Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia National Park offers visitors a variety of activities to enjoy, including hiking the Big Trees Trail to see some of the largest trees in the world up close and visiting the museum to learn about the park's natural history and wildlife. Other popular activities include camping, fishing and rock climbing. The park also has scenic drives or short hikes that take you through some of the most breathtaking areas of the park, including the Giant Forest and the General Sherman Tree.
If you are coming from Yosemite/Fresno, begin visiting General Grant's Grove, followed by Kings Canyon, and end with General Sherman's Tree and Visitor Center. Conversely, if you are arriving from the south, I recommended following the opposite itinerary.
General Grant Grove
We entered Sequoia National Park from the southwestern road coming from Fresno. Our first stop was the General Grant Grove section of the park. General Grant Tree, which is the third-largest tree in the world by volume (81.7m - 268ft- height, 32.6m -107ft - at the base) and was named after Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. In 1866, General Grant visited the area that is now known as Kings Canyon and was so impressed by the giant sequoias that he suggested it should be protected as a national park. Although this did not happen during his presidency, his visit and advocacy helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving these natural wonders. The grove was named in his honor in 1890, shortly after Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks were established.
From this parking, take a short hike to see the giant sequoias as well as explore other trails leading to picnic areas and exhibits along the pathway.
In this path, you will learn that early explorers reported the existence of giant trees in Sequoia, but people didn't believe them. Three Sequoias were cut down and shipped across the country to prove their existence, but all that remains of them now is the Centennial Stump, which was cut in 1875 for the Centennial Exhibition. Moreover, you can see the stump from Mark Twain Tree, over 91.5m (300 feet) tall, was cut down in 1891, and slabs of its trunk are still on display in museums in New York and London.
Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is a stunning natural wonder that you won't want to miss during your trip. As you make your way to the Canyon, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking contrast between the Canyon and the Sequoias at the Junctions View. If you're looking for a place to stay, the Kings Canyon RV Resort & Campground is an excellent option, with snacks, ice cream, and a charming gas station.
As you drive through the campground, you can continue on through the Canyon and discover a lush, beautiful area with rivers and waterfalls. We had the opportunity to spend a lovely afternoon by the river. Keep in mind that the road through the Canyon is only one way, so you'll need to drive back to Grant Grove Village to continue your journey through Sequoia Park.
View from Junctions view, the mentioned campsite at the beginning of the valley
General Sherman tree
The General Sherman tree, located in Sequoia National Park in California, is known as the largest tree in the world by volume, with a trunk that, if filled with water, could provide enough for 9,844 baths! Despite its impressive size, General Sherman is not the tallest nor the widest tree, yet it still stands at an impressive 83.8 meters (275 feet) tall and has a circumference of 31 meters (103 feet). This giant sequoia's estimated age is 2,200 years old, and it was named General Sherman by James Wolverton after William Tecumseh Sherman, a Union general in the American Civil War. James Wolverton was a hunter and naturalist working in the area at the time and named the tree after the general to tribute to his role in the Civil War, which ended only 14 years earlier. Moreover, Wolverton was inspired by the fact that Sherman was a popular hero at the time, and he thought that naming the tree after him would draw attention to the magnificent giant sequoias of the region.
Photo: General Sherman tree - you'll probably encounter a cue to take a photo of the tree, this is why I had to picture it from an angle quickly. If you zoom in you can see the cue on the left bottom corner of the picture.
Black bear spotted at Sequoia National Park. He is probably an young adult due to his size and his fur colour. He was busy looking for food inside tree trunks and beneath benches! He has a collar and is marked by park staff.
There were also several deers roaming around the park near the General Sherman's tree
In the afternoon, we departed from Sequoia and drove through areas of the park that showed evidence of a past fire, with blackened trunks standing in contrast to the lush foliage of the surrounding trees. Continuing driving downhill, we stopped for gas before embarking on a six-hour journey to our next destination, Joshua National Tree. For the night, we found a secluded parking spot with stunning lake views between Sequoia and Los Angeles.
Views while having dinner - sunset from our overnight spot
Good morning! - Incredible how light changes the landscape