Sierra Nevada: In California’s other Yosemite

As you’re sweating bullets while climbing up the chains of the Half Dome Trail, with a busload of package tourists ahead of you and a punk kid who keeps kicking your shoes behind you, you may wonder why you chose to visit Yosemite Valley during the height of summer. Especially when Kings Canyon National Park, just down the road, is closer to L.A. With towering granite monoliths, gushing waterfalls and alpine meadows flush with wildflowers, what’s not to love? Oh, and you’ll be able to meander through groves of giant Sequoia trees, too.

Deal: A seven-day entry pass to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks costs $20 per vehicle (entry for America the Beautiful pass holders is free). Campsites in Grant Grove and Cedar Grove cost $18/night for groups of up to six people. Day hiking and ranger-led programs are free. Wilderness permits cost $15 per trip for groups of up to 15 people; make reservations by fax or U.S. mail at least 14 days in advance for the most popular backpacking trails. If you prefer more creature comforts, there are lodging options to fit all budgets, found both inside and outside the parks, although getting reservations at this time of year can be difficult.

Is it worth fighting the crowds in Yosemite during the summer? Or do you try to visit lesser-known parks like Kings Canyon instead? Give us your tips and advice by posting in the Comments section below.

More…details: Kings Canyon National Park, just north of Sequoia National Park, has two main areas to visit. Busy Grant Grove is where the famous tall trees are, as well as most of the lodge accommodations and services. At the end of the winding canyon road is Cedar Grove, a blissful, often overlooked corner of the Sierras. From Road’s End, you can hike the 8½-mile round trip to roaring Mist Falls, which plummets into forested pools. Families of all ages and outdoor abilities can take a ranger-led walk around Zumwalt Meadow, rife with bird life and fern forests. Swimming by famous Muir Rock in the Kings River is free, too.

When: The busiest time of year in Kings Canyon National Park is from July 4th until Labor Day. Mid-week is less crowded than on weekends (when you should show up Friday morning to secure a campsite).

Caveat: Anyone who gets motion sickness will not want to drive the serpentine 30-mile scenic byway down into the canyon. If you get stuck behind a bus or RV, it could take an hour or more.

Why Go: Even when it’s packed with people (e.g., on holiday weekends), Kings Canyon only gets about 10% of the visitors that Yosemite does.

Why Not: Truth be told, the waterfalls in Yosemite Valley (which number among the world’s highest) are above and beyond those that are easily accessible in Kings Canyon.

Disconnect/Connect: There is no cell-phone reception or Internet access at Cedar Grove. Grant Grove has limited cell-phone coverage and a Wi-Fi Internet hot spot that sometimes works in the village.

Contact: Kings Canyon National Park, (559) 565-3341

Related Los Angeles Times links:
New National Parks Pass: America the Beautiful
Sierra Nevada: Summer deals at Mammoth Mtn.
Yosemite boasts the awe factor

– Sara Benson, L.A. Times Travel Deal Detective

[Photo credit: Courtesy of National Park Service]

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This entry was posted on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 7:01 am by Sara Benson and is filed under California, Family & Kids, Lake Tahoe & Eastern Sierra, National Parks, Outdoors & Adventure, Summer. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.