Best of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
The biggest trees on the planet at the top of a long mountain road, with a canyon behind them most visitors never reach.
Checking live park conditions…
Warm days among the big trees with the Kings Canyon road open. Chains are often required from autumn into spring, and midsummer brings crowds and wildfire smoke.
Day 1·Giants of the Sequoia
Open in MapsSightseeing
Giant Forest Museum
Start your journey among the giants with an introduction to the ecology of these immense trees.
Activity
Moro Rock
A short, steep climb rewards you with panoramic views of the Great Western Divide and the Kaweah River Canyon.
Sightseeing
Crescent Meadow
Often called the 'Gem of the Sierra,' this tranquil meadow is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll among ancient sequoias, especially beautiful at sunset.
Sightseeing
General Sherman Tree
Stand before the largest tree in the world by volume, a truly humbling experience. Best visited in the late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Day 2·Kings Canyon and Grant Grove
Open in MapsSightseeing
Grant Grove
Home to the third-largest tree in the world, the Robert E. Lee Tree, and a beautiful grove to explore. Allow for a scenic drive of about an hour from Giant Forest.
Sightseeing
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
Drive into the deepest canyon in North America, offering dramatic vistas and a sense of profound wilderness. This is a half-day commitment at least, especially with stops. The scenic byway is stunning for its sheer scale, and the drive takes at least an hour to the end of the road from Grant Grove.
Sightseeing
Zumwalt Meadow
A beautiful and accessible meadow with views of towering granite cliffs, a perfect tranquil stop at the end of the scenic byway before heading back.
Make it your own
Start from this curated plan — Runes copies it into your trips so you can tweak dates, budget, pace, and stops. Personalized to your style soon.