Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Stand under the biggest tree on Earth and climb the stairs up Moro Rock. Short trails make it easy with little legs.
4.5–5 hrs drive · 3 days · Best for toddlers to teens · May–Oct
Day 1: Drive to Three Rivers
- 8:00 Leave the Bay Area, heading toward Visalia
- 11:30 Lunch in Visalia
- 1:30 Enter at the Ash Mountain entrance and drive up the Generals Highway
- 3:30 Short walk at Giant Forest, then check in
Day 2: Giant Forest
- 8:30 Take the free shuttle to the General Sherman Tree (1 mi round trip, or 0.4 mi accessible trail)
- 11:00 Shuttle to Moro Rock and climb the 0.4 mi round trip trail
- 1:00 Picnic at Crescent Meadow
- 3:00 Older kids can add the 2.7 mi Congress Trail loop
Day 3: Kings Canyon and home
- 8:30 Drive north to Grant Grove
- 9:30 Walk the 0.5 mi General Grant Tree Trail
- 11:30 Head down Hwy 180 to Fresno for lunch
- 4:00 Home
From parents who have been
- The Hwy 198 climb from Three Rivers is over an hour of switchbacks at about 15 mph and is hard on kids prone to car sickness. Parents suggest coming in on the Kings Canyon side and driving the Generals Highway south instead. Bring bags, start early, and don't drive it after dark. The World Is a Book
- The General Sherman trail goes downhill first, about half a mile, so the hard part is the walk back up at around 7,000 ft. Use the benches and go early in summer. Juggling Act Mama
- Moro Rock is about 350 to 400 narrow steps. The rails don't stop a small child from slipping through, and one parent found it nerve-racking with a 7 year old. There are only about 20 parking spots, so take the shuttle from the Giant Forest Museum. Sunrise is the quietest time. Sierra Rec Magazine
- Crescent Meadow trails are stroller-friendly, and bears are often seen there in the morning. Kids like Tharp's Log, the Chimney Tree and the fallen-log bridge. Drive through Tunnel Log on the way. Juggling Act Mama
- The black sap around sequoias stains hands, hair and clothes. Watch what kids touch, and pack wipes. The World Is a Book
- There is no gas in the park, and food is limited, so fill up and pack a picnic. The Big Trees Trail by the Giant Forest Museum is a short, easy picnic stop. Near Hospital Rock, watch for poison oak and keep kids out of the fast river. De Su Mama
Good to know
- Crystal Cave is closed for road repairs. Its last 2026 tours ran Sept 7, and tours are expected back in 2027. When it reopens, buy tickets online about 30 days ahead. No baby backpacks or strollers are allowed, only front carriers.
- Free Giant Forest shuttles ran daily through Sept 7, 2026, from 8:30 am to 6 pm. On summer weekends, cars are restricted on Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road.
- Chains can be required at any time. The road from Hospital Rock to Wolverton isn't recommended for vehicles over 22 ft. As of late Oct 2026, tree work caused weekday delays of up to 30 minutes.
- Rivers are the parks' top cause of death, so keep kids away from the banks. A 7-day vehicle pass is $35 for US residents.
Sources: Sequoia Parks Conservancy: Crystal Cave · National Parks Traveler: Crystal Cave 2026 · NPS SEKI road conditions · NPS SEKI Summer 2026 Trip Planner