Yosemite To Sequoia National Park: An Epic Road Trip Through California

Road Trip Itinerary From Yosemite To Sequoia, Including Kings Canyon

The best road trip itinerary from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park is 6 days, which allows you to spend approximately two days in each park and see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Arrive At Yosemite

I recommend spending the first day of your road trip exploring Yosemite Valley. This area of Yosemite National Park has some of the best things to see – including Half Dome and El Capitan.

NOTE: If you only have one day in Yosemite National Park read this guide which covers how to see the highlights on a shorter timeline.

Best Hikes In Yosemite Valley:

• Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (1.2 miles)
• Sentinel Meadow & Cook’s Meadow Loop (2 miles)
• Vernal & Nevada Falls Via Mist Trail (6.4 miles)
• Bridalveil Fall (0.8 miles)
• Half Dome Trail (16.5 miles) – permit required

Where To Stay:

• The Ahwahnee Lodge – a luxurious, historic lodge in Yosemite Village known for its stunning architecture and prime location with views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls
• Yosemite Valley Lodge – a family-friendly accommodation in Yosemite National Park, offering easy access to Yosemite Falls and panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and waterfalls
• Campgrounds in Yosemite Valley (Camp 4, Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines)

Day 2: Explore Yosemite

On day 2, explore more of Yosemite Valley as well as Glacier Point.

In the afternoon, drive south towards Kings Canyon and stop in the Wawona & Mariposa Grove area of Yosemite before leaving the park.

Best Hikes In Glacier Point:

• Sentinel Dome Trail (2.2 miles)
• Taft Point Trail (2.3 miles)
• Glacier Point Trail (0.5 miles)
• Four Mile Trail (9.7 miles)

Best Hikes In Mariposa Grove:

• Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (2 miles)
• Guardians Loop Trail (1.5 miles)
• Mariposa Grove Of Giant Sequoias Trail (6.7 miles)

Where To Stay:

• Wawona Hotel – a charming, historic hotel in Yosemite National Park, offering a peaceful, Victorian-era ambiance and close proximity to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
• Wawona Campground

NOTE: If you want to spend more time in Yosemite, read this guide which covers 1-4 day itineraries, getting around, and travel tips.

If you aren’t sure how many days to spend in Yosemite this is the post for you!

Day 3: Drive From Yosemite To Kings Canyon

Start your morning with a final walk or quick breakfast in Wawona & Mariposa Grove, then head out on a scenic drive from Yosemite towards Kings Canyon National Park.

The route typically takes around 2-3 hours to drive, but there are several stunning stops along the way. Consider detouring to see Bass Lake for a peaceful break or Fresno for lunch and supplies.

Once you arrive in Kings Canyon, visit the famous General Grant Tree in Grant Grove, then take in the breathtaking views of the canyon as you drive deeper into the park.

Kings Canyon National Park is divided into two sections: Grant Grove and Cedar Grove. Grant Grove is the smaller section, but it’s more popular because it’s easier to reach.

NOTE: Cedar Grove is an hour’s drive farther east and the road is not open during the winter months.

Best Hikes In Grant Grove:

• General Grant Trail (0.7 miles)
• Big Stump Loop Trail (1.6 miles)
• Buena Vista Trail (2 miles)

Where To Stay:

• John Muir Lodge – lodge with a terrace, cafe, and on-site American cuisine restaurant
• Redwood Grove Villa – a charming 3-bedroom vacation rental inside the park
• Knotty Cabin – a quaint 3-bedroom cabin located in the heart of Grant Cove
• Campgrounds in Grant Grove – Sunset, Azalea, & Crystal Springs

Day 4: Explore Kings Canyon

On day 4 you’re going to explore the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon!

The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway drive between Grant Grove and Cedar Grove is a great way to spend the morning, stopping along the scenic pull offs and taking your time.

Along the drive I recommend stopping at Hume Lake. There is a restaurant, market and gas station here as well as an easy hiking trail around the lake.

Just before you pass into the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon you’ll pass Grizzly Falls. I highly recommend a quick detour to see the falls. It’s a short 0.1 mile walk and there are also bathrooms and a picnic area here.

There is only one road in Cedar Grove so it’s easy to follow!

Knapps Cabin is a fun stop to see a cabin built by a wealthy businessman from Santa Barbara in 1925.

Just past that are several short hikes (Roaring River Falls and Mist Falls) as well as Muir Rock – a swimming hole that’s popular during the summer.

Best Hikes In Cedar Grove:

• Roaring River Falls (0.3 miles)
• Zumwalt Meadow (1.5 miles)
• Mist Falls (7.8 miles)

Where To Stay:

I recommend staying in Grant Grove a second night as the options in Cedar Grove are limited. On day 5 you’ll be heading south into Sequoia National Park, so staying in Grant Grove will lessen your drive time the following day.

Grant Grove Options:

• John Muir Lodge – lodge with a terrace, cafe, and on-site American cuisine restaurant
• Redwood Grove Villa – a charming 3-bedroom vacation rental inside the park
• Knotty Cabin – a quaint 3-bedroom cabin located in the heart of Grant Cove
• Campgrounds in Grant Grove – Sunset, Azalea, & Crystal Springs

Cedar Grove Options:

• Cedar Grove Lodge – a rustic lodge along the river, it hasn’t been recently updated but it’s comfortable
• Campgrounds in Cedar Grove – Sheep Creek, Sentinel, Canyon View, & Moraine

Day 5: Drive To Sequoia National Park

It’s time to say goodbye to Kings Canyon and drive into Sequoia National Park!

During the summer months, the two parks are connected by Generals Highway (about a 30 minutes from Grant Grove to the park border, and another hour to the south entrance of Sequoia.)

During the winter (when I visited) Generals Highway is closed. Instead, you’ll travel out of the park along the west border of the parks (CA-245 to CA-216) and come in the south entrance of Sequoia. In total, this route takes just under 2 hours.

Best Hikes In Sequoia:

• Little Baldy (3.3 miles)
• Tokopah Falls (3.8 miles)
• Pear Lake (11.9 miles)
• General Sherman Tree (1.2 miles)

Where To Stay:

• Wuksachi Lodge – a rustic hotel with easy access to major park attractions like the Giant Forest and General Sherman Tree
• Campgrounds in Sequoia – Dorst Creek, Lodgepole, Buckeye Flat, & Potwisha

TIP: Check out my detailed Sequoia National Park itinerary for even more information about visiting the park.

Day 6: Explore Sequoia

On the final day of your road trip from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park spend time exploring the southern portion of Sequoia – it’s full of incredible sights and hikes.

Crystal Cave is open seasonally during the summer. You can only see the caves on a guided tour, so book in advance to secure a reservation.

On your drive in to Crescent Meadow you’ll see Tunnel Log (a fallen Sequoia) – and you can even drive through it!

The tree died of natural causes and fell across Crescent Meadow Road in late 1937. The following year it was carved out so cars could pass through.

Best Hikes In Sequoia:

• Big Trees Trail (1.2 miles)
• Moro Rock (0.5 miles)
• Tharp’s Log (1.7 miles)
• Crescent Meadow (1.3 miles)

Tunnel Rock is one of the final stops on your way out of Sequoia National Park. It’s right along the side of the roadway and there’s a small area to pull off so you can see the tunnel up-close.

When the road was originally constructed, it ran through the tunnel. However, as cars have become larger the tunnel no longer works for vehicles and the road was rerouted around it.

The return drive from Sequoia National Park to San Francisco is approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic.

Or, if you’re heading to Los Angeles from Sequoia, the drive time is approximately 4 hours, but can be longer if traffic is really bad.

Best Time to Visit Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks

The best time for this road trip depends on what you’re hoping to experience. My mom and I visited in early March because it fit our schedules the best.

Unfortunately, visiting these parks during the winter means that some areas of the parks and roads are closed because of snow.

We had a great time and saw everything on our priority list, and I loved that there weren’t any crowds, but coming during the warmer months would have allowed us to explore the parks in more detail.

Spring (April–June)

Waterfalls in Yosemite are at their peak, and wildflowers are blooming in Kings Canyon and Sequoia. The parks are still relatively uncrowded.

Summer (July–August)

All areas are fully accessible, but this is the busiest season. You’ll need to plan ahead for accommodation and expect crowds, especially in Yosemite.

Fall (September–November)

This is my personal favorite. Crowds thin out, the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy crisp autumn air. Fall foliage adds an extra layer of beauty, especially in Kings Canyon.

Winter (December–March)

A magical time, but snow can limit access to certain areas, especially in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. However, if you’re prepared for winter driving, it’s a quiet and peaceful experience.

Final Thoughts About Road Tripping From Yosemite To Sequoia National Park

To date, this road trip from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park has been one of my favorites. Not only does it combine three National Parks, but I got to experience it with my mom!

If you’re short on time, I recommend adjusting this road trip itinerary by spending only one day in Kings Canyon, and one day in Sequoia, but keeping two full days in Yosemite.

Since you’ll be visiting three National Parks, I recommend buying an annual America The Beautiful Pass to save money.

I’ve had this pass for several years and love it – not only does it save me money on park admission, but often times it saves me time getting into the park when lines get backed up. Occasionally rangers open up an “express” lane for pass-holders who don’t have to pay at the gate.

Each park entrance fee is $35 (but you only have to pay for Sequoia and Kings Canyon once). The annual pass is $80 and good for 12 months at all of the US National Parks and recreation sites (over 400!).