SEKI Itinerary - Appreciate Any Feedback!

Question

We are two families (4 adults and 4 children aged 10 to 13) staying for 3 nights at Wuksachi Lodge at the end of June. How does this itinerary sound?

Day 1 - Giant Forest Museum and hike to General Sherman Tree; Moro Rock; Tunnel Log; and Wonders of the Night Sky stargazing tour at 9 pm.

Day 2 - Grant Grove and hike to General Grant tree; Kings Canyon visitor center; horseback riding at Grant Grove Stables; Panoramic Point.

Day 3 - Crystal Cave tour at noon and visit Tunnel Rock on the way out of the park.

Really appreciate any tips re: additions, subtractions, reordering etc. Thanks so much!!

Answer

Your 3-day itinerary at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI) looks well-balanced and covers the major highlights of both parks, with a good mix of hiking, scenic viewpoints, and unique experiences like the stargazing tour. Here are some detailed thoughts and suggestions to optimize your trip:

Day 1 – Giant Forest & General Sherman Tree

This day looks solid, starting with the Giant Forest Museum and hiking to the General Sherman Tree. Moro Rock and Tunnel Log are logical next stops.

Consider timing your Moro Rock visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day and crowds.
The Wonders of the Night Sky stargazing tour is a fantastic capstone; make sure to bring warm clothes as temperatures can drop significantly at night.

Day 2 – Grant Grove & Kings Canyon

This day is ambitious but doable. Visiting Grant Grove first and hiking to the General Grant Tree makes sense, then moving on to Kings Canyon visitor center and Panoramic Point.

Horseback riding at Grant Grove Stables can be a highlight for the kids, but confirm the timing so it doesn’t conflict with your canyon exploration.
Depending on how much driving you want to do, consider whether both the visitor center and Panoramic Point are necessary—Panoramic Point alone offers amazing views without backtracking.
If the group has extra energy, a short, easy trail in Kings Canyon, like the Roaring River Falls Trail, can be a fun addition for the kids.

Day 3 – Crystal Cave & Tunnel Rock

Visiting Crystal Cave at noon works well, but make sure to book your tickets in advance as tours often sell out. Tunnel Rock is conveniently on the way out, so that fits perfectly.

If you have extra time, consider a short hike near the lodge in the morning, like Big Trees Trail, which is stroller/kid-friendly and very scenic.
Check cave tour times in advance and plan to arrive a bit early for parking and ticket confirmation.

General Tips:

Start your days early to avoid crowds, especially at General Sherman Tree and Moro Rock.
Bring layered clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water—the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Keep some flexibility for rest breaks or impromptu stops; the kids may enjoy just exploring fallen logs and meadows near Wuksachi Lodge.
Consider swapping Day 1 and Day 2 if you prefer a slower first day and want to do lighter hiking initially, saving more strenuous activities for Day 2.

Overall, your itinerary is well thought out and family-friendly, giving you a chance to see the iconic sequoias, panoramic canyon views, and some fun kid-oriented activities. Just make sure to pace the days, especially with the driving in Kings Canyon and the timing of Crystal Cave tours.

SEKI Itinerary - Appreciate Any Feedback!

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