Visitors can drive through Sequoia into Kings Canyon National Parks along the Generals Highway during the spring into the fall.
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How long does it take to drive through the park? Give yourself plenty of time. To drive only the Generals Highway from the southern entrance to the northern entrance, allow at least two hours plus whatever time you plan to spend outside of the car.
The best way to get around Sequoia National Park is by car and on foot. There are a number of attractions inside the park, including visitor centers, the Giant Forest Museum, Crystal Cave and a variety of trails. Once you decide on a game plan, you can leave your car in a parking area and take off on a walk.
Filled with alpine peaks, deep canyons, and the largest trees in the world, you could spend several days here. However, if you only have one day, you have just enough time to visit the highlights of both parks. We visited Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park on a road trip through California.
During the busiest times of the year Sequoia National Park offers free shuttle rides between attractions in the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas. Shuttles ONLY operate within Sequoia National Park; there are no shuttles in Kings Canyon National Park.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer some of the best spots to see the behemoths, including the General Sherman tree. Stand below it or take a free park shuttle in the summer to see its size from a distance. Grant Grove and Giant Forest house the largest sequoia groves in the park and are a must-see.
The direct drive from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to Yosemite National Park is 215 mi (346 km), and should have a drive time of 5 hrs 53 mins in normal traffic.
The best time to visit Sequoia National Park is June through August, when the weather is the most stable. The park is open 24/7, year-round, but there are certain challenges during select seasons. For example, snow chains or tires are required to safely navigate park roads during the winter months.
The Giant Forest alone is home to 8,000 giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman tree. The tree, which is roughly 2,200 years old, sits behind a fence and a giant sign displaying its name. While you cannot get close enough to touch it, it remains both a beautiful sight and a great photo opportunity.
The most popular way to get around the parks is by car. It follows that, in peak season, the roads can get swamped with traffic, hitting a zenith around 3 or 4pm in the afternoon. Trips including both Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon nearly demand a car to get between the two areas.
The giant trees are more impressive in Sequoia but it's super touristy imo. If you want to go for long hikes then Sequoia is better. Redwoods are impressive, but really only grow in small groves. If you want short hikes and a foggy beach then Redwoods is great.