If you’re planning a trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon in California, there are numerous activities to experience. The attractions listed below start just outside the Ash Mountain entrance, near Three Rivers, on CA Hwy 198.

Most activities in Sequoia revolve around its natural beauty. Visitors can explore various areas such as caves, giant tree groves, meadows, granite outcroppings, or even drive through a tree with a hole in the middle. Camping is also a popular option for those looking to spend several days immersing themselves in nature.

Best Things to Do

• Mineral King: At 7,800 feet elevation, this sub-alpine valley can only be accessed during summer. It is the only backcountry area accessible by car, and even a short hike here is rewarding. Be cautious of marmots, notorious for chewing on vehicle wires.
• Crystal Cave (summer only): This stunning marble cave is home to beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours are available, but it is not wheelchair accessible. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket.
• Moro Rock: Climbing to the top of this granite monolith offers breathtaking views. The 400-step staircase ascends 300 feet, making the hike worthwhile. Allocate approximately one hour for the round trip.
• Tunnel Tree and Auto Log: Situated en route to Moro Rock, these attractions allow visitors to line up for memorable photos. However, only vehicles under eight feet in height can drive through Tunnel Log.
• Giant Forest Museum: Located within the Giant Forest, this museum provides insights into the natural wonders of the area.
• General Sherman Tree: Known as the largest tree on Earth, General Sherman is between 2,300 and 2,700 years old. Visitors can enjoy a gentle hike from the shuttle stop to this incredible natural wonder.
• Buck Rock Lookout (summer only): Offering panoramic views from an elevation of 8,500 feet, Buck Rock is accessible via 172 metal steps suspended from the rock side. It’s typically open during fire season.
• Hume Lake: A recreational sceneries spot, located three miles off the main road, this lake is perfect for swimming or renting a boat.
• Grant Grove: Home to the General Grant Tree, the third-largest tree in the world, visitors can traverse a wheelchair-accessible loop that features captivating sights.

Kings Canyon: Summer Only

The attractions below are inaccessible from November 1 through late May, with CA Hwy 180 closed at the Hume Lake cutoff. The drive presents stunning lookout points, with Canyon View showcasing the distinctive “U” shape of glacially-carved Kings Canyon.

• Boyden Cave: This privately-owned cave charges an admission fee, with tours available approximately every hour. For the adventurous, canyoneering and rappelling options are offered.
• Kings Canyon: This canyon is recognized as the deepest in the United States, reaching 7,900 feet at certain points.
• Road’s End: A point from which crossing the Sierra requires hiking.

Hiking at Sequoia and Kings Canyon

About 80% of Sequoia and Kings Canyon can only be explored on foot. With 25 trailheads and over 800 miles of hiking trails, there’s ample opportunity to dive into this pristine wilderness. A few shorter hikes popular among visitors include:

• Moro Rock: This strenuous climb of 300 feet via 400 granite-cut steps rewards hikers with spectacular views.
• Congress Trail: This 2-mile trail near General Sherman Tree typically takes one to three hours to complete.
• Crescent Meadow: Located about 1.5 miles east of Moro Rock, this trail is about an hour long and is often referred to as the “gem of the Sierra.”
• Big Trees Trail: A 1.5-mile round trip near the Giant Forest Museum, this trail is wheelchair accessible.
• Zumwalt Meadow: A self-guided nature trail that spans 1.5 miles, beginning near Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon.