Yosemite to Sequoia National Park Drive [+ Kings Canyon]

Are you looking to drive from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park? Then you’ve come to the right place.

We created this guide to give you everything you need to know to help you plan your Yosemite to Sequoia road trip.

We included the must-see stops and highlights along the way, plus practical tips and planning essentials for visiting both parks.

We also covered the drive to Kings Canyon National Park and the best things to do there, which covers the entire Majestic Mountain Loop, in case you want to add it to your itinerary.

Are you ready? Let’s dive in.

How far apart are Sequoia and Yosemite?

The distance from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park is 138 miles.

It would take you approximately 2.5 hours from Yosemite National Park’s southern entrance to the southern entrance of Sequoia, provided you don’t make many stops along the way.

READ MORE: Driving from San Francisco? Check out out road trip guide from San Francisco to Yosemite. Read this guide if you’re driving from Lake Tahoe.

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.

In order to get more accurate directions, make sure to set your GPS directions from the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center to the Sequoia National Park Ash Mountain Entrance.

The scenic drive from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park covers 171 miles with at least a 3.5 to 4 hours drive, without stops.

📢You can find the address for Yosemite National Park here, along with the five different entrances.

Yosemite to Sequoia Drive

Starting at Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, you will drive down Wawona Road, where you can take a slight detour to visit Mariposa Grove and its giant sequoia trees.

You will then exit Hwy 41 and drive until you merge onto Hwy 99.

From Hwy 99, you will continue driving for about an hour or so until you reach the junction of Hwy 99 and Hwy 198.

Take exit 198, passing through Visalia, and straight towards Sequoia’s Ash Mountain Entrance (South Entrance).

⛽ Stop by Visalia to fill up on gas, as options are limited and more expensive at Three Rivers, and there are no gas stations inside the park. Check out more tips here.

Once you hit General’s Highway, the road is narrow, steep, winding, and a bit difficult to drive, with plenty of switchbacks. 

There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the viewpoints, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Local Tip: If you get motion sickness, make sure to bring some motion sickness pills with you, so you won’t be miserable on this scenic drive

What is there to see between Yosemite and Sequoia National Park?

• Tunnel View

This vista point is just minutes away from Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and draws in crowds all year round due to its spectacular views of the El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. 

It’s also very accessible as it does not require any hiking to see the view. 

• Glacier Point

If you want to see one of the most breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, stop by Glacier Point.

It takes just over an hour to get to the viewpoint from the Visitor Center.

If you visit Yosemite in the winter, be aware that the road going to Glacier Point is closed. 

• Mariposa Grove

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see Giant Sequoias in Sequoia National Park, but you might as well get started by dropping by the largest Sequoia grove in Yosemite. 

Don’t forget to check out the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant, which is Yosemite’s second-largest tree.

Things to do at Sequoia National Park

With over 631 square miles to explore, Sequoia National Park can be as intimidating as the giants it houses.

This section provides you with the park’s highlights to give you a basic idea of what to expect in the park. 

There are plenty of hiking trails to take, waterfalls to see, and even a cave to explore.

This way, you’ll be able to better plan just which trails to hike or sights to see.

General Sherman Tree

• Trail Info: 1.2 miles, 196 ft elevation gain, easy

As far as trees are concerned, there are taller and broader trees than General Sherman, but this Giant Sequoia is the world’s largest tree by volume.

There are several ways to visit this 2,200-year-old, 275 feet tall, and 36 feet wide giant.

The easiest, aside from the handicapped access, is by walking the paved 1.2-mile out-and-back trail that begins at the parking lot off Wolverton Road.

Expect a bit of an uphill walk back to the car for those with mobility issues.

Congress Trail

• Trail Info: 2.9 miles, 462 ft elevation gain, easy

The trailhead for Congress Trail is near the General Sherman Tree and is the most popular hiking trail in the park.

This 2.9-mile loop features an impressive collection of ancient Giant Sequoias, with several that are almost as massive as the General Sherman Tree.

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. 

This trail connects to other routes that will help you find a quiet spot away from the crowds.

Big Trees Trail

• Trail Info: 1.2 miles, 108 ft elevation gain, easy

Another great trail you can take to see Giant Sequoias is the Big Trees Trail.

You won’t have a problem bringing small kids on strollers as the trailhead right next to the Giant Forest Museum is wheelchair and stroller-accessible.

This 1.2-mile easy trail loops around a meadow on a paved path with interpretative signs that tell you about the history and interesting facts about the trees and the other flora and fauna.

As this trail is very accessible, and the path is relatively narrow in most places, it can get a little crowded, so it’s best to visit early or later in the afternoon.

Tokopah Falls

• Trail Info: 3.8 miles, 626 ft elevation gain, moderate difficulty

Follow along the water, passing small fields of wildflowers under the shade of trees, and you’ll soon see massive granite walls before finally reaching the base of the falls.

If you’re visiting during late spring to early summer, you will see Tokopah Falls’ water flowing in all its glory.

The falls are over 1,200 feet high and cascade over a series of rocks. 

Tokopah Falls is just so beautiful that the 3.8-mile out-and-back trail is easy, considering the payoff.

Moro Rock

Sequoia National Park may be famous for its ancient Giant Sequoias, but Moro Rock is a do not miss, especially if you want 360-degree views of the forest canopy below.

You can easily spot this massive granite dome as you enter the park. 

It’s a 360-step stone stairway that leads to the top near the parking lot, so you can make this your first stop.

Fair warning, this hike has steep dropoffs at some places that make it less than ideal for those that are scared of heights or are not sure-footed. 

Tunnel Log

“The bigger they are, the harder they fall.”

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 ingenious idea paid off, and since 1937, park visitors have been making it their goal to drive through the Tunnel Log.

Make sure your vehicle isn’t taller than 8 feet; otherwise, you’ll have to use a bypass.

Giant Forest Museum

If you’re a little bit tight on time but still want a general overview of the park, visiting the Giant Forest Museum and walking the nearby Big Tree Trail would be a good combination.

Converted from a historic market building, the museum houses interactive exhibits that teach about tree ecology and the history of how the park came about.

The entrance to the museum is free and already comes with your park entrance.

Tunnel Rock

Unlike the Tunnel Log, you can’t drive through the Tunnel Rock.

The road that supposedly goes through this granite boulder on Generals Highway has long since been rerouted.

Visitors can visit this sizeable balanced boulder through a paved path just beside the pathway. 

You can park at a pullout along the road and cross towards the rock, where you can take photos standing below it.

Crystal Cave

After appreciating impressive sights above ground, how about checking a marble cavern?

Visiting Crystal Cave involves a steep 0.5-mile hike from the parking area and joining a guided tour on the 0.5-mile loop that leads through the cave.

This is one of the best caverns in Northern California that you should check out.

Purchase your tickets for the 50-minute guided tour at least two months in advance and carve out almost half a day for the whole experience.

Sequoia National Park to Kings Canyon Drive

• Distance: 80 miles
• Driving Time: 2.5 hours
• Suggested Route: Foothills Visitor Center to Roads End

Begin your trip to Kings Canyon Drive at the Foothills Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park.

From here, you’ll drive along Generals Highway for about 2.5 hours, a total distance of 80 miles.

Unlike your drive from Yosemite to Sequoia, the journey through Generals Highway involves driving steep, winding, narrow roads with several switchbacks.

Simply put, it’s not an ideal road trip for those who quickly experience motion sickness.

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.

Places to see between Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon

• Buck Rock Lookout

Perched high up on a granite dome, the Buck Rock Lookout is only accessible by going up a steep 172-step staircase. 

Upon reaching the lookout, you’ll have 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.

• Redwood Mountain Overlook

Located just along the highway, the Redwood Mountain Overlook offers views of the large groves of giant sequoia trees in the park, including the canopy of the Redwood Mountain grove.

• Big Stump Grove

After passing the Kings Canyon National Park entrance, you will find an exit leading to the Big Stump Picnic Area. 

Right after parking, you will easily find the trailhead that leads to the famous Mark Twain stump. 

The entire loop is marked with fallen trees and stumps, evidence of what once was a lumber mill in the area. 

Things to do at Kings Canyon National Park

Just like in both Yosemite and Sequoia National Park, there are plenty of exciting things you can do in Kings Canyon National Park.

You can easily spend a day or two just exploring the area, but if you have less than a day, you can pick among the highlights listed below and save the other for another visit.

Drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway follows along Hwy 180.

Coming from Sequoia National Park, you will drive along Generals Highway before merging onto Hwy 180.

You will pass by Grant Grove Village, and onto Cedar Grove, before reaching Roads End of Kings Canyon National Park.

This is a beautiful drive, but the road can be pretty windy in some parts, so keep a motion sickness pill on hand.

Kings Canyon Visitor Center

Located in Grant Grove Village, the Kings Canyon Visitor Center is a great place to begin your exploration of Kings Canyon National Park.

The Center has an exhibit featuring the three regions of the park: the canyon, the giant sequoias, and the High Sierra.

Also, watch the 15-minute informative movie before grabbing your map and proceeding to the many trails and sights in the park.

General Grant Tree

The only example of a living shrine in the country, the General Grant Tree, is a spectacular display you shouldn’t miss during your Kings Canyon visit. 

Plus, it is the Nation’s Christmas Tree which makes it extra special to see.

The trail to the tree is an easy ⅓-mile loop that features other named trees and the Gamlin Cabin.

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 that’s less crowded and allows you to take an even closer look at the giant trees.

Kings Canyon Panoramic Point

Take a short detour from the main highway and drive to the Kings Canyon Panoramic Point.

You will need to walk half a mile to reach the overlook’s viewing area, which is just a few minutes from the Visitor Center.

You will have uninterrupted views of the park, the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and historic Hume Lake.

The overlook also has restrooms and picnic tables if you want to take a break from driving, stretch your legs, and have a picnic.

Junction View

If you’re looking to take an Instagram-worthy photo, the Junction View Overlook along Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is quite popular.

Not only will you see breathtaking views of the mountains, but you also get a clear look at the confluence of the South and Middle forks of the Kings River. 

This is why it’s called ‘Junction View’.

You’ll find an interpretative sign at the lookout pointing to the mountain peaks that you can see as well as some historical geologic facts about the area.  

Hiking in Kings Canyon 

• Roaring River Falls
• Trail Info: 0.3 miles, 26 ft elevation gain, easy

This easy 0.3-mile out-and-back hike is paved and will take you less than 10 minutes to complete. 

This hike is ideal if you’re looking into a quick stop and you just want to do a little bit of hiking before continuing on your drive. 

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. 

• Zumwalt Meadow
• Trail Info: 1.5 miles, 157 ft elevation gain, easy

The Zumwalt Meadow is no longer a loop, but this paved trail is still a great trail to explore. 

This will take approximately 40 minutes and it passes through beautiful meadows, winds through the Kings River, and under patches of forest shade. 

• Road’s End to Bailey Bridge
• Trail Info: 4.7 miles, 209 ft elevation gain, easy

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 it’s not exactly one of the popular trails in the park. 

It’s an out-and-back trail that follows along the South Fork of Kings River and features meadows filled with wildflowers and picturesque views of mountain peaks surrounding the canyon.

• Mist Falls
• Trail Info: 8.7 miles, 879 ft elevation gain, moderately challenging

You will need to spend almost half a day if you want to take up this 8.7-mile, somewhat strenuous hike, as it will take close to 3.5 hours to complete. 

However, if you have the time, the long trek is well worth it as you get breathtaking views of the Kings River, impressive glacial walls, and the large cascading waterfalls at the end.

Boyden Cavern

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 King’s Gates.

The 50-minute tour involves going on a steep hike to the cave, but it is suitable for all ages.

Feel free to take the little ones with you and discover the many stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, and other cave formations.

Grizzly Falls

To get to the falls, you will have to take a very short and easy 0.1-mile out-and-back trail, which will take less than 5 minutes to complete. 

You may find yourself sharing the trail with a crowd as this is a popular walking trail because the 80-foot waterfall is easily accessed just right off the road.

This is also an excellent spot for a picnic, especially if you want to stretch your legs and spend some time appreciating the fall’s beauty.

Road’s End and John Muir Rock

As its name suggests, this is the end of Hwy 180, and the road simply loops back.

However, you can easily access the Muir Rock trailhead from this terminus, which has a great spot to take a dip and cool off during summer.

Yes, the Muir Rock is this huge 15-foot boulder you can jump off from and plunge into the Kings River.

If you move further upstream, you can find quiet sandy beaches to spread your blanket and enjoy sunbathing or picnicking by the water.

Planning a trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Like most beautiful parks in the country, both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are open 365 days a year. 

However, access to roads might be limited due to some road closures during heavy winters.

So, before going on a road trip, check for advisories regarding accessibility to make travel adjustments if necessary.

Aside from this, it’s 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.

Entrance Fees

It costs $35 per vehicle and it’s valid for seven days, with no reservations required. It can be purchased online in advance to save time at the entrance. This same pass is valid for both parks.

📍 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? You will have a full year of access to ALL national parks in the US, now that’s a steal! ▶ BUY IT HERE.

How many days do you need in Sequoia National Park? 

Ideally, spending at least one full day or two in Sequoia National Park would be best so you will not feel too hurried when exploring its highlights.

The park is massive, so you won’t get to cover the whole place even if you spend an entire week there but visiting the absolute highlights should be enough for your first visit. 

How many days do you need in Kings Canyon National Park?

Like Sequoia, one full day should be enough to drive through and cover the highlights in Kings Canyon National Park.

However, for a more relaxed visit, you might want to divide your trip into two days and just spend more time in nature.

If you hope to do any hiking or explore the less crowded portions of the park, it’s best to add a day or two to this stop.

Looking for more road trip ideas? Check out our San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip itinerary.

Best time to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park 

The best time to visit both parks is June through August when the weather tends to be consistently more agreeable, and you have access to all of the park’s facilities.

With good weather comes the crowds, so this is also the busiest time of the year to visit.  

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. 

When there is heavy snow, roads are sometimes closed between the parks.

To avoid crowds, the best time to visit the parks would be from December to February, as significantly fewer visitors come in during the winter instead of summer.

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.

Where to Stay in Sequoia National Park 

• WUKSACHI LODGE

Booking a stay in Wuksachi Lodge puts you in the heart of Sequoia National Park as it is conveniently located near the Ash Mountain Entrance of the park. 

If you’re looking to stay as close as possible to the ancient giant sequoias, this location is as good as it gets. 

Even the room interiors were designed to reflect the surrounding nature perfectly. 📍 Check rates and availability here.

• MONTECITO SEQUOIA LODGE

This rustic family-friendly lodge is located between Sequoia and Kings Canyon and has been a top favorite among families visiting the area. 

Famous for their Summer Family Camp, make early reservations here if you plan on going with your family to ensure you get a room. 📍 Check rates and availability here.

Where to Stay in Kings Canyon National Park

• CEDAR GROVE LODGE

This lodge is only open from May to mid-October, and many visitors are looking for a base camp to explore Kings Canyon and book accommodations. 

It’s steps away from Kings River, and though it doesn’t necessarily have the most updated amenities, it’s still a great place to book when you want to be close to many of the trails and sights in the park. 📍 Check rates and availability here. 

• JOHN MUIR LODGE 

This cozy stone-and-timber retreat is open seasonally and provides its guests a quiet accommodation in the heart of Kings Canyon National Park. 

It has basic amenities for a comfortable stay and a beautiful on-site restaurant that serves delicious meals using locally-sourced ingredients. 📍 Check rates and availability here. 

Practical Information for Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

1. Weather and Road Conditions

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. 

Make sure to check ahead before leaving for your trip. You may have to rent a car with all-wheel drive if driving in the winter. If you’re renting a car under 25, see our tips here.

2. Book Ahead

If you want to stay inside the park, book as far ahead as possible, as reservations tend to fill up quickly during peak season. Or you can stay in one of the nearby towns for more availability.

Also, some accommodations in the park are only open seasonally, so it’s also something you should consider when planning your stay.

3. Elevation

A visit to these parks and exploring their sights involve going high up in elevation. 

As such, make sure that you’re well prepared not only for the rapidly changing weather conditions and for the effects of the altitude.

4. Gas

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.

Fill up in Visalia if you’re coming in from Yosemite to get better prices than the ones on Three Rivers.

5. Cell Service

Cell service in both parks is spotty, so don’t rely on your phones during your visit. 

If you need access to the internet, wi-fi is available in Grant Grove Village and at the Foothills and Kings Canyon Visitor Centers.

6. Map

With cellphone reception being very limited in these parks, you might want to go back to how people used to navigate with this illustrated paper map covering Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

7. Wildlife

When visiting the parks, make sure not to feed the wildlife. 

It has been observed that black bears become bold when they sense food nearby, so ensure proper food storage to avoid harm and damage to both you and the bears.

What to Pack for Yosemite to Sequoia Road Trip

• National Park Pass 

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.

For only $80, you have a full year of access to all National Parks in the country. Buy a pass from REI.

• Roadside Emergency kit

Keep a Roadside Emergency Kit on hand as you will be driving for hours and passing through different terrains and narrow and windy roads with very few services. It’s especially important to pack this when visiting Sequoia and Yosemite in the winter.

• Ice Chest

Bringing an ice chest with you on the road trip allows you to keep your beverages and food cool and at safe temperatures for longer. 

This is especially great if you’re driving during the summer and just want a cold drink to cool you down.

• Car charger

A car changer is handy as you will likely have to recharge your phone along the way, especially if you are using it for directions.

FAQs

How far is Kings Canyon from Sequoia National Park?

Kings Canyon is about 10.3 miles from Sequoia National Park and will take you about a 20-minutes drive from one park to the other.

This is without considering the stops you plan to make along the way.

Can you do Yosemite and Sequoia in a day?

Yes, you can do Yosemite and Sequoia in a day, but it will leave you very little time in each park to enjoy the sites. 

There can be long waits to enter Yosemite, and the parks are huge, and it takes a while to just to get to many of the sites.

This will also depend on which airport you fly into for Yosemite as far as the drive time.

It’s best to break this trip up into two days by staying at Yosemite for at least a night, then moving on to Sequoia National Park.

Which is better, Kings Canyon or Sequoia National Park?

If you are inspired to see the giant sequoias, then you should visit Sequoia National Park.

However, if you want more variety and want to check out canyons, mountain peaks, rivers, and falls aside from trees, then Kings Canyon is better.

Wrap-Up: Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park

So, if you’re 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.

Related:

• San Francisco to Lake Tahoe Road Trip
• Road Trip from SF to Big Sur
• Sacramento to Yosemite
• SF to Monterey Scenic Drive