Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States — Mountain
North America

Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon

United States

Point-to-point
Yosemite Valley General Sherman Tree

In short: Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon is a 418 km plus Kings Canyon out-and-back mountain road trip in United States, typically driven over 6 days, best in May–Oct. Highlights: Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, Mariposa Grove.

Distance
418 km plus Kings Canyon out-and-back
Duration
6 days
Best Season
May–Oct
IconicModerateMountainEV-friendly

A six-day parks traverse from Yosemite Valley through Wawona and Mariposa Grove to Grant Grove and the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, then south once to Giant Forest, Moro Rock, and General Sherman.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
Use current NPS conditions for Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon. Mist Trail work can impose 2026 weekday closures, Mariposa Grove is shuttle-only for most vehicles when the shuttle runs, mountain roads have vehicle-length limits, and Sequoia/Kings Canyon has no fuel or EV charging. Carry food, fuel before entry, and verify every seasonal concession.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Yosemite Valley / Yosemite National Park

Mist Trail · Yosemite Valley Visitor Center · The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Day 2Glacier Point and Wawona

Glacier Point · Wawona historic district · Wawona Hotel Dining Room

Day 3Mariposa Grove walk and transfer toward Grant Grove

Mariposa Grove Grizzly Giant Loop · Yosemite to Grant Grove transfer · Wawona Hotel Dining Room

Day 4Grant Grove and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

General Grant Tree Trail · Big Stump Basin Trail · Grant Grove Restaurant

Day 5Grant Grove to Giant Forest and Moro Rock

Moro Rock · Giant Forest Museum and Big Trees Trail · Wuksachi Lodge Restaurant

Day 6General Sherman Tree and Sequoia exit

General Sherman Tree Trail · Hospital Rock or Foothills Visitor Center · Lodgepole or Wuksachi seasonal breakfast

Stops along the route

Yosemite Valley — Departure — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
Departure
Yosemite Valley
El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall. Muir called it the grandest temple of Nature. Arrive at dawn before the valley crowds arrive.
Hotels

Things to Do

Tunnel View — Nature — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
Nature
Tunnel View
The classic panorama framing El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall in a single sweep. Ansel Adams photographed it in every season and light.
Mariposa Grove — Nature — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
Nature
Mariposa Grove
500 giant sequoias including the 2700-year-old Grizzly Giant. The largest living things on Earth by volume, a grove that silences every visitor.
General Grant Grove — Nature — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
Nature
General Grant Grove
The General Grant Tree, third-largest organism on Earth by volume, was named the Nation's Christmas Tree by President Coolidge in 1926.
Kings Canyon — Nature — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
Nature
Kings Canyon
Highway 180 drops 1500m into Kings Canyon over 50km, a gorge deeper than the Grand Canyon, narrow and almost entirely free of crowds.
General Sherman Tree — Landmark — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
Landmark
General Sherman Tree
Earth's largest living organism by volume at 1487 cubic metres. The road closes in winter; snow chains are mandatory in shoulder seasons.
Glacier Point — Scenic Viewpoint — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
Scenic Viewpoint
Glacier Point
Offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra.
Show 3 more
Mist Trail — Hike — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
Hike
Mist Trail
A popular trail leading to Vernal and Nevada Falls, with misty paths and stunning waterfalls.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias — Nature — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
Nature
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Home to over 500 mature giant sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant.
Moro Rock — Scenic Viewpoint — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
Scenic Viewpoint
Moro Rock
A granite dome offering a steep climb with rewarding views of the Great Western Divide.

Where to Eat

The Ahwahnee Dining Room — American — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
American
The Ahwahnee Dining Room
An elegant dining experience offering gourmet dishes with stunning views of Yosemite Valley.
Wawona Hotel Dining Room — American — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
American
Wawona Hotel Dining Room
Historic dining room serving classic American cuisine in a Victorian-era hotel setting.
Grant Grove Restaurant — American — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
American
Grant Grove Restaurant
Casual dining spot offering hearty meals near the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon.
Cedar Grove Snack Bar — American — Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon — United States
American
Cedar Grove Snack Bar
Quick bites and refreshments conveniently located for hikers exploring Kings Canyon.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon drive?

The Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon covers 418 km plus Kings Canyon out-and-back from start to finish.

How long does the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon take to drive?

Most travellers spend 6 days on the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon?

The recommended season for the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon is May–Oct.

Where does the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon start and end?

The Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon runs from Yosemite Valley to General Sherman Tree.

What are the main stops on the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon?

The Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon passes through Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, Mariposa Grove.

How difficult is the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon to drive?

The Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon in a regular car?

Yes — the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon, based on its 418 km plus Kings Canyon out-and-back length.

Is the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon EV friendly?

Yes — the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon safe to drive?

Use current NPS conditions for Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon. Mist Trail work can impose 2026 weekday closures, Mariposa Grove is shuttle-only for most vehicles when the shuttle runs, mountain roads have vehicle-length limits, and Sequoia/Kings Canyon has no fuel or EV charging. Carry food, fuel before entry, and verify every seasonal concession.

What scenic tier is the Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon?

The Yosemite to Sequoia and Kings Canyon is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.