Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
California is home to the biggest trees in the world! As a matter of fact, Sequoia National Park has the LARGEST LIVING THING ON THE PLANET - a giant sequoia tree named General Sherman. What are you waiting for? Take the drive and go camp in some big trees. If you have time, travel a bit further into Kings Canyon for stunning views.
Sequoia National Park and Forest
About a 4.5 hour drive from Santa Barbara, Sequoia National Park has a number of different campsites at various elevations. Remember when booking a site that the weather can be significantly colder at higher elevations. Sometimes it even rains in certain areas of the park but not in others.
Getting there without a car: It is possible to get to Sequoia without a car! It does involve some planning and travel. Check the site called Rome 2 Rio. They list all of your options with times and prices.
Campgrounds: Most are first-come, first-served. The park gets busy in the summer, so we recommend making a reservation unless you plan to get to the campground very early to claim a site. There are lodges in the park as well. Check the park website for more details.
Hikes: Sequoia has great hikes around big trees and beyond! There is a Giant Forest Museum about a 30 min into the park that offers maps and guides. Park rangers are there to help you plan your route. Many of the hikes also start at the museum.
Bears: Sequoia is a popular spot for black bears. They have even been spotted close to well populated areas. Make sure when you're camping that all food and smelly items (chap stick, deodorant) are stored in the brown bear box lockers located in every campsite.
About a 4.5 hour drive from Santa Barbara, Sequoia National Park has a number of different campsites at various elevations. Remember when booking a site that the weather can be significantly colder at higher elevations. Sometimes it even rains in certain areas of the park but not in others.
Getting there without a car: It is possible to get to Sequoia without a car! It does involve some planning and travel. Check the site called Rome 2 Rio. They list all of your options with times and prices.
Campgrounds: Most are first-come, first-served. The park gets busy in the summer, so we recommend making a reservation unless you plan to get to the campground very early to claim a site. There are lodges in the park as well. Check the park website for more details.
Hikes: Sequoia has great hikes around big trees and beyond! There is a Giant Forest Museum about a 30 min into the park that offers maps and guides. Park rangers are there to help you plan your route. Many of the hikes also start at the museum.
Bears: Sequoia is a popular spot for black bears. They have even been spotted close to well populated areas. Make sure when you're camping that all food and smelly items (chap stick, deodorant) are stored in the brown bear box lockers located in every campsite.
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the United States. The majority of the area in the park was formed by glaciers. This unique formation is the reason for the steep cliffs, peaks, waterfalls, and cave systems (open to the public).
If you drive north of Sequoia National Park, you will eventually enter Kings Canyon. There are a handful of campgrounds in this area, but not as many as in Sequoia. Reservations can be made through the same park website. Due to winter conditions, the road into Kings Canyon is only open during the warmer months (April - November). Make sure to check which hikes are open if you plan to go in early spring, as many of the higher passes may still be covered in snow.
