Sequoia & Kings Canyon - 8 Best Kept Secrets
Sequoia is one of the more popular National Parks and it was great, but the real surprise was Kings Canyon! It reminded us of a mini Yosemite.
Below I’ve listed what to do in these two neighboring National Parks. I’ll start with Sequoia because there are fewer highlights than Kings Canyon, which ended up being our favorite. But, we did see more bears in Sequoia, so if wildlife is what you’re after, you may enjoy Sequoia better!
Sequoia National Park:
1) Hike Moro Rock at Sunset
It’s a difficult climb consisting of many steps, but the top is impressive on a clear day. We went at sunset and the crowds weren’t too bad, so I would recommend that time.
Note: If you have a fear of heights, you might fare well skipping this one.
2) General Sherman & the Giant Forest
General Sherman is the world’s largest tree by volume. It’s neat to see, but it’s definitely a crowded spot, partially because it’s a short walk from the parking lot, so be prepared. As far as the best kept secret, most people miss continuing on through the rest of the Giant Forest.
There are plenty of other impressive trees to see, so if you have time, stroll through the Giant Forest and see the others.
3) Tunnel Log
This is a fallen tree that has a cutout big enough for a car to drive through. It’s a great picture opportunity if you can be quick and it’s easy to miss so be sure to look for it.
King’s Canyon National Park:
1) Stroll Through Grant’s Grove – Also at Sunset
Grant’s Grove is a collection of massive trees a short walk from the parking lot. I recommend going at sunset because not only are there fewer people, but the sun illuminates the trees with a beautiful golden glow.
2) Stroll Through the Big Stump Trail
This is another location that I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with because of its troubling history. This hike goes through a section of the park where a lot of the trees were chopped down between the 1850’s to the 1870’s before the area became protected.
It’s incredibly sad to see these large stumps and imagine what these trees could be today had they not been chopped. On the bright side, a cross section of one of the downed trees was taken around the world to make people aware of how special these trees were.
Once people realized trees could grow this big and with the help of John Muir, this area eventually gained protection.
3) Hike to Mist Falls
This 8-mile out and back hike had it all. You walk through a valley at the beginning of the hike and then make your way into the woods and then into the mountains. The waterfall at the end is properly named as it is very misty and refreshing on a hot day!
We did see bear scat on the trail when we went, so be cautious that bears could be in the area.
4) Hike Zumwalt Meadows
We loved this hike! This mostly flat 1.5 mile loop weaved through meadows, by a river, and through some rock piles.
5) Visit Muir Rock
You can get to this rock by going to the parking lot for the Mist Falls trailhead. Then the rock sits on the river a short walk from the parking lot.
Don’t sleep on these parks, especially Kings Canyon! For more National Park travel insights visit my National Park page.