Finding time to travel and explore a new location can be hard when life is always getting in the way; work, school, kids, bills, etc. But, when I hear 3 day weekend, all I think of is where can I travel to next? On our most recent 3 day weekend, Ian and I took a small road trip outside of Los Angeles to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. We have always had a love of National Parks and we are slowly trying to check each one in the US of A off of our list (5 down, 53 to go!). Needless to say, we have a lot of exploring still to do but here is our guide to an amazing 3 day weekend in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:
Whether you got in late the night before or arriving first thing in the morning, it’s important to note that it will take you about an hour (traffic depending) to get from the entrance of the park to the main Sequoia forest. This is coming from the south entrance as Ian and I stayed out side of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Since it is a bit of a drive, we recommend staying either at the foot of the park or in the park itself. Outside the south entrance of the park is a cute little town, Three Rivers, that provides many accommodations, food options and gas. Check out all Three Rivers has to offer here.
If you are looking to avoid this drive at all costs and would just like to do it the one time, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park provides accommodations for all types of campers. Check out the accommodations inside the park here.
DAY 1:
First things first, make a stop at the closest visitors center to talk to a park ranger about the park and the wildlife that lives in it. As cute as baby bear cubs are, it is important to know how to react when you see them, because you know that mama bear is not far behind. I am lucky enough to be dating an Eagle Scout who has an understanding of nature v. beast, but for those who do not have those skills in your back pocket, be sure to stop in and say hello!
For those history buffs out there, stop by Hospital Rock and see the ruins of Native American tribe Potwisha sub-group of the Monache. It is also a great place to stop and enjoy a picnic and play on the rocks down by the river.
After enjoying a peaceful picnic at Hospital Rock, take a drive around Sequoia. There are many stop offs along the Generals Highway that are great for exploring and Instagram worthy pictures. Depending on what time of year you visit Sequoia, some areas may be closed off. Make sure to check for peak and off peak season and what will be available to you.
Towards the end of your drive, make a stop at Wuksachi Lodge for an early dinner. Wuksachi Lodge is the perfect location for a cozy cabin feel with a view. If you are considering lodging at Wuksachi Lodge, check out details about your stay here.
DAY 2:
Up and at’em folks! It’s time to reach tunnel log before sunrise. Head back up the mountain and turn right down the narrow road before the Giant Forest museum (coming from the south entrance). The tunnel log is definitely a site to behold in Sequoia, but if you don’t get there early, don’t count on getting any cool pictures with the amount of people around.
After snapping your perfect picture, keep heading down to Crescent Meadows to walk around the Sequoia trees.
After enjoying the Sequoias, head back towards Generals Highway. Before you reach the highway, veer to the left and enjoy Moro Rock. If you are not into hiking and would like to see a spectacular view of Sequoia AND Moro Rock, check out Hanging Rock, located right next to Moro Rock. This hidden treasure is perfect for those looking to experience Moro Rock from an “off the beaten path” perspective. Not known to many people, Hanging Rock is quiet and perfect for a picnic lunch with AWESOME views.
If you do enjoy an easier hike, head back down the road after Hanging Rock and check out Moro Rock for yourself! It’s one of the main destinations in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park for a reason.
Head back to Generals Highway and take a look around the Giant Forest Museum and Giant Forest. It is truly amazing to stand among these natural giants. The Sequoias right outside the Giant Forest museum can only be described in one word: peaceful. Please remember when you are exploring around to keep an eye out for wildlife!
Head back down the mountain for an early dinner at The Gateway Restaurant and Lodge, located at the base of the South Entrance. It is a popular location in Three Rivers, so be sure to check it out early!
DAY 3:
For your final day in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, head up to the northern entrance of the park and check out Kings Canyon. Kings Canyon provides beautiful backdrops and sky scraping trees that John Muir once called “a rival to Yosemite.”
Check out Grant Grove Village for everything from food to shopping to the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. This is a perfect opportunity to get that National Park sweatshirt you’ve been wanting! Grant Grove Restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a burger at a decent price and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After enjoying some grub and getting some awesome new clothes, head on over to the General Grant Tree. Known for being the “Nations Christmas Tree,” the General Grant tree is not a sight to miss. Be sure to check it out in the General Grant Village.
Last, but certainly not least, head back down into Sequoia and check out the largest tree in the world, The General Sherman Tree. To say this tree is large is an understatement; standing around giant trees all weekend may make you think this tree will blend in with the rest, but I promise you, The General Sherman earns its name as being the largest tree in the world. With easy access parking, you can walk down the easy path to the tree or take the shuttle. Whichever you prefer, make sure that you are making a stop by this magnificent tree before you head on home.
If you enjoyed our guide and have any advice you would like to share, please be sure to comment below! We love to hear what other travelers have done in the area and what they recommend. Until next time, we out!
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