Yosemite To Sequoia National Park: An Epic Road Trip Through California
When I planned this trip from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park, I knew it would be special. Traveling through three of California’s most stunning parks—Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia—felt like the perfect way to explore California’s diverse landscapes and create unforgettable memories with my mom! Yup, this trip was a girls trip with my mom, and my dog in my campervan.
This road trip itinerary offers so much: from hikes and scenic drives to quiet moments taking it all in. It’s hard to believe some of these views can be found in our own backyard- no international travel needed!
I can promise you this trip is worth every mile. For our road trip I was returning from spending the winter in Baja, Mexico, so my mom flew into Los Angeles and we drove to Sequoia first, then Kings Canyon and Yosemite. Then, she flew out of San Francisco. But you can complete this road trip in either direction.
Map Of Yosemite To Sequoia National Park
Before setting out on this road trip, it’s helpful to get familiar with the layout of these three parks. Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia are all located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, and while they’re close to each other, each park offers something unique.
Yosemite sits to the north, with its iconic valley and granite peaks. To the south are Kings Canyon’s deep valleys and Sequoia’s massive trees, including the world-famous General Sherman.
This map will help you plan your route, identify scenic stops, and gauge distances between key points, ensuring you make the most of your road trip from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park.
The total driving distance from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park is about 4 hours.
Use this Yosemite to Sequoia National Park road trip map to plan your itinerary! I’ve labeled items by park (noted by color) as well as by activity type (noted by icon).
Tip: Open this map in your browser, then click the star icon on the left-side bar. This saves the map to your google maps app on your phone so you can easily reference it during your trip. Locate this map in Google Maps by selecting ‘you’ at the bottom of the app and then scroll down and click ‘maps’ to find your saved trip maps
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.
Day-by-Day 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.
If you only have one day in Yosemite National Park read this guide which covers how to see the highlights on a shorter timeline.
Highlights: Yosemite Valley Welcome Center, Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Meadow & Cook’s Meadow Loop, Bridalveil Fall, Tunnel View.
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 (.8 miles)
- Half Dome Trail (16.5 miles) – permit required
A love note about AllTrails
The trail links in this article take you to the detailed trail guides on AllTrails. I love this app and use it on every single hike I take. There’s a free and a pro version (AllTrails+).
Free version: Allows you to view trail details and save trails to curated lists. I have a list for each National Park and I save the hikes I’m planning in there so I can easily find them while traveling.
AllTrails+: $2.99 per month allows you to live share your activity with friends or family, download offline maps so you’re able to access them without cell service (great for National Parks) and will send you alerts when you deviate from the trail so you don’t get lost.
I have been using the AllTrails+ for many years. I love the added safety features, especially as a solo hiker.
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.
Highlights: Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, Glacier Point, Sequoia Groves including Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
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
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, 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 of its accessibility.
Cedar Grove is an hour’s drive farther east and the road is not open during the winter months.
Highlights: Kings Canyon Visitor Center, Grant Grove Village, General Grant Tree, Big Stump Loop
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
- Sequoia Glen Vacation Home – a quaint 2-bedroom home 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 pulloffs 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 wealth 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.
Highlights: Hume Lake, Grizzly Falls, Knapps Cabin, Roaring River Falls, Mist Falls, Zumwalt Meadows, Muir Rock, Cedar Grove Visitors Center.
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. The options in Cedar Grove are limited, and on day 5 you’ll be heading south into Sequoia National Park. 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
- Sequoia Glen Vacation Home – a quaint 2-bedroom home 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 (CA-245 to CA-216) and come in the south entrance of Sequoia. In total, this route takes just under 2 hours.
Highlights: Little Baldy, Lodgepole Village & Visitors Center, General Sherman.
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)
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 and the following year it was carved out so cars could pass through.
Highlights: Giant Forest Museum, Big Trees Trail, Tunnel Log, Crescent Meadow, Moro Rock, Crystal Cave, Tunnel Rock.
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. Since cars have gotten larger the tunnel no longer works for vehicles and the road was rerouted around it.
From Sequoia National Park back 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.
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. 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 and 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!).
