When to Go

The best times to visit are spring and fall, when temperatures are moderate and crowds thin. Summertime can draw hordes of tourists to see the giant sequoias, and the few, narrow roads mean congestion at peak holiday times. If you must visit in summer, go during the week. By contrast, in wintertime you may feel as though you have the parks all to yourself. But because of heavy snows, sections of the main park roads can be closed without warning, and low-hanging clouds can move in and obscure mountains and valleys for days. From early October to late April, check road and weather conditions before venturing out. Even in summer, you can escape hordes of people just walking ¼ to ½ mile off the beaten path on a less-used trail.

Festivals and Events

Annual Trek to the Tree. On the second Sunday of December, visitors and carolers gather at the base of General Grant Tree for a nondenominational celebration that has taken place for nearly a century.

Big Fresno Fair. Over 12 days in October, agricultural, home-arts, and other competitions—plus horse racing and a carnival—make for a lively county fair. www.fresnofair.com

Blossom Days Festival. On the first Saturday of March, communities along Fresno County's Blossom Trail celebrate the flowering of the area's orchards, citrus groves, and vineyards. www.goblossomtrail.com

Three Rivers Jazzaffair. On the second weekend of April, a festival of mostly traditional jazz takes place at several venues just south of the parks. www.threeriversjazzaffair.com

Woodlake Rodeo. The local Lions Club sponsors this rousing rodeo, which draws large crowds to Woodlake on Mother's Day weekend. www.woodlakelionsclub.com