Recreation
Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are famous for hosting the World's Largest Trees. But there's so much more to explore. Here's a shortlist of recreational spots you can add to your itinerary.
Can't Miss Destinations
Roaring River Falls
Access Level: Easy
Roaring River Falls Trail is a 0.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Cedar Grove, California that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from May until September.
World's Largest Tree
Access Level: Easy
General Sherman Tree is a 1.3 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Three Rivers, California that features a great forest setting and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round.
The Watchtower
Access Level: Moderate
Watchtower Trail is a 10.6 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Three Rivers, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and is best used from April until September.
Mist Falls
Access Level: Moderate
Mist Falls Trail is a 8.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Hume, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until November. Horses are also able to use this trail.
Lost Lake
Access Level: Hard
Lost Lake Trail is a 17.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Stony Creek Village, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from June until October.
Attractions
Local attractions are always fun! Sometimes it's hard to locate them, so we've assembled a few of our favorites here.
Suggested Day Trip Itineraries
If you're unfamiliar with Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, but you want to get the most out of your visits, here are some suggested day trips.
Sequoia Day Trip
Here is an itinerary for a one day visit to Sequoia National Park:
7:00 AM - Start the day by having breakfast at Gena's Place
9:00 AM - Start the day by visiting Buck Rock Fire Lookout for a free tour. Enjoy panoramic views of the Giant Sequoia groves.
10:30 AM - Stop at the Redwood Mountain Overlook to take in breathtaking views of the largest grove of Giant Sequoia trees in the world.
11:30 AM - Take a short hike up to Buena Vista Peak to enjoy the majestic views of the surrounding landscape.
12:30 PM - Stop for lunch at Lodgepole Market and Grill.
1:30 PM - Visit the General Sherman Giant Sequoia Tree, one of the largest and most famous trees in the world.
2:30 PM - Visit the Giant Forest Museum and learn about the history and significance of the Giant Sequoia trees.
3:30 PM - Drive through the Sequoia National Park's Tunnel Log, a unique experience that takes you through a fallen tree trunk.
4:30 PM - Hike Moro Rock, a popular trail that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
7:30 PM - Return to Genas Sierra Inn and Restaurant for dinner.
This itinerary provides a full day of adventure and sightseeing in Sequoia National Park, showcasing some of the best that the park has to offer, from breathtaking views and scenic hikes, to fascinating museum experiences and awe-inspiring giant trees. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a first-time visitor to the park, this itinerary is sure to provide an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.
Kings Canyon Day Trip
Here is an itinerary for a one day visit to Kings Canyon National Park:
7:30 AM - Start the day by having breakfast at Gena's Place
9:00 AM - Start the day by visiting the Kings Canyon National Park Visitors Center
10:00 AM - Tour the General Grant Giant Sequoia, which includes a self-guided tour of the history of the first non-native settlers in Grant Grove.
11:00 AM - Stop at the Junction View scenic overlook at the fork of the Kings River, where the peak of the Spanish Mountain marks the deepest canyon in North America.
12:00 PM - Visit Boyden Cavern to view the interesting geology and picnic or grab a snack at the snack bar.
1:00 PM - Head to Grizzly Falls, which is easily accessible from the highway and enjoy the beautiful waterfall.
2:00 PM - Enjoy horseback riding at the Cedar Grove Pack Station, where you can explore the park on horseback.
4:30 PM - Hike in Zumwalt Meadows and take in the stunning natural granite walls at the floor of the canyon.
6:00 PM - Take a swim in the Kings River at Muir Rock to cool off and relax after a day of outdoor activities.
7:30 PM - Return to Genas Sierra Inn and Restaurant for dinner.
This itinerary provides a jam-packed day of adventure and sightseeing in Kings Canyon National Park, showcasing some of the best that the park has to offer, from scenic views and geological wonders, to outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking, and swimming. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a first-time visitor to the park, this itinerary is sure to provide an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.
Yosemite Day Trip
Here is an itinerary for a one day visit to Yosemite National Park:
7:00 AM - Start the day by having breakfast at Gena's Place
8:00 AM - Take Highway 180 into Fresno, then take CA-41 towards Yosemite.
10:00 AM - Arrive at the Yosemite South Gate
10:45 AM - Park at Tunnel View and enjoy the stunning Yosemite Valley.
11:00 AM - Head to Bridalveil Falls, which is easily accessible from the highway and enjoy the beautiful waterfall.
12:00 PM - Make your way to Curry Village where you can grab lunch and enjoy spectacular views of Halfdome.
2:30 PM - Tour the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
3:30 PM - Check out the stunning Ansel Adams gallery and the Yosemite Museum
4:30 PM - Visit Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America.
5:30 PM - Enjoy a picnic dinner at the El Capitan Picnic Area
9:00 PM - Return to Gena's Sierra Inn
This itinerary provides a jam-packed day of adventure and sightseeing in Yosemite National Park, showcasing some of the best that the park has to offer, from scenic views and geological wonders, to outdoor activities like bike riding, hiking, and sight seeing. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a first-time visitor to the park, this itinerary is sure to provide an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.
National Parks Service App
Let a park ranger be your guide! The National Park Service App is the brand new official app for all 420+ national parks. Find interactive maps, tours of park places, on-the-ground accessibility information, and more. The app was created by National Park Service staff—people who know national parks—to help you make the most of your visit.
There's a lot to do around here!
Local Attractions
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Genas Place Family Style Restaurant - Closed for winter. Reopening in March.
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Hume Lake Ranger Station - 2 Miles
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Dunlap Canyon Vista Point - 2 Miles
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Post Office - 5 Miles
Kings Canyon National Park / Sequoia National Forest
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General Grant (World's Second Largest Tree) Kings Canyon - 23 Miles
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Cedar Grove Visitor Center (Kings Canyon) - 46 Miles
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Mist Falls Trailhead (King's Canyon) - 51 Miles
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Hume Lake Day Use Area (Kings Canyon) - 31 Miles
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Grizzly Fall Picnic Area (Kings Canyon) - 42 Miles
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Roaring River Falls (Wheelchair Accessible) - 43 Miles
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Zumwalt Meadows Picnic and Trailhead - 46 Miles
Sequoia National Park
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Giant Forest Museum - 44 Miles
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Heather Lake & Alta Peak Trailhead (Sequoia) - 43 Miles
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Moro Rock - 45 Miles
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Tharp's Log - 50 Miles
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Sequoia Park Tunnel Log (Sequoia) - 43 Miles
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Crescent Meadow Picnic Ground - 46 Miles
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Crystal Cave - 48 Miles
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Hospital Rock - 60 Miles
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Marble Falls - 70 Miles
- Tunnel Rock - 75 Miles
- Sunset Rock - 50 Miles