Sequoia and Kings Canyon

These two national parks are located conveniently together and can easily be either a stand-alone destination or one stop on a longer adventure. These parks offer more than just canyons and giant sequoias. Rising to an elevation of over 14,500 feet, Mount Whitney is the tallest mountain in the lower 48 and it is in good company. There are multiple peaks in both parks that measure over 14,000. Of course there are numerous activities and sights available from the road, but even a short hike can yield breathtaking results.

Here is a short summary of each park:

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is most noted for its giant sequoia trees and Mount Whitney—the highest peak in the lower 48. The park is administered by the National Park Service as a unit with Kings Canyon National Park, which is contiguous with Sequoia. There are no roads through much of the park and most of it is designated wilderness.

Visitors to the park will find relatively cool summer temperatures and, although winter sees the most precipitation, it is not extremely cold. Opportunities for outdoor activities include hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, snowshoeing and skiing. 

Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park contains multiple mountains with 14,000-plus-foot peaks, glacial valleys, mountain meadows and the largest stand of giant sequoia trees in the world. Created in 1890 as General Grant National Park, it was renamed Kings Canyon in 1940.

Kings Canyon contains multiple campgrounds along with opportunities for hiking, backpacking, fishing and rock climbing. Winter activities include skiing and snowshoeing.