Two Day Itinerary for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
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Zumwalt meadow in kings canyon national park
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If you’re looking for a perfect two-day itinerary for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, you’re in the right place. I’ve put together two full days of activities that will show visitors the dramatic valley views, walks among giant sequoias, and even swim in the cool mountain waters. I recommend spending several days to fully explore these parks, but you can definitely do most of the iconic spots over 2 days.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon together cover over 1,353 square miles with many mountains and valleys in the mix. To drive from the Southern Foothills entrance of Sequoia National Park to the Muir Rock in Kings Canyon takes at least 2 hours and 45 minutes, so doing both parks in one day wouldn’t be worth it. Taking the time to explore each park over two full days will give you a much better experience with way less time in the car.
For more in-depth information about where to stay, what to do, hikes are broken down by ability, and park fees, check out my two other blogs: Sequoia National Park with Kids and What to do in Kings Canyon National Park with Kids.
If you’re headed to Yosemite next, read this Itinerary for Yosemite National Park.
Every visitor to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park should make a stop at one of the 4 visitor centers to get a park map, get a weather update, and info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. You can also visit HERE to see up-to-date closures and weather. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots. The Foothills Visitor Center is located just inside the South Entrance of Sequoia National park, Lodgepole Visitor Center is located at the heart of Sequoia National Park in Lodgepole Village, the Kings Canyon Visitor Center is located at the Western entrance to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon, and the Cedar Grove Visitor Center is located in the heart of Kings Canyon National Park. All of the visitor centers can answer questions about both parks as they are managed by the same park rangers.
Be sure to download the free app!
It’s worth noting that cell phone service is limited inside each park. Be sure to download the FREE NPS app that allows you to download maps for access while visiting the parks. Search for NPS Sequoia & Kings Canyon and download the app from the Apple App or the Google Play store before you arrive at the parks.
Table of Contents
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Sequoia Naitional Park has their iconic sign at the foothills entrance
did you even really go if you don’t get an iconic national park sign photo!?
Where to Stay Near Sequoia and Kings Canyon
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Sequoia National Park, check out my full guide to Sequoia National Park. If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Kings Canyon National Park, check out my full guide to Kings Canyon National Park. Both of these blogs have in depth information on campgrounds inside both parks and all of the National Park Lodges located inside the two parks.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near the parks, use this map to search by group size, location, and budget.
1 Day Itinerary Sequoia National Park
Sunrise Hike to Moro Rock
This is a climb from a parking lot up a long stairway that goes up 300 feet to the summit. The stairs to Moro Rock offer 360-degree views of the valleys inside of and surrounding Sequoia National Park. There is a small parking lot at the bottom with a restroom, so be sure to go before you start the climb.
Expect the climb to take 20 - 25 minutes to climb to the top and about 15 minutes to come down.
Family Tip: We did this a sunrise hike with two 3-year-old boys and a 5-year-old girl. It was unreal and absolutely gorgeous. If you are going with young toddlers or babies, just wear them in a Toddler Tula or Ergo Baby and keep them safely by your side. There are restrooms at the beginning of this hike.
To see all of the Sequoia National Park hikes broken down by age, click HERE.
All four of us! We made it for the sunrise at moro rock
The hike to moro rock is unreal. You emerge from the forest to overlook tehe entire valley
Big Trees Trail
This is actually Parker Group, but on the Big Trees trail you will be rewarded with endless Giants
Head from Moro Rock to Big Trees Trail. This is a very popular trail inside the park, so if you want to do it with no crowd, head straight there from your sunrise hike to Moro Rock.
There is a parking area located at the trailhead.
This 0.75-mile trail circles Round Meadow. Hikers can follow the trail-side panels to learn about the sequoia ecology. This trail is paved and accessible for both strollers and wheelchairs. I highly recommend this trail. We missed it and it’s my only regret from our trip. This is a giant Sequoia grove, so you’ll see many of the giants here.
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Visit General Sherman Tree
We chose to stop at the mid-point of the trail and look at General Sherman from a higher vantage point.
General Sherman Tree is the largest known tree in the entire world. It is not the tallest or the largest around, but with both it’s height and girth, it ranks number one in volume.
The 1 mile round trip trail takes hikers along a paved trail (with plenty of stairs) from a large parking lot down to the iconic General Sherman Tree. The trail leads down to the tree, so it is a climb up to get back to the parking lot.
NOTE: This is the most popular attraction in Sequoia National Park. While there is a large parking lot and a large bathroom facility at the entrance, expect large crowds and possibly waiting on a parking spot. Try to visit on non-holidays mid-week.
This is the General Sherman Parking lot around 11AM on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend
Lunch at Wuksachi Lodge
Wuksachi Pizza Deck is conveniently located at the Wuksachi Lodge. During the current situation, this is the only way to dine at Wuksachi Lodge, but the food is really good. We ordered a 14 inch cheese pizza and a Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich with two sodas. Both the pizza and sandwich were delicious.
The Pizza Deck is a really nice place to stop for a break. The picnic tables have shade and are convenient to the ordering menu. The food came out promptly. There is wi-fi in the lodge that you can connect to while you dine if you need to regroup or adjust your plans for the day.
Other lunch options include Lodgepole Cafe, The Peaks Restaurant, or further out to Grant Grove Restaurant.
If you’re visiting Sequoia on a budget - you can skip purchasing lunch altogether and pack a picnic. There are so many unreal spots to stop and have lunch.
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The Giant Forest Museum
The giant forest museum teaches visitors all about the ecology of sequoia national park — this info can be used as you explore more of the park
After lunch let your food settle while you learn all about Sequoia National Park. The Giant Forest museum is the perfect place to start your Sequoia adventure. This museum gives an introduction to the main features of the Giant Forest. There are displays and interactive educational stations to teach visitors how to identify trees in the area, explain the difference between coastal redwoods and giant Sequoias, and explain the natural history and ecology of Sequoia National Park. The museum was renovated in 2001 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After your educational visit, take a stroll along Round Meadow on this easy 1-mile trail.
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Hike to Tharps Log and Chimney Tree
You’ll see many giants along the crescent meadow trail
An easy hike into the forest is the perfect way to close out your epic day in Sequoia National Park. I recommend this hike because it’s flat, has many giant sequoias, and introduces visitors to the history and the incredible meadows within the park. On the drive to this hike, you will have the chance to drive through Tunnel Tree. There are two restroom facilities and a large parking lot for this hike.
Crescent Meadow Loop: This 2-mile easy trek will take hikers on an even trail, most of which is paved, down to Chimney Tree and Tharp’s log. Hikers are rewarded with many giant sequoia trees and quiet. **We made a wrong turn on this trail and it ended up being 4.3 miles, so let me tell you exactly what to hike to keep it short.
Start on the paved Crescent Meadow Loop and follow it to the sign for Chimney Tree (0.8 miles), then follow the path toward Chimney Tree. From Chimney Tree, find the trail sign (trailhead) for the path to Tharp’s Log (0.4 miles). At Tharp’s log you can follow the paved path straight back to the parking lot. (0.8 miles)
If you want a longer hike you can make the turn for Log Meadow (on the right side as you hike from the trailhead to the turn for Chimney Tree) This is an absolutely gorgeous hike around a low trafficked meadow surrounded with giant sequoias. DO NOT take this if you don’t want the added 2+ miles.
For a full list of hikes in Sequoia National Park by difficulty click HERE. (broken down by recommended ages)
The view inside of tharps log. Yes! It’s a fallen sequoia turned into a home.
1 Day Itinerary for Kings Canyon National Park
As you drive into Kings Canyon National Park you will be rewarded with several vista overlooks. Take your time on the drive. Kings Canyon is the deepest canyon in the United States and the vistas give full views from peak to the river below. Let this drive be your first amazing experience on your one day in Kings Canyon National Park.
Zumwalt Meadow Trail
The average annual weather for reference COURTESY of https://www.weather-us.com/
Zumwalt Meadow is arguably the most well-known hike in Kings Canyon.
This easy 0.8-mile trail is absolutely perfect for any skill level. The Zumwalt Meadow Loop rewards hikers with the true essence of Kings Canyon. From crossing a picturesque expansion bridge over a gorgeous clear river to walking through the lush green Zumwalt meadow with dramatic granite cliff views - this trail is amazing. At the trailhead, there is a small parking lot with restrooms and several picnic tables. It’s a great place to start your exploration of this amazing national park.
If you’re looking for more strenuous hikes, check out my Kings Canyon National Park with Kids guide where I break down all of the hikes in the park by ability.
Family Tip: We did this hike with two 3-year-olds and a 5-year-old - it wasn’t strenuous for anyone.
READ NEXT: What to do in Kings Canyon National Park with Kids
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The views of the granite monoliths in kngs canyon from zumwalt meadow are incredible - click image for backpack link
Muir Rock
After your hike, cool off with a swim at Muir Rock. This spot is located nearby at Road’s End. There is a large parking area, so snag a spot and bring all your best swim gear and floats! Here you will find a large granite slab on the river where everyone goes to take a dip! If you’re brave and want to jump from Muir Rock (about an 8-foot drop), the current will bring you back to the shore. This swimming hole get’s its name because John Muir would give talks here and take members of the Sierra Club to this spot for meetings.
TIP: Bring swim shoes or sandals that can get wet!
If you’re looking for all the places in Kings Canyon to swim, check out my What to do in Kings Canyon National Park blog!
Lunch at Cedar Grove Grill
After a hike and a long swim, consider getting lunch at Cedar Grove Grill. They have options from grass fed burgers to hummus garden wrap and even salads. The Cedar Grove Grill is conveniently located near the Cedar Grove Visitor center too.
If you’re on a budget, pack a picnic! There are many spots throughout Kings Canyon for a delicious lunch with epic views.
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Roaring River Falls
After lunch, pack up and head over to Roaring River Falls. This is a very easy and rewarding hike. It’s less than .5 miles from the parking lot to the falls and it’s a paved path. Many people climb down to take a dip in the cool mountain water, but you can also just take in the views. Even if you don’t want to swim, I recommend climbing down and taking in the views from the water’s edge. The photo below shows our view from where dipped our feet in.
There is a very small parking lot at the trail head, but the cars come and go frequently, so even at peak time you shouldn’t wait long.
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The views from the falls are incredible.
General Grant Tree
After you enjoy some refreshingly cold water at Roaring River Falls, start making your way back toward Grant Grove. This drive will take you back along the scenic road you came in on. Consider stopping off for a brief look at Grizzly Falls or for a hike or swim at Hume Lake.
General Grant Tree has a large parking lot and restrooms. Visitors come and go frequently, so you shouldn’t wait long for a spot. The trail to General Grant Tree is an easy .3 miles. Along the trail you’ll see many other sequoias and have the option to walk through two different fallen trees.
For anyone wanting one last Giant sequoia adventure, consider taking the 1.5 mile North Grove Loop that starts in the Grant Tree parking area. This hike will take visitors on a quiet walk in the sequoia forest, past creeks and meadows.
Did you know? In 1926 President Coolidge named this tree “America’s Christmas Tree”
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General Grant Tree AKA Americas christmas tree
Don't Forget a Souvenir
Right near General Grant Tree and on your way to exit the park, you’ll find Grant Grove Market and Grant Grove Gift Shop. Both are stocked with all of the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park gear you’ll need. Also co-located with the shops is the Grant Grove Restaurant and the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. So, if you want to get your National Park Passport stamped, a hot coffee or a nice bottle of local wine - be sure to visit the shops before you leave!
This two-day itinerary for Sequoia and Kings Canyon will take you on an adventure you’ll not soon forget. From giant sequoia groves to valley overlooks to the deepest canyon in the USA to roaring waterfalls, your trip to SEKI will make everyone in the group happy. If you would like a printable PDF of this itinerary, CLICK HERE.
Don’t forget to check out my Sequoia National Park Guide and my Kings Canyon National Park guide for more details on how to get to the park, where to stay, which hikes are appropriate for what age, and additional items to see along the way!
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