station, but if not, you can pick one up here. This is an excellent opportunity to check in with a ranger about your plan in case there are any updates or closures you should be aware of. You can also purchase tickets for the Crystal Cave Tour and stamp your national park passport here. The visitor center has interpretive displays that teach you about the park, restrooms, water bottle stations, and free WiFi.
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM
We always pick up my son’s complimentary Junior Ranger booklet here. You can read more about the national park service Junior Ranger program here. This program makes a great souvenir and keeps the kids engaged as you explore the park. You can also email the park requesting a brochure via mail or download the Junior Ranger booklet in advance. These were great options during COVID closures.
TUNNEL ROCK
Shortly after the visitor center, you will see Tunnel Rock. Although the rock is on the left side of the road, there is parking on the right of General’s Highway. The pull-off gives you great views, and Tunnel Rock is fun to explore right across the street. People were hiking up and around the rock for additional adventures, but the park asks that you stay on the trail below. Watch for poison oak as you explore! Make this quick 10-minute stop to stretch your legs, check out the views, and then head up the mountain.
HOSPITAL ROCK
Your next stop up General’s Highway is the Hospital Rock picnic area on the left side of the road. When visiting Sequoia National Park, this is a great place to plan for a facility stop. This area has a parking lot, several picnic tables, bathrooms, and abundant shade. Make sure to store your food properly in the bear lockers. Also, poison oak is growing all over, so be mindful!
Head across the street to check out Hospital Rock, a large rock with California Native American petroglyphs. It was once the hospital for the people that lived in the area. After the rock, take the short trail (built by the Civilian Conservation Corps) to a waterfall and the Kaweah River. This is a great stop to cool off and enjoy along the way. Again, watch for the poison oak! It was everywhere on our river walk.
GIANT FOREST MUSEUM
After about 90 minutes of driving, you will arrive at the Giant Forest Museum, one of many visitor centers and the “hub” of Sequoia National Park. This is a great place to park, store your food in a bear locker and explore. This parking lot fills quickly and many times is full by 9 am.
Inside the museum, several interpretive displays will engage your kids, and rangers can answer any questions you may have. Sequoia is the first national park formed to protect a living organism – the giant sequoia tree. The area in front of the museum is home to the giant Sentinel Sequoia tree, where kids can walk the tree’s height along the interactive ruler on the pavement below.
SEQUOIA SHUTTLE SERVICE
From here, you can hop on the Sequoia shuttle to explore many of the upcoming highlights. You can check current service hours and locations here. The shuttles run in summer and during some holiday periods in winter. This is an excellent option if you visit Sequoia National Park during peak crowds. Once you obtain a parking spot, you can wander the area and hop on the shuttle to get around. No more parking frustration!
GIANT FOREST TRAILS
Several hiking trails leave from the Giant Forest Museum area. Many are paved, which makes them stroller and wheelchair accessible. Our favorites are the Beetle Rock pathway and the popular one-mile Big Trees Trail through the giant sequoias. Next trip, I want to check out Sunset Rock, so I will update here once we have explored that 1.4-mile hike!
BEETLE ROCK
This paved pathway is very short and leaves from the parking area across from the Giant Forest Museum. The views are stunning and a great way to begin your adventure in Sequoia!
THE BIG TREES TRAIL
The Big Trees Trail is an excellent introduction to the sequoia groves that John Muir named in 1875. The one-mile loop leaves from the Giant Forest Museum and takes you through the tall forest of the world’s largest trees. The trees in this area make up half of the Earth’s oldest trees. The route is a mix of paved and boardwalk, making this loop stroller and wheelchair friendly.
After exploring the Giant Forest area, enjoy the 3-mile detour from the General’s Highway down Crescent Meadow Road for some other spectacular sights.
MORO ROCK
The Moro Rock trail has incredible views but is narrow, very steep, and not the best for younger kids. Our son did great, but we did pass several kids (and adults) in tears due to the narrow trails and long drops. Although only a 1/2-mile round trip, you climb over 300 feet uphill on over 400 stairs to reach the top of the bald granite dome. There are guard rails, but even then, I held my son’s hand almost the whole time. The views of the great western divide from the top are breathtaking, and chances are you will be short of breath as you climb to over 6,700 feet in elevation.
The parking lot for the Moro Rock trailhead tends to fill up quickly, so if you are interested in this hike, be there earlier in the day. During the summer, the trail is accessible by the park shuttles. The parking lot has bathrooms if you or your littles need a break. The hike took us about an hour.
When your time in the park is limited, make sure to choose the things you will love. Think about your circumstances on this trip to decide if Moro Rock is the best for your family. During our family’s hike, I was 32 weeks pregnant, hiking with my 7-year-old in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic (social distancing is impossible on this tight trail). It was hard to take it all in the way I wish I could have.
TUNNEL LOG
From Moro Rock, continue down the last mile toward Crescent Meadow. As you get closer to the meadow, you can drive through the famous Tunnel Log, a fallen sequoia-turned tunnel. Kids of all ages enjoy the experience.
CRESCENT MEADOW– DO NOT MISS WHEN VISITING SEQUOIA
Crescent Meadow is one of our favorite places in Sequoia National Park. I cannot recommend this stop enough, especially when visiting in summer. The meadow has several trails around a wetland and is so easy (and fun!) for kids. I love wildflowers, and in spring, this trail does not disappoint. The trail is easy for all abilities, surrounded by giant sequoia trees, and has plenty of places for a picnic. Bears are often seen in the meadow early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
We like to head east from the parking lot towards Tharp’s Log (about a mile out). You may share this paved portion of the High Sierra Trail with a hiker heading on a backpacking trip toward Mt. Whitney. Shortly after, the trail splits, and we head to the left, towards the south end of the meadow and this beautiful view and quote from John Muir. It is an exceptional area of the park, and I highly recommend it. Kids will enjoy exploring the sequoia trees in this less crowded area.
THARP’S LOG
Follow the trail one mile out under giant Sequoia trees to Tharp’s Log. It is a fun stop for kids along the trail. Crescent Meadow Trail as it is an old Pioneer’s homemade in a hollowed-out Sequoia Tree. Hale Tharp is known as the first non-native American to enter the Giant Forest. He started a cattle ranch in the meadow and lived in the log. You can look inside from the door for a peek inside his old 19th-century home. This is an excellent stop for elementary kids learning about this era in school.
CHIMNEY TREE
Continue on the trail past Tharp’s Log and follow the signs to Chimney Tree. The hike takes you into a forest of bright green ferns and towering Sequoias. Chimney Tree is a burnt-out Sequoia that is still standing, just off the main trail. It is a fun stop, especially for kids, as you can step inside and look up at the sky from the tree trunk.
From Chimney Tree, head back towards Crescent Meadow and the parking lot. This is a beautiful walk through more ferns out to the meadow. One highlight of the hike comes at the end; at the fallen sequoia tree, you climb over to cross the wetland meadow. It is a beautiful view crossing the meadow back to the parking lot!
GENERAL SHERMAN TREE
You must stop to see the General Sherman Tree, over 3000 years old and taller than the Statue of Liberty. At 275 feet tall and 36 feet in diameter at the base, it is the world’s largest tree. The trail starts at a large parking area and is one-mile round trip – about a 1/2 mile downhill to the tree and then 1/2 mile back uphill. They do have benches along the trail if you need a rest. Stop to catch your breath and take in the sequoia forests and towering trees surrounding you. This trail is heavily trafficked, so be prepared for crowds. If you are up for a longer hike, take the 2.1-mile Congress Trail loop through the towering trees.
ACCESSIBILITY TO THE GENERAL SHERMAN
The trail down from the parking lot is pretty steep but paved, so some people do push strollers up & down. However, I do not recommend it because there are several spots with steps where you need a plan for lifting the stroller up and down. There is a wheelchair-accessible trail to the tree from a separate parking area off General’s Highway before the turnoff for the General Sherman Tree. However, you must have a disability placard to use the parking lot. If the park shuttles are running, they drop you at the accessible trail.
TOKOPAH FALLS TRAIL – DO NOT MISS WHEN VISITING SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
The Tokopah Falls Trail is beautiful and a great place to go first thing in the morning if you stayed the night at Wucksachi Lodge. This heavily trafficked trail is a little over 3 miles round trip (1.7 miles from Lodgepole Campground to Tokopah Falls) and is worth every minute of the time it takes you! I highly recommend this hike when visiting Sequoia National Park.
You can always stop in at the Lodgepole Visitor Center if you need an updated map or have any questions. You can also purchase tickets to the Crystal Cave tour here. *AS OF 2023 THIS VISITOR CENTER IS CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS. Check current hours here.
If you need snacks for your hike, pop into the Lodgepole Market before heading to the trailhead. Park in the Lodgepole Campground parking lot and head into the campground to cross the bridge over the river. The trailhead is on the right after you cross the bridge.
LODGEPOLE CAMPGROUND
Lodgepole Campground is a terrific spot for camping when visiting Sequoia. Spots were spread out along the river, there was a lot of shade, and people were enjoying themselves swimming and wading in the river. There is a market and cafe close to the campground with all you need for camping or picnicking. Reservations can be challenging, so plan or monitor for a cancellation!
TOKOPAH FALLS TRAIL – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
As you start on the trail, head up (slight uphill on the way to the falls) along the river across from Lodgepole campsites. This trail had a lot of shade in the beginning and was filled with many points to explore. We immediately started to notice bugs and were grateful we had put on mosquito-repellent bracelets. So definitely plan on some form of bug protection, so you and your littles are not eaten alive!
You can stop along the river in so many areas, which is a great way to rest from the shortness of breath you will probably feel at times due to the high altitude! Kids will enjoy climbing the granite rocks and boulders along the trail. The trail is well maintained, with several small bridges over water running into the river.
WILDLIFE ON THE TOKOPAH FALLS TRAIL
Wildlife may be out in the morning, and our experience did not disappoint! As we headed up, we saw several marmots enjoying the morning sunshine on the granite rocks.
At one point, I noticed movement on the tree ahead of us. We were shocked to see a mama bear and her three cubs enjoying the sunshine and dining on the bugs under the tree bark. Park brochures said the bears in Sequoia are not aggressive, so we were not panicked. However, that does not mean we would approach them, grab their attention, etc. We stayed back quite a bit, and soon after, mama took her cubs across the trail in front of us! It was an incredible sight, but it also reminded us never to get too comfortable in our surroundings when hiking!!
Seeing black bears in the wild was the ultimate highlight for me. This was a beautiful trail that I cannot recommend enough. Between the wildflowers, bright ferns, and wildlife, I felt like I was walking in a fairyland. As we reached the last 1/4 mile stretch to the falls, we were suddenly heading up large granite boulders.
TOKOPAH FALLS
The trail ends at the base of Tokopah Falls. During our June visit, the falls flowed, and many visitors climbed down to wade in the pools below. There are many warnings about drownings in the park, so please use caution when wading in any part of the river in Sequoia. We opted to find a quieter, calmer spot for our son to play. We enjoyed the views and had a snack on the rocks under the waterfall before heading down to a shallow spot on the river to cool off. The final stretch to the falls had very little shade, and the late morning heat was picking up!
I would definitely recommend hiking at the earlier end of the day. In addition to the cooler temperature and less crowded trail, the wildlife is enjoying the morning sun. On the way down, we noticed a few hikers stopped on the trail, and once again, we ran into a mama and two bear cubs! Our family all agreed this trail was one that would always stand out from our visit. We ended up seeing seven bears – 2 mamas and five cubs. So special.
WHAT TO DO IN KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK
The drive to Kings Canyon National Park is about 45 minutes from the Lodgepole area of Sequoia. I recommend checking out the highlights I mentioned before heading up toward Grant Grove. We love to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon from the south and drive through on our way to Yosemite to loop the park versus going back and forth.
GRANT GROVE VILLAGE
Grant Grove Village is the “hub” of Kings Canyon National Park. There is a small grocery market, a post office, a visitor center, and a gift shop. In addition, it is home to the John Muir Lodge and Grant Grove Cabins, the other in-park lodging options available. The Grant Grove Restaurant offers order-at-the-window food options during limited hours of the day.
The Kings Canyon Visitor Center is a great last stop to turn in Junior Ranger books for a badge, stamp National Park passports, pick up any last-minute info or have any last-minute questions answered. You can also pick up wilderness permits here and at several other visitor centers.
PANORAMIC POINT – DO NOT MISS WHEN VISITING KINGS CANYON
Make sure to stop at Panoramic Point, just 10 minutes up the road from the Grant Grove Visitor Center. The drive from the village can be windy, and the road is narrow and barely has space for two-way at times, so take it slow to navigate other cars. The views are worth it! The 1/2 mile round trip loop is paved and easy for all levels.
The overlooks give you panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada, including Kings Canyon and Hume Lake and are truly breathtaking. The parking lot has facilities and picnic tables, so it is a great stop any time of day. However, sunset is a stunner, so I recommend trying to time your visit around the end of the day.
SUNSET AT PANORAMIC POINT
Although the sun does not set in front of you, the colors of the high sierra and mountains in front of you are beautiful. Wildlife is abundant, and Panoramic Point has peace to it at this time of night. It was in no way crowded, but people were set up in different areas to watch the sun go down at the end of a beautiful day. I recommend a blanket, snacks, and a glass of your beverage of choice!
GENERAL GRANT TREE
From the village, drive across the highway to the Grant Tree Trail. This .3-mile paved trail is similar to the General Sherman trail in Sequoia but with more space and fewer hills. Like the General Sherman trail, this trail includes information and exhibits about the giant sequoias along the trail. The General Grant Grove is named after the General Grant Tree, the second-largest living tree named “Our Nation’s Christmas Tree” by President Calvin Coolidge. There is also a fallen sequoia you can walk through, which our kids always enjoy.
BIG STUMP BASIN
Big Stump Basin is an excellent stop on your way out of the park on Highway 180, as it is located right before the Big Stump Entrance Station (where you will exit if heading to Yosemite). This 1.5-mile round trip loop is the site of 19th-century logging in Kings Canyon National Park and is filled with giant trees.
This trail is home to the Mark Twain Stump, a massive stump from what was once the largest sequoia in the world. You can climb the steps up the stump to see the huge rings.
REDWOOD MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK
Redwood Mountain Overlook is beautiful any time of day, but the real treat is sunset. A park ranger told us about this gem, and we loved it. We packed a little cheese and crackers and drove out to watch the sun go down over the trees of the Sequoia National Forest.
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON
I cannot say enough about in-park lodging. Staying in the park as the sun goes down and the wildlife emerges is an experience with no rival. With your limited time in the parks, you do not want to spend extra hours driving in and out. Staying in the park whenever possible may be a bit of a splurge, but it creates a unique trip with time to relax and soak in all you are there to explore! In addition, when you wake up in the middle of the park, day visitors are coming in gates over 90 minutes away so you can target something sure to get crowded later first thing in the morning.
In-park lodging is in very high demand. If you are looking to travel soon, rooms may be booked. However, cancellations happen. Planning a road trip between Sequoia and Yosemite becomes even more challenging because your dates are not flexible. When in-park lodging is full, I check the availability every day. Sounds aggressive, but you need to be diligent when dates are firm. I keep the availability page open on my computer and refresh it every morning. I recommend not giving up if you go to book and there is no availability. The site updates daily as people cancel their reservations. I book free cancellation hotels through Expedia as a backup for the trip I am planning to we are not left stranded. This strategy has worked for me several times, including Zion Lodge and Bryce Canyon Lodge.
WUKSACHI LODGE – SEQUOIA
The Wuksachi Lodge has a very convenient location for your stay and is the only accommodation in the park that is open year round. When coming from southern California, this is a great pick. You can have a full day in the park and then stay the night and take on a popular location first thing before the crowds come in. If you are making a loop, you have plenty of time to check out Grant Grove on your way out of the parks.
The walk from the parking lot to your building can be long, depending on where you park. There are luggage carts available to assist you. It is essential to clear all food/garbage, coolers, trash, and toiletries from your car as you are in black bear country, and they are often seen in the lodge area.
ACCOMMODATIONS AT WUKSACHI LODGE
The lodge accommodations are clean and comfortable. We booked the standard room with two queen beds. Check-in was easy, and our room was ready at 4 pm, which is always appreciated after a long day. Our visit was during COVID, so everything was immaculate. The lobby had coffee in the morning for guests.
The main building has a beautiful bridge that crosses over to a paved path where we explored, relaxed, enjoyed a mocktail, and let our son play. This would be a great spot to take your happy hour after a long day exploring the park!
We always need downtime in the evening due to our son’s Cystic Fibrosis. He needs a high-calorie snack and to complete his breathing treatments sometime before dinner. It was great to have access to television channels like Disney and Nickelodeon at the lodge for this downtime as we settled in, and he took care of treatments. I know that TV in the national parks is not the focus, but it is a welcome break when you need some time to relax before heading out again. If I hadn’t been pregnant, a glass of wine would have been wonderful during this time, as this photo is taken from a small table by the window.
DINING AT WUKSACHI LODGE
The Peaks Restaurant has to-go style breakfast items that can be enjoyed in the dining room, on the outdoor Pizza Deck patio, or in your room. The Pizza Deck serves pizzas, breadsticks, sandwiches, organic salads, and wine/craft beers to-go style. The outdoor patio is great on sunny afternoons! There is a water bottle filling station in the lobby by the Peaks Restaurant bar.
JOHN MUIR LODGE – KINGS CANYON
The John Muir Lodge is an excellent pick in Grant Grove. We have stayed in the cabins, not a lodge room. However, I want to mention it here because the cabins are very rustic, and the lodge offers cozy rooms you enter from a hallway. Both the lodge and cabins share the same amenities and lobby space. I love the rocking chairs around the porch lobby and the coffee in the mornings. There is also a microwave and water bottle filling station in the lobby.
DINING IN GRANT GROVE
The Grant Grove restaurant is the dining option for the John Muir Lodge and Grant Grove Cabins. The hours are limited, so make sure to know them because there are no other options in the area. I missed coffee the morning we packed up to take the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to Cedar Grove. Since COVID, everything is being served to go, and you can enjoy it outdoors in the courtyard or inside the dining room. You can order at the window or from the terminals outside.
GRANT GROVE CABINS – KINGS CANYON
The Grant Grove Cabins are a fun and more rustic way to stay in the park. We stayed in a timber two double bed duplex cabin with a private attached bath. Some cabins are tent-style, and some are wood. Some of these cabins date back to 1910, which is incredible. You cannot compete with the location, as all of Grant Grove is accessible by walking. They are also about half the cost of the Wuksachi Lodge. The stargazing at night is incredible too.
BEST WESTERN – EXETER
We love the Best Western in Exeter, CA (4 1/2 hours from San Diego) because the rooms are spacious and clean and have a refrigerator and microwave. They also give you complimentary breakfast in the morning so you can get on the road quickly. It is easy to top off your gas tank in town and then drive 40 minutes to the park entrance. Visalia is about 45 minutes away and full of similar hotels that include breakfast. There are fun short stops on the drive up General’s Highway, so it is nice to start at the park entrance first thing in the morning.
OUR TRAVEL ITINERARIES
ONE-NIGHT IN SEQUOIA ITINERARY – JUNE 2020
DAY ONE – EXETER TO SEQUOIA – 75°
- Woke up in Exeter, packed our cooler with the picnic we brought from San Diego the night before, grabbed breakfast, and topped off our gas tank before heading 45 north minutes to the Mountain Entrance of Sequoia
- Stopped to take pictures by the entrance sign
- Explored Tunnel Rock
- Parked at Hospital Rock, walked down to the river
- Hiked Moro Rock
- Hiked around Crescent Meadow and had a picnic lunch
- General Sherman Tree
- Check in to Wuksachi Lodge
- Explore the grounds of the lodge
- Dinner at the Pizza Deck
DAY TWO – SEQUOIA THROUGH KINGS CANYON TO OAKHURST – 82°
- Woke up to deer outside our window at Wuksachi Lodge, had breakfast in our room, grabbed a coffee from the front desk, and passed more deer on the walk over
- Hiked Tokopah Falls
- Back to Wuksachi Lodge for cheeseburgers at the Pizza Deck (1:30pm)
- Drove to Grant Grove (our son fell asleep!)
- Panoramic Point
- Grant Tree Trail
- Ice Cream from the Grant Grove Market
- Stopped in the gift shop and visitor center to turn in our son’s Junior Ranger book
- Walked down into Big Stump Basin for a bit (not the whole trail)
- Left Kings Canyon National Park via the Big Stump Entrance on our way to Oakhurst, to get ready for our day in Yosemite!
OUR TWO-NIGHTS IN GRANT GROVE ITINERARY – OCTOBER 2022
DAY ONE – EXETER TO KINGS CANYON THROUGH SEQUOIA
- Woke up in Exeter, grabbed breakfast, and topped off our gas tank before heading 45 north minutes to the Mountain Entrance of Sequoia
- Stopped to take pictures by the entrance sign
- Parked at the Giant Forest Museum
- Walked to Beetle Rock
- Explored the Giant Forest Museum
- Hiked the Big Trees Trail
- Wandered around Crescent Meadow
- Lunch at the Wuksachi Lodge Pizza Deck
- Drove to Grant Grove, checked in to Grant Grove Cabins
- Sunset at Panoramic Point
- Dinner at Grant Grove Grill
DAY TWO – GRANT GROVE TO ROADS END IN CEDAR GROVE (AND BACK)
- Woke up in Grant Grove
- To-go breakfast from Grant Grill
- Loaded car for road trip to Cedar Grove
- Stopped by the Grant Grove Visitor Center (10:15)
- Took the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to Road’s End (awesome adventure – post coming)
- Back in Grant Grove at 3:30pm, checked with ranger for another incredible sunset location
- Wandered Grant Grove Trail
- Sunset at the Redwood Mountain Overlook
- Dinner at Grant Grove Grill
- Stargazing outside of our cabin
DAY THREE – GRANT GROVE TO SAN DIEGO
- Woke up in our cabin, packed up, and checked out
- Hiked Big Stump Basin
- Home to San Diego
FROM SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK TO YOSEMITE
If you want to continue your adventure, follow along to Yosemite!
- Plan Your Trip to Yosemite National Park with Kids
- Biking in Yosemite Valley
- Secret Yosemite – Hiking Hetch Hetchy
- Two Days in Yosemite National Park
“NEXT TIME” LIST
I always keep a “NEXT TIME” list when we travel. I feel like it is important to include because this blog is subjective, and I want my readers to know about the myriad opportunities I am still hoping to experience on my next visit. Whenever I read, hear, or research something outside my experience, I will include it here. I hope to eventually fully experience these destinations when I visit again (and I can’t wait to do so).
- Sunset Rock Hike – 1.4 miles roundtrip
- Hike the Congress Trail – 2.1 miles roundtrip
- Crystal Cave Tour
- Stay the night in a John Muir Lodge room
Really enjoyed this post. Thank you for sharing your experiences and hints. Keep on posting your Mile Marker Memories!
Thanks for reading! Hope our experiences will help create a special adventure for you!
Thank you for a wonderful report! we are travelling there this summer & I got some great ideas. 🙂
It is such a beautiful place to visit. Hope you have a great time. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions about some of the things we did!