10 Things You Can't Miss On Your First Visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon

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Hi there! Are you ready to plan a remarkable trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?! This is a land of GIANTS….giant trees, giant canyons, giant waterfalls, and giant mountains.

You are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE!

Sequoia and Kings Canyon are in the same vicinity and work together to create an unforgettable experience — this will likely be somewhere you will talk about for years to come. Because you have two parks right at your fingertips, so much diversity and beauty can be found within just a short drive or hike.

There is so much to do. You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.

I’m a former park ranger and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details. I’ve extensively explored Sequoia and Kings Canyon and am here to help! Whether this is your first time here, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to these parks, this list of 10 things is for you.

What You Need to Know

Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks are open year-round. Roads may be temporarily closed during the winter due to snow. For more information on the park’s operating hours and seasons, click here.

Plan on seeing both parks while you are here! The entire area consists of the national parks and national forests and everything runs together. The Generals Highway connects the two parks making it easy to see it all.

There are 14 NPS campgrounds in the 2 parks, with the majority of the campsites being first-come, first-served. You can learn more about camping in the park here. Another option is to check out the selection of forest service campgrounds in the area as well.

Four lodges operate within the parks, two that are open year-round. The national forest land also has lodging options. Take a look at the options here.

If you’re driving a vehicle longer than 22 feet, you’ll need to enter the parks via Kings Canyon {the Big Stump Entrance} along Highway 180. Do not try to enter from the town of Three Rivers! Gas is not available within the national park boundaries, but there is a station at Stony Creek in the forest service land between the two parks.

I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the sights that make these parks so famous, but I also want to provide a few treasures that are off the beaten path as well. Let the adventure begin!