Weekend Getaway to Sequoia National Park

Tucked into the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are a pair of neighboring parks that often fly under the radar—but deliver big on scenery, adventure, and unforgettable family memories. Located about 80 miles east of Fresno, these parks are managed jointly by the National Park Service and offer a seamless visitor experience—yet each has its own distinct personality.

Sequoia National Park is world-famous for its namesake trees—the giant sequoias, which are among the largest living organisms on Earth. The most iconic of them all? The General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume anywhere on the planet. But Sequoia offers more than just trees—winding mountain roads, alpine lakes, granite domes, and waterfalls all await.

Just to the north, Kings Canyon National Park often surprises visitors with its dramatic landscapes and deep glacially-carved valleys. It’s home to groves of giant sequoias too—including the massive General Grant Tree—but also features one of the deepest canyons in North America. The park’s lesser-known status means you’ll often find solitude on its scenic drives and trails, even during peak season.

Together, Sequoia and Kings Canyon offer the perfect blend of natural wonders and peaceful escape, making them a fantastic choice for a long weekend getaway—especially for families looking to immerse themselves in the outdoors without the crowds of Yosemite.

Where to Stay: Lodging in Kings Canyon and Sequoia

When planning your visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon, one of the first things to figure out is where to stay—and both parks offer some great in-park options, along with nearby lodging in surrounding towns and national forest areas.

In-Park Lodging

• Sequoia National Park: The most popular in-park option is Wuksachi Lodge, a cozy mountain lodge near Lodgepole Village. It’s open year-round and centrally located near top attractions like the General Sherman Tree, Tokopah Falls, and Moro Rock.
  
• Kings Canyon National Park: Over in Grant Grove Village, you’ll find John Muir Lodge, a charming lodge with a peaceful forest setting and easy walking access to the General Grant Tree. There are also Grant Grove Cabins nearby for a more rustic experience. For those visiting in late spring or summer, Cedar Grove Lodge is nestled deep in the canyon and offers a more remote, scenic escape (note: it’s only open seasonally).
  

Campgrounds & Gateway Towns

There are several campgrounds in both parks, but many are seasonal and may require reservations—especially during peak months. If you prefer staying just outside the parks, check out Three Rivers (closest to Sequoia’s Ash Mountain entrance) or small towns like Dunlap and Clingan’s Junction near Kings Canyon.

When we visited, we stayed at John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon, and it was the perfect base. Nestled among the trees near Grant Grove, it offered a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than some of the busier areas in Sequoia—and we loved being just a short walk from the General Grant Tree. From there, it was an easy drive to Sequoia’s main attractions and a stunning journey down into Kings Canyon for scenic hikes and overlooks.

This itinerary is designed from that experience, using Kings Canyon as a home base—but you could just as easily flip it if you’re staying closer to Sequoia’s Lodgepole or Wuksachi areas.

3 Day Sequoia & Kings Canyon Itinerary

I visited Sequoia and Kings Canyon on a weekend getaway with a few of my girlfriends—and it was the perfect mix of easy hikes, jaw-dropping scenery, and that magical fresh mountain air you can’t get enough of. But honestly? This would be an incredible trip for families, too. Most of the trails we did were 2 miles or less, making them totally doable for kids, and nothing beats the look on anyone’s face—adult or child—when they stand next to a tree bigger than a bus.

Here’s how to make the most of a 3-day, 2-night escape:

Day 1: Fly to Fresno + General Grant Tree Welcome Walk

• Fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport and rent a car.
  
• Before heading into the mountains, grab groceries or snacks—there are small markets in the parks, but options are limited and pricey.
  
• Drive ~1.5–2 hours to Kings Canyon, checking into your lodging (we stayed at John Muir Lodge and loved it).
  
• After settling in, stretch your legs with a walk to the General Grant Tree—one of the largest trees in the world and the “Nation’s Christmas Tree.” It’s a short loop, perfect for your first taste of the sequoia magic.

Day 2: Giant Forest Day Trip

• After breakfast, head south into Sequoia National Park’s Giant Forest—about a 1-hour drive along the scenic Generals Highway.
  
• Start with a visit to Tunnel Log, a fun photo stop where you can drive (or walk) through a fallen sequoia.
  
• Hike one of the trails in the Giant Forest area. We did the Big Trees Trail, an easy, flat loop around a beautiful meadow surrounded by—you guessed it—massive trees.
  
• Make your way to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume.
  
• If time and weather allow, hike up Moro Rock for incredible views from above the treetops (note: it’s a stair-step climb with drop-offs—not ideal for those with a fear of heights or very young kids).
  
• Head back to Kings Canyon for dinner and stargazing under some of California’s darkest skies.

Day 3: One Last Walk Before You Go

• On your last morning, enjoy a peaceful stroll along the North Grove Loop Trail in Grant Grove—less visited than the General Grant Tree but just as magical.
  
• Then it’s time to pack up and head out, with your heart full of forest magic and your phone full of sequoia selfies.

Bonus Day: Add a Summer Adventure

Visiting in summer? Add a bonus day to drive deeper into Kings Canyon—the road to Cedar Grove opens seasonally (typically late spring through early fall) and offers jaw-dropping views as you descend into one of the deepest canyons in the country.

Make your destination Zumwalt Meadow, a flat loop hike through high alpine terrain with views of granite cliffs and the Kings River. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and a totally different flavor of beauty than the sequoia groves—definitely worth the extra day.

When is the best time to visit Sequoia? 

High Elevation Weather in Sequoia & Kings Canyon

One of the biggest surprises for many first-time visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon is just how high in elevation much of the park is—especially if you’re coming from the warm, sunny valleys of California. Grant Grove sits around 6,500 feet, and the Giant Forest climbs to over 7,000 feet, which means weather can be unpredictable year-round, especially from fall through late spring.

When we visited in late April, we experienced the full range of mountain weather. Two of our days were filled with sunshine and mild temps in the 50s and 60s—perfect for hiking in a light jacket. But on our last day, we woke up to a surprise snowstorm, complete with swirling flurries and rapidly disappearing trails. It was beautiful (and memorable!), but also a great reminder that spring in the Sierras can swing wildly between seasons.

Here are a few tips to help you pack and plan:

• Dress in layers: Start with moisture-wicking base layers and add a warm fleece or down jacket, plus a waterproof outer shell.
  
• Bring sturdy footwear: Waterproof hiking boots or shoes with good traction are key—trails can be muddy, slushy, or snow-covered, even when the sun’s out.
  
• Check the weather daily: Conditions change fast at elevation. Road closures or trail restrictions can pop up with little notice.
  
• Be prepared for snow chains: If visiting anytime from late fall through early spring, you may be required to carry (and use) chains, especially along the Generals Highway.
  
• Know that roads and trails may be closed seasonally: Iconic spots like Moro Rock and the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway may remain closed until early summer depending on snowpack.
  

The bottom line? Pack like it’s winter and hope for spring—and you just might get a little of both.

Want to See More? Combine with Yosemite on a Sierra Nevada Road Trip

If you’re planning a longer trip, it’s easy to combine Sequoia and Kings Canyon with a visit to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite sits just a few hours north—about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive depending on the season and route. Many travelers start in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, then loop up through Fresno and into Yosemite via Oakhurst and Highway 41, making for an epic 5–7 day road trip through the heart of the Sierra Nevada.

This combo gives you the best of California’s natural wonders: the giant sequoias, deep canyons, and high alpine meadows of Sequoia and Kings Canyon, followed by glacier-carved granite cliffs, iconic waterfalls, and famous hikes in Yosemite.

Check out my post on What to do in Yosemite National Park for tips on what to see and how to make the most of your visit!

Ready to Plan Your Sierra Nevada Adventure?

Sequoia and Kings Canyon are the kind of places that make you slow down, look up, and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re hiking with girlfriends or traveling with your family, these parks offer an unforgettable mix of wonder, ease, and adventure—all without the overwhelming crowds.

Feeling inspired but short on time to plan the details? I can help! I offer custom travel planning services that take the stress out of trip logistics, reservations, and itinerary building—so you can just show up and enjoy the magic.

🌲✨ Learn more about my travel planning services here and let’s make your next getaway effortless.