What to Do at 2 of the Most Underrated National Parks in California

While Yosemite is probably California’s best-known national park, the state boasts several others that are well worth a visit. A few are particularly underrated, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. These two contiguous national parks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains are often overshadowed by Yosemite, located some 75 miles to the north. However, the twin parks offer beautiful Sierra scenery, one of the deepest canyons in the US, and some of the largest trees on Earth. Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states, is located in Sequoia National Park as well.

The two parks are about a 4-hour drive from Los Angeles — about 2 hours shorter than the drive from LA to Yosemite. Though Kings Canyon and Sequoia can become crowded during the summer, especially on the weekends, expect to see fewer people than you would at Yosemite.

Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights and must-see attractions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks:

Giant Sequoia Groves

These groves of trees are dominated by giant sequoias, a majestic species of evergreen tree that is only found on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. These massive trees can grow up to 300 feet, and the diameter of their trunks typically exceed 20 feet. They are also incredibly long-lived — the President Tree in Sequoia National Park is more than 3,200 years old. Standing next to a giant sequoia is a humbling, awe-inspiring experience; you’ll feel incredibly small.

Sequoia National Park contains several groves where you can see these amazing trees. Probably the most famous is Giant Forest, the largest grove of old-growth giant sequoias in the parks. Giant Forest is home to the General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest tree in terms of volume. It stands 275 feet tall with a diameter of 36 feet.

Several hiking trails offer different options for exploring the grove, from shorter 1–2-hour hikes to longer expeditions.

Over in Kings Canyon National Park is Grant Grove, a 90-acre cluster of exceptionally large sequoias. Grant Grove has the highest percentage of giant sequoias with diameters of at least 10 feet — and many larger than 20 feet. In addition, the grove provides an excellent full-height view of the General Grant Tree — officially designated as the country’s Christmas tree. You can follow a short paved trail to General Grant that takes you past other noteworthy trees, as well as an early settlers’ cabin.

If you’re seeking a little more solitude to contemplate the majesty of the giant sequoias, visit Muir Grove in Sequoia National Park. Located at the end of a 2-mile hike from the road, this grove sees far fewer visitors than Grant Grove or Giant Forest. You’ll also enjoy dramatic views across a creek gorge.

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

This paved road provides the only vehicle route into Kings Canyon. From its start at Hume Lake Ranger Station to the west of the park, the route climbs to an elevation of 6,400 feet before reaching Kings Canyon National Park. The road then plummets 2,700 feet into one of the deepest canyons in the entire country. At the bottom lies Kings River, a federally designated “Wild and Scenic” river. You’ll also pass by Boyden Cave, a sprawling underground limestone cavern with many curious rock and mineral formations (guided tours are available). Afterward, stop by Grizzly Falls to relax with a picnic lunch beside a sparkling waterfall.

The 50-mile scenic byway ends at Cedar Grove. Here, you’ll find more waterfalls, towering cliffs, and imposing rock formations rising from the canyon floor. Several backcountry hiking trails begin here too. The area is also notable because it features terrain and scenery similar to Yosemite, but remains one of the least crowded areas in either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Parks.

Moro Rock

Like Yosemite, Sequoia National Park has several granite domes and rock formations that loom overhead when you’re at lower elevations. One of these is Moro Rock. When you enter the park, Moro Rock is visible thousands of feet above the highway. However, unlike Yosemite’s famous Half Dome, which requires a long hike to reach, you can drive to Moro Rock, park, and ascend to the top of the dome in just over 350 steps. At the summit, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, foothills, and even the San Joaquin Valley to the west.

Another granite formation, Little Baldy, also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The hike to Little Baldy is longer, at 1.7 miles, and it includes steep switchbacks. However, in warmer months, several species of wildflowers grow along the path.

And More

This is only a sampling of the many activities and landmarks in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Other fun pastimes include horseback riding trips, backpacking, and rock climbing. Whitewater rafting is also popular on sections of the Kings River outside the parks, where there are Class III rapids accessible to first-time rafters. To start planning your visit to these two underrated parks, go to www.nps.gov/seki.