We’ve filmed and hiked throughout Yosemite National Park and come back again and again because the valley genuinely never stops delivering. El Capitan from Valley View. Half Dome at golden hour. The sound of Yosemite Falls in spring. These things hold up no matter how many times you experience them. This guide is built from real time in the park.
Table Of Contents: Yosemite to Sequoia National Park Road Trip
5 Quick Things to Know About the Majestic Mountain Loop
- Investing in the America the Beautiful interagency pass makes the most sense for this road trip to Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The pass costs $80, and the entrance fee to the two parks would be $70. However, the interagency pass gets you access to all the national forests nearby, plus public lands nationwide for a full year.
- Vehicle reservations are not required at Yosemite in 2026. However, international visitors 16 and older now pay a $100 non-resident surcharge on top of the standard entrance fee (effective January 1, 2026).
- Bear spray is not allowed in Yosemite, Sequoia or Kings Canyon. Read more about Black Bear Safety in Yosemite.
- Those visiting between September and May should bring snow chains, even if you have a four-wheel drive vehicle. Also, not all car rental agencies allow the use of chains. Here’s more information about snow chain requirements in California’s mountains.
- If you want to extend your road trip, here are some of my favorite California Road Trip routes across the state.
Where to Start the Yosemite to Sequoia Road Trip
I’ll admit I’m a fan of the backroads, the “always take the scenic route” person. So, I want to present two options when it comes to driving between these three parks on the Majestic Mountain Loop and a third to make you think. While Sequoia to Yosemite is just 90 miles as the crow flies, you need to navigate around the southern crest of the Sierra Nevadas. I’m also going to throw a curve ball in.
Fly Into Fresno
Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT) sits perfectly positioned between Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon. This creates a perfect pole position to start and finish at the parks of your choice. A Going report in April 2026 shows that these three parks are among the most affordable to fly to.
From FAT to Yosemite is 96 miles and 64 miles to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Fly Into the Bay Area
If the price is right, flying into the San Francisco Bay area is worth considering. Plus, that opens the door to the possibility of taking the Pacific Coast Highway on the way back. I strongly recommend choosing Oakland or San Jose’s airport to avoid the San Mateo Bridge traffic.
You can also consider Sacramento International Airport or Stockton Metropolitan Airport, but the latter only offers flights to and from Las Vegas or Phoenix.
Fly Into Las Vegas
My curveball of flying into Las Vegas comes with a bit of explanation. If you choose this route, you can tackle Death Valley National Park in addition to the Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite Majestic Mountain Loop. Here’s why I think that’s special – at Death Valley, you stand at the lowest point in the United States, Badwater Basin. Just 85 miles away, at the backside of Sequoia National Park, stands Mount Whitey, the highest peak in the Lower 48. The High/Low difference in this part of California has always been a jaw-dropper for me.
Regardless of what airport suits your trip plans, be sure you get a rental car with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. You’ll appreciate it in the mountain summers and need it in the winters.
When Is the Best Time for a Sequoia to Yosemite Road Trip?
To make the most of a trip to Kings Canyon, plan for a trip in July, August, or September. That’s due to the road closure of Highway 180 past Hume Lake Road. To appreciate the Majestic Mountain Loop section of Kings Canyon, you need to see the Kings Canyon National Park Scenic Byway. Highway 180 can be closed well into June of each year. Come November, the road closes again for winter.
Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park typically stays closed through late May or early June. The same goes for Glacier Point Road. Mariposa Grove Road usually opens in mid-April. On the other side of summer, the roads all close around mid-November.
National Park Crowds
It’s not a revelation that national parks get crowded in summer, but Yosemite is the 5th Most Visited National Park, and summer makes up a good chunk of the 3.9 million who visited in 2026. Vehicle reservations are no longer required, so expect even bigger crowds during peak months.
I put together this glimpse of the parks from spring through fall.
| April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | ||
| Yosemite | 205,802 | 322,308 | 487,618 | 580,357 | 593,378 | 559,464 | 488,566 | 252,249 | |
| Sequoia | 29,029 | 73,576 | 87,230 | 186,932 | 171,867 | 142,544 | 106,350 | 106,350 | |
| Kings Canyon | 27,530 | 69,344 | 126,318 | 109,259 | 81,074 | 88,018 | 56,050 | 31,780 |
Whichever way you choose to start the Majestic Mountain Loop, plan to visit Yosemite during the weekdays for the smallest crowds.
Shuttles & Transportation
Taking the Yosemite to Sequoia National Park road trip with Kings Canyon in the mix extends about 400 miles – maximum – to go to the outer points of each park’s roadway.
Yosemite and Sequoia National Park offer shuttle services for those trying to avoid driving through traffic. Sequoia National Park’s Shuttle runs from late May through early September.
Five routes cover the main attractions within Sequoia National Park. In addition, the round-trip cost is $20. Each shuttle fits 16 passengers, and two bikes are allowed per trip.
Shuttle ticket reservations must be made in advance. You also need to have your park entrance pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
Yosemite National Park’s Yarts service runs year-round on the Merced Route and seasonally from Sonora or Fresno. Those using Yarts to access the park won’t need a Yosemite reservation. Route prices depend on where you are going, if it’s one-way or round trip, or if you’re eligible for a discounted rate. Ticket prices range from $2 to $44.
The only hiccup comes with trying to visit Kings Canyon National Park without a personal vehicle. No shuttle service or public transportation connects there.
Travel Distances on Majestic Mountain Loop
From the Foothills Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park to Road’s End in Kings Canyon, drive 81 miles through winding mountain roads. Expect this to take about three hours.
Also, from Road’s End in Kings Canyon – about as remote as you’ll get in the twin parks – it’s 182 miles and about four hours to Yosemite Valley, which does take you through Wawona on the way.
If you want to add Mammoth Lakes to this California Road Trip, plan to drive 102 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mammoth Lakes. You’ll go through Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows, and Tioga Pass to get there.
National Forests Near Yosemite and Sequoia National Park
Whether park crowds, traffic, or curiosity leads your mind and map to nearby locations, plenty of national forests are along the route of the Yosemite to Sequoia National Park road trip.
Ideally, you’ll have five days to take the Majestic Mountain Loop from Yosemite National Park to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Two of those should be used at Yosemite. We put together a list of 20 things to do at Yosemite. You might also find our suggested Yosemite 1 to 5 day itinerary helpful.
My favorite hike in Yosemite is Clouds Rest, especially since it looks 1,000 feet down on the crowds of Half Dome. Will and Jim put together this list of their favorite Yosemite hikes.
Yosemite Must-See Locations
In Sequoia National Park, marvel at the iconic General Sherman Tree, the largest living organism on Earth, and hike through the Giant Forest, home to towering sequoias. Then, venture to Moro Rock (the Half Dome of Sequoia National Park) for panoramic vistas of the Sierra Nevada.
- Yosemite Valley: This iconic area features towering granite cliffs, stunning waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall, lush meadows, and the Merced River winding through. It’s also the heart of Yosemite and offers numerous viewpoints and trails.
- Glacier Point: Offering some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point is accessible by car during the warmer months and offers views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the high country. Plus, it’s also a fantastic spot for stargazing.
- Tuolumne Meadows: Located at a higher elevation, Tuolumne Meadows offers a different perspective of Yosemite’s beauty. It features vast, open, grassy expanses surrounded by granite domes and peaks. In addition, there are also numerous hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing in this area.
- Tenaya Lake: Set amidst granite peaks, Tenaya Lake is a pristine alpine lake known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. At the same time, it’s a great spot for picnicking, swimming (in summer, when water temperatures allow), kayaking, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the High Sierra.
If there’s one part of Yosemite to skip in this specific adventure, it’s Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. You’re about to see the largest tree by volume on the planet at the next stop.
Yosemite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Facts / Where to Stay/ Best Hikes
Don’t miss the picturesque Crescent Meadow, renowned for its tranquil beauty and abundant wildlife. For history buffs, a visit to the historic Giant Forest Museum offers insights into the park’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
My Favorite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Facts / Where to Stay / Best Hikes
Kings Canyon National Park Things to Do
In Kings Canyon National Park, experience the depths of Kings Canyon, carved by the powerful forces of nature, and hike along the scenic Rae Lakes Loop for stunning alpine vistas. Discover the majestic beauty of Grizzly Falls and marvel at the towering granite cliffs of the Grand Sentinel.
Not to be “out-tree’d,” Kings Canyon is also home to the Nation’s Christmas Tree.
DID YOU KNOW? Kings Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon by 2,200 feet! The Grand Canyon’s deepest point is 6,000 feet, while Kings Canyon is 8,200 feet deep.
Explore the tranquil Zumwalt Meadow, a haven for wildlife and wildflowers, and immerse yourself in the park’s rich Native American history at the Cedar Grove Visitor Center. Don’t forget to take a scenic drive along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway for views at every turn.
Resources: Things to Do | Facts | Map | Guide | Park Conditions
As noted earlier, start the trip in whichever park you prefer, leaning into the one that you will spend the least time visiting. Nobody wants to rush through their bucket list park!
Day 1: Sequoia
For this example, we’re going to start at Sequoia National Park, considering you can easily see the giant trees and General Sherman in one day. Be sure to include the Giant Forest Museum during this day. The 1.6-mile trail to Sunset Rock offers a great spot to end the day and watch the sun go down before soaking in the night skies.
Day 2: Kings Canyon
Stay overnight at John Muir Lodge, which is in Kings Canyon, offering a great starting point for Day 2. If you prefer to camp, this map helps you plan the perfect spot for your trip. The nearest community is Visalia, with plenty of places to visit, eat, and enjoy nightlife. While it’s 50 miles away from Sequoia National Park, the scenic drive to and from the park is an attraction all its own.
Day 3: Yosemite
Another option is to end Day 2 in Oakhurst, but not until you’re ready to leave Kings Canyon and Sequoia behind for Yosemite’s wonders. Oakhurst offers a free trolly around town, so give yourself a morning or evening to explore. Early birds should plan to arrive at Yosemite before 9:00 am to beat the crowds and find parking. Text “ynptraffic” to 333111 for real-time traffic conditions.
Ideally, get to Yosemite Valley as early as possible and park your car. Finding a spot is half the crowd’s frustration. From there, you get access to El Capitan, Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. Half Dome hikers need a permit while the chains are up, usually from late May through early October.
If you have four or five days, use one of them to explore Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road from Tuolumne Grove to Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows. One of my favorite day hikes (and a great way to avoid crowds) is the Waterwheel Falls Trail.
Peak Bagging Near Yosemite to Sequoia National Park
This peak-bagging paradise comes with the highest point in the Lower 48, the highest point in Yosemite, and sneaking in the highest peak in Nevada. It just happens to share a border with California.
Mount Lyell | 13,114 Feet
The highest peak in Yosemite requires a long, ideally backpacking overnight trip beginning at the Tuolumne Meadows. This strenuous trek spans approximately 26 miles round trip. Hikers traverse diverse terrain, including alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and glacially-carved valleys, showcasing vistas of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
The first nine miles are flat, but then you’ll need Class 3-4 climbing skills to tackle the summit. The Lyell Glacier is one of two that remain in Yosemite National Park, and it’s a mere fraction of the footprint first discovered 140 or so years ago.
Boundary Peak | 13,147 Feet
Take a 67-mile detour across the Nevada state line to summit Boundary Peak. The highest peak in Nevada flanks this western edge, and the second highest peak is across the state at Great Basin National Park. Boundary Peak Wilderness is part of Inyo National Forest.
This adventure begins at the Queen Mine Trailhead. Hikers navigate through varied landscapes, from desert terrain to alpine meadows, ascending approximately 4,000 feet about seven miles round trip. The trail offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Great Basin and White Mountains.
However, the hike demands proper preparation due to its high elevation, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain.
Mount Whitney | 14,505 Feet
The Mount Whitney hike is a legendary adventure in California’s Sierra Nevada, renowned as the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, standing at 14,505 feet. Only Denali at Denali National Park in Alaska stands taller and towers another 5,800 feet over Mount Whitney.
Starting at Whitney Portal, the trail spans approximately 22 miles round trip, featuring landscape from lush forests to barren alpine terrain. Hikers ascend over 6,100 feet, encountering iconic landmarks like the “99 Switchbacks” and Trail Crest.
Plan ahead – you’ll need to get a Mount Whitney lottery permit to make this epic trek.
The Sierra Nevada mountains just take your breath away, and any trip providing more time in the Sierras is beyond worth it. I felt like I was getting away with something every time I drove over to Donner Pass for work. Also, all that driving time gives your body a chance to adapt to the higher altitudes, which will ripple effect to make all your hikes that much easier.
Especially for those traveling longer distances, see as much as you can while you are there. Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite have sequoia trees, so pick which location is most important and save time at the other two parks. Maybe you focus on the trees at Sequoia National Park, then turn to hiking at Kings Canyon and parlay a Yosemite trip into a river rafting day.
You can learn more information at the Majestic Mountain Loop website with additional information. The parks perfectly line up for an easy driving distance trip with some of the best scenic views in America. My best advice is don’t pack too much time in, but also don’t try to sleep in because there’s just so much to see!
Helpful Related Links
Things to Do in Yosemite: 20 Epic Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
Clouds Rest Hike: Hike Clouds Rest in Yosemite, NOT Half Dome (Honest Guide)
Half Dome Hike: Here’s Why You May Want to Reconsider the Half Dome Hike
Best Hikes in Yosemite: 20 Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Facts: 10 Shocking Yosemite National Park Facts
Hetch Hetchy: Hetch Hetchy – The Epic Enviro Battle That Changed America
Things to Do Sequoia: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Sequoia National Park
Redwood National Park: Redwood National Park Ultimate Guide
Things to Do Redwood National Park: 15 EPIC Things to Do in Redwood National Park
Death Valley National Park Guide: Death Valley National Park Ultimate Guide
Things to Do Death Valley: 18 EPIC Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
Joshua Tree Guide: Joshua Tree National Park Ultimate Guide
Best Hikes Joshua Tree: 15 Epic Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
Things to Do Pinnacles National Park: 10 Epic Things to Do in Pinnacles National Park
Redwoods Near San Francisco: 15 BEST Places to See Redwoods Near San Francisco
Los Angeles National Parks: 7 Epic National Parks Near Los Angeles
San Francisco National Parks: 8 BEST National Parks Near San Francisco
San Diego National Parks: 6 AMAZING National Parks Near San Diego
Sequoia Facts: 10 GIANT Sequoia Tree & National Park Facts
Channel Islands Facts: 10 Amazing Channel Islands National Park Facts
West Coast Parks: 20 BEST West Coast National Parks Ranked by Experts
