SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS
Best Time to Visit California
Sequoia National Park - with its immense mounting and foothills, and caverns and canyons and the world's largest trees (sequoias) - is a true illustration of nature's gigantism, beauty and diversity. It stands in Central California and is justly famous for its spectacular giant sequoia (the world's largest trees). Kings Canyon National Park is the southern sister of Sequoia National Park, and is best known for its deep canyons and extensive caverns.
See:
Best time to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon
When not to go to Sequoia and Kings Canyon
What to visit in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Hotels, Tours and Flights to Sequoia and Kings Canyon
MAIN GEOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES
WHAT TO VISIT IN SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS
Travel Map
Explore the map below for details:
Sequoia National Park
The east-central and east-south part of the Kings Canyon & Sequoia Parks are the most interesting and visited.
Big Stamp and Cedar Grove are the main references in Kings Canyons National Park. In Big Stump Entrance travellers can get information and guided tours.
Crystal Cave, Crescent Meadow and places and trails around (easily accessible through the Ash Mountain Entrance or the Big Stamp Entrance) are the main travel references in visiting the Sequoia National Park.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON PARKS
The most popular period to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is the Summer, when activities (and temperatures) are at their peak... During summer all roads and facilities are open, and Crystal Cave tours and other programmed tours are offered daily.
Summer temperatures in the foothills of the parks are high, but the mid-elevation sequoia groves offer hot yet agreeable temperatures.
Winter is the off-season: some facilities and the road to Cedar Grove and Mineral King are closed due to ice and snow.
Spring brings the wildflowers to the lower elevations, but at higher elevations winter conditions often remain. The road to Cedar Grove usually opens in mid-April, while Mineral King Road opens around Memorial Day and Crystal Cave tours begin mid-May.
Early Autumn is a good bet due to fewer crowds and better accommodation prices (though fewer programs are offered). Crystal Cave tours continue into October and most roads and facilities remain open.
Note:
You can find a great variety of climates in Sequoia and King Canyon Parks, due to the altitude of the places you may visit. So, be prepared with appropriate clothing.
WHEN NOT TO GO TO SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON PARKS, CALIFORNIA
If you want to avoid crowds and higher accommodation prices, then avoid Summer (by far the most popular period). In these case, late Spring and early Autumn are good optional bets (though with less Park Programs available).
Winter is a period you should avoid, unless you are an enthusiast of snow: many programs are unavailable, and many roads closed.
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON PARKS Weather Map
Since there is very low and very high elevations in Sequoia and King Canyon Parks, you can find a great variety of climates there.
See Yosemite Weather Map for a rough guide to average weather conditions.
HOTELS AND FLIGHTS TO SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON PARKS
The Parks offer their own lodging and accommodation, but you should book rooms very early (for Summer and closer months). Since the Parks are near the central Californian roads, allowing easy access to them, consider accommodation in motels around the park entrances or in important towns like Visalia (46 miles) or Fresno (75 miles).
