Sequoia/Kings Canyon
 

Planning a week in June for Yosemite N.P. Does anyone recommend a trip to Sequoia/Kings Canyon N.P.? After Yosemite, we are trying to decide what else to see in the area without driving for hours. We are planning to spend about 4 days in Yosemite. We will probably fly into either Fresno or San Jose.

Definitely, especially if you have never seen the giant Sequoias up close. They really are amazing trees. And the drive through the Sierras between Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon is just breathtaking. It really is "god's country" out there. Enjoy!

From Fresno you can reach Sequoia in about one and one half hours via highway 180.
See the general Grant grove and then drive south to Lodgepole Village and purchase tickets for Crystal Cave.
You can then take in the southern grove of big trees.
Next morning drive north to Wawona in Yosemite and hike around the grove of trees or take a open air bus trip through the grove.
Overnight in Wawona( we stay in a room without bath) then next morning head north for the Yosemite Valley.
Take a side route to Glacier Point- the road should be clear of snow and open by June- for the most magnificent view in all of nature.
Ddown into the valley for a few days.
Don't forget a light plastic rain coat when you hike the Mist Trail.
After your visit you could drive out highways 120/49 to visit the old gold town of Columbia or, if you don't have the time, you can return to Fresno via highway 140 to Mariposa and highway 49 to Oakhurst. Then back to Fresno.

Kings Canyon is well worth a visit. Grants Grove is an easy drive from Fresno. The famous grove of the incredible sequoias at Grants Grove is a short walk from the parking lot, which was practically empty when we were there in June. It's hard to get away from doing any driving, but it's worth the trip into the canyon through the gorges above the Kings River to Zumwalt Meadows, especially in June when the waterfalls are running fast. We took a break from hiking one day for a relaxing afternoon at Hume Lake. Bring a picnic because I don't recall any place to buy food at the lake.

We flew in/out of Fresno in '03 for about 10 days in Yosemite/Sequoia/Kings Canyon. I definitely recommend going to all of the areas since each is different. Kings Canyon was a total surprise for me; it seemed much "wilder" in nature and less touristy than the other 2 parks. We were only there for the day so most time spent driving vs. hiking, but I'm glad we didn't miss it. Mariposa Grove was a smaller grouping of sequoias near Wawona and glad we spent time at Sequoia NP walking through each grove plus Crystal Caves. We took a tram tour in Yosemite Valley for an overview, enjoyed various ranger programs in 2 of the NPS plus "Stars" program in Wawona- lying on tarp on golfing green while learning about astronomy. Also, spent a day hiking in Touloume (sp?)Meadows, climbing on granite outcroppings, and had wanted to horseback ride but didn't have reservations. I think you will enjoy a wk there.