King Canyon National Park protects the Grant Grove sequoia trees and also Kings Canyon, a deep glacier and water carved canyon that cuts through the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The road that provides access to Kings Canyon is opened for just a short distance in the winter months. Azalea Campground is opened and the trees in Grant Grove can be viewed. It’s also possible to drive along Generals Highway all the way to Sequoia National Park. The road is kept clear of snow but check before going. Carrying chains may be required. Vehicles over 22’ are not recommended on the section between Giant Forest Museum and Potwisha Campground. Starting on May 21 free, wheelchair accessible shuttle buses run between Dorst Campground and Potwisha Campground so the park is accessible for everyone. Gas up before entering the park because no gas is sold in the park.
With the restrictions, road closures and cold weather we decided to just make a short trip into the park to see Grant Grove. A 1/2 mile paved trail loops around same of the largest trees including General Grant. Wheelchair users may need to have help due to steep grades. The visitor center, which is accessible, has a good film about the park and a small section of exhibits.
Most of the sites in Azalea Campground are on the small side and not very level. The accessible site is located next to the restrooms and has a table with an extended top and a fire pit with high sides.
Grants Grove has a parking lot for buses and RVs. The visitor center has a few bus and RV spaces but the lot is small so there may be no parking for large vehicles in the busy season. Park
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Thank you for sharing, it is on our list for the summer.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful park. You'll enjoy visiting. Will you be staying down in the valley? The drive to the park is really twisty and the campsites are short so it will be easier if you use your truck for sightseeing but it always so much nicer if you can stay in the park. I'm not sure about Sequoia but a lot of the western national park campgrounds are all booked up as soon as they open the reservation lines for the season.
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