fieldtrip to sequoia & kings canyon national park

Took a one-night fieldtrip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, a much-needed retreat! Highlight: I saw my first shooting stars! One especially bright one with a long tail flew through the constellation, Cygnus, as we were gazing at the Milky Way galaxy. 🌌

Take your own fieldtrip to see the redwoods with the full itinerary...

SATURDAY - Kings Canyon National Park
7 a.m.	Depart Home for Princess Campground 1 pit stop/snack break Approx. 5h drive
12:00 p.m.	Arrive at Princess Campground Set up camp Eat lunch*
1:30 p.m.	Depart Princess Campground for Kings Canyon National Park ~40 min. drive
2:10 p.m.	Visitors Center / Gift Shop / Bathroom 30 min
3:40 p.m.	Hike Zumwalt Meadow to Roaring River Falls 4.1 mi , Easy, Loop, ~ 3h Take a dip in river if it's not dangerous!
6:40 p.m.	Depart Kings Canyon National Park for Princess Campground ~40 min. drive
7:20 p.m.	Cook dinner*
Look up time	Sunset
Evening	Smores/Star-gazing

SUNDAY - Sequoia National Park
Look up time	Sunrise at Princess Campground meadow (for whoever wants to see)
7:30 a.m.	Breakfast / Make sandwich lunch / Pack up!
9:00 a.m.	Depart Princess Campground for Sequoia National Park Approx. 1 hour drive
10:00 a.m.	Sequoia National Park Lodgepole Visitors Center ~20 min for souvenirs!
10:20 a.m.	General Sherman Tree V popular, easy 1 mi, ~30 min
11:00 p.m.	Moro Rock Trail 0.4 mi / Moderate / Out + Back  / 45 min Eat lunch with a view
12:20 p.m.	Depart Sequoia National Park for Home

ADDITIONAL HIKES (if you have more time)

• Tokopah Falls (3.7 mi/easy): SO BEAUTIFUL! One of my favorite hikes here
• Crystal Cave (0.8 mi/moderate): Well worth the tour if you’ve never experienced the wonders of a cave, but must buy tickets in advance at Foothill or Lodgepole Visitor Center. $18/person
• Crescent Meadow Loop (1.2 mi/easy)

*FOOD STUFF

• Lunch (both days): Turkey sandwiches, PB&J
• Dinner: Aidell’s sausages, veggie kabobs, corn on the cob
• Highly recommend adding peanut butter to smores for fluffernutter-ness

GENERAL INFO

• Weekends during summer, Moro Rock Rd. is closed to private vehicles. You’ll want to park at Giant Forest Museum and take the shuttle directly from there. If that lot is filled, park at General Sherman Tree, then take the shuttle from there.
• Buy tickets in advance at Foothill or Lodgepole Visitor Center to see Crytal Cave. $18/person