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Sequoia National Park/Kings Canyon/Amtrak/Tours/grandchild

Sequoia National Park/Kings Canyon/Amtrak/Tours/grandchild

Old Oct 19th, 2017, 07:06 AM
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Sequoia National Park/Kings Canyon/Amtrak/Tours/grandchild

Early stages of planning a trip with our 6.5 year old grandson next June. Thought we would fly from Atlanta to Sacramento and then take Amtrak from Sacramento to Fresno. (we thought he would really like the train). Then plan to rent a car in Fresno and drive to as of yet undetermined lodging closer to parks. Will probably stay 4-5 nights. I have a few questions: 1. The train does not get to Fresno until 8:00. Should we stay in Fresno or drive to lodging closer to parks that night. Is Fresno fairly safe at night? 2. Should we invest in taking tours or try to see it on our own since we will have a rental car. Not sure if the tours would be too much for a 6 year old. www.sequoiatours.com 3. Can we rent a car from the Amtrak station in Fresno? Any suggestions to above?
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Old Oct 19th, 2017, 10:25 AM
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Are you only going to Sequoia/KC or also Yosemite? I personally would not bother with the train. You'd have to pay for a taxi (or uber) to get to the Amtrak station in Sacramento and then stay in Fresno which is not a great tourist destination. Plus that train route is not at all scenic.

I'd consider this instead: Fly into SMF, rent a car there. Visit the amazing State Railroad museum and take one of their short excursion train rides from Old Sac a bit down the river and back. Stay that night in Sacramento -- then you would have a 4+ hour drive the next day getting you into SNP by lunch time
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Old Oct 19th, 2017, 01:51 PM
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Meant to add - by 'tours' do you mean commercial group tours - or - Ranger led programs inside the parks?

No need at all for a group tour -- but the ranger talks and walks are great.

I'd pre-book for this one for sure https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/crystal-cave.htm
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Old Oct 19th, 2017, 04:26 PM
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I agree with Janisj. Don't take the train to Fresno. The station is in a scary part of town. It is not near any desirable lodging or car rentals. The Railroad Museum in Sacramento is fabulous and your grandson will love it!
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Old Oct 19th, 2017, 07:24 PM
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Since you are flying to Sacramento, just rent a car at the airport. If you do decide on taking the train from Sacramento, stay in Sacramento and take the morning train to Merced. Use the YARTS bus into the park from Merced.
The only rental cars in Fresno are at the airport. You have to take a cab from the Amtrak station to the airport if you go to Fresno on the train (San Joaquin).
I agree about the California State Railroad Museum in the north end of Old Sacramento.
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Old Oct 19th, 2017, 07:46 PM
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>>ake the morning train to Merced. Use the YARTS bus into the park from Merced
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Old Oct 19th, 2017, 08:06 PM
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I'm going to suggest that if you aren't intersted in the Sacramento idea to just fly into Fresno , rent a car at the airport and then drive to Sequoia and or Yosemite. Sometimes driving an extra four or five hours each way isn't a bonus with a child that age. A flight to Fresno and then a two hour or so drive to one of the parks may be a better fit. Have a wonderful trip!
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