Weekend Hiking Trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

In episode #5 we go on our first weekend road trip! This weekend road trip from San Diego to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks includes hiking trail recommendations, snow hiking tips, advice for not to get lost (spoiler: like we did!), hacks for making the visit to popular national parks more cost effective, highlights from both national parks, and how to get the most out of your time on the trails, without the crowds.

There are some great easily accessible attractions in both of these parks and plenty of gigantic trees to hug. We went in spring when there was still snow on the ground which made for the best time to visit Sequoia National Park.

Sequoia National Park Highlights:

• Moro Rock
• Tunnel Log
• General Sherman & the Congress Trail
• Tokopah Falls
• Crystal Cave

Kings Canyon National Park Highlights:

• Mist Falls
• Roaring River Falls
• General Grant Grove
• Hart Tree, Fallen Goliath, Redwood Creek Trail

Where to Stay: If you'd like to stay within the parks we suggest ⁠Wuksachi Lodge⁠ in Sequoia or ⁠John Muir Lodge⁠ in King's Canyon. If you plan to stay outside of the parks, stay in Visalia at the ⁠The Darling Hotel⁠ or ⁠Holiday Inn Express⁠.

What to Bring: Hiking backpack, water bladder, sunscreen, hiking boots & hat. Check out our ⁠Amazon hiking gear recommendations⁠

Where to Fly Into: The closest airport to fly into is going to be the Fresno Airport. Find a great flight deal to Fresno by signing up for⁠ Thrifty Traveler Premium⁠ and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TS10 to get $10 off your first year subscription.

Grab our ⁠California National Park's itinerary⁠ if you plan to roadtrip to all of the national parks within the state.

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