Sequoia is the second-oldest national park in the United States. It was established in 1890 to protect the Big Trees in Giant Forest including the Giant Sherman Tree, the world's largest living thing. Along with immense trees, Sequoia is home to steep and barren canyon areas ranging in depth from 4000 to 8000 feet deep in some areas. Sequoia also contains the Mineral King Valley and Mt. Whitney, the highest Mountain in the U.S. outside of Alaska. More than 90% of the Park is remote backcountry, accessible only by the 800 miles of trails.

A small portion of what is now Kings Canyon was originally set aside in 1890 as General Grant National Park. In 1940, General Grant was absorbed into the new and larger Kings Canyon National Park which eventually grew to include the South Fork of the Kings River and 456,552 acres of backcountry wilderness. Managed as one park, together Sequoia and Kings Canyon total over 863,700 acres.

• Ash Mountain/Foothills -
• Cedar Grove -
• Grant Grove -
• Lodgepole/Giant Forest -
• Mineral King -
• Mt. Whitney -
• Mt. Williamson -

• Don't miss the giant sequoias, the General Sherman and General Grant trees, both easily accessible from the road.
• Hike some of the 800 miles of trails.
• Drive from Ash Mountain (Highway 198 entrance) to Grant Grove (Highway 180 entrance). This will take at least 2 hours, not counting stops. If you have time, take the side trip from Grant Grove into the Kings Canyon, an extra 2-3 hours.