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The largest trees in the world – Sequoiadendron giganteum or the giant sequoia – are the top draw for many visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. And this slice of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California is indeed one of the best places to see these incredible, awe-inspiring trees. You will see incredible trees!
But there’s many more spectacular things to see and experience that these impressive parks have to offer. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are also full of rushing rivers, steep canyons, vertical mountain peaks, granite domes and elaborate caves. Wildlife like black bears, mule deer, mountain lions, marmots and bighorn sheep make their homes here. More than a thousand miles of hiking trails wind through the parks’ wild backcountry; this is also a wonderful place for rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, and winter sports.
Everyone should see the wonders of Sequoia and Kings Canyon at least once in their lifetime. And whether you have a day or two to tour the parks, or plan to return for multiple visits, you’ll always find something new and exciting to explore.
Fresno or Visalia
At least one full day, ideally two days or more
125 miles
The largest trees in the world – Sequoiadendron giganteum or the giant sequoia – are the top draw for many visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. And this slice of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California is indeed one of the best places to see these incredible, awe-inspiring trees. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are also full of rushing rivers, steep canyons, vertical mountain peaks, granite domes and elaborate caves. Wildlife like black bears, mule deer, mountain lions, marmots and bighorn sheep make their homes here.
Ideally, you’d be able to spend at least two full days in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. That way, you can devote one day to each park.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are open year-round, holidays included. Most visitors come between June and August, though September and May see only slightly fewer people. In the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, the foothills might have comfortable temperatures and flowers while the upper groves are snowed in. Winter can be a wonderful time to visit the parks, with abundant snowfall in the high elevations and lots of opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing and sledding.