Epic
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Trip length
- 4–7 days
- Budget
- $300–$1,100
- per person · excl. airfare
- Best months
- Jul–Sep
HikingBackpacking
Park entrance: $35 (Entrance - Private Vehicle) · source: NPS
Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, and beauty here. Explore these pages to plan your visit or to learn about the plants and animals here and the threats they face. Ancient giant sequoias may seem invincible, but they, too are vulnerable.
Highlights
- The largest trees on Earth
- Deep Kings Canyon
- Gateway to Mt. Whitney
Photos
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective licences.
Map
Trails (8)· Moderate
- View →Sugarloaf Valley TrailRepresentative7.5 mi0 ft gainModerate~2.5 h
- View →Bubbs Creek TrailRepresentative8.4 mi0 ft gainModerate~2.8 h
- View →Colby Pass TrailRepresentative7.9 mi0 ft gainModerate~2.6 h
- View →Cloud Canyon TrailRepresentative6.5 mi0 ft gainModerate~2.2 h
- View →Avalanche Pass TrailRepresentative5.8 mi0 ft gainModerate~1.9 h
- View →Copper Creek TrailRepresentative7.6 mi0 ft gainModerate~2.5 h
- View →Elizabeth Pass TrailRepresentative5.1 mi0 ft gainModerate~1.7 h
- View →Paradise Valley TrailRepresentative7.1 mi0 ft gainModerate~2.4 h
Getting there
- FAT Fresno Yosemite Intl · 63 mi
- MRY Monterey Regional · 181 mi
- SJC San José Mineta · 190 mi
Straight-line distances to nearby airports. Airfare and drive times are not included.
Permits & access
Quota / lottery permit
Wilderness permits (quota) for overnight; Mt. Whitney lottery; bear canister required — confirm current rules on the official site.
Official permit & conditions ↗Last verified 7/24/2026