Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are two of the most popular weekend getaways in California. Home to the tallest trees and deepest canyons, they promise a beautiful escape from everyday life. But while nature ensures stunning vistas and plenty of outdoor activities, places to stay in and near Sequoia and Kings Canyon are equally important.
Where to Stay in and Near Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Lodging. A simple word that can make or break your getaway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Lodging can be too expensive, too uncomfortable, or too cheap. There are too many “toos” you want to avoid prior your trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon. A good rule of thumb it to decide what kind of vacation you dream of. While for some visitors, camping is the best way to explore the area, others prefer to stay in comfortable lodges and hotels in and near Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Luckily, both parks, including cities and towns nearby, accommodate all kinds of visitors. Let’s see where you can stay in and near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Where to Stay in Sequoia National Park
Wuksachi Lodge
There is no better place to stay in Sequoia National Park than the Wuksachi Lodge. Nestled in the heart of the park, close to Giant Forest and Crescent Meadow, Wuksachi yet enjoys a secluded location just off the Generals Highway. The stone-and-cedar lodge is famous for its dramatic views of the sequoia forest and the Sierra Nevada. Its 102 rooms offer comfort of the home away from home for their visitors 365 days a year. A full-service restaurant with enormous picture windows, a cocktail lounge, and a little shop make your stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon complete. Even your pets can enjoy the Wuksachi Lodge.
Where to Stay in Kings Canyon National Park
John Muir Lodge
The John Muir Lodge, a modern lodge in Kings Canyon National Park, strives to continue the work of its namesake, John Muir: to preserve the Sierra Nevada realm. The place sits in Grant Grove Village near Grant Grove, yet has the feel of tranquility and serenity. It is much smaller compared to the Wuksachi Lodge and limits its services to only 36 parties at a time. Nevertheless, the stone-and-timber retreat is in no way inferior to other famous places to stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Just a look at open beam ceiling, stone fireplace, and handcrafted wood furniture is enough to recognize subtle splendor and magnificence of a classic lodge. The John Muir Lodge is open year-round, offering a pleasant stay and opportunity to enjoy Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks at any seasons.
Grant Grove Cabins
Are you longing for a more rustic experience during your stay in both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks? The Grant Grove Cabins in Grant Grove Village might be all you have been looking for. Scattered within walking distance of the Grant Grove and General Grant Tree, the cabins vary in styles and basic amenities. While some of the timber accommodations allow you to enjoy all the conveniences of a classic lodge or hotel, the tent cabins usually have a shared bathhouse.
Where to Say in Sequoia Wilderness
Bearpaw High Sierra Camp
Bearpaw High Sierra Camp offers style and comfort for hikers wishing to explore the remote parts of Sequoia National Park. The simple camp with astounding views over the Great Western Divide is located 11.5 miles into Sequoia Wilderness. An average visitor needs approximately 7 hours to cover this distance on foot along the High Sierra Trail.
While accommodations are very basic, food at Bearpaw High Sierra Camp always satisfies the hungry hikers. Moreover, the camp caters to its guests with dietary restriction. The latter, however, need to informed the place about their diets a week before their arrival. To stay at Bearpaw High Sierra Camp in Sequoia Park, wilderness permits are required. You can pick them up at the Lodgepole Wilderness Permit Desk. Bearpaw is a seasonal camp that welcomes its guests from June through September.
Pear Lake Winter Hut
From December to April, Pear Lake Winter Hut invites experienced backcountry skiers to explore the untamed beauty of the park. Up to ten people can stay in the hut at a time, enjoying Sequoia’s winter wonderland. Due to such a limited amount of spaces, advance reservations along with proper personal equipment are required.
Private Lodging Near Sequoia and Kings Canyon Park
Montecito Sequoia Lodge
Montercito Sequoia Lodge is an all-inclusive lodge in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The place is open year-round, allowing its guests to enjoy the natural wonders of the parks at any season. The lodge, built primarily in the 1970s, retains a rustic feel with a modern twist. All of the cabins has private baths with the exception of Rustic Mountain View Cabins that still use a shared bathhouse. Floor-to-ceiling windows of New Forest Cabins allow the guests to admire the wild beauty of Sequoia every minute of their stay. A small private lake and year-round outdoor hot tub allure the tired visitors to relax in after a long day of hiking and exploring the parks.
Cities and Towns to Stay Near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
If you are unable to book a room inside Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks, places nearby offer ample accommodations for your stay.
Three Rivers
Convenient location makes the incorporated community of Three Rivers a perfect place to stay near Sequoia and King Canyon. The place sits just south of Ash Mountain entrance, allowing for an easy access to the Giant Forest. Alpine lakes and spectacular views of Mineral King are also only 28 miles away. To make your stay in and near Sequoia and King Canyon even more convenient, Three Rivers offers enough places to eat and stock up on food.
Where to Stay in Three Rivers During a Visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks:
- Buckeye Tree Lodge & Cabins. One thing that makes this place especially irresistible for a stay near Sequoia and Kings Canyon is its location. Set right in front of the Ash Mountain entrance, the lodge is just a short drive away from the main highlights of both parks. Furthermore, splendid river views and numerous hiking trails nearby ensure the start of your adventures right at the door of your cabin.
- Pebble Creek. For our 2-day stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks, we opted for comfort and convenience of an Airbnb. While it took us a while to find Pebble Creek at first, this large house with a fireplace and outdoor patio met all our expectations.
Visalia
Located 38 miles away from Sequoia National Park, Visalia brings some urban vibes to your stay. Furthermore, city’s affection to oak trees correlates with the mission of your visit: to enjoy nature at its best. On the other hand, rich architectural history ignites your curiosity, diversifying your visit to and stay near Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
For families with children, Visalia offers the ImagineU Children’s Museum. Popular among the youngsters and adults, the place uses its interactive exhibits to teach the visitors about water conservation, science, history, and local agriculture. Speaking about the agriculture, Visalia Farmer’s Market invites you to try fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables all year round.
Where to Stay in Visalia During a Visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks
Visalia offers a wide range of accommodations that suit different budgets. Certainly, there is more of a city feel, rather than rustic vibes in Visalia. Nevertheless, it works perfectly for a short stay near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
- Sequoia Lodge. The Sequoia Lodge is a budget hotel with simple rooms, an outdoor pool, and free breakfast. Located near some of the popular attractions of the city, it allows you explore Visalia after a long day in the parks without asking for extra time or effort. The place is basic, with no fancy features, but it lets you save some money during your stay near Sequoia in Kings Canyon.
- Holiday Inn Express. Holiday Inn Express offers an affordable stay near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The hotel is known for its bright rooms with a stylish design along with an indoor pool and a hot tub. Hungry hikers that are about to venture to the wilderness of Sequoia and Kings Canyon will also appreciate delicious breakfast included in the room rate.
- The Darling Hotel. Chic, vintage-inspired boutique hotel with extravagant rooftop restaurant and splendid views of the Sierra Nevada – your stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon edges on a luxurious side at The Darling Hotel.
Read More about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- 2 Days in Sequoia National Park Itinerary
- A Guide to Hiking Moro Rock in Sequoia Park
- 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Sequoia National Park
- 5 Things You Should Know before Visiting Sequoia National Park
- How to Spend One Day in Kings Canyon National Park
