Who says you can’t have it all? From the world’s biggest trees, abundant wildlife, family-friendly hikes, and challenging alpine treks that will take you to the most spectacular backcountry lakes, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have it all, and so much more!
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Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two of my all time favorite national parks to explore, hike, and camp. I’ve visited these parks 4 times as of 2026, and I have no doubt I’ll be back many more times in the future! From wandering through groves of the world’s largest trees to tackling some of the best alpine lake hikes in the world, you can find some seriously epic things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Whether you’re planning a first-time visit and looking for the must-see spots in Sequoia National Park, or you’re looking to get further into the park’s epic backcountry, this guide covers the absolute best things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Let’s dive into 13 unforgettable ways to experience one of California’s most awe-inspiring national park duos. 🌲🏔️
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks… What’s the Deal?
First things first: yes, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are technically two separate national parks, but they’re co-managed as a single unit by the National Park Service. In practice, most visitors experience them as one epic destination connected by the scenic General’s Highway.
Sequoia National Park is best known for its massive giant sequoia trees, while Kings Canyon is defined by its dramatic glacial canyon, roaring rivers, and rugged backcountry.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks at a Glance
- 📍 Location: Central California, southern Sierra Nevada
- ✈️ Closest Airport: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) although most visitors will fly into the larger and usually cheaper LAX or SFO.
- ⏱️ Ideal trip length: 2–4 days (minimum)
- 📆 When to Visit: early summer – early fall when most trails and roads are cleared of snow
- ⛺️ Where to Stay: Wuksachi Lodge or John Muir Lodge / Grant Grove Cabins inside the Park. Go glamping at Autocamp Three Rivers outside the park.
13 Best Things to Do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
More of a visual girlie? Check out my recent vlog exploring some of these best things to do in Sequoia National Park on Youtube, here ⬆️
1. Take a Short Hike to the Top of Moro Rock
One of the most iconic things to do in Sequoia National Park, Moro Rock is a steep but short climb with massive payoff. Located a short drive from the southern entrance to the park near the town of Three Rivers, this hike is my personal recommendation for a “must-do” for anyone visiting Sequoia.
The hike to the top of Moro Rock, a massive granite dome, includes a short but steep trail up 350 steps carved directly into and around the rock. Built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corp, this is one of the most unique trails in the national parks system.
From the top, you’ll get sweeping views of the sierra foothills, San Joaquin Valley, and into the high sierra backcountry along the Great Western Divide.
Keep a close eye on kiddos due to steep drop offs, and stay off Moro Rock when storms or lightning is present.
There is a small parking lot at the trailhead to Moro Rock that fills quickly. Take the FREE SHUTTLE, available May through Early September, to Moro Rock and explore the entire Giant Forest area, including the General Sherman tree, without dealing with parking! Complete details, here.
2. Drive Through a Giant Sequoia at Tunnel Log
Tunnel Log is one of Sequoia’s most famous roadside attractions and a fun, quick stop for all ages. This massive giant sequoia fell naturally in 1937 and was later carved out so cars could pass through it. Today, it’s a popular photo-op and a classic example of early park tourism.
Tunnel Log is located along Crescent Meadow Road and is easily accessible by car, or a short walk from Moro Rock and the Moro Rock shuttle stop. Cars bigger than an SUV probably won’t fit through the tunnel, but you can park and walk through if needed.
3. Marvel at the General Sherman Tree
The General Sherman Tree is the largest tree on Earth by volume — and seeing it in person is genuinely mind-blowing. Standing over 275 feet tall and estimated to be more than 2,000 years old, it’s the crown jewel of Sequoia National Park and a must-see for any visitor.
To reach the General, take the shuttle or park in the large parking area and hike the approximately 0.5 mile Sherman Tree Trail down to the base of the tree. Along the way you’ll pass several other Giant Sequoias, as well as nice signs explaining the ecology of the Giant Sequoias, and how they get to be so huge.
FYI, this trail and entrance plaza is quite new, paved, and well maintained, but does involve quite a bit of stairs and a 200+ foot climb on the way back. Visitors with disabilities should park in the small lot on Generals Highway for accessible access.
4. Hike the Congress Trail
Once you’ve made the hike down to General Sherman, don’t forget to explore the rest of the trails in the Giant Forest area. Often without the wall-to-wall crowds that immediately surround General Sherman. The Congress Trail is a fantastic option for a short hike in this area. This loop branches off near the General Sherman Tree and takes you deeper into the Giant Forest, passing dozens of massive sequoias with names like the House and Senate groups.
The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it approachable for most fitness levels. It’s one of the best ways to slow down, wander, and truly appreciate the scale and quiet grandeur of these ancient trees.
5. Drive the General’s Highway
The General’s Highway is the scenic road that connects Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and it’s an attraction in its own right. Expect winding mountain roads, dramatic elevation changes, and frequent pullouts with jaw-dropping views.
This drive gives you a true sense of the park’s scale, from lower-elevation foothills to high alpine forests. Take it slow, watch for wildlife, and plan extra time for stops along the way.
Driving the General’s Highway is also your best scenic route if you’re heading towards Yosemite National Park. visiting all 3 sierra parks is, in my experience, one of the best dang road trips in the US!
6. Visit Grant Grove
General Sherman isn’t the only General on the General’s Highway. Grant Grove, technically located inside Kings Canyon, is home to the General Grant Tree, the second-largest tree in the world and designated as the Nation’s Christmas Tree.
While it’s slightly less famous than General Sherman, it’s just as impressive, and in my experience way less crowded.
The short loop trail around Grant Grove is easy and informative, making it a great stop for families or anyone easing into their Kings Canyon visit. Nearby picnic areas and visitor services make this a convenient base for exploring the Kings Canyon side of the park.
9. Hike to Tokopah Falls
The Tokopah Falls Trail is one of the best moderate hikes in Sequoia National Park, especially for first-time visitors wanting a longer walk without extreme difficulty. The trail follows the Kaweah River through a granite canyon, gradually climbing to a cascading waterfall.
The falls are most impressive in late spring and early summer when snowmelt is high. Even when water levels are lower, the scenery along the trail makes this hike well worth it.
10. Explore the Giant Forest Museum & Big Trees Trail
This is one of the best places to start your visit to Sequoia. The Giant Forest Museum provides helpful context about the park’s ecology, history, and fire management, while the adjacent Big Trees Trail offers an easy, paved loop through towering sequoias.
It’s ideal for acclimating to elevation, traveling with kids, or fitting in a quick walk between bigger adventures.
13. Go Underground at Crystal Cave
Crystal Cave offers a completely different perspective of the park, the sierras from underground. This marble cave features dramatic stalactites, flowstone, and narrow passageways, all accessible via guided tours.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and tours are seasonal. It’s a great way to mix things up if you’re traveling with a group or want a break from hiking.
I vaguely remember visiting Crystal Cave as a little kid, and going back as an adult is definitely on my Sequoia bucket list for a future visit.
10. Soak in the Alpine Scenery on the Lakes Trail
The Lakes Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Sequoia National Park, leading to Heather, Emerald, and Pear Lakes. I’m pretty biased as a total sucker for alpine lakes, but I think this is the single best day hike in Sequoia National Park, if you’re up for a challenge.
This 13 mile out and back trail climbs steadily into alpine terrain, offering sweeping views and a true taste of the High Sierra. Want to make it an overnight? I saw some stunning backcountry campsites are available at Emerald and Pear Lakes, wilderness permits are required.
It’s a longer day hike with about 3,000 feet of elevation gain, but the reward is well worth the effort for experienced hikers. Snow can linger into early summer, so check conditions before heading out.
Check out the map and hike details on AllTrails
Need a map? Don’t forget to download your map and save it to your phone or GPS device before your hike! Get AllTrails+ (the most used trail app on my phone!) to download all your trail maps for offline use. Use my promo code brookeinboots30 to get 30% off your annual AllTrails+ subscription!
11. Spend the Day in Kings Canyon
Most visitors spend their time in Sequoia National Park, and maybe the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon. But if you don’t spend at least one day in Kings Canyon National Park, I swear you are seriously missing out!
To reach the bottom of Kings Canyon, you’ll need to drive about an hour down a winding mountain road (Highway 180) from Grant Grove Village, but it’s one of my favorite scenic drives in any national park!
The drive is a winding mountain road that drops dramatically into the canyon. As you descend, the landscape shifts from dense forest to towering granite walls, with constant pullouts offering jaw-dropping views of the Kings River far below. Take it slow — this drive is part of the experience.
Once you reach the canyon floor, there are several essential stops to build a perfect day. Grizzly Falls is an easy roadside waterfall and a great quick stop, especially in spring and early summer when snowmelt is high.
For a longer stretch of the legs, hike Zumwalt Meadows, a mostly flat loop that winds through lush meadows alongside the river, framed by massive granite cliffs that rival Yosemite — but without the crowds.
Technically outside the park, but on the drive into the canyon, consider adding Boyden Cavern, located just outside the park boundary. This guided cave tour offers a cool underground break from the heat and showcases dramatic marble formations carved by ancient rivers.
Kings Canyon feels wild, quiet, and deeply personal, especially compared to the busier areas of Sequoia.
Even if you don’t hike far, simply being in the canyon, listening to the river, and taking in the sheer scale of the landscape makes this one of the most memorable things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
12. Hike Into the Sierra Backcountry
For experienced hikers, Sequoia and Kings Canyon truly shine once you leave the frontcountry behind. Backpacking routes like the High Sierra Trail or Rae Lakes Loop take you deep into alpine terrain filled with granite passes, pristine lakes, and long stretches of solitude. From here, you can also access the world famous John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.
From trailheads in Sequoia or at Road’s End Ranger Station in Kings Canyon, you can access some of the most truly epic spots in the entire United States. I know it sounds like i’m being over dramatic, but seriously, look at THIS from my most recent hike on the Rae Lakes Loop:
Permits are required for overnight trips, and proper preparation is essential. But if you’re up for it, this is where you’ll experience the parks at their wildest and most unforgettable.
13. Hike to the Top of the United States at Mount Whitney
Okay, while most visitors aren’t thinking of taking on Mt. Whitney for their first visit to Sequoia National Park, this peak, is technically inside the park boundaries (although usually accessed via Inyo National Forest on the Eastern Sierra side) and I’d be remiss if I didn’t include this icon in my list.
At 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney is the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, and summiting it is a bucket-list achievement. Most hikers approach from the east via the Whitney Portal, but the mountain is also accessible from Sequoia-Kings Canyon via long backpacking routes.
Permits are required and highly competitive. This hike is only recommended for very experienced hikers in summer conditions who are comfortable with long distances, elevation, and alpine conditions.
Whether you’re visiting for a single day or carving out a longer adventure, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Sequoia National Park and beyond, especially if you’re willing to explore past the busiest stops. After visiting these parks multiple times over the years, I still find myself discovering something new on every trip, and that’s the magic of this corner of the Sierra Nevada. However you choose to experience it, Sequoia and Kings Canyon have a way of reminding you just how wild, humbling, and spectacular our national parks can be. 🌲✨
