Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park are often talked about in the same breath. They share the same website.
“These are two national parks, but they are managed as one by one staff member,” said Cynthia Kawasaki-Yi, director of communications and administrative support for both California parks.
In reality, Sequoia’s visitor numbers are even higher, with more than 1.15 million visitors in 2022 and Kings Canyon’s just under 641,000, according to National Park Service records. But each park is worth exploring on its own.
Kings Canyon alone spans 722 square miles of giant trees and incredible mountains.
“Driving through Kings Canyon is truly a magical experience in itself, with views like no other,” said Kawasaki Yi.
Here’s what travelers need to know about Kings Canyon, the newest national park in USA TODAY’s annual series.
What is special about Kings Canyon National Park?
Like neighboring Kings Canyon, Kings Canyon is home to the Giant Sequoia, the tallest and oldest tree in the world.
The second largest tree in the world, the General Grant Tree stands 88 feet tall in the park’s Grant Grove.
“It’s also the only living shrine dedicated to the men and women who died serving our country. And it’s also our nation’s Christmas tree,” Kawasaki Yi said.
How far is Sequoia from Kings Canyon?
Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park are adjacent and adjacent to Sequoia National Forest.
“We are so intertwined,” Kawasaki Yi said. “So you get a double experience.”
Can I drive through Kings Canyon National Park?
yes. Visitors can drive through Kings Canyon to Sequoia on the Generals Highway.
“If you’re coming out of Los Angeles, you’re going to go into Sequoia National Park, drive through both parks, and then head to Fresno, which is the closest major city to Kings Canyon,” Kawasaki-Yi said. She said the entire drive usually takes her two hours, from an hour and a half, except for Cedar and Her Grove, which are more remote.
Vehicle admission is a flat $35 and covers seven days of access to both national parks. Reservations are not required for admission to either.
What is the best time to travel to Kings Canyon?
Kawasaki-Yee recommends visiting in spring or fall, but personally, I prefer spring to see the falls.
“You can see really strong waterfalls of snowmelt water,” she said.
The road to Cedar Grove is closed during the winter, so visitors may want to check to see if Cedar Grove is open during their visit.
In addition to being a popular access point for nature exploration, Cedar Grove’s views are unparalleled, said Kawasaki Yi.
“When you look up on either side, you see a granite canyon,” she said.
Who are the indigenous peoples of this area?
“Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are the homelands of the Mono (Monake), Yokutu, Tubatulabal, Paiute, and Western Shoshone peoples,” the park’s website states. , which lists the following federally recognized member tribes:
