Number 6 on our list could easily be higher on my list. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park sits within the Southern Sierra Nevada mountain Range in Northern California, about 200 miles from Los Angeles. Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are home to several native species including black bear, mountain lions, fox, big horn sheep, coyote, deer, cougar, wolverine, badger, eleven species of woodpecker, several species of turtle, three species of owl, opossum, various species of snake, birds including roadrunner, beaver, many species of frog, and muskrat.
The biggest draw of visitors to the park is the giant Sequoia trees. The two neighboring national parks cover 202,430 acres and are home to five of the 10 largest trees on earth. One of which is the largest (living thing) on earth called the “General Sherman” tree. General Sherman is over 279 feet tall, 36 feet in diameter at the base and a total volume of 52,508 cubic feet. Looking at pictures does absolutely no justice to the sheer size of these massive giants.
There are many shorter hiking trails that lead to the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, Tokopah Falls, and the Big Trees trail. There are many other trails in the park so make sure you pick up a map when you get there. Sometimes trails are closed due to repairs, washouts or fallen trees. There are several visitors centers and ranger stations that can tell you which trails are closed. The Giant Forrest Museum is a great place to learn about everything the National Park’s have to offer.
Visitors can camp at any of the 14 campgrounds in the parks, including 3 that are available year around. Some accept reservations and some do not so check the National Park Service website for more details. If you are thinking of of bringing your pets, they are not allowed on any trails in the parks but they are allowed while on a leash in the developed areas.
Before making your trip make sure to check the local conditions and road restrictions. As I am writing this post, they are expecting heavy snow this week and snow chains are required.
There are tons of things to see and do while in the park besides just seeing these amazing trees. You can take a scenic drive down General’s Highway or Crescent Meadow Loop. Check out the underground marble caverns at Crystal Cave or Boyden Cavern. Go explore any of the hundreds of miles of trails throughout the parks, is walking isn’t your thing try a relaxing horseback riding tour. Check out these 15 Amazing things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
