As part of our quest to visit all 63 U.S. national parks, we set off on a six week road trip. I…read morehave a personal rule: I only count a national park as "visited" if I actually spend time there, hike or walk through it, and truly experience it. On this trip, we visited 14 national parks, and Kings Canyon National Park quickly became one of my favorites. We stayed five days between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, which gave us plenty of time to explore both at a relaxed pace. Staying in the middle made it easy to enjoy everything the area has to offer. Kings Canyon is simply breathtaking. The drive into the canyon reminded me very much of Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Around every curve, another spectacular view appears. Towering granite cliffs rise dramatically above the canyon, while the Kings River rushes below with crystal clear water, waterfalls, cascades, and rapids. It is one of those roads where you constantly want to pull over just to admire the scenery. Yes, the giant sequoias are magnificent, but Kings Canyon offers something different. The combination of the massive granite walls, the river carving its way through the valley, lush forests, and peaceful meadows creates an entirely different experience from neighboring Sequoia. The two parks complement each other beautifully. We were fortunate to drive into the canyon on a Sunday morning before the crowds arrived, making the experience even more enjoyable. The traffic was light, and we were able to stop often, take our time, and truly appreciate the beauty around us. The following day we returned, only to discover road construction and long delays, so we definitely felt lucky with our timing. One thing I would encourage visitors to do is not stop at Sequoia National Park alone. Many people come to see the giant trees and then leave, missing one of the most spectacular drives in California. Kings Canyon deserves just as much attention. In my opinion, the two parks should always be visited together. Whether you come for the towering sequoias, the dramatic granite peaks, the roaring river, or the incredible scenic drive, Kings Canyon National Park delivers an unforgettable experience. It is peaceful, majestic, and one of those places that reminds you just how extraordinary our national parks truly are.

I've been to Sequoia once, long time ago, and I just recently found out there's another side of the…read morepark where you can see beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. We came during Memorial Day weekend, and thank God the entrance was free. Surprisingly, it wasn't too crowded even though it was a long weekend. We didn't get the chance to explore all the scenery because the wait at the restaurant inside the park was super long -- around 2 hours or so. We still managed to do a short hike at General Grant Grove and explored Boyden Cavern afterward. That ended up being the highlight of our short trip. I highly recommend the cave tour -- it was absolutely beautiful inside, and the history behind it was fascinating. We'll definitely be coming back next time for camping!

If you haven't seen the largest tree(s) on earth, you are missing out, get your hiking boots on…read morecome witness some of the most beautiful trees and landscape to be found. Parking can be a beyotch, especially when the main lot is closed, but stay patient and people are coming and going constantly, but whatever you do... DO NOT PARK on the road itself. Don't do it. You can do small short hikes around the grove or during winter you can strap on some snow shoes, or crampons, based on conditions, and you can get further out into the grove or park itself. I just be prepared for whatever you're planning on doing that will guarantee you have a successful outing

Visited the General Sherman Tree at Sequoia National Park and overall it was a good experience, but…read morethere are definitely a few things to be aware of. The tree itself is truly impressive and worth seeing at least once--it's amazing to stand in front of something that massive and historic. That said, expect large crowds and long lines, especially during peak times. It can take a while just to get close enough for photos. Parking was also a challenge during our visit. Spots fill up quickly, so you may need to circle around or wait. We started from the top parking lot, and while going down is manageable, the hike back up is pretty exhausting, so be prepared for that. One downside was the restroom condition--they were quite dirty and looked like they hadn't been maintained well that day. Also, just a heads-up: not everyone we encountered was friendly, so patience helps in crowded areas. Despite these issues, it was still a memorable visit. Just plan ahead, bring water, and be ready for a bit of a workout.

An absolute must! I…read morecan't stop talking about how much I enjoyed this scenic viewpoint! The hike requires you to hike up 350 steps which is approximately 0.25 miles and 350 steps down which is approximately 0.25 miles down which is 0.50 miles! I saw children and senior citizens hiking up the trail. Hiking sticks were not necessary! You can definitely go at your own pace. There are parts of the stairs where you would need to let people go first. Otherwise, wonderful trail!! Parking can be challenging. Many cars parked along the side of the road. There are many more trails to choose from if this particular trail was too short. Definitely add it to your hiking list if you are visiting sequoia national park.

Parking is hard at the trailhead. there are lot of cars parking along the road. there is shuttle…read morebus available but I'm not sure about the frequency. Moro Rock Trail is not a difficult trail with 350 steps up a huge granite dome, some part of the steps are very narrow. There are several tiny spots for people to stop and rest. The view is stunning along the hike.

First, I did not see any signs from the 180 leading to this point, but it's Panoramic Point Road,…read morethe opposite direction of Grant Tree Road that intersects 180 near Azalea Campground about 2 miles from the visitor center. If the road isn't closed, just drive up and keep going up until you get to the parking lot. The paved path is a paved, pine-tree shaded, steady uphill climb of 100 feet, a 1/2 mile roundtrip. If my dad had walked this path when he was a kid, it would have been uphill both ways. A sign reads "...high mountains and deep canyons, the rocks, the hills and valleys, the result of forces (tremendous earth upheavals, erosion, the movement of ponderous glaciers and raging rivers, the winds and changing temperatures) operating over millions of years." A display points out the Obelisk, Mount McGee, North Palisade, Eagle Peak, and Spanish Mountain (which Trump is trying to build a wall around). You can also see spires along Tombstone Ridge, bald patches caused by landslides (or wearing a hat, my dad says), and a cradled Hume Lake 2,300 feet below (12 miles away/33 min drive). The view of the Sierra Nevadas look just like the beer label. Panoramic Point is one of many sites on the north half of the park including Big Stump (which you passed to get here), General Grant Tree (the opposite side of 180), plus continuing up 180: Junction View (11 mi up), Hume Lake (12mi), the Scenic Byway and Boyden Cavern (20mi), Grizzly Falls (25mi), Roaring River Falls (32 mi), and Mist Falls near Road End (35mi).

The panoramic point was closed in last April and finally we could check it out this time. My hubby…read morehas been there before so he wanted to take me there. This place is hidden gem! You can choose to hike start from the trailhead at the end of Panoramic Point Road, 2 miles up from the park visitor center and market at Grant Village. We chose to drive up to the parking lot instead. It was about a 10 minute drive up on a narrow road from the John Muir Lodge. Gorgeous overlook and amazing views from the top. Highly recommended!

First time for us four at Sequoia NP and we loved our experience in Crystal Cave. The staff overall…read moreloved what they do and you can tell. Right from the get go the staff welcomes your group and is telling you instructions to take care of yourself, your group and the caves/park. They greet you with enthusiasm and you learn so much. Please arrive on time! For parking there's quite a bit of spaces. There's restroom nearby so you can go before heading out. You can bring your backpack onto the trail but can't bring it inside the cave. So you can either bring it and leave it on the floor outside the cave or in your car. The trail can be a little challenging for some but very doable. Can be a little challenging for some children and some older adults. This also includes for the caves.The staff are there to watch for your safety but they do warn you about your surroundings. The cave is very cool to explore but there will be some tight spaces you will navigate through. So I don't recommend bringing a stroller and make sure your kids are able to walk and stay near. They will definitely enjoy the cool nature stuff inside! There's a gift shop stand near the entrance of the trail. You can buy nice souvenirs, snacks, and support! Overall we loved our tour and we would comeback again for this. Thank you to all the staff of Crystal Cave for all that you do and taking care of this natural beauty.

We made reservations to see the crystal cave and arrived early. They were able to move up our time…read morewhich was really nice since there's not much to do around there. Once it was time to hike down they made some general announcements and we met the guide at entrance of the cave. It was nice to have someone tell us the history of the cave and guide us through. The 20 minute hike down and up wasn't too bad and was completely doable for my 6 year old son. Overall, it was a unique experience and I'm glad we made the stop during our Sequoia trip!

Parking at the General Sherman Tree Parking Lot, then took The Congress Trail, you will first see…read moreMcKinley Tree, it's the center of the trail, which you can go to Lincoln and the the rest of the giant trees in the Congress Trail. It's about 1 mi to The President (third largest sequoia in the world, after General Sherman and General Grant). The Chief Sequoia is located a few steps from "The President", then further down the trail, you will see The House, The Senate (group features 7-8 giant sequoias clustered together). The whole loop is about 3 miles. Quite easy trail, with few easy incline.

After visit the general sherman tree, we followed this hiking trail to explore the nature. I fell…read morein love with the entire hiking experience. It felt like walking through pristine nature the whole way, with tall trees and wildlife everywhere. The air smelled so fresh and clean. The trail was long but not too challenging, making it suitable for families and kids. We encountered some fellow hikers who mentioned spotting bears, although we weren't lucky enough to see any ourselves. I hope next time we'll have better luck! If you happen to encounter a bear, it's important to ensure you keep a safe distance.

Parking at Crescent Meadow Picnic Area, started at Crescent Meadow Trail, walk around the meadow,…read morethen headed to Chimney Tree (burned tree, hollow inside) and continue hike to Tharp's Log (fallen giant log as a cabin). The cabin was chained up, you can't get into it, we just took photo at the entrance of the cabin.

I felt like I was inside a Windows Screensaver! Absolutely mesmerizing. Pictures don't do it…read morejustice. Lots of trails and different walkways to take. We went early in the morning and caught a momma bear with her two cubs. We found a tree that was hallow on the inside and it quickly became my boys favorite part of the trail. As for me, the meadow was the best part, magnificent. We also saw deer. Highly recommend to get there early if you're hoping to catch any wildlife.

I recently visited Moro Rock, and it was honestly one of the most breathtaking experiences I've had…read morein Sequoia National Park. The hike itself is short but definitely a workout, the stairs are steep, and you'll feel it, especially if you're not used to higher elevations. That said, every step is worth it. As you climb, the views just keep getting better, and once you reach the top, it's absolutely stunning. You get a panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada mountains, deep valleys, and endless forest -- it really puts into perspective how massive and beautiful nature is. One thing to keep in mind: it can get crowded, especially during peak hours, and the stairs are narrow, so you may have to wait at certain points. Also, if you're afraid of heights, some sections might feel a bit intense since there are steep drop-offs, although there are railings for safety. Overall, Moro Rock is a must-visit if you're in the park. It's a relatively quick hike with a huge payoff, and definitely one of the highlights of the trip. Highly recommend going early in the morning or around sunset for the best experience.

This is a must see for first time Sequoia National Park visitors. There are like 700 steps up, and…read morewith only 2-3 spots one person pass at a time. The view is great especially when you can see some snow at the mountains. I would recommend this place if you are not able to fit in any other site seeing spots. Next, Tharp's Cabin is a very nice ADA accessible trail that I recommend seeing, very unique and wonderful close up views of sequoias and the meadow. The views on this easy trail fit the monumental national park vibes. Bird sounds and more remote and expensive. I would not recommend Lodge Pole trail to waterfall unless touching the river water is exciting to you or plan to sit and picnic by the river water on a hot day. The trail is similar to the Vernal Falls at Yosemite but views are meh when comparing the two. Memorial Day 2026 had shuttle waiting times of 40 mins per shuttle. The park was not equipped for the extra visitors so normally shuttles stop at 6pm but were still running when we got on the last shuttle at 7-7:30pm. The signs should change from the shuttle every 15 minutes to up to an hour on busy holidays. I felt bad for the people at the back of the line as they were announcing that they were going to start ending them. Certain parking lots or lodge locations had flushable toilets, but in the more remote trail head locations they were out houses. The Moro rock and crescent trailhead outhouses had wasps flying inside and outside the bathrooms May 2026 , so I would not recommend using those bathroom locations and plan to go before or after at a different place. The Big Tree Museum, lodgepole, The famous tree place, and some others had flushable toilets and some other bigger locations scattered around the park.