Kings Canyon & Sequoia NP

Scenic Drives and Giant Trees

Our journey through Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks began in Fresno, where the bustling highway gradually transitioned into the winding roads that characterize these majestic parks. This adventure offered us breathtaking views, serene moments among towering trees, and a sense of tranquility that only nature can provide.

Entering Kings Canyon

• Sony A7R III
• f/3.5
• 20mm
• 100
• 1/8000 sec

As we entered Kings Canyon National Park, the roads began to twist and turn, leading us deeper into the heart of this natural wonder. The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the two-hour out-and-back scenic drive. This drive is a must-do, offering unparalleled views and a true sense of the park’s grandeur. However, be prepared for narrow and twisty roads – it’s essential to be comfortable with this type of driving.

• Sony A7R III
• f/4
• 16mm
• 400
• 1/60 sec

We made sure to bring plenty of water and ensure our vehicle was well-fueled, given the remote nature of the park. Breakdowns and flat tires can happen, so it’s wise to be prepared. While there are many hikes and camping opportunities within Kings Canyon, we chose to focus on the scenic drive, making frequent stops to take in the stunning vistas.

• Sony A7R III
• f/5.6
• 17mm
• 100
• 1/1600 sec

One of the most memorable stops was at the General Grant Tree, located near the park’s entrance. This colossal sequoia, also known as the Nation’s Christmas Tree, is one of the largest trees in the world and an awe-inspiring sight.

Discovering Sequoia National Park

• iPhone 15 Pro
• f/1.78
• 6.7649998656528mm
• 80
• 1/842 sec

From Kings Canyon, we continued our adventure into its neighboring park, Sequoia. Here, we made a quick stop to see the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on earth by volume. Given that we had already visited the Mariposa Grove in Yosemite earlier that day, we limited our time here to a brief but memorable viewing.

The drive down from Sequoia at sunset was both beautiful and challenging. The roads are steep and winding, with posted speed limits of just 10 miles per hour in some sections – and for good reason. The slow pace allowed us to soak in the fading light casting golden hues over the ancient forest.

Exiting Through the Foothills

Finally, we exited the parks through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, emerging into the Central Valley. Our destination for the night was Visalia, where we found a comfortable place to rest and reflect on the day’s adventures. After Visalia we drove four hours through the Pacheco Pass and up Silicon Valley to San Francisco as we had a wedding to attend.

Tips for Your Visit

• Preparation: Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and stocked with essentials such as water, fuel, and a spare tire.
• Driving: Be comfortable with driving on narrow, winding roads, especially if you plan to do the scenic drive in Kings Canyon.
• Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for stops at key attractions like the General Grant Tree and the General Sherman Tree.
• Safety: Adhere to speed limits, particularly in Sequoia, where the roads can be treacherous.

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks offer a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in California. Whether you’re there for a quick scenic drive or a more extended stay with hikes and camping, these parks provide an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty and grandeur of the natural world.