Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

National Parks:Seasons Nearby Hotel Crystal Cave

These twin parks are a tribute to nature’s size, beauty and diversity. Discover immense mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns and the world’s largest trees. The parks lie in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of the San Joaquin Valley. Activities vary greatly by season as well as by elevation. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks feature more than 850 miles of maintained wilderness trails. Over 723,000 acres are officially designated as Wilderness and form the backbone of the two parks. Backpacking is one of the most popular pastimes, especially in Alpine country in the High Sierra. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/seki/.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Seasons

• Summer (July – early September)
  With temperatures at their peak, activities are in full swing. The foothills chaparral is hot and dry, but the mid-elevation sequoia groves offer warm days and pleasant nights. All roads and facilities are open-conditions permitting-and the Giant Forest shuttle is running. Ranger-led nature programs and Crystal Cave tours are offered daily.


• Fall (mid-September – November)
  Cooler temperatures arrive to all elevations. In some areas, fall adds a touch of color to the landscape. Sudden storms can dust everything with snow before quickly melting. Crystal Cave tours continue into October. Most roads and facilities remain open but fewer programs are offered.


• Winter (late November – mid-April)
  Winter is rainy season and the wet stuff turns foothills grasses green and brings bundles of snow to higher elevations. Be prepared to drive on snowy or icy roads. Some facilities shut down for winter. The roads to Cedar Grove and Mineral King close. The main road may close during and after winter storms for plowing.


• Spring (mid-April – June)
  Longer days and warmer temperatures melt snow and cover lower elevations with wildflowers. At higher elevations, winter conditions often continue. Rivers become swift, cold and very dangerous. Crystal Cave tours begin mid-May. The road to Cedar Grove usually opens in mid-April and the Mineral King Road by Memorial Day (if the weather cooperates).  [Top]

Crystal Cave at Sequoia National Park. Explore the underground beauty of Sequoia National Park by taking a tour of Crystal Cave. Beautiful stalactites and curtains, impressively large rooms, and ornate marble polished naturally by a subterranean stream combine for an unforgettable experience. Crystal Cave is located off the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park, between the Ash Mountain entrance and Giant Forest. To reach the cave, drive down the scenic, winding, paved road to the cave parking lot. Hike down the half-mile trail along beautiful Cascade Creek-home to picturesque water falls-where you will be met by a guide at the cave entrance. For more information, visit www.sequoiahistory.org/cave/cave.htm.  [Top]