Sequoia and Kings Canyon are adjacent and managed as one national park. These include his five unique areas: Foothills, Mineral King, Giant Forest & Lodgepole, Grant Grove, and Cedar Grove. Each area has its own climate, characteristics, and attractions. Grant Grove and Giant Forest are home to the largest stands of redwoods.
The Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas are only open from spring through fall, while Grant Grove, Giant Forest and Lodgepole offer both summer and winter activities. The Foothills area is at a lower elevation and generally does not experience snow year-round.
Check the park map for the location of each of these areas.
The Giant Forest Museum features exhibits on the natural history of giant sequoias.
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Giant Forest and Lodgepole
Giant sequoia groves grow only on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Giant Forest is one of the most spectacular. It is home to the General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest living tree. Hiking trails wind between the sequoia groves and meadows. Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road leads to sites such as Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, and the High Sierra Trail. The Big Trees Trail, which circles the meadow, is an easy hike perfect for families and those in wheelchairs. The Giant Forest Museum is open daily and offers exhibits, park information, and an on-site concession stand.
There are no campgrounds in Giant Forest, but two seasonal campgrounds are available in the nearby Lodgepole area. In addition to camping, Lodgepole Village offers a seasonal visitor’s center, a market and deli, and showers. Nearby, Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant is open year-round. Lodgepole’s trails lead to Giant Forest as well as alpine lakes and High Sierra views.
A vehicle length advisory is in effect on the main park highway from Sequoia Park Entrance to Giant Forest beyond Potowisha Campground (vehicles over 24 feet long) and Hospital Rock Picnic Area (vehicles over 22 feet long). I am. If your vehicle is over 22 feet long and you plan to drive to Sequoia Grove, you can avoid the winding roads in the advisory area by using the park entrance on Highway 180.
Wildlife can sometimes be seen from the trails at Grant Grove
Alison Taggart Barron
grant grove
The Grant Grove area was originally General Grant National Park, established in 1890 to protect giant sequoias from logging. Grant Grove offers great day hikes. These include trails through a grove of pristine redwoods (General Grant Grove) and his 1880s-logged grove (Big Stump Grove). The Grant Tree Trail leads to the General Grant Tree, his second largest tree in the world. The easy-to-access Panorama Point Trail leads to viewpoints with great views of the wilderness (open only when the roads are clear of snow).
At an altitude of 6,600 feet (2,008 m), this region is characterized by warm summer days and cool nights, and deep snow and cold winters. The Big Stump and Columbine picnic areas become snow play areas in the winter.
Stop by the Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove Village for exhibits and information, stay at John Muir Lodge or a rustic cabin, or camp at one of three campgrounds near the village. Other services in the village include a market, restaurant, post office, and gift shop, all open seven days a week. Try your hand at horseback riding at nearby Grant Grove Stables. You can take a 1-2 hour guided tour.
Zumwalt Meadow is located in one of the Sierra Nevada’s common glacial valleys.
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cedar grove
This glacial valley features towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the mighty King’s River, the valley that gives the park its name. Two notable rock formations, the 8,717-foot North Dome and the 8,518-foot Grand Sentinel, rise 3,500 feet above the canyon floor. Many spectacular nature trails begin in this area, especially near Rose End.
Highway 180 to Cedar Grove is typically open from May to October. In 2019, weather permitting, the road will open to traffic on April 26th and close at noon on November 11th. Located at an altitude of 1,410 m (4,600 ft), you can expect warm days and cool nights. Cedar groves are lower in elevation than sequoia groves and have warmer summers.
Hiking trails range from gentle walks along the canyon floor to steep climbs along the canyon’s rim. Attractions within easy day hiking distance include Knapp’s Cabin, Canyon View Lookout, Roaring River Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, and Road’s End Permit Station.
The Cedar Grove Visitor Center provides travel planning information and is the starting point for ranger-led and evening programs. The Road End permit station issues wilderness permits for many trails that begin here. Cedar Grove Village’s services include a campground, lodge, market, gift shop, showers, and snack shop. Cedar Grove Pack Station offers horseback riding options ranging from one-hour tours to multi-day pack tours.
The high elevation Mineral King Valley offers a unique experience.
Rick Cain
mineral king
A steep, winding road leads you to the rugged beauty of Mineral King Valley. At 7800 feet (2375 m) above sea level, it is the highest point within these parks that can be reached by car. Mineral King’s subalpine valley is comprised of both dense forests of pine, redwood, and fir, and a landscape of colorful granite and shale.
The Mineral King Trail is a great way to explore the area. Options range from the 1-mile Cold Springs Nature Loop to the wilderness trails that traverse the eastern part of Sequoia National Park. The Mineral King Ranger Station has information, trail recommendations, maps, local wilderness permits, first aid, and bear repellent canisters. Wilderness permits are available on the porch when the station is closed.
Weather permitting, Mineral King is accessed by 40 miles of steep, winding roads that are open from late May to October. RVs and trailers are not recommended. Be prepared; there is no gasoline or electricity in this remote area. Located between 7,500 feet and 14,000 feet above sea level, Mineral King is characterized by warm summer days and cold nights. In spring and fall, be prepared for subzero temperatures and the possibility of snowfall. Two seasonal campsites are dedicated to tent camping.
Silver City Mountain Resort offers lodging with chalets and rustic cabins, a small market with limited supplies, showers, and a restaurant known for its selection of pies. No ice, no gasoline. It is located on Mineral King Road, 5 miles west of the ranger station.
Marmots are active here, and we recommend taking precautions to protect your car from damage, especially in spring and early summer.
Spring flowers bloom on a hilly area overlooking the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance.
NPS photo
The Foothills
Just inside the entrance to Sequoia National Park is a diverse landscape dominated by the seasons. In winter and spring, rain awakens plants and wildflowers, creating a hiker’s paradise of green hills and moderate temperatures. In summer, hot and dry conditions prevail. Hiking trails here follow the Kaweah River and its tributaries.
For a closer look, stop by the Foothills Visitor Center, a mile from the park entrance, or camp at one of Foothills’ two campgrounds. Both the Foothills Visitor Center and Hospital Rock have picnic areas and outdoor exhibits.
If you’re driving from the Foothills to Giant Forest, be aware that the narrow, winding sections of Generals Highway are closed to vehicles over 20 feet in length. For long-distance vehicles, use the Kings Canyon National Park entrance on Highway 180.
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Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nature Preserve
More than 95% of the park is designated as a nature reserve. Here you can climb the highest mountains and see some of the most rugged country in the national park. Not all wilderness hikes are difficult. The gentle road also leads to the wilderness. Review trail safety information before hiking. A conservation permit is required for overnight trips.
