Discover towering trees, impressive waterfalls and breathtaking vistas on a hike through California's Sequoia National Park and neighbouring Kings Canyon National Park. Plan your visit to Visalia, California, the perfect gateway to these national parks, and explore the region's history and unique local culture.
In the heart of California, the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park s are home to some of the tallest trees on the planet. These colossal giants, reaching heights of over 300ft, often appear drawn from the pages of the finest fantasies and fairytales. But unlike Carroll's or Tolkien's epic landscapes, giant sequoia forests are possible to explore in reality.
Those looking to do so should head to California's Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, where travellers from across the globe seek to soak up the natural splendour of these trees. Base yourself in the city of Visalia, just west of the national parks, where you'll be perfectly positioned to explore craggy mountainsides, flowered foothills, vast canyons and sunken caverns — not to mention the variety of shops, hotels and restaurants serving fresh, local food from the heart of one of the nation's richest agricultural regions. While exploring the parks, you'll encounter General Sherman, a giant sequoia standing at 275 feet tall, earning the title of Sequoia National Park's 'King of the Forest'. Two short trails lead visitors straight to this looming giant, but don't miss the nearby Congress Trail, a 2.7-mile loop that showcases other trees including Chief Sequoyah, General Lee and the President. Another living wonder, General Grant, with a wider circumference (107.5ft) than General Sherman, stands a 45-minute drive north, in General Grant Grove. It's technically located in Kings Canyon National Park, but the two parks are administered as one, creating a seamless experience for exploring both sites. Often deemed a rival to Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is home to colossal trees that share the spotlight with immense granite peaks, roaring rivers and a host of remote wilderness trails. After exploring General Grant Grove, drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, which stretches along one of the deepest canyons in the US. Be sure to stop by the lush Zumwalt Meadow, a less-crowded alternative to Yosemite Valley. As well as spotting the tallest trees and soaking up amazing vistas, don't miss the chance to drive through the famous Tunnel Log, crafted from a fallen tree on Crescent Meadow Road in Sequoia National Park. After the tree — thought to be more than 2,000 years old — fell across the road in 1937, park rangers carved an eight-foot-high tunnel into the log, creating what is now one of the park’s signature experiences. Nearby, climb up 350 stone steps to admire the impressive, sky-high view of the Great Western Divide mountain range. Another of the park’s standout spots is Tokopah Falls, which cascades over a slanted rockface for some 1,200ft. The 1.7-mile trail to reach it is well maintained and ascends gradually to the thundering falls. Be sure to stop by the Giant Forest Museum in the heart of Sequoia National Park to learn more about the area’s geology and the story behind the US’s second-oldest national park. Back in Visalia, head to the downtown area for a taste of local life. As well as being the gateway to the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, the city of Visalia is also full of buzzing bars and excellent eateries serving a range of local and global cuisines. On Main Street, check out cosy restaurants like The Table, which is worth a visit for its homemade tamales and lively happy hour. If you happen to be visiting the city on a Saturday, or on a Wednesday between May and August, stop by the Visalia Farmers Market, where local farmers and artisans sell seasonal produce, handmade products and the region’s best cheeses. When it’s time for an aperitif, nab a stool at the Cellar Door, a speakeasy-style bar with a curated cocktail menu and a cozy atmosphere. Formerly the annex of the Tulare County Courthouse, the building has been re-envisioned into a 32-room boutique hotel, though its fabulous art deco roots still shine. The historic building is also part of the self-guided 'Historic Visalia' walking tour, which provides a fascinating look at the city's past. Grab dinner or a cocktail on the rooftop, trading all that looking up at the trees for looking down at the picturesque Central Valley.
Sequoia National Park Kings Canyon National Park Visalia Giant Sequoias California Travel Hiking Nature Adventure Travel Tips
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