Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks California

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Overview

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is known as “A Land of Giants” featuring the world’s largest trees (giant sequoias) and a diverse landscape of mountains, foothills, deep canyons, caverns and wildlife.

The parks are located side-by-side in the southern Sierra Nevada and east of San Joaquin Valley. They contain 5 unique areas: Foothills, Mineral King, Giant Forest & Lodgepole, grant Grove and Cedar Grove. Elevation ranges from 1,370 to 14,494.

The biggest of the giant sequoias are located along the Generals Highway, including the largest living thing on earth (the General Sherman Tree) in the Giant Forest Grove. The Grant Grove, in Kings Canyon National Park, is also about an hour from Giant Forest Grove.

The Mineral King area is the highest place you can go in these parks by vehicle (7,800 feet) and features a subalpine valley of one forests, creeks, rivers and hiking trails. Silver City Mountain Resort is also located here.

There are also many trails and mountain peaks you can climb in the wilderness area. Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks – Lodging & Campgrounds

The parks have 3 lodges (Wuksachi, John Muir and Cedar Grove), as well as the Grant Grove cabins.  There are also 14 campgrounds in the parks including:

Lodgepole Area

• Lodgepole Campground (214 single-family campsites).
• Dorst Creek Campground (218 single-family campsites and 4 group sites)

Grant Grove Area

• Azalea Campground (110 single-family campsites / first-come, first-serve)
• Crystal Springs Campground (49 single-family campsites and 14 tent-only group sites)
• Sunset Campground (156 single-family campsites and 2 tent-only group sites)

Cedar Grove Area

• Sentinel Campground (82 single-family campsites)
• Sheep Creek Campground (111 single-family campsites / first-come, first-serve)
• Moraine Campground (121 single-family campsites / first-come, first-serve)
• Canyon View (12 group campsites)

Mineral King Area

• Atwell Mill (21 single-family campsites –  tent only / first-come, first-serve)
• Cold Springs (40 single-family campsites – tent only / first-come, first-serve)

Foothills Area

• Potwisha (42 single-family campsites)
• Buckeye Flat (28 single family campsites / tent only)
• South Fork (10 single-family campsites / tent only)

Amenities

• Amphitheater
• BBQ Grills
• Cafe
• Camp Store
• Campfire Center
• Campground Host
• Campsite Tables
• Deli
• Drinking Water
• Equestrian Facilities
• Equestrian trail
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Firewood Available
• Food Storage Locker
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Grills
• Grocery Store
• Group Camping
• Hike/Bike Campsites
• Ice
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Ranger Station
• Recycling Center
• Restrooms (Flush Toilets, Vault Toilets)
• Shuttle Bus
• Snack Bar
• Vending Machines
• Visitor Center

Activities

• Backpacking
• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Creek
• Cross Country Skiing
• Cultural Sites
• Fishing
• Fly Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Horseback riding
• Kayaking
• Lake
• Mountain Biking
• Museum
• Nature Programs
• Nature Trails
• Photography
• Picnicking
• River
• Rock Climbing
• Snowshoeing
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Visitor Center
• Walking Trails
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing