California National Parks - A Three Day Itinerary for Yosemite to Sequoia Travel

Visit 3 of California's National Parks in 3 Days

Sierra Rec Magazine

Visit 3 of California's National Parks in 3 Days

A Traveling Itinerary from East to West across the Sierra Nevada through Three National Parks The Sierra Nevada is blessed with Three of the most majestic National Parks. The best park might be that they are practically connected from one to another via a series of Scenic routes and mountain communities.

Try the Loop in 3 days or take your time and discover more area treasures. You can follow this sample itinerary, reverse the order, or make up your own… possibilities are endless!

DAY 1 – Experience Yosemite National Park

The majestic beauty of Yosemite is cherished by many visitors for many years. Traveling across Yosemite from the East via Tioga Pass into Yosemite Valley is lled with possibilities for any visitor. Take in scenic wonders such as Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, Olmstead Point and more while traveling to the valley for an incredible day of waterfall chasing.

Here are our “One Day” suggestions for the highlights of Yosemite National Park. We have also listed suggestions if you can stay longer…

STOP 1 – Headwaters of the Tuolumne

Visit 3 of California's National Parks in 3 Days

Visit 3 of California's National Parks in 3 Days

Just inside the East gate on Tioga Pass is a pullout on the Left side of the road. This is a great place to view the headwaters of the Tuolumne with panoramic views of Dana and Mammoth peaks. At 9’941 feet it is also the highest point along Yosemite’s Road structures in the park.

STOP 2 – Tuolumne Meadows Tuolumne meadows gives you several options in taking in one of Americas most scenic high meadow environments. Everything from a quick stop for photos and move on or a short walk out to Soda Springs or a more adventures trek up the backside of Lembert Dome.

On a tight three day national parks itinerary we might suggest just a quick photo op on this visit.

STOP 3 – Tenaya Lake Tenaya Lake is a can’t miss feature on this trip. plan your trip accordingly and have a picnic on the shores of one of the National Parks Systems highest roadside Alpine Lakes. This gorgeous mountain lake is crystal clear and dressed with panoramic granite features on all shores. Brave swimmers can capture the energy of the park with a quick dip in the cold and clear waters of Tenaya Lake.

Tip: Stop on the West side of the lake for the best panoramic Views of the Cathedral Range.

Extreme Adventure Option – Hike to Clouds Rest

Visit 3 of California's National Parks in 3 Days

Visit 3 of California's National Parks in 3 Days Extend your itinerary on this trip and take the time to make a trip into Clouds Rest a priority, if you have the time and stamina. Clouds Rest trailhead is located at the West edge of Tenaya Lake. This 14.5 mile round trip hike will test you , but you will take in one of Yosemite’s most stunning and wide-ranging 360-degree panoramic views, plus experience Yosemite Back country. Challenge of this trip is the 1800 plus feet of elevation change and one mentally challenging section for some hikers of walking the top ledge of granite right before the peak.

STOP 4 – Olmsted Point Not as famous as it western counterpart, Glacier Point, Olmsted Point is your rst opportunity to view Half Dome. This scenic overlook will feature great views of Half Dome from the Eastside as it explodes from the granite shelf of Yosemite Valley. If you skip the stop at Tenaya Lake this is also a place to take a great mountain shot East with Tenaya Lake below and the Cathedral Range as a backdrop.

STOP 5 – Tunnel View As you Comedown the mountain and into the Yosemite Valley, take a right at the base of Bridalveil falls and head on upto Tunnel View. On Highway 41 is one of the most photographed vistas in the world. It provides a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Falls. Be prepared to pull into the parking area to the right or left immediately past the tunnel.

Open year round.

STOP 6 – Yosemite Valley (After 2pm) You have had a very full day at this point. But you have made it to Yosemite Valley. Park your car here in Day Parking or at the Yosemite Lodge and hop on the Yosemite Valley Shuttle. See Yosemite Falls, Ansel Adams Gallery, Indian Museum, the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Lodge, gift stores & eateries, Curry Village, Happy Isles with access to Vernal & Nevada Falls and Mirror Lake.

For the best experience during peak season (summer and holidays), it is best to go into Yosemite Valley before 10 am and after 2 pm, when there is less tra c congestion. For the most relaxing itinerary, plan on staying in the Valley if possible. Watch the night fall on Yosemite Valley and experience life after dark in on of the most majestic places on earth.

Visit 3 of California's National Parks in 3 Days

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DAY 2 – Travel to Kings Canyon via Wawona Rd out of Yosemite

Glacier Point Road image from NPS STOP 1 & 2 – Day two – Trip to Glacier Point and then on to Mariposa Grove

Note: Please beware that the Glacier Point road will be closed in 2022 for road rehabilitation Travel up out of the valley to Glacier Point and then onto Mariposa Grove on the Wawona rd. You will nd all kinds of sights to see and fun outdoor recreation that the whole family will love.

Walk to the edge for one of the most spectacular overlooks on earth. From this perch, 3,214 feet above the Valley oor, is an eagle’s view of many popular landmarks of Yosemite. Glacier Point is not accessible in the Winter season by car.

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Visit 3 of California's National Parks in 3 Days - Page 2 of 3 O to Mariposa Grove – Meet the star of Mariposa Grove, the Grizzly Giant, the largest giant sequoia in the grove with a diameter of 31 feet and a circumference of nearly 100 feet. Mariposa Grove has 470 of these behemoths, many of which are nearly 2,000 years old. Marvel at these masterpieces of nature by walking a short distance or take the ve-mile tram tour that provides excellent access for viewing and photography.

The Yosemite Wawona Road o ers a scenic and inspiring drive with places to stop and enjoy Yosemite’s wonders.

Mariposa Grove

This Giant Sequoia grove is just inside the southern entrance to the park.

Here you can see the famous Grizzly Giant, about 2,400 years old, and the Wawona Tree, a now fallen tree with a tunnel cut through it.

Wawona

In and around Wawona, there are many historic sites that you should make time to visit. Stop at the Pioneer History Center to see some of the Old West structures that are part of the park’s history. There are many hiking trails from Wawona into the backcountry and some easy hikes right nearby that the whole family can enjoy together.

Glacier Point Road

When driving north toward Yosemite Valley, you’ll come to Glacier Point Road. A side trip down to Glacier Point is well worth the time. You’ll see amazing views stretched out before your eyes.

Wawona Tunnel

As you drive into the valley, you will nd Wawona Tunnel, with parking on the east side, and be sure to stop for some incredible views of Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls.

Before travelling to Yosemite National Park, always check HERE for current PARK ALERTS, including closures, construction, permits, weather, and more.

STOP 3 – Bass Lake It is located 4.5 miles southeast of Yosemite Forks, at an elevation of 3415 feet. The population was 527 at the 2010 census. Bass Lake is situated in the Sierra National Forest approximately 14 mi from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Bass Lake is renowned for excellent shing, hiking trails, and warm waters. With the full service Pines Resort, wakeboarding and watersports and more.

Visit 3 of California's National Parks in 3 Days - Page 2 of 3

Visit 3 of California's National Parks in 3 Days - Page 2 of 3

STOP 4 – General Grants Grove Grant Grove is home to the world’s second-largest Giant Sequoia Tree, the General Grant. Located in Kings Canyon National Park, the tree was nicknamed the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” by President Calvin Coolidge, and remains one of the primary visitor attractions to the area.

Stop 5 – Boyden Cavern Underneath the sky-piercing forests and beauty of the Park’s wide canyon, Boyden Cavern gives visitors a di erent perspective of the National Park. Featuring gorgeous stalagmites and stalactites this tour takes guests from the Pancake Room to the Upside Down City on a whirlwind tour to discover the underground world.

Stop 6 – Zumwalt Meadow Visit this stunning meadow with high granite walls for one of the best day hikes in Kings Canyon National Park. The short, 1.5 mile trail o ers visitors views of the canyon, meadows, wild owers, rushing river, Giant Sequoia trees and more!

Stop 7 – The Road’s End It really is what it sounds like! Reach the end of this road in the beautiful Kings Canyon for a permit “jumpingo ” point for many of the National Park’s most famous and beautiful backcountry trails: Bubbs Creek Trail, Woods Creek Trail, Copper Creek Trail, Lewis Creek Trail and more.

Stop 8 – Back to Visalia for an evening in town or Travel and stay at Wuksachi Lodge Discover Visalia, California: your connection to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Or Located in the heart of Seqouia National Park, Wuksachi Village o ers visitors and lodge guests the perfect retreat to reconnect with family, friends and the great outdoors! Step outside the lodge, peer up at the Giants and get a glimpse into mountain life.

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DAY 3 – Sequoia National Park

Towering, majestic and inarguably picturesque, you’ll nd yourself gazing skyward, awestruck by the grandeur of beautiful Giant Sequoia trees as you head east out of Visalia. With stunning views at every switchback, you’re in for a trip of a lifetime! Plan a day of following your hearts desires. Instead of planning your stops, we recommend all the below depending on your previous nights choices.

General Sherman Tree The General Sherman Tree Loop 1/2 mile trail descends upon some of the most magni cent trees in the National Park and culminates at the base of the General Sherman Tree–the world’s largest living thing. Relax at convenient benches that line the trail along the way. If you only have time to do one thing in the Sequoias, choose this!

Tunnel Log This exciting Sequoia attraction was formed in 1937 when a Giant Sequoia fell across the road near Crescent Meadow and Moro Rock. 17 feet wide and 8 feet high, many vehicles passing through to the meadow journey through/underneath the tree!

Moro Rock Spectacular views of the Great Western Divide and western half of the Park await you atop this giant granite dome. Trust us: the steep 1/4 mile staircase to the summit is well worth the photo op at the top. And it’s only 400 steps!

Giant Forest Museum Visit the Giant Forest Museum in a historic market building located in the Giant Forest sequoia grove just 16 miles from the Ash Mountain Entrance along Highway 198/Generals Highway. The Museum serves as the hub for all in-park Sequoia Shuttles that take visitors to a variety of attractions within Sequoia National Park.

MINERAL KING DRIVE Take a scenic drive to Mineral King in Sequoia National Park for sweeping views and vistas of the East Fork of the Kaweah River and adjacent mountians. The road is not for the faint of heart, as it ascends in tight curves for 25 miles (1.5 hours one-way) along a steep, narrow road. No RVs or trailers are allowed. The drive, while daunting, is well worth your time. At the end of the road you will be rewarded with the opportunity to hike or peer into some of the most stunning and accessible high country in the Sierra Nevada.

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