Sequoia and Kings Canyon

These twin parks in the southern Sierra Nevada protect the giant sequoias, the largest living things on earth by volume, groves of ancient trees so vast that standing among them humbles everyone. General Sherman, the biggest tree of all, grows here, and beyond the groves lie the deep gorge of Kings Canyon and high wilderness.

What's there

• General Sherman Tree - the largest tree on earth by volume, in the Giant Forest.
• The Giant Forest - the great grove of sequoias with easy trails among them.
• Moro Rock - the granite dome with a stairway to a Sierra panorama.
• Kings Canyon - the deep glacier-and-river gorge to the north.

When to go

Late spring to autumn for full access; the sequoia groves are beautiful year-round, with snow in winter closing higher roads. Summer is busiest, so early starts help.

Things to know

The parks are large and less visited than Yosemite, but the roads are winding and slow, so allow time. Some roads and areas close in winter with snow. Wildfires have affected parts in recent years, so check conditions before visiting.

Nearby

Yosemite is to the north; the Sierra Nevada high country and the Central Valley spread around.