Sequoia & Kings Canyon

Sequoia National Park is home to the largest species of trees in the world, the Sequoias. Lying adjacent towards the north is the majestic Kings Canyon known for its beautiful flower filled meadows, giant sequoias, hiking trails and valleys 2000 ft deeper than Arizona’s Grand Canyon.

The Sequoia and the Kings Canyon, have trees more than 3000 years ago, which are bound to humble us. As you visit, stop by the Giant Forest Museum to learn about the Sequoia trees. Walkable from the museum, take the Big Trees trail, where you will find the Twin Sequoias whose combined footprint is as large as a swimming pool. Walk through to the Sherman Trail, home to the General Sherman, one of the oldest trees in the park that is about 16 stories into the sky and contains wood as much as a 20-acre pine forest.

One hour from the Morro rock, is the Grant Grove Village, the formal entrance to the Kings Canyon National Park. Get out to explore the General Grant Tree Trail. In here is the General Grant, the world’s second largest tree also called the Nation’s Christmas Tree.

Now, from here, head on via the Scenic Byway which is open from May to October. This road is built high above the Kings River. This surely is the most beautiful road I have even been on in the USA. As you drive and descend down, stop by the Grizzly and the Roaring River Falls.

30 miles from here is the lush green Zumwalt meadow. This Sierra Nevada meadow is filled with beautiful flowers, berries and breathtaking views. From here, you will see the North Dome and the Grand Sentinel reach the sky.

The wilderness here is other worldly. Love the serenity, calm and the natural beauty here. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are definitely on the top when it comes to must visit parks in California. These largest living beings have seen, experienced many climates, have surely gone through a lot and are a testimony to our tiny part in a story much bigger than our own.