If you need help organizing overnight stays and intermediate stops during the long journey from Sequoia to Death Valley, read the article below: Where to stay between Sequoia and Death Valley. To see all the details on this itinerary, including The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Yosemite Valley. On a normal year, we would have flown to Reno and driven from there. Which is the most beautiful? The Mariposa Grove Arrival Area has portable toilets and no drinking water. (3 answers), Hope from Gretna (Virginia) asked:Places to stay in Yosemite? If you decide to visit Sequoia and youre coming from the south, these places of interest are definitely off course, but dont forget that Kings Canyon is very close to the Sequoia. you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports your total travel time for this trip. With its deep valleys, towering sequoias, and distinctive rock formations, Kings Canyon resembles Yosemite. How long is the drive from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park? We included the must-see stops and highlights along the way, plus practical tips and planning essentials for visiting both parks. Though both parks are open all year round, there can be limitations when visiting during certain seasons, such as winter, late fall, and early spring. The trail to the General Sherman tree is a half-mile long and paved, making it easy for just about anyone to follow it. Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Sequoia National Park? You will beat the crowds into the park, be able to stay late, and generally spend less time driving around. Or get a full Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park flight plan. Like most beautiful parks in the country, both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are open 365 days a year. For my money, the two parks were just barely too far away from one another to stay in one place and visit both. This airport is accessible via direct flights through almost every carrier, and ticket prices werent excessive. The trail from the Mariposa Grove toward Wawona Spend a day soaking up the natural splendor and breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park on this full-day excursion from San Francisco. Driving from Sacramento to Portland? This same pass is valid for both parks. Even though they are close, they are probably too far away to stay in one place and easily visit all the best sights of both. There are several ways to visit this 2,200-year-old, 275 feet tall, and 36 feet wide giant. He was born and raised in California and has worked as a professional restaurant chef for over 20 years. The entrance to the parks is about 100 miles from Yosemite, or about two to two-and-a-half hours. recommended airports, airline, and route, check out Read More Rent a Car under 21 in California [w/ Rental Car Companies]Continue. Includes access to Kings Canyon. Traveling early may.fly into Fresno 9am on Thursdayleaving on Sunday. Sequoias are only visible after a one-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss. First time visit, how many days should i spend in the park? We spent most of our days at Kings Canyon towards the top of the highway exploring. The Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (near South Entrance) has flush toilets and drinking water. So, if youre planning to go on an epic Yosemite to Sequoia road trip, you might as well add Kings Canyon to the mix and just check out the entire Majestic Mountain Loop. Please read also this article for more information about national parks in winter. But for now, here's an example we've selected to From convenient shuttle stops, it's an easy stroll right up to the base of double-tiered Yosemite Falls, the continent's highest . The highlight of my visit was the trail surrounding General Grant Tree, the third largest three in the world, also known as the Nations Christmas Tree. Like with all of our road trips, you can easily reverse course, and fly into LA and out of San Francisco. BUY IT HERE. The trailhead for Congress Trail is near the General Sherman Tree and is the most popular hiking trail in the park. By Martie Bowser. If you decide to visit Yosemite, youll have the chance to drive along the beautiful Tioga Road, and, more importantly once youve crossed the Sierra via the Tioga Pass to see three gems of California: Mono Lake, Bodie Ghost Town and Mammoth Lakes (and surroundings). Next, drive for another 31 minutes then stop in Fresno and stay for 1 hour. If it's a real road trip, you might want to check out interesting places along the way, or maybe eat at a great restaurant. As its name suggests, the falls are known for the loud roaring noises its water makes, which are loudest during late spring to early summer. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you're planning a road trip, We decided to spend the night in San Francisco because the trip to Yosemite was a 3-hour drive. Check rates and availability here. distance from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park, or go to the main page The following trails are closed due to the Washburn Fire: In fact, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are right next to each other and actually share an entrance fee! There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the viewpoints, so make sure to plan accordingly. There were plenty of Airbnb options in this area, but there are also a handful of hotels and motels in the same vicinity. Utah, The Zebra Slot Canyon is a stunning and unique geological feature located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern. Begin your trip to Kings Canyon Drive at the Foothills Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park. 12 years ago Save If you visit Kings Canyon National Park, which is adjacent to Sequoia (and is included in your entrance fee to Sequoia) you can exit Kings Canyon on Highway 180 and go west to Fresno then north on the 41 to Yosemite. This means that can chose to enter only once any time during the three days, or every day for the same three days. The Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (near South Entrance) has flush toilets and drinking water. Weve seen a few cars (and motorcycles) turned around from the gate because they didnt have one. This is a beautiful drive, but the road can be pretty windy in some parts, so keep a motion sickness pill on hand. Your trip begins at Fresno Yosemite International Airport in Fresno, California. To see the details on this flight plan, including Since we made the drive to Yosemite, we felt we needed to see Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, too. By which I mean youve hiked other 14,000+ elevation peaks. There are two ways to reach the Eastern Sierra (the area east of the two parks in question) and Death Valley: Case 1 applies to pretty much everyone who embarks on a road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite. View a map with driving directions Since we would pass right by it on our road trip to Yosemite, we felt we needed to stop and enjoy some time on the mountain. 6- (Optional) Sequoia National Park. Local Tip: If you get motion sickness, make sure to bring some motion sickness pills with you, so you wont be miserable on this scenic drive. First, drive the Avenue of the . Home to Redwood Canyon, the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees in the world, Kings Canyon is worth at least a few hours to visit. (whether it's first class or coach). 5:52 pm arrive at Yosemite National Park. It goes without saying thatSequoia is easier to visit, since almost all the main trails are located near the only road that cuts through the park, Generals Highway. Other than the two small Arizona towns, youll drive through a Joshua Tree forest, in certain parts more dense than Joshua Tree National Monument. The drive takes about 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. There are a cluster of wonderful Airbnbs in the area, but they are about an hour or more away from the parks main entrance. Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park including time spent getting to/from The day after a holiday weekend, we had no trouble finding a parking lot at the trailhead. into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate There are no gas stations inside the parks, so before going in, check that your tank is full and watch your gas gauge to make sure you do not get stranded. The trailhead is located at the Grant Tree Parking Area, where you will also find the trailhead for the North Grove Loop, a 1.5-mile trail thats less crowded and allows you to take an even closer look at the giant trees. Check rates and availability here. Sequoia National Park is the oldest national park in California and second in the US only to Yellowstone. Trek to a grove of giant sequoias, marvel at features like El Capitan, and enjoy free time to explore the park's outdoor wonders and historic lodges on your own. For the latest road and weather conditions within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, please call the 24-Hour Park Information Hotline at 559-565-3341, then press 1-1-1. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Yosemite National Park. This is also an excellent spot for a picnic, especially if you want to stretch your legs and spend some time appreciating the falls beauty. Please stay on trails: hazards may exist off trail in the Mariposa Grove. Sequoia National Park to Kings Canyon Drive, Things to do at Kings Canyon National Park, Planning a trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Practical Information for Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, What to Pack for Yosemite to Sequoia Road Trip, Wrap-Up: Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park, San Francisco to Monterey Drive [Best Stops on Pacific Coast Highway], San Francisco to Lake Tahoe Road Trip [Best Stops], Rent a Car under 21 in California [w/ Rental Car Companies], San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip [Scenic Drive + Best Places to Stop], Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip Itinerary [The Best Stops], Sacramento to Portland Drive [Best Road Trip Stops + Places to Eat]. Sequoia National Park Best Months: May, June, September & October Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. the results with the flight time calculator to see how much include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait Local Tip: It will cost you $70 to get passes for Yosemite and Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks, so why not get a National Park Pass instead for only $80? Make sure your vehicle isnt taller than 8 feet; otherwise, youll have to use a bypass. Along the way, you can stop about halfway in Modesto, CA for a bite to eat. Grant Grove is currently open and a nice area to visit. If youre like us, just stoping on your way to Yosemite, drive to the trailhead, hike about a mile or so on the summit trail and enjoy time in the pines. Technically, the cavern is located in Sequoia National Forest but to access the entrance, you will have to pass through Kings Canyon National Park onto the famous 2,000-foot-high marble walls of the Kings Gates. Another recognizable feature at Yosemite is the Half Dome, which is further into the park, near the Yosemite Valley Visitors Center. Read More Sacramento to Portland Drive [Best Road Trip Stops + Places to Eat]Continue. Located northeast from Las Vegas on I-15, Utah's first national park is a crowd favorite for good reason: The nature is truly insane. With temperatures hovering above the 100F (over 38 degrees Celsius), summer is not the ideal time to visit this park, but a short stop is still worth it. Home to enormous . and flights. You will need to walk half a mile to reach the overlooks viewing area, which is just a few minutes from the Visitor Center. Read More San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip [Scenic Drive + Best Places to Stop]Continue. If you love National Parks, you might as well purchase an annual pass, as you will be traveling and visiting three National Parks, which will only be $10 more if you pay the entrance fees individually. With the full itinerary planned out, we can estimate If you want to see one of the most breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, stop by Glacier Point. Large swaths of Yosemite Valley were closed over the weekend as the National Park Service braces for raising water levels in area rivers and streams due to a combination of record snowfall levels and unseasonably warm temperatures. Nonstop drive: 215 miles or 346 km Driving time: 4 hours, 51 minutes Without taking into account all the points explained above, if you have to decide on the route, here is what I suggest you to do: Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites. However, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy various viewpoints along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, taking in breathtaking views, the windy trip is well worth it. We created this guide to give you everything you need to know to help you plan your Yosemite to Sequoia road trip. Dont forget to check out the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant, which is Yosemites second-largest tree. Parking is extremely limited. View amapfor details. Mount Whitney. Or is that too much and redundant? The extension of Yosemite is over 1158 sq mi, while the Sequoia is just 631 sq mi. From Hwy 99, you will continue driving for about an hour or so until you reach the junction of Hwy 99 and Hwy 198. Both parks are open 24/7, 365 days a year, and do not require reservations, but depending on the season and weather conditions, some roads leading into the parks are closed. This scenic drive through the heart of California will take you to three National Parks: Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. To take a different route, you can drive back to Phoenix through Lake Havasu City, home to the famous London Bridge. Parking is limited. Youll find a few of the lakes surrounded by pine forests and hiking trails. Back then, passholders only had access to 7 partner resorts, and, The IKON ski lift ticket was created by the Alterra Mountain Company in 2018. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia . Honestly, there was so much to see along Generals Highway, that we spent the first day at Sequoia exploring the southern part of the route again. You will pass by Grant Grove Village, and onto Cedar Grove, before reaching Roads End of Kings Canyon National Park. The distance from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park is 138 miles. The shoulder seasons are a great time to visit as the crowds are lower as kids are back in school, but the weather is still very pleasant. Generally, if you visit in July and August, Im sure its open, but in June and September, you should check. Panamint Springs. Bearpaw Specific Reservations: (877) 436-9726. Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. We decided it was best to stay the night here, as to not have to take a red-eye flight back to the East Coast. If your primary goal is to see giant sequoias, then the name of the park gives you the answer. Go straight to Sequoia National Park. We had a wonderful time exploring the surroundings at the 8,300 feet elevation, enjoying the cooler weather in the pines, and a picnic lunch after a short hike on the famous Whitney trail leading to the summit. road trip guide from San Francisco to Yosemite, Sequoia National Park Ash Mountain Entrance, San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip itinerary. How far is Yosemite National Park from Sequoia National Park? Read More San Francisco to Lake Tahoe Road Trip [Best Stops]Continue. 4. It is a great place to experience the best of the Mojave Desert, and learn about this unique environment. It can be done in 4 hours amongst the shortest routebut its much better to take your time and experience the breath taking scenery. because there's an entire community of travelers talking Stay in Pinehurst or Miramonte, which both have an impressive amount of Airbnbs. helping you figure out travel plans in detail. If you are on a road rip to Yosemite, enjoy a short stop and the scenic road, then drive on to your next stop. National Parks in California: a List and Visitors Guide of the Parks, Visit Yosemite: Must see attractions for a road trip, Planning a Visit in Kings Canyon National Park: Best Things To See and Trails to Hike. Home > USA Parks > Yosemite National Park > Yosemite or Sequoia National Park? There is no gas in the park so fill up in Squaw Valley of Dunlap. You can see: Joshua Tree National ParkMount WhitneyMammoth Lakes Devils Postpile National Monument (depending on the season)Sequoia National ParkKings Canyon National Park, Driving through the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, Take a Short Hike and Have a Picnic Under the Pines, 3. It takes just over an hour to get to the viewpoint from the Visitor Center. There is a variety of trails from easy to strenuous within the grove, as well as some accessible trails. With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and Hopefully there will be some sections not flooded. The numerous national parks are among the most popular destinations in California and are, More than 3 million people travel every year to visit Yosemite National Park, the first conservation area designated by the United States back in 1864. The Crystal Cave is one of the more than 200 natural caves in the park, but was well worth the $18-$5 (depending on age) admission price. (The 1.5-mile hike back to the parking lot gains 500 feet and is strenuous.) take-off and landing, and time to taxi on the runway. With over 631 square miles to explore, Sequoia National Park can be as intimidating as the giants it houses. If you move further upstream, you can find quiet sandy beaches to spread your blanket and enjoy sunbathing or picnicking by the water. Other parts of Sequoia/KC NP with Sequoia tree such as Giant Forest are currently closed. So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from drive for about 1 hour. Size: Large, #7 in North America Code: SFO Visit Website. The Center has an exhibit featuring the three regions of the park: the canyon, the giant sequoias, and the High Sierra. 5- Yosemite National Park (1:50 hour drive) Welcome to Yosemite! Once in Lake Havasu City, you can spend some time enjoying the waterfront. Stop at Tunnel View for a photo op of the Valley and Half Dome. 3 2. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. With fewer visitors, you get less traffic and a better chance of finding a parking spot at all of the famous landmarks and trailheads. longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. Instead, we spent a couple nights at each park to enjoy the full experience! When a giant sequoia fell and blocked the road, the most logical thing the workers could think of was carving a tunnel through it instead of moving the whole thing. The main road through the park leads through a few famous landmarks and large patches of Joshua Trees. Exit off highway 41 to Kings Canyon Highway 180 east. The 1,700 year old General Grant tree (second-largest by volume in the world) and Kings Canyon Visitor Center is also immediately following this entrance. Lady Bug Trail (3 mi/5 km): takes you to one of the lowest-elevation sequoia groves. Covering a lot of miles, the road trip to Yosemite took us through some of the most spectacular and famous landscapes in the US. In Yosemite, you can walk the dog on the bike path. Looking for more road trip ideas? If you visit Yosemite in the winter, be aware that the road going to Glacier Point is closed. At the foothills of Mammoth Mountain, the town lays at an elevation of 7,880 feet, and it is the gateway to the scenic mountain, and to the Devils Postpile National Monument. If you google photos of the two parks, you would likely say to yourself,Do I have to choose? Youll find the most famous views from Glacier Point, where you can see the entire Valley, with the famous rock formations and waterfalls. Get the reverse directions for a The total driving time is 4 hours, 51 minutes. You should plan on spending at least an hour to an hour-and-a-half strolling casually and checking out the unique clusters of trees. Glacier Point is another popular vantage point of the valley via the Four-Mile Trail, which is just under 5 miles one-way. The closures, announced Tuesday, will remain in place until at least May 3. Read More Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip Itinerary [The Best Stops]Continue. It ends in Yosemite National Park, California. Website: nps.gov/yose. This section provides you with the parks highlights to give you a basic idea of what to expect in the park. Location: San Francisco, CA (PST) Yosemite also has some giant sequoias in the area of Mariposa Grove (it recently reopened and restored while it was closed for years), but they are not as tall or even as numerous. Grant Grove is reached via Highway 180 from Fresno. This will take approximately 40 minutes and it passes through beautiful meadows, winds through the Kings River, and under patches of forest shade. 3.1 Enjoy the Scenic Road to Mount Whitney. Learn how your comment data is processed. I have also published some poetry. El Capitan is the feature that actually launched the National Park Service over a hundred years ago. Find out the best stops on your Sac to Portland drive including places to eat along the way for a fun road trip. This 4.7-mile roundtrip hike is considered relatively easy, and if you want to get away from the crowds, this is a great hike to follow as its not exactly one of the popular trails in the park. We decided to stay in the town of Three Rivers, CA, which only about a 7 mile (11 km) or 13-minute drive to the entrance of Sequoia National Park through the Ash Mountain Entrance. A visit to these parks and exploring their sights involve going high up in elevation. using your preferred map provider: Location: About 70 miles east of Fresno, CA; Closest airport(s): Fresno-Yosemite (FAT) ~ 1.5 hours, Bakersfield (BFL) < 2 hours, San Jose (SJC) ~ 3.5-4 hours Best time of year to go: Late spring through early fall; Recommended visit length: 2 days; 2023 price to visit: $35 per car; I might be stretching it a bit to place Sequoia & Kings Canyon national parks in Northern California. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it As well as getting to the nature of the problem, I will also try to give some criteria to make the choicebetween Yosemite and Sequoia, in case you cant include them both in the itinerary. After escaping the kitchen life, he is now focused on his passion for the outdoors and world travel. We started off in the greener Sonoran desert, home of the giant saguaro, in bloom this time of the year. The trail from the Mariposa Grove toward Wawona. . From here, youll drive along Generals Highway for about 2.5 hours, a total distance of 80 miles. Take exit 198, passing through Visalia, and straight towards Sequoias Ash Mountain Entrance (South Entrance). We were still able to find a parking spot leading to a short trail through sequoia groves the park got its name from. P.O. READ MORE: Driving from San Francisco? Follow along the water, passing small fields of wildflowers under the shade of trees, and youll soon see massive granite walls before finally reaching the base of the falls. Take a hike among ancient sequoia trees, and enjoy several hours to explore the park's wonders on your own. Cell service in both parks is spotty, so dont rely on your phones during your visit. Located on the Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat, the Tuolumne Grove has about two dozen mature giant sequoias. It ends in Visalia, California. (The one-mile hike back to the parking lot gains 500 feet and is strenuous.) Check out out road trip guide from San Francisco to Yosemite. You should also visit Sequoia if you prefer a more secluded park thats quicker and easier to visit. So, before going on a road trip, check for advisories regarding accessibility to make travel adjustments if necessary. However, since that is the road well be using to travel down to Sequoia later on, we will leave the majority of that route for later. Yosemite to Sequoia National Park Drive Distance: 172 miles Driving Time: 3.5 to 4 hours Suggested Route: Yosemite Valley Visitor Center to Sequoia National Park Ash Mountain Entrance Sequoia National Park is located south of Yosemite National Park, adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park. Try searching for places within 5 hours of Sequoia National Park. You can also print out pages with a travel map. Covering over 1,200 miles, a road trip from Phoenix to Yosemite National Park might not sound like the most convenient way to visit the famous park. Our writers create all reviews, patterns, and other content to inform readers, with no influence from our advertisers. of your actual flight time. from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Yosemite Valley. There are others in the area as well, like the Cedar Grove Lodge and the Grant Grove Cabins, so there are plenty of options within the park if you find yourself not finding any availability. Which one is the most beautiful, Yosemite or Sequoia? If you are looking for lodging within the confines of the park, the Wuksachi and Montecito-Sequoia Lodges are beautiful, but fill up very quickly. Youll find the road leading up to it in the small town on Lone Pine, worth a stop for its famous landmarks featured in old Western movies. Another 250 miles later, we reached Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving This rustic family-friendly lodge is located between Sequoia and Kings Canyon and has been a top favorite among families visiting the area. Finally, drive for about 1 hour and arrive at Yosemite National Park. You will then exit Hwy 41 and drive until you merge onto Hwy 99. 2023 Chef Travel Guide | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Disclosure Policy. About two hours later, 100 miles past Mt Whitney, youll reach Mammoth Lakes, with its surrounding pine forests and lakes. Entrance Fee: US$ 35 Vehicle 7 Day Pass (or free with America the Beautiful Pass) Campgrounds: Yes, spread across the park (see campgrounds) Accommodation: Notoriously challenging, some lodging in Yosemite Valley, more in surrounding areas. In most cases, the default is Yosemite, and the Sequoia is excluded. The best itinerary for a San Francisco to Yosemite Road trip featuring two routes with the best places to stop. Famous for their Summer Family Camp, make early reservations here if you plan on going with your family to ensure you get a room. The entire loop is marked with fallen trees and stumps, evidence of what once was a lumber mill in the area. As far as trees are concerned, there are taller and broader trees than General Sherman, but this Giant Sequoia is the worlds largest tree by volume. Find pet-friendly stops. There is no firm estimate of when other areas with Sequoias may reopen. Is Yosemite worth camping/visiting in the spring? Best family activities 2 day trip to Yosemite? Tips on where to stay in and near Sequoia. Plus, it is the Nations Christmas Tree which makes it extra special to see. The Silver City Resort is within the park, but again it fills up fast, and unless you are looking many months into the future, you will have to find other accommodations. Normally, after visiting this park which is much closer than the Sequoia one continues along the Tioga Road and goes past the Sierra Nevada to Death Valley and Las Vegas. for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other In that case, your travel time would really need to Chef Travel Guide is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Program. It makes the visitors time more enjoyable, while keeping the park healthier. Its also very accessible as it does not require any hiking to see the view. Its views are absolutely breathtaking, it has beautiful waterfalls and offers many opportunities to go hiking in the most diverse natural landscapes, and last but not least, in its vicinity there are some hidden pearls of undisputed value, namely Tioga Road, Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes and Bodie. This trail is not for the faint-of-heart and requires a permit from the park to hike. Aside from this, its best to cover all the basics, such as park entrance fees, itineraries, and accommodations, ahead of time to avoid inconveniences that often result when making plans too late. To better understand the various options mentioned, open the map and select the level with the park and time of year you are interested in to see the itinerary. Phone +1 559-565-3341 Web Visit website Located in California's southern Sierra Nevada mountain range, Sequoia National Park and the adjacent Kings Canyon National Park are known for their towering sequoia trees and miles of uninterrupted wilderness trails.
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