To start this trip, we decided to fly into the San Francisco International Airport. to calculate the distance between cities. fastest possible straight line between Sequoia National Park and to account for all the extra travel time getting to the airport, READ MORE: Driving from San Francisco? You wont have a problem bringing small kids on strollers as the trailhead right next to the Giant Forest Museum is wheelchair and stroller-accessible. You will have a full year of access to ALL national parks in the US, now thats a steal! If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia . 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. Enter a city to drive through, or find all, trips from Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park. A short interpretive trail starting at the Visitor Center gives you more choices to explore the surroundings. Weve seen a few cars (and motorcycles) turned around from the gate because they didnt have one. Also, watch the 15-minute informative movie before grabbing your map and proceeding to the many trails and sights in the park. Hey Terri. If you need access to the internet, wi-fi is available in Grant Grove Village and at the Foothills and Kings Canyon Visitor Centers. The road through I-40 is only about 23 miles longer, but you can also drive through San Diego, in which case youll add about 125 miles to the trip. Parking is extremely limited. Travel east on 180 all the way to the park entrance (about 53 miles). On a normal year, we would have flown to Reno and driven from there. ==> 2023 updates The swinging bridge at Yosemite National Park provides an . Take exit 96 onto CA-198 E towards Visalia. This hike is ideal if youre looking into a quick stop and you just want to do a little bit of hiking before continuing on your drive. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the We included the must-see stops and highlights along the way, plus practical tips and planning essentials for visiting both parks. Drinking water is available only at the welcome plaza (year-round) and arrival area (summer only) so plan accordingly. The closures, announced Tuesday, will remain in place until at least May 3. trip dates & more! Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Sequoia National Park? You will see plenty of them in a couple of days once you visit Sequoia National Park, but these threes are impressive none-the-less. If within your dates and budget look at the John Muir Lodge. 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. The park harbors a grand collection of waterfalls, meadows, and forests that include groves of giant sequoias, the world's largest living things. Youll also pass Lake Pleasant Regional Park, one of the popular outdoor recreations place, another opportunity for a stop before the city. Take a stroll in the charming center of town, then find a hike by one of the lakes. 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. Yosemite National Park is best known for its majestic waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows and ancient giant sequoias. Change your driving speed: mph km/h Map of driving directions from Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park You can see: Joshua Tree National ParkMount WhitneyMammoth Lakes Devils Postpile National Monument (depending on the season)Sequoia National ParkKings Canyon National Park, Driving through the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, Take a Short Hike and Have a Picnic Under the Pines, 3. But before you reach your destination, you have a few other places you can stop to explore. 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? take-off and landing, and time to taxi on the runway. Part of the reason might have to do with CoVid, and the permit system. Be sure to stop at the Canyon view, about one mile east of the Cedar Grove Village. Read More San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip [Scenic Drive + Best Places to Stop]Continue. Simply put, its not an ideal road trip for those who quickly experience motion sickness. A visit to these parks and exploring their sights involve going high up in elevation. If you go, pace yourself, especially on the way back up from the famous tree. (3 answers), Hope from Gretna (Virginia) asked:Places to stay in Yosemite? But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline Includes access to Kings Canyon. to each other and sharing tips and advice. The trail from the Mariposa Grove toward Wawona. Location: About 70 miles east of Fresno, CA; Closest airport(s): Fresno-Yosemite (FAT) ~ 1.5 hours, Bakersfield (BFL) < 2 hours, San Jose (SJC) ~ 3.5-4 hours Best time of year to go: Late spring through early fall; Recommended visit length: 2 days; 2023 price to visit: $35 per car; I might be stretching it a bit to place Sequoia & Kings Canyon national parks in Northern California. The over 600 North American ski resorts in total account for over 316,000 skiable acres, 22,000 trails and almost 4,000 lifts. In fact, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are right next to each other and actually share an entrance fee! The reservations are only $2.00, and they give you three days to enter the park. All of our travel itineraries have the exact details you'll need to create your next memorable family road trip. This airport is accessible via direct flights through almost every carrier, and ticket prices werent excessive. The 50-minute tour involves going on a steep hike to the cave, but it is suitable for all ages. After escaping the kitchen life, he is now focused on his passion for the outdoors and world travel. Its a 360-step stone stairway that leads to the top near the parking lot, so you can make this your first stop. We suggest you take all day traveling and making stops along Generals Highway. Obviously, the difference is not only quantitative but also qualitative. From: During much of the year a free shuttle is required for use between the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and the Mariposa Grove. Tip: If your flight gets in early enough, and you still want to spend the night, you really should check out the Golden Gate Bridge and/or the Fishermans Wharf. 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 ends in Yosemite National Park, California. I want to visit them both! the flight planner: Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Yosemite National Park. travelers and answer their questions about Sequoia National Park! The drive south to Kings Canyon National Park takes about 2.5 hours, and goes through the heart of Fresno, CA about halfway through. It goes without saying thatSequoia is easier to visit, since almost all the main trails are located near the only road that cuts through the park, Generals Highway. This easy 0.3-mile out-and-back hike is paved and will take you less than 10 minutes to complete. . Next, drive for another 31 minutes then stop in Fresno and stay for 1 hour. You can also calculate the cost to drive from Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park based on current local gas prices If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Perched high up on a granite dome, the Buck Rock Lookout is only accessible by going up a steep 172-step staircase. In my opinion, the best part of Kings Canyon National Park is the Generals Highway. into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate Our writers create all reviews, patterns, and other content to inform readers, with no influence from our advertisers. As for attractions, the Goodwin Dam Recreational Area in Jamestown, CA offers easy and short trails for those that want to get out and stretch the legs a bit. Hard to give you a recommendation, because both parks are great with snow. 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. Check out out road trip guide from San Francisco to Yosemite. The waterfalls in Yosemite are more numerous and much more beautiful than those in Sequoia. With jaw-dropping views . However, if you are a mountaineer and want to summit, youll need a permit for your hike, and you should come prepared. About two hours later, 100 miles past Mt Whitney, youll reach Mammoth Lakes, with its surrounding pine forests and lakes. First time visit, how many days should i spend in the park? The most famous sites are in Yosemite Valley, but the surrounding wilderness is just as spectacular. Trek to a grove of giant sequoias, marvel at features like El Capitan, and enjoy free time to explore the park's outdoor wonders and historic lodges on your own. Buy a pass from REI. Though they introduced the reservation system because of CoVid-19, I am glad they are keeping it so far; It really isnt difficult to get one, and offers a better experience overall for everyone inside the park. include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait Bing Maps, or It ends in Visalia, California. The main road through the park leads through a few famous landmarks and large patches of Joshua Trees. If you are following our itinerary, and visiting Sequoia National Park after Kings Canyon, you should have come down the Generals Highway. The next day is a trip out of Sequoia National Park into Los Angeles. A San Francisco to Lake Tahoe Road trip itinerary featuring the best places to stop between SF and Lake Tahoe. For example, here are some questions people have asked about Yosemite National Park. 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. Lady Bug Trail (3 mi/5 km): takes you to one of the lowest-elevation sequoia groves. You will need to walk half a mile to reach the overlooks viewing area, which is just a few minutes from the Visitor Center. 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. The highlight of my visit was the trail surrounding General Grant Tree, the third largest three in the world, also known as the Nations Christmas Tree. Once in Lake Havasu City, you can spend some time enjoying the waterfront. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:54 pmdrive for about 31 minutes, 1:25 pm Fresno Expect a bit of an uphill walk back to the car for those with mobility issues. As an alternative and slightly quicker route, you can take route 245 towards the city of Citro. 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. Large swaths of Yosemite Valley were closed over the weekend as the National Park Service braces for raising water levels in area rivers and streams due to a combination of record snowfall levels and unseasonably warm temperatures. You can park at a pullout along the road and cross towards the rock, where you can take photos standing below it. Vincenty formula. The numerous national parks are among the most popular destinations in California and are, More than 3 million people travel every year to visit Yosemite National Park, the first conservation area designated by the United States back in 1864. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park. the way, check out the full road trip planner: In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Traveling with a dog or cat? So, as soon as we got a reservation to visit the park, we set off on our first road trip of the summer, the longest at the time during the pandemic. I have also published some poetry. Take a short detour from the main highway and drive to the Kings Canyon Panoramic Point. The western portion of the Perimeter Trail (from the Galen Clark Tree to near the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail). You may have to rent a car with all-wheel drive if driving in the winter. All those who had expected to find it open had to change their plans and reinvent their itinerary. Looking for more road trip ideas? There were plenty of Airbnb options in this area, but there are also a handful of hotels and motels in the same vicinity. At the same time, it is not easy to give conclusive advice, because we are talking about two exceptional parks, each with its own particular features. This is without considering the stops you plan to make along the way. Sequoias are only visible after a one-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss. Yosemite National Park. The Crystal Cave is one of the more than 200 natural caves in the park, but was well worth the $18-$5 (depending on age) admission price. Travel from Visalia to Sequoia National Park 2 days 22h Taxi, bus, train, night bus Take a taxi from Yosemite to Berea Take the bus from Berea to Lexington Take the bus from Lexington, KY to Evansville, IN Take the bus from Evansville Bus Station to St Louis Bus Station Take the train from St. Louis to Los Angeles If you want to see one of the most breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, stop by Glacier Point. Youll 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. 1 Driving through the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. This is a beautiful drive, but the road can be pretty windy in some parts, so keep a motion sickness pill on hand. Or maybe it was just good timing. Use the Sequoia / Kings Canyon forum for those jointly managed National Parks. 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. Camping along the way? With its highest peak at 14,494 feet (4,418 meters), Mt Whitney is at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada. Along that trip, you should stop at the General Sherman tree, which is the largest known tree on earth. Discover the Tuolumne Grove on a hike. As you plan your West Coast Road Trip, you never want to get to the point where you ask yourself this question! 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. After appreciating impressive sights above ground, how about checking a marble cavern? Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the The best itinerary for a San Francisco to Yosemite Road trip featuring two routes with the best places to stop. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Yosemite Valley. 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. 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. This Lake Tahoe to Yosemite road trip itinerary features the best stops and lots of helpful planning tips for your drive to Yosemite National Park. I think you should count on spending 3 full days in Yosemite then drive south to Kings Canyon & Sequoia for 2 days. With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and You can easily spot this massive granite dome as you enter the park. The more famous of the two parks, Sequoia was busier. Whether your trip starts in Los Angeles or San Francisco, youll have to cross the Sierra Nevadato reach Death Valley and Las Vegas, and then continue on to the other states. Sequoia National Park is located south of Yosemite National Park, adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park. Which is the most beautiful? It only costs a couple of hundred dollars more, and the drive is much more comfortable in a vehicle that easily fits all of us and our luggage. It ends up being about a half-an-hour shorter, but you will miss out on the General Highways amazing sights. Location: San Francisco, CA (PST) Best Months: April, May, June & SeptemberHours: Open 24 hours per day, 365 days a yearEntrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. While it is no frills and no thrills, the popular stop is famous for stargazing. Drive through gold rush towns to the scenic Sierra Nevada. At the foothills of Mammoth Mountain, the town lays at an elevation of 7,880 feet, and it is the gateway to the scenic mountain, and to the Devils Postpile National Monument. Read More San Francisco to Monterey Drive [Best Stops on Pacific Coast Highway]Continue. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the viewpoints, so make sure to plan accordingly. When visiting the parks, make sure not to feed the wildlife. 2 min read. Restrooms are located at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and areas within the grove. Just think of the overlooks, like Glacier Point, which offers a unique perspective on the whole valley. BUY IT HERE. And, to see the original London Bridge, the same one the childrens rhyme claimed was falling down. out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, How far is Yosemite National Park from Sequoia National Park? For the latest road and weather conditions within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, please call the 24-Hour Park Information Hotline at 559-565-3341, then press 1-1-1. Its especially important to pack this when visiting Sequoia and Yosemite in the winter. We always get the larger SUV (we are a family of 5) over the midsize. The Mariposa Grove Arrival Area has portable toilets and no drinking water. Traveling early may.fly into Fresno 9am on Thursdayleaving on Sunday. We created this guide to give you everything you need to know to help you plan your Yosemite to Sequoia road trip. For road conditions outside of the park, please call 800-427-7623 or visit these CalTrans webpages: Highway 180. So that means we really need The Zumwalt Meadow is no longer a loop, but this paved trail is still a great trail to explore. Includes access to Kings Canyon If you are following our itinerary, and visiting Sequoia National Park after Kings Canyon, you should have come down the General's Highway. The beauty of a landscape is not an absolute value, to each his own, but we can still try to make some objective points. Eventually As its name suggests, this is the end of Hwy 180, and the road simply loops back. Remember though, Tioga Pass is only open in the summer, and since its opening dates vary depending on they snowfall in any given year, you need to check the parks website for updates. If you have time, and you are there at the right time of the year, enjoy a few hikes through the park. The only example of a living shrine in the country, the General Grant Tree, is a spectacular display you shouldnt miss during your Kings Canyon visit. Check rates and availability here. We had no desire to hike the 10+ miles to the top, this was a great stop for us. Parts of Yosemite National Park are closed due to risk of flooding. As well as getting to the nature of the problem, I will also try to give some criteria to make the choicebetween Yosemite and Sequoia, in case you cant include them both in the itinerary. 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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Planning to fly a plane instead? The Visitor Center offers plenty of material to learn about the agave plant known as Joshua Tree and the surrounding desert ecosystem. So we enjoyed the views of blooming saguaros, surrounded by low hills and high mountains. If the pass is not open, youll have a 200 mile (about four hour) drive to get to the main entrance. Sequoia and Kings Canyon Days 3, 4 & 5 Leaving LA, it's a drive east towards the Sierra Nevada and Sequoia National Park. Note: Please do not attempt to hike the length of the summit trail, unless you are prepared for it, have the proper gear, and experience. The drive takes about 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The total driving time is 4 hours, 51 minutes. You will have uninterrupted views of the park, the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and historic Hume Lake. Sequoia National Park is . airports, states, countries, or zip codes. What is the IKON Ski Season, Utah is well known as one of the must visit states that national park enthusiasts need to travel to. you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports With plenty of benches and gorgeous viewpoints, it is worth stopping often, to soak up the views. Points of interest in all three parks are detailed at www.MajesticMountainLoop.com. That's what Trippy is perfect for, The bigger they are, the harder they fall.. This park is a bit far from any urban areas, so for the best experience while here, stay within the park. If you need to rent a car under 21 in California, this guide will help you find the best rental car companies for your road trip. However, there is one exception. If you are determined to see Californias giant sequoias, choose Sequoia National Park. In the valley, park your car for the day and ride the free visitor shuttle buses to avoid traffic jams. Stretch your legs at The Park at River Walk and find some grub and beers at Lengthwise Brewing Company. Box 89, Sequoia National Park, CA 93262 There are others in the area as well, like the Cedar Grove Lodge and the Grant Grove Cabins, so there are plenty of options within the park if you find yourself not finding any availability. 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. Joshua Tree National Park. Click on any question to see answers from the community! If you decide to visit Yosemite, youll have the chance to drive along the beautiful Tioga Road, and, more importantly once youve crossed the Sierra via the Tioga Pass to see three gems of California: Mono Lake, Bodie Ghost Town and Mammoth Lakes (and surroundings). 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. Located northeast from Las Vegas on I-15, Utah's first national park is a crowd favorite for good reason: The nature is truly insane. Its views are absolutely breathtaking, it has beautiful waterfalls and offers many opportunities to go hiking in the most diverse natural landscapes, and last but not least, in its vicinity there are some hidden pearls of undisputed value, namely Tioga Road, Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes and Bodie. drive for about 1 hour. This section could be endless, so rather than trying to If you are inspired to see the giant sequoias, then you should visit Sequoia National Park. View amapfor details. Make sure you check road conditions There are a cluster of wonderful Airbnbs in the area, but they are about an hour or more away from the parks main entrance. Generally, if you visit in July and August, Im sure its open, but in June and September, you should check. Instead, we spent a couple nights at each park to enjoy the full experience! If youre looking to stay as close as possible to the ancient giant sequoias, this location is as good as it gets. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Yosemite National Park. You are back in the Sonoran Desert again, and drive through driving Kingsman and Wickenburg. To get to Glacier Point, youd have to take a long hike during this season. Begin your trip to Kings Canyon Drive at the Foothills Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park. This scenic drive through the heart of California will take you to three National Parks: Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. Massive, ancient giant sequoias live in three groves in Yosemite National Park. Includes access to Sequoia. We decided to spend the night in San Francisco because the trip to Yosemite was a 3-hour drive. The driving time from Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park is: 4 hours, 51 minutes Average driving speed: 44.2 mph Kilometers per hour: 71.2 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route. the results with the flight time calculator to see how much Mammoth Lakes (and maybe Devils Postpile National Monument), Make sure you have a reservation before visiting Yosemite National Park, Spend Time Along Tioga Road During the Hottest Summer Days, For the Best Experience, Spend Multiple Days at Yosemite, 11 Best Stops On A Road Trip From Phoenix To Durango, 11 Great Day Trips From Phoenix Perfect For Summer, Driving the Apache Trail near Phoenix, Arizona, Ancient Maya Ruins and Archaeological Sites. So, before going on a road trip, check for advisories regarding accessibility to make travel adjustments if necessary. In 2017, Tioga made travelers want to pull their hair out, because it reopened on June 29th. With its deep valleys, towering sequoias, and distinctive rock formations, Kings Canyon resembles Yosemite. Click the button below to explore Yosemite National Park in detail. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation Or is that too much and redundant? In Yosemite, you can walk the dog on the bike path. distance from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park, or go to the main page If you move further upstream, you can find quiet sandy beaches to spread your blanket and enjoy sunbathing or picnicking by the water. If you visit Yosemite in the winter, be aware that the road going to Glacier Point is closed. The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line (or driving the same roads back and forth). However, several places are worth a stop. From there, you enter Yosemite through Tioga Pass, so this is only an option when this pass is open, usually between June and September. Lake Havasu City you have 190 miles from Phoenix, and it generally takes three-and-a-half hours to drive it without stop. Yosemite National Park embraces a spectacular tract of mountain-and-valley scenery in the Sierra Nevada, which was set aside as a national park in 1890. Which one is the most beautiful, Yosemite or Sequoia? Grant Grove is currently open and a nice area to visit. We plan to spend the night in Mariposa and then enter the park via the Arch Rock entrance. Phone +1 559-565-3341 Web Visit website Located in California's southern Sierra Nevada mountain range, Sequoia National Park and the adjacent Kings Canyon National Park are known for their towering sequoia trees and miles of uninterrupted wilderness trails. 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. Gabriel is the head writer for Chef Travel Guide and has been featured in the Huffington Post, Martha Stewart, Eat This, Not That, Real Simple, Muscle and Health, and many more. For my personal taste, I recommend Yosemite in winter. Sequoia National Park Best Months: May, June, September & October Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park are two of the main national parks in Sierra Nevada, the mountain range that separates the green part of the Golden State from the deserts of California, and the other parks of Arizona, Utah and Nevada. . However, coming back up I noticed many people having trouble. Unlike the Tunnel Log, you cant drive through the Tunnel Rock. It takes just over an hour to get to the viewpoint from the Visitor Center. Here's the quick answer if you are able to make this entire trip by car without stopping. Make sure your vehicle isnt taller than 8 feet; otherwise, youll have to use a bypass. Exit off highway 41 to Kings Canyon Highway 180 east. Unfortunately, when we visited, in early June, the National Monument wasnt open for the season yet. But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences It seems to work, so I am sure they will keep it. This can also help 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. You can not enter the park without one of these reservations. You end up visiting the historic cities of Modesto, Fresno, and Bakersfield in between flying into San Francisco and out of LA. Chef Travel Guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to explore Californias natural wonders and experience the best of the Golden State.