SEQUOIA AND KING CANYON NATIONAL PARK – Sequoia and King Canyon National Parks are open 24/7, 365 days a year. However, during winter, winter storms will cross the roads leading to the parks.
Due to the geographical location of the parks, climatic conditions will greatly affect opening and closing periods of the facilities depending on elevation.
Summer in Sequoia and King Canyon National Park
During the summer season, the numbers of people visiting are usually higher compared to other seasons.
This is because the weather is friendly and temperatures at the sequoia groves are favorable compared to the heat at the foothills.
Fall in Sequoia and King Canyon National Park
During the fall season from September, the weather is warm during the days and cooler at night. The weather is very dynamic and stormy days are preceded by sunny days.
Winter in Sequoia and King Canyon National Park
When it begins to snow, sequoia groves are usually peaceful, snowy, and cold. The timing of the snowfall is unpredictable, and it is wise to have tire chains along the park roads at any time.
The foothills are usually succumbed to cool temperatures while the hillsides are green and covered with wildflowers, come January.
Spring in Sequoia and King Canyon National Park
Depending on the elevation, spring time lasts from April to mid-June in the parks. It is still quite snowy but begins to melt at most elevations.
Late spring snowstorms are common, and it’s a good idea to check out the weather forecast before visiting.
Best Time to Visit Sequoia National Park
However, if you are a fun of sequoia gazing, spring through fall is the best time for visits. December to April is prime time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the parks as well as at Giant Forest and Grant Grove.
Places To Visit in Sequoia and King Canyon National Park
Sequoia and King Canyon adjoin each other and are managed as one national park. Within the parks are five great places to visit namely; Mineral King, Foothills, Cedar Grove, Giant Forest & Lodgepole, and Grant Grove. These places are unique, with their own features, and climatic conditions.
Grant Grove and Giant Forest are home to the largest sequoia grooves. Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas are open only in spring through fall, while the Grant Grove, Giant Forest, and Lodgepole are open all year round. The Foothills area is at the lowest elevation and doesn’t snow at all.
The Giant Forest and Lodgepole Sequoia and King Canyon National Park
The giant forest and Lodgepole shelters the General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest living tree. The hiking trails and the Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road lead to the Moro Rock, High Sierra Trail and the Tunnel Log.
The big trees trail circling the meadow offers an easy hike suitable for families and people in wheel chairs. For park information, exhibits and a park store visit the Giant Forest Museum.
At Lodgepole, there are two seasonal camping grounds, a seasonal visitor center, a market and deli, showers among other services. The Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant are nearby and open 365 days a year. Trails in Lodgepole area lead to Giant Forest, Alpine lakes, and High Sierra Views.
Grant Grove Sequoia and King Canyon National Park
It was originally created in 1890 as General Grant National Park, to protect giant sequoias from logging. Day hiking opportunities include; trails in General Grant Grove and the Big Stump Grove, logged in the ‘80s.
The Grant Trail leads to the second largest tree in the world – the General Grant Tree. The easily accessible Panoramic Point Trail Leads to a viewpoint with spectacular vistas of wilderness, open only when roads aren’t snowy.
At 6,600 feet (2,008m) elevation, the area is characterized by warm days and cool nights in summer, and deep snow and cold temperatures in winter. Big Stump and Columbine Picnic area are used for snow play in winter.
While visiting Grant Grove, stop by Kings Canyon Visitor Center for exhibits and information. For accommodation services, try out John Muir Lodge or a rustic cabin or camp at one of three campgrounds near the village.
Cedar Grove Sequoia and King Canyon National Park
The Cedar Grove is a glaciated valley named after its Canyon. It features towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and the mighty Kings River.
There are two prominent rock formations that rise 3,500 feet high from the canyon floors, namely North Dome at 8,717 feet and Grand Sentinel at 8,518 feet. Most of the wilderness trails originate from here especially, near Roads End.
The Highway 180 to Cedar Grove is open from May through October, depending on weather conditions. At higher elevation, 4,600 feet (1,410 m), the weather is warm during the day and cold at night while at a lower elevation, the weather is warmer during summer.
Hiking trail opportunities range from gentle walks along the canyon floors to steeper ascents of the canyon’s rims. Other accessible features during a day’s hike include; Knapp’s Cabin, Zumwalt Meadow, Canyon View Lookout, Roaring River Falls, and Road’s End Permit Station.
Mineral King Sequoia and King Canyon National Park
Mineral King Valley stands at 7,800 feet, making it the highest place you can go in the parks by car. It consists of dense forests of pine, sequoia, and fir as well as colorful granite and shale landscapes.
Mineral King Trails are an excellent way to explore the area with options that range from, the one-mile Cold Springs Nature Loop to wilderness trails that traverse the eastern areas of Sequoia National Park.
For an easy time hiking, acquire information, maps, trail recommendations, first aid, local wilderness permits, and bear canisters at Mineral King Ranger Station.
Mineral King is accessed via a 25-mile road open late May to October. It is a remote area characterized by warm days and chilly nights in summer, and cold temperatures and snow in spring and falls. There are two seasonal campgrounds available for tent camping.
The Foothills Sequoia and King Canyon National Park
The foothills are a diverse landscape ruled by seasons. In winter and spring there are rains and moderate temperatures while in summer, hot and dry conditions dominate. Hiking trails follow River Kaweah and its tributaries.
For outdoor exhibits you can; visit Foothills Visitor Center, or camp in one of the two foothills campgrounds, and picnic at Foothills Visitor Center and at Hospital Rock.
If planning to drive to Giant Forest, be aware of the 22 vehicle length restriction and use the Kings Canyon National Park entrance on Highway 180 instead, if otherwise. There’s a trail leading past an alpine meadow surrounded by granite Mountainous Sequoia & Kings Canyon’s Wilderness. 95%+ of the parks is set aside as wilderness.
National Forests – Sequoia and King Canyon National Park
The national parks are bordered by Sequoia National Forest and Sierra National Forest. These lands offer a variety of functionality as well as camping, lodging, food, and gasoline.
The various areas in the parks have special characteristics each defining the place based on the services offered, and geographical outlay. There are also wildernesses which occupy the largest parts of the parks and trails for hiking experiences.