Sequoia & Kings Canyon
USA Holiday Destinations

These two national park run into each other and provide a large area of pristine wilderness that is popular with visitors from all over the world. The immense size and scale of the landscape is truly awe inspiring. Visitors also flock to see the worlds largest native sequoia grove with the largest known living tree in existence anywhere in the wrold. Nothing can compare to the sense of awe and wonder that this National Park inspires.

Visitors are welcome to the park all year round however peak seasons run from late Spring to mid Fall. Some trails and campsites remain unplowed in winter and can be treacherous for inexperienced visitors. Before you head off on your camper rental holiday make sure you check the prevailing conditions as these can change very quickly.

CAMPING

The parks have 14 campgrounds in total, which together provide 800 established campsites. The camping fees vary depending on the location of the grounds and the proximity to the major attractions. Visitors are allowed to camp a maximum of 14 days during the period from approximately June to September. A further restriction limits visitors to a maximum of 30 days per year.

Some of the campgrounds do not allow RV rentals and trailers. Other campgrounds do allow RVs, but many place limits on their length. It should also be noted that there are length limits on some of the highways and mountain roads. Make sure you check before you plan your camper rental holiday in the area.

Only two of campgrounds take reservations for summer stays: Lodgepole and Dorst Creek. Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance of the date you wish to start camping there. It is recommended that rv rental travelers ensure their trip is organised as far in advance to avoid dissapointment at the major attractions.

DRIVING TOURS

The driving tours available depend very much on what time of year you visit. In Spring and Summer there are five popular drives

General's Hwy -- Ash Mountain to Lodgepole
Offers dramatic views of the surrounding forest and Marble Fork canyon.

Genera'ls Hwy -- Lodgepole to Grant Grove
Fantastic views of North Fork and Marble Fork canyons. Look down on Cedar Grove Village 4,000 feet below. Great views of the world's largest grove of sequoias.

Hwy 180 -- Grant Grove to Hume Lake
Provides a birds eye view of the ghost forest of sequoia stumps and the Boole tree. Also has a lovely view of the Hume lake

Hwy 180 -- Hume Lake to Roads End
Provides progressively more stunning views of the Kings Canyon and of several forks of the Kings River. Not available in Winter

Mineral King Road
Provides progressively more breathtaking views of the Kaweah River. Also provides great views of a high alpine valley surrounded by tall peaks.

WALKING

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer more than 850 miles of maintained wilderness trails. Over 723,000 of the parks' acres are officially designated as Wilderness. You will find some of campsites are located close enough to the action that you can virtually walk out the front door of your RV hire vehicle and start walking amongst the magical giant sequoia.

Foothills day hikes

Summer is hot and dry time in the Foothills. The rest of the year provides more comfortable weather conditions. Watch out for poison oak and rattlesnakes. In spring time take care around rivers which are high and extremely dangerous.

Giant Forest & Lodgepole day hikes

The Giant Forest/Lodgepole area provides a unique experience with the giant Sequoia trese which dominate the landscape. Stroll through the brisk conifer forests, and sun kissed meadows, and take in the exhilarating vistas. Climb the historic staircase on Moro Rock to see the Great Western Divide.

Grant Grove day hikes

For an easy hike through Sequoias, with solitude as your companion, you cannot go past the trails located around the bustling Grant Grove Village. As you drive in via Route 180 in your camper hire vehicle, you may stop at the villiage to pick up maps and guidebooks at the nearby visitor center. The rangers are normally on hand to provide advice if you should need it.

Cedar Grove (down in the Kings Canyon) day hikes

Looming granite walls, great vistas, quiet rivers, pleasant waterfalls--some of the most level hikes in the parks can be found here as well as some of the most steep, hot, and strenuous. There is something for every hiker in the Kings Canyon. Not available during Winter.

Mineral King day hikes

Cooler temperatures and dramatic mountain scenery tempt day hikers up to Mineral King. Be prepared for steep trails and thinner air. West- and south-facing slopes can still be hot and dry, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Consider beginning your hike in in the morning when it is cooler. Not available during Winter.

ROCK CLIMBING

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are a fantastic place to go rock climbing. The rock here is strikingly similar to Yosemite in quality. Enjoy an endless variety of climbs from easy to extremely challenging--without the crowds and pressure of more famous climbing areas. Visitors often rave about the following routes : the Obelisk, Grand Sentinel, and Chimney Rock. Allow at least a day's hike to reach the start of these climbing trails.

Without a doubt, one of the best ways to unwind after a long day of rock climbing is to retire to the comfort of a matress, pillow and blanket. You can climb with confidence knowing that the comfort and convenience of your camper usa rental is waiting for you when you return to the campsite.

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