Sequoia National Park - RVing with Rex

Three Rivers: The Underrated Mountain Town on Sequoia National Park’s Doorstep

Three Rivers, California, is more than a gateway to Sequoia National Park. Discover the Kaweah River, mountain scenery, local arts, camping, and the slower pace that makes this Sierra foothill town worth exploring.

Most people arrive in Three Rivers with their eyes fixed on the road ahead.

Just a few miles beyond town, giant sequoias rise from the mountainsides of Sequoia National Park, drawing millions of visitors each year. For many, Three Rivers is simply the last place to buy groceries, fill the fuel tank, or spend the night before continuing through the park entrance.

That’s understandable—but it’s also a missed opportunity.

Set where three forks of the Kaweah River meet in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada, Three Rivers offers far more than a convenient place to stop. Its rivers, mountain scenery, local character, and relaxed pace make it a destination worth exploring in its own right.

For RV travelers and anyone who enjoys slow travel, Three Rivers is a reminder that some of the most rewarding places aren’t found beyond the park gate—they’re waiting just outside it.

Vegetation and rolling foothills stretch toward the distant Sierra Nevada mountains near Three Rivers, California, revealing the landscape where the Central Valley meets the mountains. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Why gateway towns matter

Where the journey begins before the park entrance

Over the years, we’ve learned that some of our most memorable stops happen before we ever reach the main attraction. Gateway towns often become part of the adventure, offering their own character, history, and connection to the landscape they surround.

Places like Springdale outside Zion National Park, Medora beside Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and Gatlinburg at the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park show how much personality these communities can have. They aren’t just service stops. They add context, history, and atmosphere to the landscapes they serve.

Three Rivers belongs in that group. Most visitors pass through on their way to Sequoia National Park but those who linger discover a mountain community with its own rhythm and identity.

Lake Kaweah near Three Rivers reflects the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a peaceful setting for boating, fishing, paddling, and enjoying the mountain landscape. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

A town shaped by three rivers

Where water and foothills define the landscape

Three Rivers takes its name from the meeting of the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Kaweah River. Here, water flows out of the Sierra Nevada foothills before continuing toward California’s Central Valley, shaping both the land and the life built upon it.

Oak woodlands and rolling foothills surround the community, gradually rising toward the granite peaks beyond. It’s a landscape of transition where valley meets mountain and river ties the two together.

That in-between setting gives Three Rivers its character. It feels connected to the agricultural valley below, yet firmly influenced by the wilderness above.

The Kaweah River is never far away. It runs through the landscape and through daily life, shaping how the town feels even when it’s not in view.

The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Three Rivers create a landscape of oak-covered hills, open valleys, and distant mountain peaks. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Life along the water

Where the river sets the pace

If there is one defining feature of Three Rivers, it is the Kaweah River.

Fed by Sierra snowmelt, it shifts with the seasons. In spring and early summer it runs fast and powerful. Later in the year, it slows into calmer stretches where swimming holes, smooth rock, and quiet banks invite visitors to linger.

Downstream, Lake Kaweah adds another layer to the landscape. The reservoir supports water storage and agriculture but it also offers boating, fishing, paddling, and relaxed shoreline recreation.

Back in town, the river remains a natural gathering place. People cool off in the water, fish from the banks, or simply sit where the sound of moving water replaces everything else.

For those seeking more intensity, the Kaweah also becomes a whitewater river during spring runoff. Guided rafting trips take on fast-moving sections that contrast sharply with the quiet pools found later in the season.

The river is not just part of the scenery here—it shapes how the town is experienced.

Around Three Rivers, California, the landscape shifts naturally from river valleys and rolling foothills to the rugged mountains of the Sierra Nevada. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

A creative community in the foothills

Where mountain light meets local expression

Beyond its river valleys and foothill scenery, Three Rivers has long attracted a quieter layer of life—its creative community.

Scattered along winding roads and oak-covered slopes, small galleries, studios, and workshops reflect a town shaped by more than just geography. Artists have been drawn here by the same qualities that appeal to slow travelers: space, light, and a landscape that changes by the hour.

This tradition isn’t new. Since the mid-20th century, Three Rivers has been known as an artists’ community where painters and craftspeople found inspiration in the Sierra foothills. That presence continues today through local studios, seasonal exhibits, and community events that bring art out into the open.

The annual Redbud Arts and Craft Festival is one of the most visible expressions of that culture, bringing together regional artists in a relaxed, outdoor setting that feels closely tied to place rather than performance.

Every other year, the Three Rivers Artists’ Biennial Studio Tour opens private studios to visitors, offering a closer look at both the work and the environments behind it.

The Three Rivers Historical Museum adds another layer, preserving Native American history, pioneer settlement stories, and early connections to Sequoia National Park.

Taken together, the creative side of Three Rivers doesn’t feel curated or separate from its surroundings. It feels embedded in the foothills themselves.

Everyday Three Rivers

Where the landscape becomes part of daily life

Spend any time here and a different rhythm begins to emerge.

Mornings arrive quietly. Light moves slowly across oak-covered hills and river bends before reaching town. It’s not a place where the day begins abruptly—it unfolds.

For RV travelers and longer stays, that slower cadence becomes part of the appeal. Three Rivers isn’t built around urgency. It invites simple routines: a walk near the river, coffee outdoors, or an unhurried drive toward the park entrance.

Unlike more developed mountain towns, it doesn’t rely on constant activity. It offers space—between roads, between buildings, and between moments. That space allows the surrounding landscape to remain visible in everyday life.

Afternoons often drift toward the water or shaded foothill roads where views open unexpectedly between trees and rock outcrops. Even errands tend to feel less rushed, shaped by the environment rather than separate from it.

As evening approaches, the Sierra light softens across the hills and the town settles into quiet. Not emptiness, but balance.

In those moments, Three Rivers reveals what it really is—not a place to move quickly through, but a place where slowing down feels natural.

Just beyond Three Rivers, the road begins to climb into the Sierra Nevada and toward the giant sequoia groves of Sequoia National Park. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Sequoia National Park next door

Where scale changes everything

Just beyond Three Rivers, the road begins to climb.

Foothills give way to steep slopes, and then the landscape shifts entirely. Trees grow denser, air cools, and the Sierra Nevada takes on a quieter, more ancient presence.

Within a short drive lies Sequoia National Park, home to some of the largest trees on Earth. Among them stands the General Sherman Tree, a landmark that draws visitors from around the world.

What makes the experience striking is not just the destination but how quickly it arrives. In a matter of miles, the landscape shifts from river-carved foothills to massive groves of giant sequoias.

The contrast is immediate. Three Rivers feels human in scale—open, shaped by water and movement. Sequoia feels timeless, defined by scale that is difficult to fully grasp.

Together, they form a connected experience. One provides context and comfort. The other delivers scale and silence.

Potwisha Campground in Sequoia National Park offers a peaceful setting beneath the foothills, surrounded by oak woodland and rugged Sierra Nevada scenery. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Camping in and around Three Rivers

Staying close to the river, foothills, and park entrance

For those who want to stay longer, Three Rivers offers a range of camping and RV options that keep the landscape close.

Sequoia RV Ranch sits along the Kaweah River just minutes from the entrance to Sequoia National Park. It offers a straightforward foothill camping experience where river access and natural surroundings are part of the stay itself.

AutoCamp Sequoia offers a different approach, blending outdoor access with more modern accommodations such as Airstreams and cabins. It provides comfort while keeping the same river and mountain backdrop.

Both reflect what defines staying in Three Rivers: you remain close to the landscape rather than separate from it.

Camping here is less about where you stay and more about how fully you remain connected to the environment around you.

Around Three Rivers, the landscape itself becomes part of the experience, with mountain views appearing between oak-covered hills and open valleys. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Closing reflection

Where the journey slows enough to be remembered

Some places are defined by what you see. Others are defined by how they make you move through them.

Three Rivers belongs to the second group.

It’s easy to pass through on the way to Sequoia National Park, treating it as the final stop before something larger. But time spent here changes that perspective.

The river, the foothills, and the quiet rhythm of daily life come together in a way that feels unforced. Nothing demands attention, yet everything rewards it.

By the time you continue toward the park, the experience no longer feels like a transition. It feels like part of a single connected landscape—river, foothills, forest, and stone unfolding in sequence.

That is what makes gateway towns like Three Rivers meaningful. They don’t sit outside the experience. They complete it.

And sometimes, the most lasting part of a journey is not what lies beyond the gate—but what you noticed before you passed through it.

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Editor’s note

This article was originally published in August 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. Conditions, access, and amenities may change over time, so please verify current details before planning your trip.

To maintain transparency and editorial independence, this website contains no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just firsthand RV travel experiences and practical information for fellow travelers.

Sequoia National Park at 135: History, Giants, and Legacy

Here are a few things you might not know about the largest trees on the planet

This year marks a milestone for one of America’s most iconic landscapes—Sequoia National Park is celebrating its 135th anniversary. Established on September 25, 1890, it became the nation’s second-oldest national park created to protect the awe-inspiring giant sequoia trees that tower over the Sierra Nevada. For more than a century, the park has welcomed generations of visitors to marvel at its ancient forests, rugged mountains, and pristine wilderness, standing as both a natural wonder and a testament to the enduring importance of conservation.

Sequoia National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Early roots

The park’s establishment marked a significant conservation milestone

Most people know Yellowstone was the first national park. Ask what the second was and you may get shrugs but it was Sequoia National Park and it celebrated its 135th year on September 25, 2025.

The story of Sequoia National Park began long before its official designation in 1890. In the mid-19th century, Euro-American settlers and explorers entering the Sierra Nevada encountered the awe-inspiring giant sequoias—trees that had stood for thousands of years. Logging interests soon targeted these massive trees with several groves cut down in the 1870s and 1880s despite their little commercial value; the wood often shattered upon impact.

At the same time, writers, naturalists, and conservation advocates such as John Muir raised public awareness of the need to protect these natural wonders. Their efforts combined with mounting public concern helped push Congress to establish Sequoia National Park on September 25, 1890. This act marked one of the earliest victories of the conservation movement and ensured that the majestic sequoia groves would be preserved for generations to come.

Here’s a look at the trees it was named for—the largest on the planet—and how the national park system has grown.

A real-life Jurassic park

Stepping back in time

Step into Sequoia National Park and you’re stepping into a living remnant of the Jurassic world. The towering giant sequoias some over 3,000 years old belong to a tree lineage that first appeared during the age of dinosaurs more than 200 million years ago. These “living fossils” have survived dramatic climate shifts, ice ages, and countless wildfires standing today as silent witnesses to Earth’s deep history.

While you won’t find dinosaurs roaming the Giant Forest the sheer scale and primeval atmosphere of the groves make it easy to imagine a Jurassic landscape—one where the trees themselves are the ancient giants.

The last giant sequoias are in about 73 groves scattered over 48,000 acres along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The northernmost sequoias grow in Tahoe National Forest and the southernmost groves are in Sequoia National Forest northeast of Bakersfield.

Giant sequoias live a very long time and grow quickly. They require a lot of water which is mostly from the Sierra snowpack that soaks into the ground.

Fire: From fear to understanding

Sequoias depend on fires to survive and regenerate

As Sequoia National Park celebrates its 135th anniversary one of the biggest lessons in its history is the role of fire. In the park’s early decades, fire was seen strictly as a destructive force to be eliminated at all costs. Aggressive suppression policies throughout the 20th century, however, led to overcrowded forests and thicker undergrowth setting the stage for larger, hotter, and more damaging wildfires.

Over time, science revealed that giant sequoias actually depend on fire for their survival. Heat opens their cones, releasing seeds while flames clear competing vegetation and recycle nutrients back into the soil. Recognizing this the National Park Service shifted strategies—embracing prescribed burns and allowing natural fires to play their ecological role when conditions are safe.

This evolution in fire management highlights the park’s growing wisdom: protecting a living landscape sometimes means letting nature take its course. Just as the park has stood the test of 135 years, its giant sequoias endure thanks in part to the very flames once thought to threaten them.

Sherman Tree, Sequoia National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The giants’ heavy load

The heaviest living organisms on Earth

Giant sequoias are some of the largest living organisms on Earth carrying truly impressive mass. The General Sherman Tree the largest tree by volume weighs an estimated over 2.7 million pounds Even their branches are massive—some weighing several tons supporting dense clusters of needles and cones.

Despite this incredible load their sturdy, tapering trunks and extensive root systems keep them upright for thousands of years. This remarkable combination of height, girth, and weight makes every walk among the sequoias a humbling encounter with nature’s engineering at its grandest scale.

The threat of logging

Logging posed a significant threat to giant sequoia groves historically

In 1892, the Kings River Lumber Co. began logging the Converse Basin, home to giant sequoias with trunk diameters of 15 to 20 feet. The wood was sent down the 54-mile Sanger flume to get to a railroad. The wood of sequoias is considered brittle and few logs made it to the mill. Logging stopped in the 1920s.

Big growth

Sequoias grow impressively fast compared to many other trees

Giant sequoias are true champions of growth combining incredible height, girth, and longevity. They can grow over 250 feet tall and reach diameters of 30 feet or more at the base. Remarkably, these trees continue to grow slowly but steadily even after reaching centuries of age.

Their thick, fibrous bark protects them from pests, disease, and fire allowing them to live for 2,000 to 3,000 years. This impressive growth is fueled by deep roots, abundant rainfall in the Sierra Nevada, and centuries of adaptation to their environment. Every new branch, cone, and ring of growth is a testament to the giants’ resilience and the enduring legacy of Sequoia National Park.

Rooting them on

Unique and fascinating root system

Beneath their massive trunks, giant sequoias have surprisingly shallow root systems often stretching only 6 to 12 feet deep. Instead of going down, the roots spread wide—extending up to 200 feet outward—and interlock with the roots of neighboring sequoias. This web of support anchors the trees against storms, snow, and time itself.

It’s a fitting metaphor: just as the sequoias lean on one another for strength, generations of visitors and conservationists have “rooted them on” working to protect and preserve these giants. From the earliest advocates who fought logging to modern scientists battling climate threats and wildfires, people continue to stand alongside the trees—ensuring they remain rooted in the Sierra Nevada for centuries to come.

Tiny beginnings

Tiny, grass-like seeds

Giant sequoia seeds are surprisingly tiny measuring only about 1/4 inch long—roughly the size of a poppy seed. Each sequoia cone can contain 200–400 seeds but only a small fraction ever germinate successfully. The seeds are winged which allows them to be carried short distances by the wind.

Successful germination depends on very specific conditions: the forest floor must be sunlit and free of thick undergrowth and the soil must retain moisture while being well-drained. Interestingly, fire plays a crucial role in this process. Low-intensity fires clear away competing vegetation, open cones, and create nutrient-rich ash beds providing the perfect environment for seeds to sprout.

Once germinated, seedlings grow slowly at first often taking decades to reach a substantial size. But over centuries, these tiny beginnings become towering giants—some of the largest and oldest living things on Earth capable of living 2,000–3,000 years.

Fun fact: The giant sequoia begins with tiny seeds: 91,000 make up a pound.

The largest giant sequoias by trunk volume in cubic feet:

General Sherman: 52,508
General Grant: 46,608
President: 45,148
Lincoln: 44,471
Stagg: 42,557

Historic timeline

First national park established specifically to protect a living organism

1870s–1880s: Growing awareness of logging threats to giant sequoias sparks conservation efforts.
September 25, 1890: Sequoia National Park is established, becoming the second-oldest national park in the U.S. (after Yellowstone).
1890: Just a week later, General Grant National Park (now part of Kings Canyon) is created nearby.
1926: The National Park Service assumes full management improving protection and access.
1940: Kings Canyon National Park is created eventually administered jointly with Sequoia.
1976: Sequoia & Kings Canyon are designated as part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
1980s–1990s: Expansion of wilderness areas strengthens ecological protection.
2000: The two parks are jointly managed as the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI).
2021: The KNP Complex Fire severely impacts giant sequoia groves, prompting new conservation and recovery efforts.
2025: Sequoia National Park celebrates its 135th anniversary.

The park

Over 400,000 acres of forested terrain

Sequoia National Park has 52 developed campgrounds, hiking on more than 1,147 miles of trails including 47 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, over 314,448 acres of wilderness, 222 miles of wild and scenic rivers, world-class whitewater rapids, 158 ponds and lakes, boating, fishing, biking and horseback riding.

The tallest peak in the contiguous U.S. is in the park, Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet.

There is little cellphone reception in the park.

As Sequoia National Park celebrates 135 years, it stands as a testament to the resilience and majesty of nature. From tiny seeds that sprout in sunlit, fire-cleared soil to towering giants carrying immense weight and living for millennia, these trees embody both patience and strength.

The park has weathered threats—from early logging to catastrophic fires—and learned to embrace fire as a vital part of the ecosystem. Visitors today walk among ancient sequoias that link us to the Jurassic era, reminding us of the deep history rooted in every trunk, branch, and seed. Over more than a century, generations of conservationists and nature lovers have “rooted them on,” ensuring these living monuments continue to inspire awe and wonder for centuries to come.

Related stories

Eleven Range Overlook, Sequoia National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

National parks timeline

Key milestones in the history of U. S. National Parks

Here’s a timeline of major milestones in the history of U.S. national parks—from the earliest preservation efforts to the system we know today:

1800s: Early conservation efforts

1832: Artist George Catlin calls for preserving America’s wilderness for future generations.
1864: President Abraham Lincoln signs the Yosemite Grant Act, giving Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove to California for preservation—considered the first federal act to protect scenic lands.
1872: Yellowstone National Park is established by President Ulysses S. Grant—the first national park in the world.
1890: Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks are created (Yosemite transferred back from state to federal management).
1899: Mount Rainier National Park established.

Early 1900s: Expansion of the idea

1906: Antiquities Act signed by President Theodore Roosevelt allowing presidents to designate national monuments.
1906: Roosevelt proclaims Devils Tower, Wyoming as the first national monument.
1910: Glacier National Park created.
1916: The National Park Service (NPS) is established by the Organic Act, signed by President Woodrow Wilson, to manage parks and monuments.

1920s–1940s: Growing the system

1920s–30s: Dozens of historic sites, battlefields, and monuments added to the system.
1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt consolidates national parks, monuments, and historic sites under the National Park Service.
1944: Big Bend National Park established in Texas.

1950s–1970s: Preservation movement

1956: The Mission 66 program launches, improving visitor services and infrastructure ahead of NPS’s 50th anniversary.
1964: The Wilderness Act passes protecting millions of acres within national parks.
1966: The National Historic Preservation Act expands NPS’s role in safeguarding cultural heritage.
1971: Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act sets the stage for vast park expansions.
1978: President Jimmy Carter designates 17 national monuments in Alaska adding 56 million acres to protection.

Forest Center, Sequoia National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1980s–1990s: Modern protection

1980: The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) creates or enlarges many Alaska parks doubling NPS lands.
1994: Death Valley and Joshua Tree are upgraded from national monuments to national parks.

2000s–Today: Continued growth

2019: Indiana Dunes and Gateway Arch become national parks.
2020: White Sands National Park established in New Mexico.
2022: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (West Virginia) officially redesignated.

Today, the National Park System includes over 400 sites (national parks, monuments, historic sites, preserves, seashores, and more) with 63 official “national parks” carrying the title.

Please note: This article was first published October 2025. Articles apply to the date they were written. Please refer to current information for quickly changing subjects.

Worth Pondering…

The sequoias belong to the silences of the millenniums. Many of them have seen a hundred human generations rise, give off their little clamors and perish. They seem indeed to be forms of immortality standing here among the transitory shapes of time.

—Edwin Markham, American poet of the 19th and 20th centuries

Hikers Celebrate New National Recreation Trails + 7 Old Favorites

This article discusses everything you need to know about the new routes including their length, location, and what you will find along the way

National Trails Day was celebrated on June 7, 2025 with the designation of five new National Recreation Trails by the U.S. Department of the Interior adding a total of 387 miles to the National Trails System. These new trails are located in six different states and cater to various outdoor activities and fitness levels ranging from 6.36 miles to 308 miles in length.

National Recreation Trails are jointly coordinated and administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service in conjunction with a number of federal and nonprofit partners. A national recreation trail can be designated by either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture on an existing local or regional trail with the consent of the federal, state, tribal, local, nonprofit, or private entity that has jurisdiction over the trail.

The trail’s managing agency or organization must apply for the distinction. Designation as a national recreation trail does not transfer ownership or impose federal management responsibilities; consistent with the administration’s commitment to local decision-making, management remains with the existing state, local, or private entities.

The application period for new National Recreation Trails is currently open until November 1, 2025.

Hiking Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

National Trails Day celebrated with five new trails

On June 6, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced the designation of five new routes to celebrate National Trails Day.

Commenting on the added trails, the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, declared:

National Recreation Trails create opportunities for locally managed tourism to boost economies and benefit hikers, bikers, paddlers, and other recreationists alike. This investment into conservation and outdoor recreation will benefit the American people for generations to come.

The new routes join an extensive network of 1,300 trails across the U.S., the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Following the destination as National Recreation Trails these routes will receive:

A certificate of designation
Trail markers to make it easier for hikers to find their path
A letter of recognition from Secretary Burgum

The five new National Recreation Trails

The five new trails are located in six different states and range in length from 6.36 miles to 308 miles, catering to all levels of fitness.

Miner’s Ravine Trail (California): 6.36 miles
Ohio River Way (Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio): 308 miles
Cuyahoga River Water Trail (Ohio): 41 miles
Elizabeth River Trail (Virginia): 10.5 miles
Great Pinery Heritage Waterway (Wisconsin): 108 miles

The Miner’s Ravine Trail is located in California near the city of Roseville. It consists of a 6.36-mile route popular for outdoor activities including biking, hiking, running, and dog walking. The Ohio River Way extends over three states: Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Stretching for 308 miles, this route is perfect for those looking for a real adventure. Along the way, you will find small towns, huge metropolitan centers, and—of course—tons of unspoiled nature including the Appalachian wilderness.

The Cuyahoga River Water Trail in Ohio follows the Cuyahoga River for about 41 miles. It goes from the intersection between the Little Cuyahoga River and the Cuyahoga River all the way to Lake Erie. This route passes by Cleveland and allows hikers to try water activities such as paddling.

The Elizabeth River Trail in Virginia is ideal for those who are just at the beginning of their hiking journey. This 10.5-mile urban waterfront trail connects Norfolk State University to the Port of Virginia. Along the way, you will get the chance to admire several historical sites including:

Cannonball Trail
Elizabeth River
USS Wisconsin
Fort Norfolk

Lastly, the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway in Wisconsin stretches over 108 miles along the Wisconsin River. Along the way, you’ll admire hardwood forests, historical dams, pine trees, as well as some industrial areas.

What Is National Trails Day?

National Trails Day is a celebration established by the American Hiking Society back in 1993. According to the official website, National Trails Day is your chance to get outdoors, connect with your community, and give back to the trails you love.

Helpful resources for hikers of all levels of experience

Selected National Recreation Trails

National Recreation Trails are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts from urban dwellers seeking nearby nature to long-distance hikers craving scenic wilderness. Your choice depends on your location, preferred terrain, and desired trail length.

Old Baldy Trail *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Old Baldy Super Loop (Arizona)

Location: Coronado National Forest
Length: 12.9 miles
Elevation gain: 3,900 feet
Time required: 6-8 hours
Route type: out & back

Old Baldy is the shortest and steepest while the Super Trail is longer but has a more moderate gradient but both of these trails lead to the 9,543-foot summit of Mt. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Santa Ritas.

The views from the summit are, to say the least, breathtaking. The Santa Catalinas near Tucson, Mt. Graham to the east, and the high peaks of the Huachucas to the southeast, combine with sweeping views of the Santa Cruz and San Pedro valleys to form a 360-degree panorama. Actually, you don’t even have to go all the way to the top to enjoy great views. Many of these landmarks are visible from dozens of overlooks along both trails.

Congress Trail *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Congress Trail (California)

Location: Sequoia National Park
Length: 2 miles
Elevation gain: 482 feet
Time required: 1.5 hours
Route type: loop

The Congress Trail is a two-mile loop trail that begins at the General Sherman Tree along Generals Highway. The path follows a paved route through the heart of the Giant Forest. It is recommended for first-time visitors to Sequoia National Park and for visitors with limited time.

This is one of the easiest access points to large groupings of the Big Trees. The Congress Trail is so named because the trees have been given important names. Famous sequoias along this trail include the House and Senate Groups, the President, Chief Sequoyah, General Lee, and McKinley Trees. Be prepared for crowds at this site, it’s one of the best viewing areas for the giant trees anywhere.

Lassen Peak *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Lassen Peak (California)

Location: Lassen Peak National Park
Length: 5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,957 feet
Time required: 4-6 hours
Route type: out & back

The trail to the top of Lassen Peak begins at the peak parking area at an elevation of 8,500 feet. The popular trail is 2.5 miles one-way to the summit. There are many fantastic vistas of the park and surrounding areas from the trail. The summit provides one of the most spectacular views of the Devastated Area, a view from the top looking down. This view is the best vantage point to contemplate the power of the 1914-17 eruptions. The lingering rotten-egg smell of hydrogen sulfide near the summit reminds visitors that Lassen is still considered an active, but dormant, volcano.

There are many switchbacks and the trail can be steep and rocky at times. Hiking boots are recommended.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail (Alabama)

Location: Gulf State Park
Length: 28 miles
Elevation gain: 98 feet
Time required: 4-6 hours
Route type: loop

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a multi-use, handicapped accessible asphalt and boardwalk trail that winds through the pristine coastal forests within the City of Orange Beach and Gulf State Park.

Nestled along freshwater lakes and streams less than a mile north of the Gulf of America, this multi-trail supports walking, running, biking, rollerblading, nature walks, and bird watching.

Discover the timeless beauty of the Butterfly Garden, majestic Bald Eagle and Osprey nests, the mystical Freshwater Marshes, and the Coastal Hardwood Swamps. Catch a glimpse of a Bobcat on Twin Bridges or a White-Tailed Deer on Sawgrass Trail. View an Alligator basking in the sun and be sure to bring your camera to capture the adventure!

With terrain suitable for walking, running, or biking; you are sure to enjoy the stunning natural scenery only found on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Inspiration Rock Trail *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

El Morro Headland Trail (New Mexico)

Location: El Morro National Monument
Length: 2 miles
Elevation gain: 224 feet
Time required: 1.5-2 hours
Route type: out & back

The El Moro Headlands Trail includes the shorter Inspiration Rock Trail.

The 0.75 mile Inspiration Rock Trail takes you to the pool and past hundreds of Spanish and American inscriptions and prehistorical petroglyphs. The trail is paved and the main 1/2 mile loop is wheelchair-accessible with assistance. This is a great option if you have an hour or less to spend at the park. It must be started no later than 4:00 pm.

The 2-mile Headland Trail includes the Inscription Loop and takes you to the top of the El Morro bluff. It is a moderately strenuous trail with a gain of 224 feet of elevation. Much of the upper section of the trail is on uneven sandstone so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Four Holes Swamp Trail *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Francis Beidler Forest Four Holes Swamp Trail (South Carolina)

Location: National Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler Forest located in Four Holes Swamp, 336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville, SC 29336
Length: 1.75 miles
Elevation gain: negligible elevation gain
Time required: 1-2 hours
Route type: out & back

The National Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler Forest located in Four Holes Swamp contains within its 18,000 acres the largest remaining stand of virgin Bald Cypress and Tupelo Gum swamp forest left anywhere in the world. The Beidler Forest has been recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, a National Natural Landmark, an Important Bird Area, and a site on the Underground Railroad.

Wander along an elevated boardwalk past ancient trees, black water swamps, clear pools, and abundant wildlife. Thousand-year-old trees and native wildlife abound in this pristine sanctuary that has been untouched for millennia. The swamp is a birding paradise with some 140 species of bird documented on the sanctuary including nesting Prothonotary Warblers from April-July and Barred Owls present year-round. Reptiles are frequently seen on the boardwalk trail during the warm months.

The 1.75-mile self-guiding boardwalk trail allows visitors the chance to safely venture deep into the heart of the swamp, to experience the peace and serenity that has characterized the area for centuries, to hear the sounds of birds and bugs and breeze that have echoed through the trees for ages, and to see a swamp the way nature intended it to be!

Red Rock Canyon *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Red Canyon Trail (Utah)

Location: Red Canyon, approximately 7 miles southeast of Panguitch, Dixie National Forest
Length: 8.6 miles
Elevation gain: 223 feet
Time required: 4-6 hours
Route type: out & back

The Red Canyon Trail (Forest Service Trail 33016) is an 8.6-mile non-motorized trail that parallels the route of Utah Scenic Byway 12 through Red Canyon in the Dixie National Forest. At the eastern terminus the trail links to the East Fork Road (No. 087) and provides convenient access to the Great Western Trail, campgrounds, cabin rentals, and a local reservoir.

Also, the trail directly accesses approximately 60 miles of non-motorized trails in Red Canyon, offering numerous loop opportunities including the Thunder Mountain Trail known for outstanding mountain biking. The Powell Ranger District, Dixie National Forest, constructed 5.5 miles of the Red Canyon Bicycle Trail in 2000 and added an additional 3.1 miles in 2009.

Red Canyon is often referred to as “Little Bryce” with brilliantly colored red rocks called hoodoos and large Ponderosa pines, bristlecone pines, and limber pines throughout. This area is known as a place to get away from the crowds in Bryce Canyon National Park and provides multiple trail and recreation opportunities with spectacular scenery.

Worth Pondering…

As soon as he saw the Big Boots, Pooh knew that an Adventure was about to happen, and he brushed the honey off his nose with the back of his paw and spruced himself up as well as he could, so as to look Ready for Anything.

—A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

5 Life-Changing RV Trips and Destinations

Places that can reshape your world

One may wonder what makes a destination truly life-changing. Is it a place so otherworldly that it leaves one spellbound? Or one that’s so beautiful and fun-filled that it leaves visitors with core memories? Whatever the case, there are places and life-changing trips in the US that go beyond mere getaways.

It’s said that traveling is the only thing we buy that makes us richer. Not in the sense that traveling adds extra zeros to our bank balance; quite the opposite, actually. But spontaneous or long-awaited escapades often become life-changing trips that very moment we realize how much they add to our lives once we return home.

While I believe that any experience is a good experience (hence any destination is worth traveling to), our resources, both time- and money-wise, are often limited. Thus it’s essential to identify what our hearts gravitate toward the most.

And while everyone’s travel bucket list should be individual, certain top travel destinations top most lists. Most commonly, it’s the natural wonders, historical heritage sites, architectural landmarks, or geographical locations of historical or popular events. And while some of the popular travel destinations will probably be known to you, you’ll likely discover something new as unique travel destinations span the country from coast to coast.

Below, I’ve compiled a list of the best travel destinations and what many travelers agree to be trips that will change your life. These destinations offer a variety of landscapes, cultural experiences, and natural wonders that can profoundly impact your perspective and create lasting memories on an RV trip across America.

White Sands National Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Breathtaking national park featuring the world’s largest gypsum dune field

White Sands National Park is a destination that feels like stepping into a dreamscape. Located in New Mexico, this unique park boasts one of the world’s largest gypsum dune fields covering approximately 275 square miles of the Chihuahuan Desert. The surreal beauty of the gleaming white sands with a wave-like structure under a clear blue sky creates an otherworldly landscape perfect for exploration and contemplation.

The stark contrast between the dunes and the surrounding desert adds to the park’s stunning visual appeal. Moreover, the dune field showcases the park’s unique natural features and ecosystems, supporting over 800 animal species thriving in the seemingly harsh but beautiful environment. Visitors come here to hike, backcountry camp, and witness breathtaking sunsets that transform the landscape into a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall for best weather
Admission fee: $15-25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days

White Sands National Park offers a life-changing experience through its surreal and otherworldly landscape, unique natural phenomena, and immersive outdoor activities that deeply engage visitors.

Otherworldly landscape: The vast expanse of glistening white gypsum sand dunes creates a strikingly unique environment that feels like stepping onto another planet. This unusual setting inspires awe and wonder providing a powerful sense of escape from everyday life and a fresh perspective on nature’s diversity.
Sensory and emotional impact: Visitors often describe the experience as mesmerizing and surreal noting how the dunes affect sound acoustics and even technology signals which adds to the feeling of being in a place unlike any other. The interplay of light and shadow on the white sand especially at sunrise and sunset creates breathtaking visual moments that can evoke deep reflection and inspiration.
Engaging activities: Hiking across the soft gypsum sand, sledding down towering dunes, and participating in ranger-led programs connect visitors physically and intellectually to the environment. These activities foster a sense of adventure and accomplishment enhancing the emotional impact of the visit.
Connection to history and science: The Park preserves ancient fossil footprints of megafauna and humans linking visitors to deep time and ancestral stories. This connection to both natural history and Native American cultural heritage enriches the experience making it not just a scenic visit but a meaningful encounter with the past.
Stargazing and solitude: Its remote location offers some of the clearest night skies in the US allowing visitors to experience profound moments of solitude and cosmic perspective under brilliant stars which many find transformative.

In summary, White Sands National Park’s combination of surreal beauty, unique sensory experiences, physical engagement, historical depth, and cosmic solitude creates a life-changing encounter that leaves visitors inspired, humbled, and deeply connected to the natural world.

DEEP DIVE: Best things to see and do

Grand Canyon National Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

One of the world’s geological phenomena that leaves visitors in awe of nature

A picture may be worth a thousand words but seeing the Grand Canyon will leave you speechless. The sheer enormity of this jaw-dropping natural wonder is incomprehensible at first glance. As you walk around the rim—stopping at various viewpoints—geological history will unfold before your eyes.

The Grand Canyon is undoubtedly one of the planet’s most iconic natural wonders listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The canyon’s immense scale and colorful layers of rock carved by the Colorado River over millions of years reveal an ancient landscape that leaves visitors in awe.

Adventurers can explore this magnificent wonder by embarking on a day hike along the Bright Angel Trail leading into the canyon’s depths. Alternatively, those seeking awe-inspiring canyon views without exerting too much effort have six viewpoints to explore along the Desert View Drive.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall for best weather and fewer crowds
Admission fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days

The Grand Canyon is life-changing because it offers profound personal transformation through its vast, awe-inspiring natural beauty and immersive wilderness experiences. Visitors often describe a deep shift in perspective and emotional growth during and after their time in the canyon.

Emotional and mental transformation: Extended trips such as multi-day rafting expeditions through 225 miles of the Colorado River challenge fears and foster resilience, independence, and connection. For example, one visitor reported overcaming fears and physical limitations, finding renewed strength, and a sense of wholeness after personal loss. The quiet moments in the canyon-before rapids or while taking in expansive views-allow for reflection and appreciation of life’s journey inspiring mindfulness and humility.
Perspective on life and nature: The immense scale of the canyon and the river’s symbolic “ribbons of water” evoke feelings of humility and acceptance of life’s stages. Visitors often feel small yet connected to something much larger which can lead to lasting changes in how they view themselves and the world.
Physical and spiritual challenge: Backpacking and hiking in the canyon push people beyond their comfort zones fostering endurance, perseverance, and self-discovery. The sensory experiences—the sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations of the desert and river-create a deep, embodied connection to nature that enhances wisdom beyond intellectual knowledge.
Cultural and historical connection: The Grand Canyon is also a place of rich Native American heritage. Recent efforts to create an inter-tribal cultural heritage site at Desert View deepen visitors’ understanding of the canyon’s significance to indigenous tribes, adding layers of cultural meaning and fostering respect for ancestral connections to the land.
Memorable moments and shared experiences: Whether it’s watching a sunset paint the canyon walls, sharing stories around a campfire, or encountering wildlife, these moments create lasting memories and a sense of belonging to a community of adventurers and nature lovers.

In summary, the Grand Canyon’s combination of breathtaking natural grandeur, physical challenge, cultural depth, and reflective solitude creates a powerful, life-changing experience that leaves visitors inspired, humbled, and transformed.

DEEP DIVE: Best things to see and do

Sedona © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Sedona, Arizona

Striking red rock formations

Sedona is a deeply photogenic place. Its most distinguishing and dramatic feature is the stunning red rock formations. Of course, hiking (or, in some cases, scrambling) tops my list of must-do activities. I’d put traversing the rust-tinged trails in the category of a religious awakening.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall for best weather and fewer crowds

Sedona’s red rocks are life-changing primarily due to their unique spiritual and energetic significance combined with breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors often experience profound personal transformation through connection with these iconic formations in several key ways:

Powerful energy vortexes: Sedona is famous for its energy vortexes-specific sites around the red rocks where swirling centers of earth energy are believed to facilitate healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Many people report feeling inspired, recharged, and uplifted after spending time at these vortexes which can amplify spiritual growth and emotional clarity.
Spiritual sanctuary: The red rocks create a sacred, cathedral-like environment that invites deep reflection, healing, and rejuvenation. The landscape’s natural beauty combined with the perceived energy fosters a sense of peace and heightened awareness helping visitors release old patterns and embrace new perspectives.
Cultural and historical depth: Native American tribes have long regarded Sedona’s red rocks as sacred using the area for prayer and ceremonies. This rich cultural heritage adds layers of meaning, connecting visitors to ancient traditions and the land’s spiritual power.
Enhanced meditation and mindfulness: The tranquil setting and energy of the red rocks enhance meditation and mindfulness practices. Many find their focus deepens and their spiritual connection strengthens when meditating in these surroundings, often leading to transformative insights and emotional healing.
Creative and cognitive stimulation: The vivid red-orange color of the rocks is known to be neuro-stimulating enhancing creative thinking and problem-solving. This sensory impact combined with the natural beauty and serenity can inspire new ideas and personal breakthroughs.
Connection to nature and inner self: Being immersed in Sedona’s striking landscape encourages visitors to slow down, be present, and connect with both nature and their inner selves. This often results in a renewed sense of purpose, clarity, and emotional balance.

In essence, Sedona’s red rocks offer a life-changing experience by blending awe-inspiring scenery with a unique energetic and spiritual environment that supports healing, self-discovery, and personal transformation.

DEEP DIVE: Best things to see and do

4. Sequoia National Park, California

The largest trees on Earth

Visit the world’s largest trees at Sequoia, America’s second national park. Located in the southern Sierra Nevada range, the parks’ elevations extend from 1,300 feet in the foothills to 14,491 feet at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states. Plunging in the opposite direction, far below the surface, are over 200 marble caverns, many with endemic cave fauna.

Best time to visit: Spring to fall for best weather
Admission fee: $20-35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days

Sequoia National Park offers a life-changing experience primarily through its awe-inspiring natural features and the profound sense of perspective it instills in visitors. Here’s why a visit can be transformative:

Encounter with the world’s largest trees: Standing among the giant sequoias, some over 2,000 years old and towering hundreds of feet tall creates a humbling and almost spiritual experience. Visitors often describe being “lost for words” and feeling deeply moved by the sheer scale and age of these living giants which outlast modern civilizations and remind us of nature’s endurance and resilience.
Connection to timeless nature: The Park’s vast wilderness including deep canyons, soaring cliffs, and serene mountain landscapes invites reflection and a break from the pace of modern life. Many visitors report feeling grounded and gaining clarity about what truly matters inspired by the trees’ persistence to “push onward and upward” despite millennia of challenges.
Immersive outdoor adventures: With over 800 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, stargazing, and opportunities to explore caves and alpine lakes, visitors engage deeply with nature. These activities foster a sense of accomplishment, wonder, and connection to the natural world that can shift one’s outlook on life.
Perspective and ego check: Seeing the General Sherman Tree—the largest living tree by volume—often provides an “ego-check” making visitors feel small in the grand scheme of things. This perspective can inspire humility and a renewed appreciation for the environment and life itself.
Educational and reflective opportunities: The Giant Forest Museum and ranger-led programs help visitors understand the ecology, history, and conservation of the sequoias deepening respect and awareness that can lead to lasting changes in attitudes toward nature and stewardship.

In sum, Sequoia National Park’s combination of monumental natural wonders, immersive wilderness experiences, and educational opportunities creates a powerful, often life-changing encounter that leaves visitors inspired, humbled, and connected to something far greater than themselves.

DEEP DIVE: Best things to see and do

Congaree National Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Tranquil destination known for its vast old-growth bottomland hardwood forest

Congaree National Park is a unique and life-changing destination known for protecting the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. It features some of the tallest trees in the eastern US including ancient bald cypress over 500 years old and towering loblolly pines creating one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies in the world.

Best time to visit: Fall and spring for mild temperatures and low mosquito activity
Admission fee: Free, no entrance pass required

Congaree National Park is life-changing because it immerses visitors in one of the last and largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the United States offering a rare chance to connect deeply with an ancient, vibrant ecosystem. The park’s towering champion trees-some over 500 years old and among the tallest in the eastern US-evoke awe and a profound sense of nature’s resilience and longevity which can shift perspectives on time, life, and human impact.

The park’s unique floodplain environment with its slow-moving creeks, oxbow lakes, and diverse wildlife creates a tranquil and restorative wilderness experience. Visitors often find peace and grounding in the serene reflections on swamp waters, the play of light through dense canopies, and the rich biodiversity that includes bobcats, otters, and numerous bird species. This intimate encounter with nature fosters mindfulness, emotional renewal, and a deeper appreciation for ecological complexity.

Outdoor activities like paddling Cedar Creek, walking the accessible boardwalk trail, birdwatching, and fishing engage visitors physically and mentally encouraging exploration and discovery. The rarity of this ecosystem-once widespread but now largely lost-adds urgency and significance to the experience inspiring a sense of stewardship and environmental respect.

Moreover, Congaree holds deep cultural and historical significance preserving the heritage of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, and early settlers. This connection to human history enriches the visit, prompting reflection on cultural resilience and the intertwined relationship between people and the land.

In essence, Congaree National Park offers a life-changing blend of ancient natural beauty, peaceful wilderness immersion, rich biodiversity, and cultural depth that leaves visitors inspired, humbled, and more connected to the natural world and our shared history.

DEEP DIVE: Best things to see and do

These destinations combine natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural experiences, making them transformative journeys for RV travelers.

Worth Pondering…

Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.

—Pat Conroy

Sequoia National Park: A First Timer’s Guide

Home to some of the world’s largest trees, a visit to Sequoia National Park will leave you in awe of the natural world

There’s no mistaking the main attraction of Sequoia National Park—giant Sequoia trees as tall as they are ancient. But even beyond the famous, towering sequoias, this park in California’s Sierra Nevada has mind-boggling dimensions.

The peaks of the Great Western Divide soar higher than 12,000 feet creating a skyscraping backdrop to the park’s 631 sq miles of woodlands, meadows, and granite domes. It’s a grand setting for every level of adventure—easy strolls through sequoia groves, whitewater rafting, and going off-grid in remote glacier-carved valleys.

Despite its proximity to A-list national park Yosemite, more than 1.2 million people come to this rugged realm of the Sierra annually. If you’re one of them, well done on your excellent choice; you even have the option of Kings Canyon National Park right next door. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Sequoia’s huge peaks and titanic trees for the first time.

When should I go to Sequoia National Park?

The best time to go to Sequoia National Park is between June and September especially if you plan to hike. July and August are the busiest months of the peak summer season—book lodges and campsites well in advance and seek shade in the middle of the day as the mercury can soar to 105°F. June or September are fine choices for mellower temperatures and quieter hiking trails.

Springtime is a roll of the dice—stubborn snow hangs around in April and May making higher-elevation trails impassable. Stick to lowland areas like the Sequoia Foothills and the Giant Forest which is even more enchanting with a dusting of snow. But for river rafting just outside the park spring is paradise; crystalline snowmelt fills the Kaweah River from late March and waterways are at their swift-running best in late May and June.

Many areas of Sequoia National Park are shuttered from October until the end of winter which can be any time between late March and early June. Park lodges, campgrounds, and shuttles don’t operate. Still, the Giant Forest Museum stays open and it’s a great time to visit with kids—check out the Wolverton Snowplay Area (or, in neighboring Kings Canyon National Park, toss snowballs around the Big Stump Grove picnic ground). Ensure your car has winter tires or carry chains (and know how to put them on!) and note that snow generally closes the Generals Highway which connects Sequoia and Kings Canyon from late December through March.

How much time should I spend in Sequoia National Park?

A day for a taste, a weekend to cover big forests and a couple of hikes, but ideally a week for some longer trails.

Some visitors alight in Sequoia National Park purely to see the Giant Forest; it only takes half a day to see goliaths like the General Sherman Tree (276 feet), contemplate the beheaded Washington Tree (now 115 feet) while pootling along paths like the 2.7-mile Congress Trail. With a full day, you can hike up the 350 steps to the top of Moro Rock. Do this first if you’re visiting in the heat of midsummer—even hardened hikers break a sweat on this exposed climb!

If you have a whole weekend, book a tour of the 100,000-year-old Crystal Cave (summer only) before heading on a hike around Crescent Meadow (1.5 miles or more as this loop is easily extendable) or small but lovely Marble Falls (6.2 miles return).

Got more time? Unfold a map of Sequoia National Park and you’ll see a huge realm extending east from the Generals Highway where far fewer tourists tread. With backcountry knowledge and a can of bear spray you can head to the most remote area of the park, Mineral King (summer only). The expansive views en route to Monarch Lakes (8.4 miles return) are a fine introduction to this high-altitude realm. Bring plenty of water and mosquito spray.

General Sherman Tree, Sequoia National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Is it easy to get in and around Sequoia National Park?

Public transit options work nicely if you’re flexible and visiting during peak hiking season (July to September). If you’re staying in the attractive gateway town of Visalia, 35 miles southwest, you can book a spot on the Sequoia Shuttle to visit the park car-free. Within Sequoia National Park, trailheads and major destinations are connected by free park shuttles which typically operate between late May and the beginning of September.

The network of free shuttles doesn’t extend across the park border into Kings Canyon so self-driving is the best way to see both parks. It’s also essential to have your own wheels ideally a 4WD to reach the Mineral King area.

The downsides of driving are the slow crawl into the park on popular midsummer days and the scuffle for parking spots especially on holidays. Even with a car you might find yourself using park shuttles when your chosen parking lot is full and you’re directed to an overflow usually just a short park-and-ride away. Avoid the hassle by setting your alarm early or staying overnight in the park.

Top things to see and do in Sequoia National Park

One of the most beautiful short hikes is the Tokopah Falls Trail (3.4 miles return). It’s a showcase of Sequoia National Park’s best features—towering walls of granite, forests filled with birdsong, and the foaming waters of the Marble Fork Kaweah River. Begin at Lodgepole Campground and follow the Marble Fork until the trail climbs uphill crisscrossing creeks and snaking up to 1200 foot-tall Tokopah Falls. It’s spectacular in spring when the force of the waterfall hurls clouds of mist into the air.

For the best possible experience (and to enjoy the space and peace after the day trippers leave), stay overnight and star gaze amidst the stillness of the forest. Wuksachi Lodge organizes regular night-sky tours where a park ranger points out the stars while you gaze into the twinkly darkness, your imagination running riot.

Or how about driving through a gigantic log? Tunnel Log, a fallen sequoia more than two millennia old, lies flat across Crescent Meadow Rd in the Giant Forest. A tunnel was carved through it in 1938 and regular-sized cars can still pass through (it’s 17 feet wide and 8 feet high…know your vehicle’s measurements and steer with care!)

My favorite thing to do in Sequoia National Park

Visiting the Giant Forest sequoia grove and and standing in awe of the General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest tree by volume. This awe-inspiring natural wonder is magnificent and humbling.

How much money do I need for Sequoia National Park?

The cost of visiting Sequoia is on par with other national parks in the U.S. For dining and sleeping within the park, you’re very much paying for the location but there are simple ways to trim the costs like camping or staying in towns outside the park such as Three Rivers or Visalia.

An added bonus is day-trippers can grab breakfast from Sequoia Coffee Company in Three Rivers on the way into the park or pause for a bite to eat and something cold and hoppy at Three Rivers Brewing Co. on the way out.

Park entry fee (includes Kings Canyon) per private vehicle: $35
Breakfast burrito in Three Rivers: $6
Sandwich: $10
Campground fee in Sequoia National Park: $32
Camping fee at a USDA Forest Service campground: $18
Double room in a park lodge: $300
One-hour stargazing tour: $10

11 Range Overlook, Sequoia National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

FAQs

Are Sequoia and Kings Canyon the same park?

Think of these two national parks as lookalike siblings each with their own individual talents. Both parks have monumental peaks, tall trees, and excellent hiking but Sequoia (naturally) has the bigger sequoia groves while its neighbor boasts the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, a road trip linking waterfalls, panoramic lookouts, and the glorious Zumwalt Meadow. Kings Canyon and Sequoia are jointly administered which means the entry ticket grants access to their combined 1353 sq miles.

What is the best entrance to Sequoia National Park?

Enter Sequoia National Park from the southwest through the Ash Mountain entrance passing through the town of Three Rivers (State Route 198). Alternatively, you can start in Kings Canyon National Park which is accessed through the Big Stump entrance. Continue north along State Route 180 for General Grant Grove, the starting point for Kings Canyon’s main attractions (including General Grant, the world’s second-largest tree) or take the Generals Highway southeast into Sequoia National Park.

Potwisha Campground, Sequoia National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

What are the best places to stay in Sequoia National Park?

There are fourteen campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks including two that are open during all four seasons. Each has a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a metal food-storage box. Nearly all campgrounds require advance reservations; sites fill quickly. Make reservations at recreation.gov.

Campgrounds like Potwisha and Buckeye Flat are an ideal balance between easy road access and proximity to hiking trails or you can stump for comfort at the Wuksachi Lodge.

Potwisha Campground sits at 2,100 feet elevation along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River under an open stand of oaks. Hot and dry weather in the foothills often require fire restrictions in the summer. In the winter, the campground is usually snow-free. 42 sites are available.

Buckeye Flat Campground is closed through the 2024 season for necessary repairs from extensive damage from winter storms during the 2022-2023 winter.

When the national park campgrounds are full, the US Forest Service campsites expand your menu of options.

For tips on camping in National Parks read How to Go Camping in National Parks: Tips and Tricks for the Best Experience.

Morro Rock, Sequoia National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Are dogs allowed in Sequoia National Park?

Like in most national parks, dogs are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia National Park (other than service animals). Dogs on leashes are technically permitted in parking lots and campgrounds but pet owners are encouraged to leave furry friends at home for the benefit of local wildlife. The surrounding lands operated by the US Forest Service do allow canine companions provided you keep them leashed.

When is the best time of year to visit Sequoia National Park?

Don’t make me choose! By sheer accessibility, summer (June to August) is prime time. Trails are open, shuttles are operational, and campgrounds and lodges alike welcome visitors. This is also the hottest time in the park when high-altitude hikes are best attempted early in the day. If you’re sensitive to heat, May or September are superior choices with seasonal perks like spring flowers and fall colors.

Are there bears in Sequoia National Park?

Yes, black bears are very much at home in Sequoia National Park. Keep your distance if you’re lucky enough to see these curious foragers in the wild. Secure your food and under no circumstances approach or attempt to feed them. Not only does it disrupt the bears’ natural habits but you’re practically training them to seek out human company and food (something to contemplate as you zip your flimsy canvas closed each night…).

What should I wear and pack in Sequoia National Park?

Weather in lofty terrain like Sequoia can change in a flash so cover your bases by packing a medley of light cotton and moisture-wicking shirts along with warming fleece layers. Make sure your hiking boots are fully broken in.

To help you plan your trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon, here are a guides:

Worth Pondering…

—Edwin Markham, American poet of the 19th and 20th centuries

The Complete Guide to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Spend a lot of time looking up—way up—at some of the largest living organisms on the planet

Start training your neck muscles now: When you visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks you’ll spend a lot of time looking up—way up—at some of the largest living organisms in the history of the planet.

If the name wasn’t a dead giveaway, the main attractions in these twin parks in Central California are approximately 40 different sequoia groves. These behemoth trees only grow on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada from 4,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation and the parks are home to seven of the 10 largest trees in the world.

Amazingly these trees which stretch up to nearly 300 feet high aren’t even the tallest things in the parks. In fact, they’re positively dwarfed by geological formations like the namesake Kings Canyon, a glacial valley hemmed in by 4,000-foot-high granite walls and Sequoia’s Mount Whitney the highest point in the Lower 48 at 14,494 feet.

Located in the Southern Sierra Nevada about equidistant from San Francisco and Los Angeles, Kings Canyon and Sequoia are actually two national parks for the price of one. They share a border and a long history dating back to the early days of the conservation movement in America.

On September 25, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison established the country’s second national park, Sequoia, to protect the area’s namesake giants from the encroaching logging industry. Just a week later he added General Grant National Park to the roster.

In those early days, America’s first Black national park superintendent (and the only African American commissioned officer in the U.S. Army), Col. Charles Young, led efforts to build a road into Sequoia’s Giant Forest and by 1903 the landscape had opened to tourists coming in by wagon. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Congress established Kings Canyon National Park which absorbed the former General Grant Park.

Today Sequoia comprises 631 square miles which include the famed Generals Highway which cuts through dense sequoia groves; Moro Rock, a climbable granite dome; the pristine Mineral King glacial valley; and Crystal Cave, a marble cavern.

The bifurcated 722-square-mile Kings Canyon meanwhile sits atop Sequoia like two lopsided bunny ears: To the west, a squiggly sliver of parkland surrounds the General Grant Tree and the neighboring village and visitor center; to the east, a much larger swath of wilderness is centered around Kings Canyon proper, dotted with iconic vistas like Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls and Muir Rock. The meandering ribbon of the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway connects the two sections as it cuts through the adjacent Sequoia National Forest.

Despite their world-famous supertall attractions, Kings Canyon and Sequoia remain blissfully crowd-free much of the year.

Tuning in to the soundscape is one of the best ways to enjoy the wilderness. Find a secluded spot, take a few steps off the trail, maybe sit down, maybe close your eyes, and just be silent and listen to the sounds of the park for a couple of minutes.

Forest Center, Sequoia National Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Plan your trip

The parks are relatively centrally located within the state and a bit of a trek to reach from major cities: You can expect about a five-hour drive from San Francisco or a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Los Angeles.

When planning your trip, note that it’s hard to generalize about the weather in these parts. There’s an enormous elevation shift from the foothills in Sequoia (as low as 1,370 feet) to the big tree groves in both parks to Sequoia’s towering Mount Whitney. As a result, temperatures can regularly drop to 30 degrees as you ascend higher through the parks. Fortunately, the NPS maintains a helpful website with forecasts for specific areas.

The foothills tend to have milder winters and hot, dry summers with average highs in July and August reaching into the upper 90s and average winter lows dropping to the mid-30s. In Sequoia’s Giant Forest and Kings Canyon’s Grant Grove summer temperatures are significantly milder usually in the mid-70s in the daytime and the 50s at night. Even if it’s scorchingly hot when you enter the parks (it has been known to hit 114 degrees) you may still need a light sweater by the time you’re surrounded by sequoias. Plan and pack accordingly—layers are your friend.

Castle Rock, Sequoia National Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

While the winter can be peaceful and the parks look gorgeous under a blanket of fresh snow, things slow down during those months. Several roads, including 180 from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove, Mineral King Road, and Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road close due to treacherous, icy driving conditions and many of the parks’ lodging options shutter. Currently, Highway 180 to Cedar Grove is closed at the Hume gate until spring 2023.

In general, you’ll want a car in these parks. From late May through mid-September there’s also a shuttle bus system with free routes covering such areas as the Giant Forest, Moro Rock, the General Sherman Tree Trails, and Wuksachi Lodge. Meanwhile, the $20 Sequoia Shuttle (reservation required) transports guests in from the gateway town of Visalia.

Overcrowding isn’t much of a concern even during the summer high season in July and August. Avoiding crowds has a lot to do with timing. Weekdays are always more forgiving than weekends. If you can get to the entrance station before 9 a.m. you’re likely to be rewarded with ample parking at your destination

Where to stay

The jewel in the crown of lodging options in these parts is Sequoia’s 102-room Wuksachi Lodge which features an architectural style that screams national parks lodge thanks to its native granite and oak, hickory, and cedar touches. Located 2 miles from Lodgepole Village the hotel is a perfect jumping-off point for hiking trails that lead out into Cahoon Meadow and Twin Lakes. It’s now open year-round but things can get a little dicey in the winter if you’re not used to driving in snow because it sits at an elevation of 7,200 feet; remember to pack those snow chains! Amenities in mobility- and hearing-accessible rooms include widened doorways, visual fire alarms, and phones with flashing lights.

In Kings Canyon, Grant Grove Village is home to two seasonal lodging options in the park’s western section: The 36-room John Muir Lodge (open late March to late October) includes a stone fireplace in the lobby that’s an inviting spot to cozy up next to as you plan tomorrow’s adventures.

Grant Grove Cabins, a collection of timber and tent-style cabins are open from April through October. Book early and request Cabin No. 9, one of the few with an en suite bathroom instead of a shared bathhouse, a particular luxury on those cold Sierra nights. The lodge does not have an elevator so anyone with mobility issues will want to request a room on the first floor.

For a slightly more off-the-beaten-path option, the 21-room Cedar Grove Lodge is remotely located in Kings Canyon’s eastern wilderness. It’s only open late May through late October after the snow has melted but it rewards the intrepid with access to scenic Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring Falls, and Muir Rock.

The parks also play host to more than a dozen campsites, four open year-round: Azalea Campground, under a stand of evergreen trees near King Canyon’s Grant Grove; Potwisha Campground, set among a hot and dry oak woodland in Sequoia; Lodgepole and South Fork Campgrounds, in a remote area of the Sequoia foothills.

Park campgrounds differ wildly in terms of amenities, locations, and crowds so study the options before you go. Reservations are made available one month in advance though you can often snag a spot on the day of your visit. Most offer a few accessible campsites with amenities like paved paths to restrooms and raised fire pits for people with impaired mobility.

Where to eat

At the Peaks Restaurant at Wuksachi Lodge tuck into hearty fare like pan-seared ruby-red trout and braised short ribs while taking in the Sierra views. The restaurant also serves a daily breakfast buffet. Nearby, head to the seasonal Lodgepole Café for grab-and-go picnic goodies like breakfast burritos and hot dogs.

In Kings Canyon, the seasonal Grant Grove Restaurant serves dishes like beef chili and a trout sandwich. In the park’s other section, Cedar Grove Grill is open May through mid-October and serves hearty burgers and sandwiches on the drive out to Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls.

Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Things to do

Visit the parks’ enormous trees

We know what you’re here for—very big trees! And, yes, you’ll see giant sequoias everywhere but there are a few not-to-miss standouts. In Sequoia, the General Sherman Tree ranks as the world’s largest by volume and stands 275 feet tall with a base width of 36 feet. You can access it by two trails. One runs a half-mile downhill from a parking area; it’s paved and includes a few stairs but the climb back uphill can be tiring. If you have a disability parking placard you’ll have access to a small lot on Generals Highway with a wheelchair-accessible trail.

About a five-minute drive down the road in the Giant Forest Grove you’ll reach the free Giant Forest Museum with informative exhibits about this unique landscape and the 1.2-mile Big Trees Trail which is a great option for people with limited mobility. It’s flat, paved, and easy to navigate with benches for rest stops.

In the Grant Grove area in Kings Canyon just 1.5 miles from the visitor center you’ll meet the General Grant Tree—aka the nation’s Christmas tree—the world’s second-largest tree with a height of 268.1 feet and a base circumference of 107.5 feet. The one-third-mile paved loop trail passes through a dense collection of sequoias with other highlights including the Fallen Monarch, a hollow sequoia log wide enough to walk through, and the historic Gamlin Cabin, which dates to 1872. The trail has tactile informational signs with Braille and raised illustrations.

Although these generals are popular especially in the summer don’t stop there: They’re a great jumping-off point for exploration. People visiting the parks will find a lot of opportunities for solitude if they’re willing to hike for even 15 minutes. The Giant Forest and Grant Grove both have miles and miles of wonderful trails that see surprisingly few hikers. On these trails, you’ll have time and space to linger, take in the evergreens’ woodsy scent, and listen for the chirps of squirrels and the calls of acorn woodpeckers, Steller’s jays, and other birds.

Moro Rock, *Sequoia National Park* © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Climb Moro Rock

Yosemite has Half Dome, Sequoia has Moro Rock—and much like its more famous cousin to the north this granite dome beckons visitors to summit its dramatic topography. While the climb up Half Dome isn’t for the faint of heart, Moro Rock can be doable for relatively in-shape visitors who can handle steep stairs. A concrete and stone path leads up more than 350 steps to postcard-perfect views out over the foothills and the San Joaquin Valley.

There are handrails much of the way so while you might not fear falling over the rather prodigious cliffs lining the trail this is still a strenuous climb made more challenging by the high elevations which top out above 6,700 feet. The climb can take as little as a half-hour but pace yourself and enjoy the experience to protect those lungs in the thinner air. In summer, keep your eyes and ears peeled for peregrine falcons nesting on the rock.

Go for a guided horseback ride

Two stables operate within Kings Canyon. Grove Stables offers one-hour guided trail rides that loop past the General Grant tree and through a grove of giant sequoias; for an additional fee tack on a second hour through a second sequoia grove to a Sequoia Lake overlook.

The Cedar Grove Pack Station located outside Cedar Grove Village also has one- and two-hour guided trail rides but experienced riders can opt for a half-day or full-day itinerary.

Enjoy the stars

The parks are amazing after dark, once you get used to the idea. Find a wide-open space to stargaze or take long-exposure photographs of the Milky Way. During a full moon take a night hike. Just be careful out there. The parks have a 24-hour dispatch center but help is definitely less readily available if you get into trouble late at night.

If you’d rather not go it alone, the parks occasionally schedule ranger-led moonlight walks (check the events calendar). This is also a great time to listen for the distinctive hooting of great horned owls and the squeaks of bats flying overhead.

Fun fact: While 17 species of bats call these parks home only three emit sounds the human ear can hear.

Gateway towns

If you want to spend time in the communities outside the parks’ boundaries stick to the stretch along State Route 198 that leads into Sequoia’s Ash Mountain Entrance Station. About 35 miles west of the park is Visalia, a small agricultural city in the San Joaquin Valley with handsome architecture (including an art deco post office), a boutique-filled downtown, and plenty of microbreweries.

Even closer to the entrance station is Three Rivers Village with a surprising array of businesses dotting the foothills including local shops like Reimer’s Candies and Gifts (don’t miss the California walnut turtles), art galleries and artist studios, a nine-hole golf course, and even a jazz club.

En route

If you’re driving from San Francisco slow down to enjoy the underrated Central Valley. The state’s agricultural heart boasts some surprising hot spots. Merced’s recently revitalized downtown includes the chic new Hotel El Capitan and its tasting-menu restaurant Rainbird where you can sample innovative dishes like green garlic chawanmushi (egg custard) with coal-roasted kombu. The area is also home to excellent farm stands and a rustic-chic vineyard.

From Los Angeles, Bakersfield is a worthwhile pit stop thanks to the numerous RV parks and the country’s largest collection of Basque restaurants. Established in 1893 as a boardinghouse, the Noriega Hotel was honored with a James Beard Foundation America’s Classic Award and it’s beloved for dishes like pickled tongue.

The city’s also the birthplace of the so-called Bakersfield Sound, made popular by country artists like Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. Learn more about Nashville West at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, a museum and music venue and the Kern County Museum.

By the way, I have a series of posts on Bakersfield and the Bakersfield Sound:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience. I hope this guide helps you plan your adventure and that you’ll soon discover the magic of this park.

Here are a few more articles to help you do just that:

Facts box

Location: Central California about 260 miles from San Francisco and 220 miles from Los Angeles
Size: 865,964 acres or 1,353 square miles
Highest point: Mount Whitney, 14,494 feet
Lowest point: The foothills entrance, 1,370 feet
Miles of trails: 866
Main attraction: Sequoia groves with record-breaking trees
Entry fee: $35 per private vehicle for up to seven days; $30 for motorcycles; $20 for bicycles or walk-in entry; $70 for annual passes
Best way to see: By car or by the free park shuttle (between May and September)
When to go to avoid the crowds: September, after the summer crowds leave and before the snow falls

Worth Pondering…

No other tree in the world, as far as I know, has looked down on so many centuries as the Sequoia, or opens such impressive and suggestive views into history.

—John Muir, The Big Trees, Chapter 7 of The Yosemite (1912)

The Science behind the Oldest Trees on Earth

How experts have determined that bristlecone pines, sequoias, and baobabs have stood for thousands of years

What and where are the oldest known trees on the planet?

If you include plants that can regenerate, the upper age limit could be ten thousand years or more. Such superorganisms including the famous quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) grove nicknamed Pando are made up of genetically identical trunks connected through a single root system that sends up new shoots over time. These clonal colonies are impossible to date with precision because the oldest decomposed long ago.

Aspen clove in Fishlake National Forest *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Known as the Trembling Giant, Pando is located about 40 miles southeast of Richfield, Utah, the nearest town. Widely considered the world’s largest tree with one vast root system, the aspen clone is also one of the largest living organisms on the planet. Spanning roughly 106 acres within Fishlake National Forest, a sprawling patch of greenery situated in the High Plateaus of south-central Utah, Pando weighs more than 6,600 tons and contains approximately 47,000 genetically identical stems (or branches), experts say.

Pando which in Latin translates to I spread is so massive that satellite imagery shows the outline of the clone in stark contrast with the rest of the surrounding national forest; its complex network of roots is so vast that it tunnels beneath Utah State Route 25, a winding two-lane highway that slices through Pando’s center.

No one knows Pando’s exact age with some estimates dating it to the end of the last ice age or about 25,000 years ago and others going as far back as 80,000 years.

The Big Tree *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Big Tree, as it’s usually known, is one of the best known live oak trees in the United States. In its more than 1,000 years, the Big Tree has survived hurricanes, fires, and even an 1864 Civil War battle that razed the rest of the town, Lamar, Texas, to the ground. With a height of 44 feet, trunk circumference of 35 feet, and crown spanning roughly 90 feet, the massive coastal live oak has survived Mother Nature’s fiercest storms including Hurricane Harvey (August 25, 2017).

Many lists of oldest trees stick to single-trunked plants that produce annual growth rings. These kinds of trees are easier to date. Scientists called dendrochronologists focus on assigning calendar years to tree rings and interpreting data within those rings. By using a hand-cranked tool called an increment borer they extract core samples without depriving the tree of strength and vigor.

Giant cypress in Congaree National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

As a rule, gymnosperms—flowerless plants with naked seeds—grow slower and live longer than angiosperms, flowering plants with fruits. Gymnosperms include ginkgo and every kind of conifer—including yews, pines, firs, spruces, cedars, redwoods, podocarps, araucarias and cypresses. Roughly 25 gymnosperm species can live 1,000 years or longer. The cypress family contains the most millennials but the longest-lived species is a pine with an effective age limit of five millennia. By contrast, eight centuries is extremely old for an oak, an angiosperm. And only one kind of flowering plant, a baobab, has been positively dated beyond one millennium.

During research for his book Elderflora: A Modern History of Ancient Trees, Jared Farmer learned a lot about the world’s oldest growers. Here are some of the most exceptional specimens.

The longest-lived gymnosperms

Bristlecone pine at Grand Canyon National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Great Basin bristlecone pine, Pinus longaeva, ≥4,900 years

Until 1964, the oldest tree ever known grew in a cirque on Wheeler Peak in Nevada’s Snake Range in what is now Great Basin National Park. After a graduate student researcher tried and failed to extract a complete core sample, he decided to produce a stump. This scientific desecration haunted him the rest of his career even though he cut it down with permission of a forest ranger. Originally labeled WPN-114 this pine was posthumously renamed Prometheus.

The oldest survivor with a name is Methuselah which grows in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains of eastern California. This pine was originally cored by tree-ring scientist Edmund Schulman who made bristlecones famous through his 1958 article in National Geographic. The innermost rings on Schulman’s core samples are extremely suppressed and partly eroded making dating difficult. The oldest extracted ring from Methuselah might be from 2490 or 2555 BC. In any case this tree is well over 4,500 years old today.

Methuselah’s location is no longer marked by the U.S. Forest Service but anyone who hikes the trail will be close to it and many other living beings as old as the pyramids of Giza. In the same population an unnamed bristlecone even older than Methuselah grows and it is known only to an inner circle of dendrochronologists. Secrecy provides protection from vandals who would carve names on it, relic hunters who would take cones from it, and photographers who would inadvertently damage the fragile soil.

In a deeper sense, the identity of the true oldest living bristlecone is simply unknowable. That’s not just because no one has the time—or the funding or the imperative—to do an exhaustive search throughout the Great Basin. The effort would be futile. On most ancient bristlecones, the oldest wood has long ago been ablated, speck by speck, by desert winds.

Giant sequoia in Sequoia National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Giant sequoia, Sequoiadendron giganteum, ≥3,266 years

As soon as Anglo-Americans encountered giant sequoia in the midst of the California gold rush, they acted in paradoxical ways: protecting them while also cutting down trophy specimens for traveling exhibits. By counting rings on stumps, people knew in the 1850s that sequoias can live for thousands of years.

After the Civil War, two of the largest protected sequoias became known as the General Grant and the General Sherman. A rivalry ensued between Fresno County, home of the Grant and Tulare County, home of the Sherman. In 1931, the California Chamber of Commerce announced an unscientific verdict: Although Sherman was—and still is—the world’s largest tree, Grant would count as the world’s oldest. Confusingly, tourists routinely referred to another monumental tree, Yosemite National Park’s Grizzly Giant as the age champion based on its incomparably gnarled appearance.

Sherman Tree *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

In the 1990s, a forest ecologist created a mathematical formula for estimating a sequoia’s age based on the volume of its bole or the trunk below the crown. He tested his formula on hundreds of stumps in Converse Basin, the one large grove of big trees that had been devastated by industrial logging. Here, many trimillennials including the oldest ever known at 3,266 years or more had been leveled to make grape stakes and shingles. The ecologist disproved for good the old assumption that biggest means oldest. By his estimation, the General Sherman was only 2,150 years old and the Grizzly Giant was a shocking 1,790 years young.

The most senior of these trees probably lacks a name because of its relative smallness. And it may be newly dead. In 2020 and 2021, megafires devastated the southern Sierra, killing up to 20 percent of all mature sequoias.

Worth Pondering…

In their highest boughs the world rustles, their roots rest in infinity; but they do not lose themselves there, they struggle with all the force of their lives for one thing only: to fulfill themselves according to their own laws… to represent themselves. Nothing is holier nothing is more exemplary than a beautiful, strong tree.

—Hermann Hesse (1877–1962)

10 Amazing Places to RV in June 2023

If you’re dreaming of where to travel to experience it all, here are my picks for the best places to RV in June

It shows considerable wisdom to know what you want in life.

—P.D. James

English novelist Phyllis Dorothy James, writing as P.D. James, introduced Scotland Yard detective Adam Dalgliesh in her 1962 debut novel Cover Her Face. This insightful observation by a secondary character comes at the end of The Private Patient, the 14^th and final novel in James’ popular series published nearly half a century later in 2008. The full quote notes that it takes wisdom to determine what you want, “and then to direct all your energies towards getting it.” James could very well have been reflecting on her own lengthy career as a successful novelist when she penned this scene which offers the reminder that achieving a happy life requires both thoughtful contemplation and focused sustained action.

As a great thinker once said, “June is bustin’ out all over.” I’m certainly feeling this. The garden of life is ripe with new possibilities, new floral fragrances, and new reasons to be outside. It’s a great month to travel in an RV. Summer presents unlimited road trip possibilities, doesn’t it?

So put on some SPF (I admittedly never do) and live your best life.

If life is a highway, I’m going to drive it all day long—or at least for a few hours and then stop to get some rest. Sleep is so important.

Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly travel recommendations for the best places to travel in April and May. Also, check out my recommendations from June 2022 and July 2022.

1. Gawk at the biggest tree on Earth

Because it is the world’s largest tree in terms of volume, the General Sherman Tree is, without a doubt, one of the most well-known attractions in Sequoia National Park. The enormous Sequoia which now stands 275 feet in height but is constantly growing was given its name after the American army leader William Sherman. The width of the tree’s trunk at its base is an astonishing 36 feet and it continues to be wide as it rises above the earth.

General Sherman Tree *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The sequoia grove of Giant Forest, home of General Sherman, is also the headquarters of other large trees not seen in any other parts of the US. Meanwhile, Converse Basin Grove is home to the 269-foot Boole Tree, the sixth-largest in the country in terms of volume. Another famous tree in the park, albeit it’s already fallen, is the Tunnel Log, a tree that can be driven through.

>> Get more tips for visiting Sequoia National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. 300 limestone caves carved over 250 million years ago

If you’re worried about overheating in New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert, rest assured: Things cool down quick inside the 100+ millennia-old limestone caves that make up Carlsbad Caverns National Park which you can explore on a self-guided tour or a ranger-led tour for an additional fee.

The 357,480-square-foot Big Room—the largest single cave chamber in the US—is the most popular cave drawing some 300,000 visitors each year. Other areas, like the Hall of the White Giant and the Spider Cave require crawling. If you’re visiting between May and October stick around for the Bat Flight Program when hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats exit the cave at dusk to forage for food.

Make a reservation online at a cost of $1 per ticket prior to your visit and purchase an entry pass upon arrival in the park. Kids under 16 get in free while adults must pay a fee of $15 per person.

>> Get more tips for visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Lassen Peak, Lassen Volcanic National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Out of one beautiful form into another

Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes. Jagged peaks tell the story of its eruptive past while hot water continues to shape the land.

Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northeastern California has the four types of volcanoes found on Earth—cinder cones, composite, lava, and shield volcanoes—with 300 active domes. Lassen has a fraction of Yosemite’s visitors but has many similar landscapes and geothermal sites. You’ll come across sulfur vents, fumaroles, mud pots, wildflower meadows, mountain lakes, waterfalls, lava tube caves, and boiling hot springs. Don’t miss the Bumpass Hell trail leading to the largest of the eight hydrothermal areas and the easy-to-reach Kings Creek Falls.

Lassen Volcanic National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

There are 150 miles of trails in the park, 700 flowering plants, and 250 vertebrates. Hike the Cinder Cone Volcano in the park’s Butte Lake section and you’ll see breathtaking 360-degree views of the Painted Dunes and the volcano’s crater. The most famous volcano in the park, Lassen Peak, also offers skiing in the winter.

>> Get more tips for visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park

Natural Bridges National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu natural bridges

Natural Bridges National Monument sits 6,500 feet above sea level, is home to a variety of plants and animals, and is the oldest National Park Service (NPS) site in the state of Utah. Offering the chance to explore three natural bridges, Kachina, Owachomo, and Sipapu were formed where streams eroded the canyon walls. The monument was established in 1908. This NPS site is a great out-of-the-way find.

Natural bridges are different from arches in their formation; carved over streams that have eroded them as opposed to arches which are formed by seeping water and frost. Here, you have beautiful bridges over a stream bed which changes in appearance according to time of day, time of year, and viewpoint. Since the bridges are off the beaten path there is a better opportunity for an uncrowded, quiet tour of a unique landscape.

>> Get more tips for visiting Natural Bridges National Park

President Theodore Roosevelt *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Living history performance of President Theodore Roosevelt

On June 23, 2013, Grand Canyon National Park will host President Theodore Roosevelt Salutes the National Park Service. This special program is a living history portrayal of the 26^th President of the United States as performed by Joe Wiegand at 8:30 pm, Sunday, June 23, 2013 at McKee Amphitheater located on the South Rim behind Park Headquarters near Parking Lot A.

Joe Wiegand entertains audiences nationwide with his portrayal of President Theodore Roosevelt. As Theodore Roosevelt, Joe offers his audiences a unique, one-man show bursting with adventure, laughter, and inspiration. Enjoy Theodore Roosevelt’s adventures as rancher, Rough Rider, and father of six in the White House. Relive the establishment of America’s great national parks, forests, monuments and wildlife reserves. Hear the amazing stories of the frail young boy who built his body and dedicated himself to the Vigorous Life and the Square Deal. From bear hunts to the Panama Canal, from Africa to the Amazon, Theodore Roosevelt’s delightful stories come to life.

Theodore Roosevelt, considered by many to have been America’s Conservationist President, protected approximately 230 million acres of public land during his presidency. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt visited Grand Canyon and said, “The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world… Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness.”

>> Get more tips for visiting Grand Canyon National Park

Jasper National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Jasper makes list of top national parks in the world

Jasper has been named one of the 30 best national parks across the globe. Outside, an online publication has included the picturesque spot on its list of must see destinations. Jasper is the only Canadian entry.

Jasper can sometimes be overshadowed by its cousin to the south, Banff, but the park is the definition of wild and scenic. It’s the largest park in the Canadian Rockies as it has one million-plus more acres than Banff.

Jasper is also host to a robust population of wildlife including black and grizzly bears, elk and moose, and big horn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats making it a popular tourist destination for travelers to explore.

Glacial Skywalk *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Jasper SkyTram gives you 50 miles of views from 7,472 feet up Whistlers Mountain. As a dark-sky preserve, the park strives to eliminate any light that could interfere with views of the universe at night making it a destination for stargazers and astronomers. It’s also a fantastic road trip destination: The Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic drives, features more than 100 ancient glaciers and a glass-floored observation walkway 920 feet above Sunwapta Canyon.

Fort Frederica National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. Centuries old conflict decided on St. Simons Island

Wandering around Fort Frederica National Monument offers both a step back to the very beginnings of Georgia’s colonial history and the chance to absorb what continues to make this area magical—the river, the marsh, the tides, the uncompromising beauty of St. Simons Island. While the fort played a pivotal role in Georgia’s history—the 1742 victory of its British troops over Spanish soldiers ensured its future as a British colony—what remains is largely underground.

You’ll want to track down a ranger to get a real appreciation of the garrison and a sense of what makes this site special. It’s the stories of the people. Fort Fred was a military installation and a fort but it also was a village. There are always going to be stories of people’s lives—the adventures, the challenges, the drama.

>> Get more tips for visiting Fort Frederica National Monument

Jacksonville *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. Historic gold rush town

Jacksonville is a historic Gold Rush town that earns the title, Heart of the Southern Oregon Wine Region. The Schmidt Family Vineyard is an excellent option with delicious wine and food as well as gorgeous gardens and vineyards.

Lining the main street are numerous independently-owned shops and restaurants that are just waiting for you to discover them. Antiquing is especially popular with plenty of unique furniture, decor, and clothing finds.

The town is also home to annual events each month. Enjoy the live music at the summer-long Britt Music & Arts Festival, the Jacksonville Wine Cruise in May, and the city-wide Garage Sale in September. There is also plenty to do in the great outdoors including jet boat adventures and hiking trails.

>> Get more tips for visiting Jacksonville

Museum of Appalachia *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

9. Museum of Appalachia

Located in Clinton, Tennessee, the Museum of Appalachia is a living history museum, a unique collection of historic pioneer buildings and artifacts assembled for over a half-century. The Museum portrays an authentic mountain farm and pioneer village with some three dozen historic log structures, several exhibit buildings filled with thousands of authentic Appalachian artifacts, multiple gardens, and free-range farm animals, all set in a picturesque venue and surrounded by split-rail fences.

Strolling through the village, it’s easy to imagine we’re living in Appalachia of yesteryear cutting firewood, tending livestock, mending a quilt, or simply rocking on the porch, enjoying the glorious views.

>> Get more tips for visiting Museum of Appalachia

10. Grand Canyon Star Party

Each summer, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona invites visitors to watch “an assortment of planets, double stars, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies” dance above some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth during its Star Party which will take place from June 10 through June 17 in 2023.

Events begin on both the North and South Rims at 8 p.m. but according to the National Park Service (NPS) the best viewing is after 9 p.m.

“Skies will be starry and dark until the moon rises the first night. It rises progressively later throughout the week of the Star Party,” the NPS said on its website.

Each night of the event, park rangers on the South Rim will lead tours of the constellations at 9, 9:30, and 10 p.m. and will host a night sky photography workshop at 9:30 p.m. Throughout the week, various speakers are slated to hold nightly presentations at 8 p.m. starting with park ranger Ravis Henry who will discuss how the stars are seen through the Navajo culture lens. Other speakers include NASA scientist Julie McEnery who will speak about the next NASA flagship telescope, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope which is scheduled to launch in May 2027 and Dr. Vishnu Reedy, professor of planetary sciences at the University of Arizona will lecture about how astronomers mitigate the threats of meteor impacts.

On the North Rim, the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix, Arizona will set up telescopes on the porch of the Grand Canyon Lodge and guide visitors in identifying constellations.

The 2023 Star Party is a free and open to the general public. The park entrance fee is good on both South and North rims for 7 days. No additional tickets or sign-up is required.

The event begins at sunset although the best viewing is after 9 pm and many telescopes come down after 11 pm; however, on nights with clear, calm skies, some astronomers continue sharing their telescopes into the night.

Worth Pondering…

It is the month of June, The month of leaves and roses, when pleasant sights salute the eyes and pleasant scents the noses.

—Nathaniel Parker Willis

5 Best Things to do this Spring in America

A whole new world of color opens up during springtime which makes it the perfect time to pack up the RV and explore somewhere new on a road trip or weekend getaway

Springtime can be a magical and refreshing time to travel. Maybe you’re coming out from winter hibernation for a quick road trip or you’re finally able to break in those new hiking boots you were gifted for Christmas. Personally, I look forward to blooms and greenery after nature wakes up from her winter slumber. Everything feels fresh, new, and exciting.

1. Attend a spring festival

When spring has sprung, the festivals are in full bloom! Festivals in spring are wonderful, inspiring experiences that help us celebrate the start of a new season. Which one of these takes your fancy?

International Cherry Blossom Festival, Macon, Georgia

Macon, Georgia, is the cherry blossom capital of the world? No, it’s not Japan or Washington, D.C. With 350,000 cherry trees blossoming each year at the end of March, Macon truly is the perfect place to see these beauties in bloom.

The second or third week of March is peak time to visit as the International Cherry Blossom Festival (March 17-26, 2023) happens. It’s known as the pinkest party of the year! Macon is full of history and is also surrounded by beautiful state parks for visitors who are looking to get outdoors.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, Woodburn, Oregon

Tulips are the main attraction in Woodburn, Oregon. The town is home to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Far which hosts a tulip festival from March to May. With 40 acres of tulips, over 200 acres of outdoor space, and activities, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is identified as one of the top spring attractions in the state of Oregon. The 38^th Annual Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival runs March 17–April 30, 2023.

Springtime is also the best time to catch a ride on a hot air balloon to see the colorful blooms from above. Or stay on the ground and enjoy a sip of wine at any of the areas wineries while your pals fly high in the sky.

Rayne loves frogs *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Rayne Frog Festival, Rayne, Louisiaa

Rayne is best known as the Frog Capital of the World. The Rayne Frog Festival was founded in 1973 and has grown by, um, leaps and bounds. At this annual fest, you can see the coronation of the Frog Festival Queens and the Mr. and Miss Tadpole contests.

The 51^st Annual Rayne Frog Festival will be held on May 10-14, 2023 at the Frog Festival Pavilion. It’s slated with a full schedule including music, delicious food, a signature festival drink, and souvenir cup commemorating 51 years of tradition, arts and crafts show, carnival rides, frog cook-off, frog-eating contest, folklore tent, frog racing and jumping, and a few surprises along the way.

Charleston home tours *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Festival of Houses and Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina

It’s no secret that Charleston is a hub for southern charm especially in the spring as dogwood trees and azaleas bloom all over the city. The weather is great during this time of year–hanging out around 60-70 degrees with low humidity―ideal weather for both carriage tours and walking tours of the main attractions of the city.

The premier event of its kind in the country, the 75^th Annual Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 15-April 16, 2023 offers guests rare access into some of Charleston’s finest private houses and gardens in the city’s renowned historic district during peak blooming season. The cornerstone of the spring Festival are the daily house and garden tours. The tours provide an opportunity for guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful residences, some dating to the 18th century.

Ostrich Festival *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Ostrich Festival, Chandler, Arizona

Grab your friends and family and get ready to shake your tail feather with our favorite feathered friends, the ostriches! The Ostrich Festival features live ostriches, national and local entertainment, stage shows, over 50 midway rides and games, classic festival food, interactive activities for all ages, meet and greets with your favorite mascots, ostrich-themed educational activities, exciting attractions, upscale arts and crafts and much more. The 33^rd Annual Ostrich Festival will be held March 16-19, 2023 at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler, Arizona.

A spring road trip in Arizona *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Plan a spring road trip

The weather is warming up and late winter rains have turned trees and grass green and encouraged wildflowers to bloom. It’s the right time to take a drive either to a favorite place or a new destination with unfamiliar landscapes and roads. Whether your preferred scenery is mountains, deserts, forests, plains, or coastal views, there’s a road trip for you. You can plan a journey around your interests if you enjoy historic sites, regional food, wineries, or nature, you can plan a journey around your interests.

Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina

You’ll love springtime in the Great Smoky Mountains as the gorgeous wildflowers are in bloom with over 1,500 types dazzling in mid to late March to June. You’ll find perfect picnic weather at this time of year and it’s an ideal time to explore the most visited national parks in the U.S. Enjoy the 800 square miles of untouched wilderness while you enjoy a scenic hike to a waterfall or beautiful overlook. Horseback riding, fishing, ranger-led programs, wildlife viewing, and biking are other popular activities in the park.

Joshua Tree National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Joshua Tree National Park, California

One of my favorite things about visiting national parks is the transformation that occurs in the landscape around me as I enter a park. The distinctive flora and unique geological features create an atmosphere that makes me feel as if I’m entering another world. Joshua Tree National Park is one of those magical places. The sharp angles of the Joshua tree forests are the foreground of a wonderland of gigantic granite boulders and rock outcroppings. It’s an otherworldly landscape that takes you back thousands of years. You feel as if you might see a dinosaur step out from behind one of the jumbo rock piles at any moment.

Mesa Verde National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Trail of the Ancients, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona

Experience the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Colorado Plateau on the Trail of the Ancients, a scenic route that travels through Southeastern Utah, Southwestern Colorado, and Northeastern Arizona. It connects some of the nation’s richest archaeological, cultural, and historic sites in a remote region teeming with towering sandstone formations, deep canyons, and iconic red buttes.

Hovenweep National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The adventure can begin at any point on the trail but many choose to start at the famed Four Corners Monument and then travel in a counter-clockwise circle. Along the way, you’ll see the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the archaeological sites of the Hovenweep National Monument. You’ll white-knuckle it down the hairpin turns of the Moki Dugway and marvel at the sandstone monoliths and pinnacles of the Valley of the Gods.

Shenandoah National Park

Skyline Drive takes you 105 miles through the park along the crest of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. This route stretches through Shenandoah National Park where warm spring weather brings purple and yellow violets, masses of pink azaleas, and white dogwood flowers.

Skyline Drive features 75 overlooks including Spitler Knoll, Range View, and Hogback, all of which offer unobstructed views across the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Picacho Peak State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Picacho Peak State Park, Arizona

Winter showers make February and March wildflowers in the desert parks and create yet another reason to explore this beautiful region. During years of average and above average precipitation, it seems every direction you look there is beautiful yellow, red, white, orange, blue, or purple flowers blanketing the landscape. Arizona had a good, rainy winter so far, so our hopes are up for a bright blanket of flowers soon!

The contrast of vibrant flowers against the backdrop of green is a sight to behold so get your camera, comfortable outdoor shoes, and plenty of water and enjoy the rich colors across the state.

Picacho Peak is arguably one of the best spots to see blooming wildflowers and cactus in Arizona with bushels of incredible golden blooms throughout the park. The desert wildflowers here offer a unique and beautiful contrast to the green and brown hues of this Sonoran Desert park.

3. Back to Nature

Time spent outdoors in nature can have many health benefits including reducing stress and increasing cardiovascular health.

Grasslands Nature Trail, Padre Island National Seashore *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

The most significant undeveloped barrier island in the world, Padre Island National Seashore offers more than 130,000 acres of dunes, grasslands, and beaches―a national park and a haven for all sorts of family-friendly activities. Immerse yourself in the fauna and flora that populate this marshland environment with a short stroll along the Grasslands Nature Trail. Away from the beach, this trail offers a glimpse of animals that live inland including coyotes, deer, kangaroo rats, ghost crabs, and many others.

Malaquite Beach, Padre Island National Seashore *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Apart from the actual sands of Malaquite Beach, Padre Island’s Visitors Center holds a breathtaking observation deck for wildlife viewing. Along Malaquite Beach, visitors scavenge for small shells deposited by north currents at Little Shell Beach and comb through the sands of Big Shell Beach for larger shell discoveries. Whichever activity you partake in, it’s safe to say that Padre Island National Seashore is a beachside paradise for a gorgeous getaway.

Bernheim Forest *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Bernheim Arboretum and Forest, Kentucky

Are you looking to connect with nature? Bernheim is the place to do it. With 16,140 acres of land in Bullitt and Nelson Counties in Kentucky, there is an adventure waiting for everyone. Purchased by German immigrant Isaac W. Bernheim in 1929, the land was dedicated as a gift to the people of his new homeland.

Whether it’s hiking one of the many trails, fishing in Lake Nevin, enjoying public art, reading under a tree, or taking part in a scheduled program, Bernheim offers visitors unique opportunities to connect with nature. Over 40 miles of trails with varying degrees of ease and difficulty weave their way through the forest at Bernheim meaning no matter what level you are looking for, there’s a trail for you.

Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Take a culinary tour of America

Go in search of fresh flavors this spring on a culinary trip across America.

Food Festivals

For foodies, warmer weather means one thing: a host of new food festivals to attend where you can eat and drink across the country. Here are seven food festivals to put on your travel list this spring.

SoCal Taco Fest, San Diego, California, April 29, 2023
Vidalia Onion Festival, Vidalia, Georgia, April 20-23, 2023
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, May 5-7, 2023
Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, Des Moines, Iowa, February May 12-13, 2023
Nantucket Wine & Food Festival, Nantucket, Massachusetts, May 17-21, 2023
Cheese Curd Festival, Ellsworth, Wisconsin, June 23-24, 2023

Hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Go hiking

In my mind, there are few things more rejuvenating than hiking or walking in nature. One of the biggest reasons I fell in love with the RV lifestyle is that beautiful nature is so accessible wherever you are. It seems like I am always just minutes away from a spectacular trailhead. Whether I am hiking in the mountains or traversing trails in the desert, nature is a refuge—it’s a change of pace from city life, from being stuck inside, from being sedentary.

Blue Mesa Loop, Petrified Forest National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Blue Mesa Loop, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

This mile-long trail takes you into a landscape brushed in blue where you will find cone-shaped hills banded in a variety of colors and intricately eroded into unique patterns. Descending from the mesa this alternately paved and gravel trail loop offers the unique experience of hiking among petrified wood as well as these badland hills.

Gulf State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, Gulf State Park, Alabama

Gulf State Park features 28 miles of paved trails or boardwalks including seven trails of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail complex that inspire visitors to explore the nine distinct ecosystems within park boundaries.

Big Trees Trail, Sequoia National Park, California

Located next to the Giant Forest Museum, the Big Trees Trail is one of the best short and easy hikes you can do in Sequoia. This loop trail takes you completely around the meadow and provides impressive views of numerous massive sequoias as well as the beautiful meadow itself.

Courthouse Towers *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Park Avenue Trail, Arches National Park, Utah

The 4-mile out and back hike is easy and has minimal elevation gain. Walk down into the vast canyon, passing endless rows of mesmerizing conglomerates on your way to the memorable Courthouse Towers. Along the way, enjoy long-range views of the La Sal Mountains as you walk by iconic formations such as the Organ, Sheep Rock, and Three Gossips.

Getting out and traveling can sometimes be the best way to kick the winter blues especially if you live somewhere that gets very little sunshine. Enjoying the beauty of spring in any one of these destinations is sure to help you recharge and reset. Whether you want to get out and hit the trails or simply sit back and enjoy an afternoon of peace somewhere with warmer temperatures, you’re sure to find a great trip on this list.

Worth Pondering…

Come with me into the woods. Where spring is advancing as it does no matter what, not being singular or particular, but one of the forever gifts, and certainly visible.

—Mary Oliver, Bazougey

The Ultimate Guide to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are filled with a vast expanse of nature, dozens of the world’s largest trees, and thousands of miles of backcountry trails

A grove of giant redwood or sequoias should be kept just as we keep a great and beautiful cathedral.

— President Theodore Roosevelt

Giant Sequoias, the world’s largest trees by volume, are found only on California’s western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. These majestic trees were the impetus behind the creation of the United States’ second and third national parks: Sequoia National Park and General Grant National Park (later expanded and renamed Kings Canyon National Park).

Sequoias can grow to be upwards of a 26-story building in height and over 3,000 years old. They were named Sequoiadendron giganteum, or Sequoia for short, after the Native American man, Sequoyah, who created the Cherokee’s system of writing. In the mid-1800s, Western settlers came across these trees and were awe-struck by their grandeur. Not surprisingly, the largest sequoias were given names of monumental American figures of that time including Lincoln, General Sherman, and General Grant, as well as a sequoia known only as the “President.”

One of the largest tree stumps in the world is known as the Mark Twain Tree. Embodying the American spirit of adventure and storytelling, the Mark Twain Tree was cut down and sent off in cross sections to be displayed in museums in New York and London. Although the parks were created to stop logging, the Mark Twain Tree was cut down, right or wrong, to showcase these wonders of the world and educate the public. Standing before a cross-section and looking at its many rings, we are offered a different perspective on the age and incredible scale of these ancient specimens.

So here we have two separate national parks joined at the hip, very different and with one big thing in common—size. Sequoia National Park has the largest tree on Earth by volume stationed within its boundaries its name is General Sherman. Kings Canyon is home to one of North America’s largest (and most beautiful) canyons, and to the world’s second-largest tree, General Grant.

The Largest Tree in the World

Sequoia National Park is home to the largest tree in the world which stands 275 feet high with a volume of 52,508 cubic feet. Though far from being the world’s tallest tree, this sequoia’s mass is unrivaled across the planet. Named after American Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman, the General Sherman Tree is a highly visited feature of the National Park System.

Recently, fires in the area of the Giant Forest sequoia grove made it necessary to take additional steps to protect General Sherman and other giant sequoias. General Sherman’s incredible 36-foot-diameter base and nearly 103-foot circumference were wrapped in foil up to 10–15 feet high to help shield its already thick bark from potential flames. Luckily, a recent program of prescribed fires kept this massive sequoia and its neighbors protected, though, unfortunately, other groves in the surrounding Sequoia National Forest did not fare so well.

This increased threat to the world’s largest tree was brought to national attention and it was used as an opportunity to highlight controversy over its name. One periodical called for the tree to be “saved and then renamed.” General Sherman’s tactics during and after the Civil War were indeed nothing short of brutal. His command oversaw the mass killing of Native Americans and the near extinction of buffalo.

Critics justifiably highlight the paradox inherent in sequoias being named after a Cherokee man while the pinnacle exemplar of the species is ironically given the name of a general who oversaw the mass slaughter and displacement of Native Americans.

Is the answer to America’s past to revise or rename everything that is challenging or can we continue to rationally face these difficult aspects of our history without needing to destroy or rename national landmarks?

Instead of canceling history, it is important to have the past inform the present to avoid making similar mistakes. It is the trees themselves that are great regardless of any given name or historical figure with whom they are associated. The giant sequoias were here long before American colonization, and, God willing, they will remain for millennia to come. In Shakespeare’s famous words, “That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.”

Protecting the Trees

On September 25, 1890, Sequoia National Park was created by President Harrison to protect sequoias from private industry. General Grant National Park was created one week later to protect additional groves in the area. Expanded and renamed Kings Canyon National Park in 1940, the park is home to the second largest tree in the world, the General Grant Tree. Named after President of the United States, and General, Ulysses S. Grant, the tree stands 268 feet tall with a volume of 46,608 cubic feet.

President Grant established the National Park Service. This act alone makes it fitting that a giant sequoia is named in his honor. Grant famously oversaw the end of the Civil War at Appomattox, where, on April 9, 1865, a peace agreement was signed with General Lee and no prisoners of war were taken. In 1868, Grant was elected president of a nation still deeply wounded by domestic bloodshed. President Eisenhower made the General Grant Tree a national shrine in 1956 to honor all those who have lost their lives serving our country. It is the only living shrine in the United States.

Nature’s Mightiest Survivors

Everyone who stands at the base of a mighty sequoia for the first time is changed by the experience. These gigantic trees, thousands of years in the making, command a feeling of great reverence. Their presence is felt in the stillness and peace of their groves. While recent fires have threatened and taken the lives of many sequoias, others have survived through many flames long since extinguished. Sequoias are some of nature’s best survivors. They have a very thick skin, so to speak, with bark that can be up to 1.5 feet thick, shielding the living tissue underneath.

Fire plays an essential role in the growth of sequoias and the health of the forest. Through fire come renewal and the opportunity for new sequoias to plant and have the sunlight to grow. Fire clears out natural buildup on the forest floor, making way for new life. Fire severity increases in potential when small fires are prevented from doing this necessary work. Native Americans managed the forest with fire and the National Park Service has learned to do the same with controlled, “prescribed” burns. Sequoia seeds successfully grow into seedlings thanks to the mineral soil cleared, and enriched, by fire.

We can strive to protect these beautiful trees out of genuine love, or attachment, but we don’t own nature, and whether we like it or not, we aren’t in control of its cycles. 2014 marked the most severe drought in 122 years, but that does not mean it is wholly unnatural, or “man-made.” Humanity impacts nature in a variety of ways but it is part of the deception of our time to assume that we are to blame for most of the frightening occurrences or extreme events that happen in nature.

The evidence is written in the rings of trees that were here long before us. Giant sequoias have survived as long as they have because they have learned to live through and grow from adversity. They are known as a “pioneer species” because they are among the first to take root after a fire occurs. There is a humbling and regenerative wisdom amongst these trees that seems to calmly, yet powerfully, whisper, “This too shall pass.” Edwin Markham, American poet of the 19th and 20th centuries, wrote:

Fact Box

Size:

Sequoia National Park: 404,063 acres

Kings Canyon National Park: 461,901 acres

Date Established:

Sequoia National Park: September 25, 1890

Kings Canyon National Park: March 4, 1940

Location: Central California

Park Elevation: 1,370 feet-14,494 feet

How the parks got their names:

Sequoia National Park: This park was named after the giant Sequoia tree! The naming of the sequoia tree has a complicated past—some stories say that it commemorates a Cherokee Indian Chief named Sequoya who is well known for giving a phonetic alphabet to his nation; others record that it was named after the tree genus of its close relative—the redwood tree—which was named after the Latin word sequoiadendron giganteum.

Kings Canyon National Park: Kings Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in America—1.5 miles deep—and was named for the Kings River that flows through the base of it creating the canyon. The Kings River also flows through Sequoia and Sierra National Forests.

Iconic sites in the park:

Sequoia National Park: Hands down this honor goes to the General Sherman Tree—the largest tree in the world by volume—so iconic that it was chosen by the National Park Service to represent all trees in all of the parks on the iconic Arrowhead logo insignia. It is estimated that General Sherman is between 2,300 and 2,700 years old. A new, well-established trail to the iconic site was completed in 2006, allowing more space for visitors to wander and to better appreciate the massive size of the tree. The 0.8-mile out and back hike is a breeze, but do go slow—the elevation at the parking lot is 7,000 feet and you most likely climbed by car to get there so you might be a bit light headed on the short walk due to the elevation change.

Kings Canyon National Park: The views on the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway took our breath away. It is these views that Sierra Club photographer Ansel Adams captured and shared with the U.S. government to successfully lobby for national park status. Winding down the 50-mile mountain pass you will see wildflowers, forests of trees, sloped mountains, rock formations, and at the base of it all, the Kings River—the stepping off point to the wilds of the Sierra Nevada wilderness.

Mount Eisen, Sequoia *National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Did you know…

Sequoia is America’s second national park. It was the first national park to be created to protect a living organism, the giant sequoia tree, which at a time of the park formation was vulnerable to complete destruction due to logging endeavors.

The largest tree in the world by volume is in Sequoia National Park, it’s name is General Sherman. The largest of the sequoias are as tall (on average) as a 26-story building.

The world’s second largest tree by volume, the General Grant Tree, can be found in Kings Canyon National Park. It is not only America’s official Christmas tree, but also a national shrine dedicated to U.S. veterans in 1956. It is estimated to be 2,000 years old.

Mt. Whitney, standing at 14,505 feet, is the highest mountain in the lower 48 states and is located on the eastern side of Sequoia National Park.

A Giant Sequoia Tree’s Guide to Life

Have a thick skin

Stand up to the heat

Don’t let things bug you

Heal your own wounds

Enjoy your days in the sun

Strive for balance

Hold yourself up high

Worth Pondering…

No other tree in the world, as far as I know, has looked down on so many centuries as the Sequoia, or opens such impressive and suggestive views into history.

—John Muir, The Big Trees, Chapter 7 of The Yosemite (1912)