I'll be at the park next weekend and im planning on doing these hikes:

Round meadow Crescent meadow tokopah falls trail the congress trail moro rock

do you guys think that would be too much for 1 day? and also moro rock at sunrise or sunset??

Looking at visiting in summer, during normal times is the short path between the two parks open? Also would a sprinter van be ok for the parks, or should I bring the bronco? Thanks in advance.

So, I'm going to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park from November 2 to November 10. I planned my itinerary but didn't realize the Mineral King area and Cedar Grove area would be closed. This wipes off 3 days of activities I had planned. Please help me find out what to do those days instead! Also, the rest of my itinerary would really appreciate any feedback. For reference I will be going alone and this is really going to be my first time hiking this extensively/out in nature for so long. Don't worry I took all the safety recommendations from other threads. Thank you!!

Saturday, November 2nd (Sequoia)

• Drive to Three Rivers Airbnb from LA

• Three Rivers Historical Museum

• Slick Rock Recreation Area at Kaweah Lake or Salt Creek Trail

• Reimers Candies & Gifts

Sunday, November 3rd (Sequoia)

• Foothills Visitor Center

• Stop at Vista Point

• Stop at Hospital Rock

• Giant Forest Museum

• Beetle Rock Trail

• Big Trees Trail

• Drive through Tunnel Log

• Stop at Hanging Rock

• Moro Rock Trail

• Ol Buckaroo for dinner

Monday, November 4th (Sequoia)

• Sherman Tree Trail

• The Congress Trail

• Tokopah Trail

• Tony's Taverna on Wheels for dinner

***Tuesday, November 5th (Sequoia)

Hoping to do a longer (less than 8 miles though lol), but very rewarding trail like the ones in mineral king on at least one of Sequoia days that needs revision. The other day I was actually hoping to do something not hike or trail related, but really couldn't find anything.

• Monarch Lakes Trail ***Now Closed, Need suggestions***

• Sierra Subs for Dinner

***Wednesday, November 6th (Sequoia)

• Eagle Lake Trail ***Now Closed, Need Suggestions***

• River View Grill and Bar for dinner

Thursday, November 7th (Kings Canyon)

• Drive to Airbnb in Kings Canyon

• Big Stump Loop

• Project Survival Cat Haven Tour (Big Cat Sanctuary)

Friday, November 8th (Kings Canyon)

• General Grant Tree
• Panoramic Point
• Boyden Cavern Tour
• Grizzly Falls
• Pinehurst Lodge for Dinner

***Saturday, November 9th (Kings Canyon)

• Roaring River Falls to Zumwalt Meadow Trail ***Now Closed, Need Suggestions***
• Mist Falls ***Now Closed, Need Suggestions***

Sunday, November 10th (Kings Canyon)

• Hume Lake (Rent Kayak) ***Not sure if they rent out kayaks in winter***
• Drive back to LA

My husband and I are flying into Fresno on Thanksgiving this year and staying in Three Rivers for 3 full days, flying back to Texas on Monday. What is the ideal itinerary for that timeframe? And any suggestions on what may be open on Thanksgiving for restaurants/food? Main goal of the trip is to just unwind and relax, see some giant trees, and do a little hiking ideally. Wanting to do some scenic hikes but not looking to summit anything crazy, this time! We are renting a car. Is it worth going to Kings Canyon one day or just focus on Sequoia? Give me your best recs, thanks!!!

Hi,

Two friends went missing in the Rae Lakes Loop and we're looking for them. They were last seen by another hiker on 10/25/24 between Woods Creek Crossing and Rae Lakes. They were doing the Loop in the clockwise direction. If you did the Rae Lakes Loop or a section of it and saw them, please let me know.

Rangers have been informed.

Thank you!

My family is planning on visiting Sequoia on Novermber 30, staying one night, and leaving on the 1st. We've never visited before. There will be five of us, including two kids and one grandparent, so we are looking to stay somewhere "comfortable" rather than camping. Some questions about our trip:

How is Wuksachi? I think I'd prefer to stay in the park, and this seems like the most "comfortable" option. If there is a better option (even something just outside the park, if it's really good), what is it?

How likely is it that there will be snow at this time of year? The NPS site mentions snow is a possibility in the area, but not when.

We will probably have time for one or two (short) hikes. There are two options for this:

1. A kid-friendly hike. Since the whole family will be going by car, it can be far from Wuksachi.
2. A scenic, potentially more difficult hike near Wuksachi. I am the hiker in the family, so if there's something nearby I must see, I can arrange a ride there, hike, and get picked up while the kids stay at the lodge.

Given these possibilities, what are good hiking options?

Thanks!

Looking to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon mid-December. I know that there will be lots of snow generally but what does the access look like? To my understanding there is no access on the Cedar Grove portion of King's Canyon at this time. Looking for recommendations on long hikes/snowshoeing/cross country skiing in the two areas during this time. is one area better to visit during these months? Have some decent fitness so looking for some challenging hikes. Thanks in advance

Anyone know when it typically closes? It’s been rough this year with warm temps (please don’t ask me about my July trip). Then the fires… Ah, the Sierra!

Anyway, does it typically close late October or could I squeeze in an early November trip, weather depending of course!

Hi All. Planning a trip to Sequoia with a toddler and 1 year old during Veterans day weekend. I was wondering how the weather usually is this time of year and what to expect in terms of traffic/tourism. Probably no crazy hikes or anything. Mainly just sightseeing and taking pictures.

Also, should I expect snow? Will I need chains?

Thanks in advance!

Long time lurker, first time poster and this seems like such a trivial matter to ask a favor for but. . .

We went on a family vacation to SEKI recently and our dad bought my sister and I pins of our choosing at the Wuksachi Gift Shop and my sister has lost her Kings Canyon pin. She’s really upset because it’s a rare gift from our frugal father and a memento from an even rarer family trip to a NP. I’ve already retraced our steps from the day she lost it with no luck and called Wuksachi Lodge but they don’t have an online store and can’t send anything out. Searches for an online source or supplier have also hit dead ends. Pictured above is the remaining matching Sequoia pin.

If anyone is passing by the Wuksachi Lodge and would be willing to pick up a Kings Canyon pin and mail it to me in SoCal, I’d reimburse you for your troubles and be eternally grateful.

Anyways, thanks for reading this far. ♥️

(I usually put locking backs on all of our pins but didn’t get to this one in time)

Want to get one last overnight hike in before winter hits, would this be feasible this late in October?

Planning setting out the 19th and then coming back the next day on the 20th

It’s beautiful driving up to the park, especially if you’ve never been before. If the curvy roads make you nervous so you want to drive slow, no problem, just use a turnout and let all the cars behind you pass. If you want to drive slow and admire the view, pull over and use a turnout and let all the cars behind you pass. You’ll need to do this multiple times but it’ll make your drive and everyone else’s drive better. I was stuck in line of at least 16 (more kept getting added to the back but I stopped counting) going 13 mph for 12 miles. There’s turnouts everywhere, use them.

I am flying in from Dallas this October to visit one of these two national parks. We have also rented a camper van.

My main goal is to do some great day hikes with amazing views and few people, which is the main reason I am being turned away from Yosemite.

I also was not able to find ANY available campsites in Yosemite.

I have some trails gathered for SEKI, but since I am not backpacking, I am wondering if it is even worth it. There is not much information on SEKI that I can find, so that is why I am turning to reddit for advice

Any help would be greatly appreciated! (Along with more good trails for seki)

I am planning on visiting SEKI this October, and I am making a daily itinerary right now.

I have seen many great things about the Rae Lakes Loop, but as I already have a camper and campsites rented, it is not much of an option for me to backpack it. Do you think it would be worth it to just go for a day and hike 4 hours there and 4 hours back?

Any other day hike recommendations would be greatly appreciated… thank-you!

I'd like to do this loop in 2025. I understand the permits are hard to get. What are the trailheads I should try for and what season would you recommend?

Hear me out! I found this vintage photo album from Sequoia and I'm having a hard time dating it, it's for sure vintage! I'm hoping to rehome it, if anyone is interested, it could make a cool gift for the holidays. I'm also posting here because I thought SEKI fans would have more appreciation for it. Anyways, thank you so much! https://www.etsy.com/listing/1781394402/vintage-leather-national-park-photo

https://preview.redd.it/gwfqo8z827td1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=977173965cd6b79fb638c99808b22ecb2e8bc6fa

https://preview.redd.it/xf2w08z827td1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6ae6e28807a98b58bd7d0f5ec544e76f5c332f05

https://preview.redd.it/h92b39z827td1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ebf7220c0541b546565c90b47a66b04f506d40bc

EDIT: We took the 198. My passengers got carsick but the drive was fine. I was afraid that it would be narrow and super scary but it was fine.

How is the smoke situation in three rivers? We are staying there in a few weeks and I was wondering if there were still any lingering air quality concerns in the town or in the park?

Planning to head up to Camp Nelson/Ponderosa area this weekend. Haven’t spent much time up there and wondering what to expect this time of year for crowds and weather. Anyone have suggestions on best sites between quaking aspen, coy flat, and wishon? Also any must dos like trail of 100 giants or freeman trail?

Hey y’all! I’m headed to SEKI soon for two full days so I plan on doing all the touristy things plus the Watchtower trail.

I don’t think these activities will be in Mineral King so do I need to worry about Marmots?

Any info would be great!

Hi all!

Bringing up the longstanding debate since I've heard about it; between Moro Rock and Beetle Rock at Sequoia NP, which would have the best view for a sunrise, sunset, and for stargazing?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Looking into camping in the sequoia national forest region or the Sierra national forest around October 13th-15th. I understand there is fire restrictions in place but I’m wondering if there is any campgrounds that allow fires. Thank you

Planning to hike Rae Lakes loop this weekend, should I anticipate snow that sticks around (and prepare crampons?)?

For thunderstorms, roughly when would they roll in and how can I keep myself safe? I prepared rain gear (pants and jacket) and read that I should find shelter under the shortest tree. Should I set up my tent and is it likely to delay my itinerary, or can I continue hiking on?