Sequoia vs Kings Canyon National Park – What’s the Difference?
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Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are two of the most popular parks in California. But because they share a border and are governed by the same park system, there is a lot of confusion about the difference between them.
So what is the difference between Sequoia and Kings Canyon?
For starters, Sequoia is home to the largest tree in the world while Kings Canyon is home to the deepest canyon in the United States. Ultimately, both Sequoia and Kings Canyon offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
As a Fresno resident, I live just 90 minutes from both parks and visit frequently. Here is everything you need to know about the difference between Kings Canyon and Sequoia so you can decide which park to visit.
Sequoia vs Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon and Sequoia are roughly the same sizes. However, Kings Canyon is slightly bigger at 722 square miles while Sequoia is only 631 square miles.
Both are located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains just east of the nearest major city of Fresno. The parks share a border where the southern edge of Kings Canyon meets the northern edge of Sequoia.
You will find sequoia groves in both national parks. However, Sequoia is home to the largest tree in the world by volume, General Sherman.
Sequoia is also more accessible than Kings Canyon. In season, you can visit Sequoia without a car using the park shuttle service. The shuttle does not run in Kings Canyon.
On the other hand, Kings Canyon is home to the deepest canyon in the United States. Although its walls are more sloped than steep, at 8,200 feet, Kings Canyon is even deeper than Hell’s Canyon in Idaho, which is widely known as America’s deepest canyon.
Overall, if you had to choose between Sequoia vs Kings Canyon, Sequoia is the more popular choice. Sequoia has more points of interest and more accessible attractions for first-time visitors including taller trees, and a wider variety of hiking trails.
But if you’re more interested in a less crowded and self-guided experience, then Kings Canyon is worth considering.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon in One Day
Because the parks share a border and are governed by the same park system, many people visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon in the same day. In fact, many people also include Yosemite in their visit on a route known as the Majestic Mountain Loop.
To do Kings Canyon and Sequoia in the same day, you have two options. You will either take the Sierra Gateway Highway 180 from Fresno to start in Kings Canyon, or take the 198 from Visalia to start in Sequoia.
The 198 connects Sequoia National Park with Kings Canyon National Park. There are plenty of hiking trails and scenic lookout points right off the highway, so you can really make the most of your time. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to catch a clear day, you’ll be able to see for miles.
I recommend staying at The Darling, a 1930s courthouse-turned-boutique hotel in Visalia, and starting from the 198 if possible.
And if you are planning a multi-day visit or visiting more of California’s National Parks, be sure to invest in an America the Beautiful Pass.
FAQ
0 feet, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park share a border. It takes roughly one hour to drive from the Sequoia Visitor Center to the Kings Canyon Visitor Center.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park share a border, so you can drive directly from one park to the other. The parks are governed by the same park system.
No, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two separate National Parks. However, they share a border and are governed by the same parks system.
Yes, you can easily drive Sequoia and Kings Canyon in one day.
Yes, Kings Canyon has stunning views of the Sierra Nevadas and is home to the deepest canyon in the United States.
Yes, you can see all of the major points of interest in one day in Sequoia.
Sequoia is the more popular choice because it has more points of interest and more accessible attractions for first-time visitors including taller trees, and a wider variety of hiking trails.
I hope that comparing Sequoia vs Kings Canyon was helpful to you! If you ever have questions, feel free to comment below or send me a DM @cassiescompass. You can also check out video footage of these parks on my Instagram highlights.
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2 Comments
Robin
The road from Visalia to Sequoia NP is the 198 not the 189.
Cassie
Oop updated, thank you!