Please help me: Joshua Tree or Sequoia NP? 2 days visit with 2 relatives in their 70s
 

Hi,

My wife (38) and I (46) are both very active and in good shape. We’ll be visiting Anaheim, CA during the first two weeks of May, and among our planned activities (work and travel), we’d like to take a 2-day road trip with two relatives who are in their 70s.

Our plan is to visit either Joshua Tree or Sequoia National Park. We would arrive early on Day 1, spend the day exploring the park, and then on Day 2 either continue exploring the park or visit nearby areas before heading back to Anaheim in the afternoon.

Since our relatives won’t be able to walk as much as we do, the idea is to leave them comfortably seated at rest areas or scenic spots while we take short walks nearby, then return to them, drive to another location, and repeat.

I’d really appreciate any opinions or suggestions.

Welcome to Fodors. From Anaheim - Joshua Tree is half the drive time vs. SNP. I would personally prefer Sequoia both for the scenery and accessible/easy trails, etc. but it would be pretty difficult to 'arrive early on Day 1' since it is close to a 5 hour drive. Joshua Tree would be much more convenient

Thank you, its a flexible plan so I think we could get SNP on the previous day (day 0) to enjoy the full day at the park and come back on day 2 after breakfast, anyway I think my main question has been answered being SNP the best option.

Don't get me wrong -- JT is fascinating. But I just personally prefer the mountains and amazing trees in SNP. There is a chance you could hit snow in early May. I would try to stay IN park - either Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia or John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon (though both may already be booked up). Otherwise look in Three Rivers.

Good advice from Janiisj, if you check the in park lodging on line and it says they are full, be sure to take the phone number and call to check for cancellations as they often don't make it the the web site. People make these reservations a year ahead and cancel as time gets close and they find they can't make the trip.

Sequoia is one of the top national parks and shouldn't be missed. The trees are really awe-inspiring and will blow you away. If you can stay in the park, it is so peaceful after the day-trippers leave in late afternoon.

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions! We'll definitely be visiting the SNP; my wife and I are already arranging to extend our trip to 3 days so we can fully enjoy the SNP experience for at least one FULL day.