Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are United States National Parks that are located in the Sierra Nevada region of California. These two neighboring parks offer a variety of mountain and forest scenery. Sequoia is named for its groves of Sequoia trees, the largest trees known, and Kings Canyon is named for the deep valley of the Kings River. Although they are individual national parks, Sequoia and Kings Canyon generally operate as a single unit in many ways -- one fee (US $5 per person or US $10 per private vehicle) allows entrance to both parks. The combined area of these two parks is 865,952 acres (3,504 km?) with most of that area being wilderness backcountry. The altitude in the parks range from 1,300 feet (418m) to 14,505 ft (4421 m). The front country area can be divided into basic areas: The Foothills, Giant Forest, Mineral King, Grant Grove, and Kings Canyon and Cedar Grove.

Activities

Sequoia and Kings Canyon both provide many trails for hiking and backpacking, and some facilities for horseback riding.

Suggested Day Hikes:
 • Alta Peak: Longer day hike to a rugged peak with excellent views. Most practical trailhead is Wolverton, just South of Lodgepole.
 • Tokopah falls: Easier day hike to a large waterfall, near Lodgepole. 3.5 miles round-trip.
 • Lookout peak: Easy day hike from Grant Grove. Especially attractive in the winter when the road to Cedar Grove is closed, as it affords a similar view.
 • Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous United States, is in Sequoia National Park. Unlike other day hikes, hiking in the Mount Whitney area requires a permit. It's a one or two-day hike.

Lodging

Lodging is available at the Wuksachi Lodge in the Lodgepole area (Sequoia), in cabins at Grants Grove (Kings Canyon) and at a motel in Cedar Grove (Kings Canyon). Reservations are recommended.

In addition, a range of hotels and motels are available outside the park, including several lodges in the National Forest (on the road from Grants Grove to Cedar Grove) and motels in Three Rivers (on Route 198 near the southwest entrance).

Camping

Camping is the most common way to stay in the park. There are campgrounds available in all areas of the park, although the ones closest to main attractions may require reservations at peak times. All campers should be aware of the presence of bears, and should stow any unattended food in bear-proof containers as instructed by park rangers.

Backcountry

The High Sierra is a backpackers paradise, and numerous trails wind through King's Canyon and branch out from Mineral King. Permits are required and may be requested on a first-come, first-served basis at the ranger station nearest the trailhead that is going to be used. Permits are issued the morning of the backpacking trip or after 1:00 p.m. the day before the trip. The cost of a permit between mid-May and late September is $15 per group. Permits are free the remainder of the year. There is a quota for each trailhead and when it is reached, no more permits are issued for that day. Popular areas may fill well in advance during the summer, so reservations are recommended and can be made after March 1 by faxing in a reservation form no later than three weeks prior to the planned start date.