An Epic Sierra Nevada Road Trip: Yosemite → Sequoia → Kings Canyon

Discover Giant Sequoias, Granite Domes, and Deep Canyons

California is a land of incredible natural contrasts, and nowhere is this more evident than in the towering peaks and ancient groves of the Sierra Nevada. This road trip takes you deep into the heart of this magnificent range, visiting three iconic national parks: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. Prepare to be humbled by the scale of giant trees, awed by granite masterpieces, and refreshed by the pristine wilderness of these natural treasures.

Quick Overview

Route: Yosemite National Park → Sequoia National Park → Kings Canyon National Park
Best for: Iconic granite formations + ancient giant sequoias + deep river canyons + spectacular waterfalls
Ideal length: 7–10 days (allowing ample time in each park)
Best seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall (for full access; check road conditions in shoulder seasons)

Yosemite National Park

Our journey begins in the legendary Yosemite National Park, a crown jewel of the National Park System and a landscape that inspired the very concept of national parks. Yosemite Valley, carved by glaciers, is home to some of the world's most recognizable natural wonders: the towering granite monoliths of El Capitan and Half Dome, and the majestic waterfalls like Yosemite Falls (North America's tallest), Bridalveil Fall, and Vernal Fall. Beyond the valley, explore the serene meadows of Tuolumne Meadows, drive the scenic Tioga Road (seasonal), and stand among the ancient giants of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Whether you’re gazing up at granite walls from the valley floor or hiking to a panoramic vista, Yosemite’s scale and beauty are truly unforgettable.

As a student of Ansel Adams, Yosemite holds a special place in my heart. My Yosemite National Park posters reflect its timeless beauty. Click here to see the Yosemite National Park Poster Collection.

Sequoia National Park

Continuing south, we enter Sequoia National Park, home to earth’s largest living things: the magnificent giant sequoia trees. These colossal trees, including the General Sherman Tree (the world's most voluminous tree), stand as ancient sentinels, reaching heights of nearly 300 feet and boasting circumferences of over 100 feet. Walking through groves like Giant Forest, you'll feel a profound sense of awe at their immense size and longevity. Beyond the sequoias, the park also offers stunning alpine scenery, with vistas from Moro Rock providing panoramic views of the Great Western Divide. Explore crystal caves, hike along pristine rivers, and immerse yourself in a forest unlike any other on Earth.

Click here to see the Sequoia National Park poster.

Kings Canyon National Park

Immediately adjacent to Sequoia, Kings Canyon National Park often feels like its wilder, less-traveled twin, offering equally dramatic landscapes. The park’s namesake, Kings Canyon, is one of the deepest canyons in North America, even deeper than the Grand Canyon in places. Here, you’ll find rugged, glacially carved valleys, pristine alpine lakes, and roaring rivers. Drive the scenic Kings Canyon Scenic Byway into Cedar Grove, where towering cliffs rise thousands of feet above the Kings River. Explore the tranquil solitude of Zumwalt Meadow, hike to roaring waterfalls, and stand beneath the immense General Grant Tree in Grant Grove, often called the nation's Christmas tree. Kings Canyon offers unparalleled opportunities for wilderness backpacking, fishing, and simply reveling in untouched nature.

Click here to see the Kings Canyon National Park poster.

Planning Your Return

From Kings Canyon, you can head west toward California's Central Valley, or loop back north to complete a grand Sierra Nevada tour. Many visitors combine these three parks with additional adventures in the Eastern Sierra, making for an unforgettable California experience.

About the Artist

Photographer and graphic artist Rob Decker studied photography with Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park during the summer of 1979. The experience solidified his love of photography and our National Parks. Now he is on a journey to photograph and create iconic WPA-style posters of all our national parks as we celebrate the next 100 years of the National Park Service.

"I feel that it’s important to protect America’s special places, and to connect people with nature. And it’s up to all of us to pitch in. Perhaps more importantly, we need to inspire the next generation of park stewards. I’m trying to make a difference by giving back to the amazing organizations that support our National Parks. I donate 10% of annual profits, so when you buy one of these original works, you're helping these trusts, conservancies and associations, too."

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