Ultimate Road Trip: National Parks California (Part III)
- shannastewart4443
- Apr 15
- 19 min read
"The earth has music for those who listen." – William Shakespeare
Embark on the ultimate California road trip, weaving through desert landscapes, coastal wonders, and towering forests. Starting in the sun-soaked oasis of Palm Springs, venture into the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, where iconic rock formations and surreal desert skies set the tone for adventure. Next, the bustling streets of Los Angeles provide a vibrant contrast, offering a mix of culture, history, and oceanfront escapes. Heading north, explore the ancient rock formations of Pinnacles National Park. The trip continues on to the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite National Park, where waterfalls, towering granite peaks, and pristine wilderness await. Then drive to Kings Canyon, which awes you with deep, glacial-carved valleys. Finally, the trip culminates with Sequoia National Park, where the world's largest trees tower overhead in a humbling display of nature’s grandeur. Each stop offers a fresh perspective on California’s natural beauty, making this road trip an unforgettable adventure.
This trip across California spans approximately 1170 miles and involves 28 hours of driving, and we will visit 5 National Parks, along with a visit to Palm Springs and Los Angeles. I believe that two weeks is the least amount of time you should allocate to fully appreciate this incredible journey. If you have less time, you can start at Pinnacles and just do the last leg and enjoy 4 of these amazing parks.
I have included the following stops:
Best time to visit:
Spring (March–May) – Wildflowers bloom across Joshua Tree, Pinnacles, and Sequoia, and temperatures are mild.
Summer (June–August) – Ideal for high-elevation parks like Yosemite and Kings Canyon but expect crowds.
Fall (September–November) – Fewer tourists, cooler weather, and stunning autumn colors in Sequoia and Yosemite.
Winter (December–February) – A magical time for snow-covered landscapes in Yosemite and Sequoia, but some roads may be closed.
Days 1 - 3: Palm Springs
Airport: Palm Springs International Airport
Palm Springs, California, is a desert oasis known for its mid-century modern architecture, luxury resorts, and stunning mountain views. For more on Palm Springs, see my post: Top Ten Girls Trip Destinations and Trending: Retro Stays
Where to stay in Palm Springs:
Little Paradise Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Little Paradise Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in Palm Springs, California, offering a tranquil and cozy retreat for travelers. It’s an adults-only hotel known for its serene atmosphere, mountain views, and upscale amenities.
Les Cactus, Palm Springs
4-Star Hotel
It’s more rare than it should be in Palm Springs: a stylish, comfortable adults-only refuge that’s relatively easy on the budget. Les Cactus is named for a French song from the Sixties, and though its design is of recent vintage, it captures the playful side of the decade that inspired it. With just 27 rooms it’s modestly sized, and its location, five minutes’ drive from downtown Palm Springs, keeps it tranquil. There’s a lovely pool and a fire pit, and drinks are served in the lounge and courtyard — for a restaurant, you’ll want to venture further into town.
La Serena Villas, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel
5-Star Hotel
Palm Springs may be virtually synonymous with mid-century modernism, but it’s far from the only style in town. La Serena Villas is the latest transformation of a 1933-vintage Spanish-style hotel, and while its new owners have thoroughly updated it for the boutique-hotel era, they’ve kept its stylistic inspiration intact — in fact you’d be hard pressed to find a lovelier example of colonial-contemporary architecture and design.
Despite its central location, just off Palm Canyon Drive, La Serena feels pleasantly private, a compound comprising 18 individual bungalows, each with a kitchenette and a private patio with an outdoor bathtub. They’re not all identical — some are rather more elaborate than others — but all are luxe enough, and certainly more than spacious enough. (They’re also dog-friendly, if that’s your travel style.)
There’s a lovely pool just off the lobby, and a second one at Whispers, the spa, which forms something of a compound within a compound. Bikes are available for guests to borrow, for a spin around downtown Palm Springs. Just be sure you’re back in time for dinner — Azúcar, the poolside restaurant, serves Mediterranean- and Mexican-inspired Californian fare, and has a lively bar to go along with it.
Things to do in Palm Springs:
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Ride up 8,500 feet for breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley.
Palm Springs Air Museum – A must-visit for aviation enthusiasts, featuring WWII aircraft and exhibits.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens – A historic estate with beautiful gardens and art collections.
Moorten Botanical Garden – A unique desert plant collection, perfect for nature lovers.
Tahquitz Canyon – Stunning hiking trails with waterfalls, palm groves, and ancient rock formations.
Downtown Palm Springs – Enjoy boutique shopping, art galleries, and top-rated restaurants.
Indian Canyons – Scenic hiking trails through lush palm groves and rugged desert landscapes.
Day 3 - 5: Drive to Joshua Tree National Park
(about a 1-hour drive)
Joshua Tree National Park is a stunning desert landscape in Southern California, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Known for its otherworldly rock formations, iconic Joshua trees, and incredible stargazing, it's a must-visit for outdoor lovers. For more on Joshua Tree, see my post: Twelve Best National Parks to Visit
Things to see on route to Joshua Tree:
San Jacinto Mountains – A breathtaking mountain range offering scenic views and hiking trails.
Joshua Tree Visitor Center – A great place to learn about the park’s history and pick up maps before entering.
Where to stay near Joshua Tree:
28 Palms Ranch
Glamping
A yurt is the traditional home of Mongolian nomads. These yurts are authentic Mongolian style and are handcrafted by a Mongolian family with fair trade principles. Barbecue areas, fire pits, and traditional Mongolian sinks are four miles from the Indian Cove entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.
AutoCamp Joshua Tree
Glamping
AutoCamp guests can cook over a campfire, try a natural wine tasting, skip rocks, and skip straight to dessert in bed—all in the same day.
Today, they are so much more than Airstreams: AutoCamp boasts nine locations, with accommodations for parties of all sizes, near some of the most iconic destinations around the country. From the Catskills to Zion and Yosemite to Asheville, they blend the traditional outdoor experience with the service and design-forward thinking of a boutique hotel.
The Bungalows at Retreat by Homestead Modern - Adults Only
3-Star Accommodations
The Bungalows at Retreat by Homestead Modern are nothing if not unique. This retreat is situated a few minutes’ drive from the national park, on the grounds of the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, home to the Mentalphysics Spiritual Teaching and Retreat Center, as well as the largest known collection of buildings by the architect Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Bungalows themselves are a series of very impressively restored midcentury buildings by Harold Zook, another highly regarded mid-century Modernist architect. How impressively restored? To put it as kindly as possible: if you’ve arrived at a building that seems to be showing its age, you’re at the Retreat Center, not the Bungalows.
And while the 14 rooms, studios, and suites share three structures, each one feels like a freestanding mid-century home, complete with full-length windows that stretch from the concrete floors to the post-and-beam ceilings. They also come with kitchenettes or full kitchens, plus a pantry that can be stocked with groceries and coffee. There’s communal outdoor space, including fire pits and grills, and each unit has its own private patio with a far-ranging view of the austere landscape. (Guests also have access to the Retreat Center’s swimming pool, hot pool, and meditation areas.)
Given the residential concept, it’s perhaps no surprise that a hotel restaurant is not among the offerings. The surrounding area is home to several fine options, however, from breakfast or lunch at the Retreat Center’s own vegetarian café to barbecue and beer at Pappy & Harriet’s in nearby Pioneertown.
Things to do in Joshua Tree Park:
Hidden Valley – A scenic loop trail surrounded by massive boulders, perfect for hiking and rock scrambling.
Keys View – A breathtaking overlook with panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.
Skull Rock – A unique rock formation shaped like a skull, great for photography.
Cholla Cactus Garden – A surreal landscape filled with spiky cholla cacti.
Barker Dam – A short hike leading to a historic water reservoir.
Ryan Mountain – A challenging hike with 360-degree views of the park.
Arch Rock – A natural rock arch, perfect for photography.
Stargazing – Joshua Tree is a Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places for night sky viewing.
Rock Climbing – With over 8,000 climbing routes, Joshua Tree is a world-class destination for climbers.
Wildflower Viewing – Spring brings a dazzling display of desert blooms.
Days 5 - 8: Drive to Los Angeles (about 2 hours' drive time)
Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is a vibrant metropolis known for its Hollywood glamour, stunning beaches, and diverse cultural scene. For more on L.A., see my post: Long Weekend Getaways and Trending: Retro Stays
Things to see on way to Los Angeles:
Transmission Sculpture by Daniel Popper – A stunning, larger-than-life sculpture in Joshua Tree.
Cabazon Dinosaurs – Giant roadside dinosaur sculptures made famous by the movie Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Ride up 8,500 feet for breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley.
Coachella Valley Preserve – A beautiful desert oasis with hiking trails and wildlife.
Candy Cane Lane (Woodland Hills) – A festive neighborhood known for its spectacular holiday light displays.
The Original In-N-Out Burger Museum – A fun stop for burger lovers, showcasing the history of California’s iconic fast-food chain.
Pioneertown – A historic Old West-style town built as a movie set in the 1940s.
Palm Springs Air Museum – Home to one of the world’s largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft.
Greater Palm Springs Film Office – A cool spot for film buffs, showcasing Palm Springs’ role in Hollywood history.
Where to stay in L.A.:
Palihouse West Hollywood
4-Star Hotel
The revival of Avi Brosh’s debut brand, Palihouse West Hollywood is situated on the city’s famed W 3rd St., featuring 95 guest rooms, an indoor/outdoor pool lounge, and the charming Lobby Lounge Café and Bar. Palisociety’s signature California quirky sensibility blends perfectly with the opulence of Europe’s chicest inns, welcoming travelers and locals to the brand's latest LA neighborhood mainstay.
The Surfrider Malibu
4-Star Hotel
Malibu is a destination whose reputation, at least for visitors, rests more on legend than experience. It’s a magical little stretch of coastline, but one whose hotel options have historically been thin. No longer; the Surfrider Malibu is a Fifties icon transformed by its new owners — a Californian architect, an Australian-born free spirit, and an Italian race car driver — into the boutique hotel this town has always deserved, set right on the Pacific Coast Highway, directly across from Surfrider Beach.
The look is pared-down and elegant, a sort of bohemian minimalism, the 20 rooms decorated in light neutrals that are full of organic textures, from the reclaimed teak floorboards to the modern-rustic furnishings created by local designers. Upstairs rooms have private terraces with partial or full views of the Pacific. They’re far from lavish or opulent but they’re luxurious in their details, and life here is anything but difficult — though more than a little bit glamorous, the vibe here is light-hearted and fun.
The Surfrider’s roof terrace restaurant and bar is for guests only, in keeping with the intent of the hotel: more a private Malibu beach house than a typical boutique hotel. It’s a refuge, but not an isolated one — the views of the pier, the Pacific, and one of California’s most famous beaches lend it an unmistakable sense of place.
Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection
5-Star Hotel
Built in 1946 in a style that can only be described as romantic Mediterranean, the Hotel Bel-Air, with its rose-colored mission-style bungalows, is about as elite a hideaway as you can find. Hidden by bougainvillea, Ficus, orange blossom, and fern, on eighteen acres right in the middle of LA’s most exclusive suburb, the grounds are mapped by terracotta passageways, and the reception area lies just beyond an arched stone bridge.
Naturally it was the Hollywood set who made it famous. Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned here with her first husband, Marilyn Monroe spent a lot of time hopping between rooms 133 and 33, and legend has it that Lauren Bacall flooded the hotel during the Academy Awards. Although the hotel has undergone extensive renovations, it still feels like a Hollywood hideaway from the golden age.
Celebrities are not known for the judiciousness of their requests, and the Bel-Air’s staff is legendary for their ability to do anything from set up a private wedding (between Ronald Reagan’s daughter Patti and her yoga instructor) to locating a 1962 sixpence coin. They’re also discreet — you have to be, in what one employee has called the “biggest shack-up business in town.”
Most Bel-Air guests come here for a break from the spotlight; nonetheless, the very public restaurant is always busy, and for good reason. The food at the Bel-Air is fantastic. Even the notoriously ill-tempered swans eat well here — on romaine lettuce leaves. The non-feathered guests rave about the lemon pancakes, the tortilla soup, and the hot water pipes underneath the terracotta floor of the restaurant patio, to warm the feet of anyone dining outside. Make sure you do, because the Bel-Air is about scents. The aroma of freesia, gardenia and rosemary from the on-site herb garden is divine, and for many, what characterizes the hotel at its luxurious best is the smell of the avocado wood burning in the fireplace at the bar.
Things to do in Los Angeles:
Universal Studios Hollywood – A thrilling theme park with movie-themed attractions.
Griffith Observatory – Offers stunning views of LA and the iconic Hollywood sign.
Runyon Canyon Park – A popular hiking spot with panoramic views of the city.
The Broad – A contemporary art museum featuring works by Warhol, Basquiat, and more.
Santa Monica Pier – A classic California beach experience with an amusement park and ocean views.
The Getty Center – A world-renowned art museum with breathtaking architecture.
Hollywood Walk of Fame – Stroll past the stars of legendary actors and musicians.
Venice Beach – Famous for its boardwalk, street performers, and eclectic vibe.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens – A beautiful cultural and natural retreat.
Days 8 - 9: Pinnacles National Park
(about a 9-hour drive)
Pinnacles National Park is a hidden gem in Central California, known for its dramatic rock formations, rare talus caves, and diverse wildlife. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the park offers stunning landscapes, world-class rock climbing, and incredible hiking trails. I suggest staying in Carmel or Big Sur, then driving on to the park for a day trip. You could also break up the drive and stay halfway in San Luis Obispo for a night.
Things to see on way to Pinnacles:
Scenic Coastal Route (Highway 1)
Instead of taking the faster inland route via I-5, opt for Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) for breathtaking coastal scenery.
Malibu – Enjoy the beaches, scenic cliffs, and the famous Malibu Pier.
Santa Barbara – A beautiful coastal city with Spanish architecture, wineries, and stunning beaches.
San Luis Obispo & Pismo Beach – Visit the Madonna Inn, explore sand dunes, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Morro Bay – See the iconic Morro Rock and watch sea otters play in the harbor.
Big Sur – Drive along Route 1 Big Sur Coast Highway for jaw-dropping ocean views.
Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea – Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and scenic 17-Mile Drive.
Santa Cruz – A lively beach town with a classic boardwalk and redwood forests.
Where to stay near Pinnacles Park:
Carmel Valley Lodge and Resort (about an hour drive to park)
3-Star Hotel
This lodge boasts 3-acres with Eco-Friendly Accommodations with Pool, Spa, Gift Shop, Yoga and Hiking Excursions. This iconic Carmel Valley hotel is located just minutes from the famed Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, Monterey Peninsula, and WeatherTech (Laguna Seca) Raceway. Carmel Valley is a serene escape for year-round visitors. No matter what the season, Carmel Valley is known for its sunny, fog-free days, cool nights, and warm ambiance.
Alila Ventana Big Sur
4-Star Hotel
(Big Sur is about a 2-hour drive to the park)
Big Sur is the jewel of the California coast, one of the most spectacular places in North America, and Alila Ventana Big Sur is Big Sur’s original luxury resort, founded by writer Lawrence A. Spector, using profits from the film Easy Rider. Clearly it doesn’t get much more California than that.
Fortunately, this is the eminently dignified and respectable face of California, a sort of middle ground, as far from New Age hippie excess as it is from the glitz and materialism of Hollywood. Ventana is clearly a high-luxury resort, specializing in escapism and what is often called ‘pampering’— but Big Sur is the star here, the main event the hallucinatory view of the Pacific a thousand feet below.
A less restrained, less confident resort would feature gleaming, monumental buildings, and would probably pave over the redwoods to construct a grand looping driveway. Here we find a hotel at peace with its surroundings, very much a part of the Big Sur landscape—the hotel itself comprises some ten or more low wooden structures, hidden around the sprawling 243-acre grounds and connected by winding pathways.
But the genius of this place is that beneath its humble surface it delivers all the material comforts of those proud and decadent resorts—from the wood-burning fireplaces, Jacuzzis and high ceilings of the guest suites to the public spaces like the pools, the Japanese bathhouse, and the Spa Alila, offering a selection of treatments so comprehensive as to set the head spinning. And the food, of course, is exquisite as well, the Sur House restaurant serving Big Sur-inspired cuisine, rooted in the unique styles and flavors of California’s Central Coast against the backdrop of the Pacific and the wide blue sky.
Make no mistake: this is the same Big Sur where Henry Miller lived, where Kerouac slept on the beach and Dylan came to study—and it’s also where the likes of Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw, as well as generations of successors, have come for Hollywood-quality luxury without the paparazzi in tow. As such, it’s like nowhere else in California—and as such, it’s not to be missed.
Post Ranch Inn
5-Star Hotel
Post Ranch Inn is blessed with one of the most extraordinary locations on the face of the earth, a place of such breathtaking beauty it’s hard to believe it’s even accessible by mere automobile-driving mortals. Big Sur is the most scenic destination along California’s most scenic drive, Highway 1, which links Los Angeles with San Francisco and features such curiosities as Hearst Castle and Steinbeck’s Monterey along the way.
Of course, what Highway 1 mostly features is natural beauty, and some of the last unspoiled places in America. It would be difficult for any man-made structure to compete with these cliffside views of the Pacific, or the majesty of the redwood forests; but this strange and decadent little hotel holds its own.
Modernist architect Mickey Muennig settled in Big Sur in 1971 and has been responsible for most of its notable buildings ever since. Post Ranch Inn is his only hotel design, and indeed it’s hard to imagine it translating into some kind of movable hotel template, comprising as it does a number of discreet house designs, each uniquely suited to its location.
The Tree Houses, for example, are almost exactly as advertised, built on nine-foot stilts and camouflaged amongst (if not actually nailed to the branches of) the redwood trees. Ocean rooms, on the other hand, are close to the cliff’s edge, nearly all glass to take in the view, and blend into the hillside, with grasses and wildflowers covering the sloping roofs.
More traditional is the cuisine, another of Post Ranch Inn’s big draws. Sierra Mar is a local favorite and a Michelin Guide selection as well, a first-rate restaurant (with a first-rate wine list) that is either delightfully incongruous with or else perfectly matched to its location, depending on your point of view.
There are no televisions here — peace and quiet carry the day. This place is built for relaxation, from the oversized spa tubs and the massage tables in the guest rooms to the infinity pool a thousand feet above the Pacific. Possibly the best place in California to leave it all behind.
Things to do in Pinnacles Park:
Bear Gulch Caves – A challenging yet rewarding hike through unique rock formations and caves.
Balconies Cliffs Trails – A scenic trail offering breathtaking views of the park.
Pinnacles Overlook Hike – A stunning viewpoint showcasing the park’s rugged beauty.
Condor Gulch Trail – A must-visit for spotting California condors soaring overhead.
High Peaks Trail – A challenging trek with dramatic landscapes and sweeping views.
Rock Climbing – Pinnacles is a premier climbing destination, with routes for all skill levels.
Wildlife Watching – Spot California condors, prairie falcons, and red-legged frogs.
Camping – Stay at Pinnacles Campground, offering tent and RV sites near the park entrance.
Photography – Capture towering spires, wildflowers, and dramatic landscapes.
Days 9- 12: Drive to Yosemite National Park
(about a 4.5-hour drive)
Yosemite National Park is a natural wonderland in California’s Sierra Nevada, famous for its towering granite cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. Whether you're into hiking, photography, wildlife spotting, or simply soaking in the scenery, Yosemite offers an unforgettable experience.
Things to see on way to Yosemite from Pinnacles:
Gilroy Gardens – A unique amusement park with botanical gardens and family-friendly rides.
San Luis Reservoir – A peaceful spot for picnicking, fishing, and scenic views.
Merced River – A beautiful river offering rafting, fishing, and stunning photography opportunities.
Mariposa County – A historic Gold Rush town with museums, shops, and local eateries.
Tunnel View – The iconic viewpoint showcasing Yosemite Valley’s grandeur.
Tioga Pass – A scenic drive through high-elevation meadows and alpine lakes.
Bass Lake – A picturesque lake near Yosemite, perfect for boating and relaxing.
Where to stay near Yosemite:
Evergreen Lodge Yosemite
3-Star Accommodations
Nestled in the woods bordering Yosemite National Park, the Evergreen Lodge is a newly expanded historic mountain resort combining a timeless feel with modern comforts.
Escape to the beauty of your very own secluded cabin. Then enjoy the endless fun and community of our wonderful restaurant and tavern, charming general store, beautiful swimming pool and broad array of onsite activities and guided Yosemite adventures.
Under Canvas Yosemite
Glamping
With twelve locations scattered across some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, Under Canvas hotels bring together the best parts of camping — peace, privacy, immersion in nature — with the comforts of modern high-end hospitality. Under Canvas Yosemite, the brand’s first offering in California, is the epitome of luxury camping, set on 85 forested acres near the park’s west entrance.
Like its sister properties, the Yosemite outpost features a collection of elegant white safari-style tents outfitted with king-sized beds, upscale modern furnishings, private decks, and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers and organic bath products. Some suites are large enough for families, while the romantic Stargazer tent sleeps just two and features a window above the bed for stargazing.
The airy lobby tent offers café-style dining with outdoor seating where guests can grab a bite before hitting the trail or linger over coffee under the shade of black oak trees. A shuttle into the national park is within easy walking distance, and a nightly campfire with complimentary s'mores awaits every evening — an amenity that experienced campers, accustomed to the responsibility of building the fire and remembering to pack the marshmallows, will especially appreciate.
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite
4-Star Hotel
As America’s national parks strain under increased demand, the famously popular Yosemite National Park is doing something about it. Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite is the first major new lodging in living memory, and it’s clear at a glance that it’s a new and perhaps ever so slightly more upscale era for National Park lodges — at least ones within driving distance of San Francisco. The rooms aren’t aggressively overdesigned, but they’re clean-lined and contemporary, while the villas split the difference between hotel suites and vacation homes. Rush Creek’s spa is an unexpected treat, and the restaurant, too, goes above and beyond typical park-lodge fare.
Things to do at Yosemite:
Yosemite Valley – The heart of the park, home to El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
Glacier Point – A stunning viewpoint offering panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.
Mariposa Grove – A majestic forest of giant sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant.
El Capitan – One of the world’s most famous rock formations, popular among climbers.
Bridalveil Fall – A picturesque waterfall that flows year-round.
Tunnel View – The iconic viewpoint showcasing Yosemite Valley’s grandeur.
Tioga Pass – A scenic drive through high-elevation meadows and alpine lakes.
Little Yosemite Valley – A quieter area with beautiful hiking trails and river views.
Days 12 - 14: Drive to Kings Canyon National Park/Sequoia
(about 4.5 hours' drive time)
Kings Canyon National Park is a breathtaking destination in California’s Sierra Nevada, known for its deep canyons, towering sequoias, and rugged wilderness. Often overshadowed by Yosemite, Kings Canyon offers equally stunning landscapes with fewer crowds.
Just 20 minutes away, Sequoia National Park is famous for its towering sequoias, steep canyons, and untamed wilderness. It’s home to General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume, and offers incredible outdoor adventures.
Things to see on drive from Yosemite to Kings Canyon/Sequoia:
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir – A stunning water reservoir with hiking trails and waterfalls.
Tuolumne Grove – Home to giant sequoias, offering a peaceful forest walk.
Mariposa County – A historic Gold Rush town with museums, shops, and local eateries.
Kings Canyon Visitor Center – A great place to learn about the park’s history and pick up maps before entering. More info here.
Buena Vista Peak Trail – A scenic hiking trail with panoramic views of Kings Canyon. Check it out here.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks – Explore towering sequoias, deep canyons, and rugged wilderness.
Where to stay near Kings Canyon/Sequoia:
Buckeye Tree Lodge
4-Star Accommodations
Placed just 1/4 mile from the entrance of Sequoia National Park, The Buckeye Tree Lodge & Cabins is a twelve room and ten cabin eco-lodge with spectacular river views and the sound of rushing water to lull you into relaxation upon arrival.
Spend at least two nights with us so you'll have time to find your favorite nook between the granite boulders on the river, take a yoga class, book a massage, enjoy a stargazing program, or unwind in one of our salt-water pools, while still having time to explore the outdoors of Sequoia National Park!
Gateway Sequoia
4-Star Accommodations
The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge is the perfect getaway for a relaxing, memorable vacation or a day trip. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains on the Kaweah River, just minutes away from Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon, and other popular destinations. The Gateway is a cozy seven-room lodge with a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner options in both casual and fine-dining settings.
All Gateway lodging includes private baths, personal coffee makers, and individual–controlled heat and air conditioning. The Property provides sumptuous continental cuisine, excellent lodging services and more!
AutoCamp Sequoia
Glamping
AutoCamp Sequoia is a luxury glamping retreat located in Three Rivers, California, near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It offers a modern outdoor experience with stylish accommodations, including Airstreams, cabins, and canvas tents.
Meander through groves of ancient trees, take in the views of Mount Whitney, or enjoy a dip in the river right from the property.
Things to do in Kings Canyon and Sequoia:
General Sherman Tree – The largest tree in the world by volume, standing at 275 feet tall.
Congress Trail – A beautiful loop trail through a grove of giant sequoias.
Boyden Cavern – A show cave with fascinating limestone formations.
Crystal Cave – A marble cavern featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and underground wildlife.
Kings River Scenic Byway – A stunning drive through Kings Canyon with breathtaking views.
Zumwalt Meadow – A peaceful meadow surrounded by towering granite cliffs.
Roaring River Falls – A powerful waterfall accessible via a short hike.
Mist Falls Trail – A moderate hike leading to a beautiful cascading waterfall.
Moro Rock – A granite dome with a staircase leading to panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada.
Project Survival Cat Haven – A wild cat conservation park focused on education and preservation.
Day 14: Drive to Fresno Yosemite International Airport and return home
(about 2.5 hour drive)
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