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California National Parks, Famous for Giant Sequoia Trees that grow only on Western Flanks of Sierra Nevada. They are next to each other, and separation to 2 separate parks is somewhat non-logical. Sequoia is normally approached via State Route 198 from Three Rivers, while Kings Canyon is usually visited via US 180 from Fresno. Generals Highway between General Sherman Tree and Grant Grove links two parks, but it is closed for the winter after first big snow storm.
Driving to Sequioia from Three Rivers is experience by itself. Narrow, twisting and turning road climbing several 1000's feet takes time, requires concentration and is downright dangerous in bad weather. Consequently day trips to Sequoia, although feasible are not ideal to fully experience the park as time will be limited. I only had time for quick hike to Morro Rock and couple of hours walk in Giant Forest Grove.
Driving to Kings Canyon via US 180 is much more mellow experience. Road is wider and although there are still curves it is nowhere as drastic as 198. Main Hub is Grant Grove Village that has Visitor Center, Lodging as well as General Store. Kings Canyon Road continues to Cedar Grove but it's been closed during my visit in early November '23 because of storm damage in '22. After exploring Grant Grove I linked back to Generals Higwhay via Hume lake where I spent couple of hours exploring Sandy Cove.
These two National Parks are both below treeline and visited primarily because of Sequoias. Classic Sierra Nevada alpine lies much further and can be explored only on foot. Hiking trails can be accessed only by car camping inside the park(s) or backpacking into the wilderness.
Driving to Sequioia from Three Rivers is experience by itself. Narrow, twisting and turning road climbing several 1000's feet takes time, requires concentration and is downright dangerous in bad weather. Consequently day trips to Sequoia, although feasible are not ideal to fully experience the park as time will be limited. I only had time for quick hike to Morro Rock and couple of hours walk in Giant Forest Grove.
Driving to Kings Canyon via US 180 is much more mellow experience. Road is wider and although there are still curves it is nowhere as drastic as 198. Main Hub is Grant Grove Village that has Visitor Center, Lodging as well as General Store. Kings Canyon Road continues to Cedar Grove but it's been closed during my visit in early November '23 because of storm damage in '22. After exploring Grant Grove I linked back to Generals Higwhay via Hume lake where I spent couple of hours exploring Sandy Cove.
These two National Parks are both below treeline and visited primarily because of Sequoias. Classic Sierra Nevada alpine lies much further and can be explored only on foot. Hiking trails can be accessed only by car camping inside the park(s) or backpacking into the wilderness.
© Autumn Sky Photography