Sequoia, the largest living things on earth.

Field guide ◆ Sequoia & Kings Canyon

Plan the trip.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon are administered as a single park — 865,000 acres of southern Sierra Nevada that contain the largest tree on earth (General Sherman), one of the deepest canyons in North America (Kings Canyon, in places deeper than the Grand Canyon), and the highest point in the lower 48 (Mt Whitney, 14,505 feet, accessed only from this side of the Sierras).

For 4 days: Giant Forest and the Sherman Tree on day 1 (walk Congress Trail, not just the paved overlook). Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow at sunset. Day 2, Mineral King — a high-alpine valley off the main road, marmots will eat your car wiring (cover the engine). Day 3-4, drive into Kings Canyon proper via Highway 180 — the road descends a vertical mile and ends at Cedar Grove.

Bookable campgrounds include Lodgepole and Azalea. The high country (over 10,000 feet) opens late June through October. Sequoia is a serious bear country — use the food lockers.