Modern Hotel In Fresno: Comfort Suites Clovis
This charming hotel is located in central Fresno, close to public transport and lots of dining options. The accommodation offers an outdoor swimming pool, affordable rates for each type of suite and a free breakfast buffet every morning. Fitness enthusiasts will also love the in-house gym. The suites can sleep up to 5 people at a time, which makes it especially great for small groups or families that travel together.
- Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular places of natural beauty in the country take an eight-day trip with a licensed guide on this epic experience.
- Departing from Clovis, this one day experience in a jeep is a great way to speed through the Sierra Nevada without breaking the bank.
- Shakespeare in the Park might seem a little high brow at first glance, but its actually a hugely popular activity for all ages throughout the summer.
Summer In Sequoia National Park
Summer in Sequoia National Park is scorchingly hot in the Foothills and comfortable in the Sequoia groves. Rainy days are few and far between.
Because of the warm weather in the Sequoia groves, summer sees an influx of crowds. A typical summer day gets nearly double the number of visitors as a fall or spring day. In Summer, all park roads and campgrounds are open.
For those looking to go backpacking and explore Sequoias wilderness, the summer is the quota season for wilderness season, where only a certain number of permits are issued per day. Read more about wilderness permits in Sequoia National Park here.
Summer is a great time to explore the Sequoia groves at higher elevations and visit the Giant Forest Museum. Unfortunately, temperatures in the low elevation Foothills region are often over 90 degrees, making it a less desirable time to visit this region.
Read More:18 Best Hikes in Sequoia National Park
Where to Stay in Sequoia National Park in the Summer
In the summer, all park lodges are open in Sequoia National Park and the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park.
These are the best hotels open in the summer near Sequoia National Park:
Read more about the best campgrounds in Sequoia National Park and the best campgrounds in Kings Canyon National Park nearby.
Sequoia National Park in June
In the Foothills, average high temperatures reach the 90s, making hiking at mid-day dangerous without enough water and sun protection.
Sequoia National Park in July
Things To Do In Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks
Ever since I spent a quick couple of days in Yosemite National Park, Ive been itching to get back to California to explore of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I heard that south of Yosemite were two other less visited but equally spectacular National Parks: Sequoia and Kings Canyon. SoCal native April of The Unending Journey regularly visits the area and when I saw her amazing photos, I knew it had to go on my bucket list. April has put together this amazing list of things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for us. It includes the best places to stop, some scenic drives and recommendations for hikes both easy and challenging. Thanks April! Taryn
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Standing with my head all the way back, I still cant fathom the size of the tree before me. No matter how many times Ive been, its hard to wrap my mind around the enormity of the sequoias. To stroll through a land filled of these silent giants fills you with joy and wonder. Its almost like recapturing the wonder you felt as a child. Yes, people visit Sequoia National Park to see its namesake trees, but thats just the tip of the iceberg of what to expect.
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Things To See And Do In Three Rivers
- Beginner hiker? Let a professional take you through the stunning Sequoia National Park in this private guided tour.
- Like many national parks, Sequoia is a great place to peer up at the night sky and take in the galaxy learn all about the stars with an environmental expert in this experience.
- Sometimes keeping the kids entertained can be a nuisance when you want to relax, but theyll be sure to love cuddling miniature goats in this experience.
- Sequoia Cider Mill Restaurant offers both American and Mexican cuisine plus a surprisingly extensive drinks menu.
Fall In Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park sees temperatures decline heading into fall. Dry conditions stick around through October, with limited chances of rain. The first snowfall in the higher elevation Sequoia groves is typically in late October to early November.
Crowds drop significantly after Labor Day weekend in early September. By November, only 2,000 visitors explore the Sequoias in the early wintry conditions.
Fall is an excellent time to explore Sequoia National Park without the crowds. In late fall, temperatures in the Foothills are milder, allowing for comfortable hiking weather.
Where to Stay in Sequoia National Park in the Fall
All park lodges are open in Sequoia National Park and the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park in the fall.
These are the best hotels open in the fall near Sequoia National Park:
Read more about the best campgrounds in Sequoia National Park and the best campgrounds in Kings Canyon National Park nearby.
Sequoia National Park in September
In September, temperatures cool off from the hot summer weather . Rain remains rare, and conditions are dry. Expect a higher risk of wildfires and fire bans to be in place in September.
After Labor Day, crowds decrease significantly, and weather is ideal for camping in the higher elevations like Lodgepole. September is the last month to tour Crystal Cave, with tours usually running through late September. All park roads remain open through September.
- Average High : 71°
- Average Low : 45°
- Average High : 91°
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Three Rivers Overall Best Place To Stay In Sequoia National Park
Three Rivers is the main gateway to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon two of the best National Parks in the USA! Its a major tourist destination, but the friendly locals are more than happy to share some stories with you. The Giant Forest Museum, where you can learn about the national park, is only a short drive away.
Dries Jacobs
Aside from the beautiful scenery on your doorstep, youll also get a surprisingly authentic insight into rural Californian life! Three Rivers has managed to maintain its rustic charm, enchanting guests year after year. If you have the time, chill out and share a beer with the locals on your first evening.
Mineral King Area Sequoia National Park
Atwell MillAtwell Mill, located halfway up Mineral King Road in Sequoia National Park at 6,500 feet, is open from late May to late October. Many of its 21 sites can be reserved during the busy season, May through September.
Cold SpringsThe highest campground in either park, Cold Springs is in the heart of Sequoias Mineral King Area. Its 40 sites are available from late May to late October, first-come, first-served.
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Kings Canyon Lodging Reservations
A pair of national park havens, the John Muir Lodge and the Cedar Grove Lodge, stand like sentinels at each end of Kings Canyon park. Between them are cabins, tent cabins and campgrounds, all sharing soaring peaks, massive forests, verdant meadows and steep canyons on the horizon or around the bend. Some are open all year, while some do close for the winter.Stay in these Kings Canyon hotels and youll see why John Muir called Sequoia and Kings Canyon the gem of the Sierra and worked so hard to conserve them for generations to come.
Can You Enter Kings Canyon National Park From The East
There are no roads in the parks that cross to the east side of the Sierra Nevada, nor are there any roads that enter the parks from the east. You can visit both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks all yearalthough some areas are inaccessible by car from approximately November through May because of snow and ice.
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Rustic Lodge In Kernville: The Kern Lodge
This gorgeous little lodge might only have a three-star rating, but it comes with some of the best hotel reviews in the Sequoia National Park region! The interiors are rustically designed with native wood and traditional furnishings. During the summer, the outdoor pool is an awesome cooling-off spot before enjoying the communal barbecue. This is a firm favourite with solo travellers, but its also great for families and larger groups.
Sequoia National Forest And Giant Sequoia National Monument
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are unusual. They not only abut one another, but as you drive through them, you are also likely to pass through portions of Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument, which both have campgrounds operated by the US Forest Service.
Hume Lake AreaYoull find five Forest Service campgrounds in the Hume Lake area, which borders on Kings Canyon National Park. All of them can accommodate at least small RVs, and the three larger campgrounds have sites that can be reserved through recreation.gov. The campgrounds are generally open from mid-May to mid-September. Princess Campground, west of Hume Lake on Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, has 88 sites, and is the most accessible. Convict Flat is farther east on the scenic byway, and has five first-come, first-served sites. Hume Lake has 74 sites near the shore of the lake. Landslide and Tenmile are south of Hume Lake. Landslide has nine first-come, first served sites. Tenmile has 13 sites that can be reserved through recreation.gov.
As you plan your trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, dont forget the most useful resource you can bring alongthe Just Ahead app loaded with our Sequoia and Kings Canyon tour. Just Ahead turns your smartphone into an audio tour guide that will guide you to the park and all of its best landmarks, hikes, viewpoints, and side trips. Its the best way to get the most from your visit. .
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Roads End & Muir Rock
At the end of the road, youll find the area called Roads End. If its a hot day, this area of the river is the perfect place to jump in and cool off. The water flow here is much more tame and safe for a swim.
While youre at the river, look out for the imposing pedestal rock from which the renowned environmentalist, John Muir, delivered conservationist speeches. John Muir loved this area of the Sierras and its so easy to see why its stunningly beautiful.
Kings Canyon National Park Hotels/lodging
The John Muir Lodge and Grant Grove Cabins are located inside Kings Canyon National Park, and within walking distance of renowned Grant Grove, home to the General Grant Tree. Enjoy being close to these giant sequoias and also at the top of the road following the Kings River down into Kings Canyon itself. Dog-friendly rooms are also available.
Choose hotel-style accommodations at the John Muir Lodge – complete with a lofty open timber beam ceiling and stone fireplace in the common area, or a more rustic cabin-like experience at Grant Grove Cabins. These cabins come in either hard-sided or tent-cabin styles.
Cedar Grove Lodge is located in the heart of Kings Canyon on the bank of Kings River and close to Roads End, a popular trail head for adventures out into the park during the summer months. With only 21 guest rooms and a unique location, this lodge fills quickly, so make your reservations early.
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Is The Hike Difficult In The Winter
The hike itself is relatively easy if the snow is packed, however, it can be challenging with a fresh coat of snow so bring your snowshoes! It has a slow but steady incline as you trek towards the falls.
As you get closer towards the falls, the forest opens into Tokopah Canyon for magnificent views. Due to the snow, there are fewer hikers on the trail and you can end up having the place all to yourself.
Hike To Kings Canyon Panoramic Point
If there hasnt been much snow and youre up for a hike, you can hike up to Kings Canyon Panoramic Point. This is a short hike in the summer. In the winter because the road leading to the trailhead is closed the hike is two additional miles longer.
Kevin and I opted not to do this hike because the forecast was predicting 12 inches of snow that day
Tip: You want to ensure you are hiking to this viewpoint on a day that is nice and clear so you can see the panoramic views.
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Budget Friendly Lodge Near Sequoia National Park The Kern Lodge
Enjoy the cabin experience from the comfort of a fully serviced hotel at the Kern Lodge! They have a variety of suites on offer to suit most group sizes, all of which feature a small kitchenette and luxurious bathrooms. It comes with fantastic guest reviews and even more exciting room rates that wont break the bank.
How To Get There
There are two main entrances into the parks depending on where you are coming from. Visitors coming from the Los Angeles area typically drive through Bakersfield and arrive at Ash Mountain Entrance off of Highway 198, while visitors from San Francisco or Northern California pass through Fresno to get to the Big Stump Entrance off of Highway 180. The Ash Mountain Entrance is generally considered more scenic, but it’s also very windy and includes a lot of narrow curves. Both roads are plowed throughout the winter and usually open, but check conditions in case a recent storm has caused closures and definitely carry tire chains.
The nearest major airport is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, which is about one hour and 15 minutes from the Big Stump Entrance into the parks.
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Hiking In Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is a phenomenal place to hit the trails. And, its the only way to see the diversity of the park. If you think that Sequoia National Park is just about seeing some sequoias, then youre in for a surprising treat. Beyond sequoia groves, theres lush meadows, entry into the high Sierras, waterfalls, and vistas to appreciate. For shorter trails, two of my favorites are Tokopah Falls and Buena Vista Trail.
Tokopah Falls
Past the Lodgepole Visitor Center is parking for Tokopah Falls. This mostly level, 3.8 mile trail follows the Kaweah River to the falls . Deer can be spotted in the surrounding forest. The trail also offers stellar views of the imposing Watchtower formation .
Buena Vista Trail
The 2-mile Buena Vista Trail is directly off the Generals Highway between Grant Grove and Montecito Lodge. At trails end is an astounding view of the large Redwood Mountain Grove and the mountains to the east. This delightful trail lives up to its name.
Moro Rock Area
Around Moro Rock, theres the short trail to Hanging Rock offering a different perspective of Moro Rock along the way. Or, you can take a stroll through the sugar pines on the Sugar Pine Trail .
Crescent Meadow
If you follow Crescent Meadow Road past the Tunnel Log, you can take a turn around Crescent Meadow . From that trail, you can take a short detour to Thorps Log. This fallen sequoia is so large, that the homesteader Hale Thorp used it as a small cabin!
Wolverton Area Trails
Hiking In Kings Canyon National Park
Once in the canyon, the hiking options seem endless. Kings Canyon is a gateway to the John Muir Wilderness. Miles and miles of back country trails can have you spending days in nature. Its even possible to join the John Muir Trail from Kings Canyon. One of the more popular day trails is the 8-mile round trip to Mist Falls.
Most of the trails begin at Roads End. One of my favorite hikes from there is Copper Creek Trail. If you dont have the time or energy to hike the full 20 miles , hike the trail for about a mile. After going up several switchbacks, the views of Kings Canyon from this vantage point are unparalleled. The canyon stretches on in both directions. The bit of effort needed is worth it. But, do beware, rattlesnakes can be seen on that portion of the trail.
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Day 1 Arrive In Sequoia National Park
We left the Bay Area first thing in the morning. It was raining, so though I love Californias agricultural heartland, and always enjoy stopping at roadside stands and quirky stops, we powered through, knowing that winter rain in the Central Valley means snow and ice in the mountains.
As we entered Sequoia National Park and climbed in elevation, the rain was coming down but we got luckythe only snow remaining at the sides of the roads was melting off.
We did get some impressive views of the misty hills as the rain started to pass.
First stop: Wuksachi Lodge
We headed right to our home for the night, Wuksachi Lodge, in the heart of Sequoia National Park. We grabbed a bite to eat in the lodge restaurant and checked into our room.
The rooms were huge and gorgeous, and my favorite part were the views of the forest through the windows. If youre taking this trip with your family, a second seating roomwith a door that closes, makes Wuksachi an ideal place to stay.
Second stop: The Giant Forest and the General Sherman Tree
We wasted no time in checking out Sequoia National Parks most treasured site, the General Sherman Tree. General Sherman is the worlds largest tree and one of the worlds oldest trees at over 2,300 years old. Standing at the foot of this beautiful giant gave me goosebumps.
Final stop: Climbing Moro Rock at sunset
And off toward the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Such a breathtaking sight!