Yosemite/Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks
Hey y'all- I already asked for some input on our big summer trip, but plans have changed with the wife's new job. We now have about 10 days (late June/early July) and want to visit the parks above...
Forum Discussion
I grew up in Visalia. If I wanted to get a good feel for Sequoia National Park, I'd stay in Silver City in Mineral King. The drive there kind of stinks because it's very windy and narrow, but it's so beautiful up there. Silver City is a resort "town" with various types of cabins you can rent, from basic hiker's cabins, to "lodge style". https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g143050-d674142-Reviews-Silver_City_Mountain_Resort-Sequoia_and_Kings_Canyon_National_Park_California.html
For Kings Canyon, there are some lodges near Wilsonia and Grant Grove Village, or you can also look up near Hume Lake. Keep in mind Hume Lake is a busy Christian summer camp during the summer though, so while the homes you would rent are private, there's lots of kids running around (I was one of them 25-30 years ago ha ha).
If you want somewhere quiet to just relax, I enjoy Huntington Lake. You can't really get to the tourist destinations from there but it's beautiful and quiet and cool.
As for Yosemite, well, like others have said, it's hot and crowded in the summer, but if you're on a "one in a life time" type of trip, it's worth going. You can stay outside of the park in some of the smaller towns like Oakhurst or Fish Camp to get away from the crowds a bit. Or, if you want to go all out for a night or two, you can stay at The Majestic aka The Ahwahnee Hotel. It's beautiful and historic and right in the middle of it all... but get ready to get out your wallet for that one.
For Kings Canyon, there are some lodges near Wilsonia and Grant Grove Village, or you can also look up near Hume Lake. Keep in mind Hume Lake is a busy Christian summer camp during the summer though, so while the homes you would rent are private, there's lots of kids running around (I was one of them 25-30 years ago ha ha).
If you want somewhere quiet to just relax, I enjoy Huntington Lake. You can't really get to the tourist destinations from there but it's beautiful and quiet and cool.
As for Yosemite, well, like others have said, it's hot and crowded in the summer, but if you're on a "one in a life time" type of trip, it's worth going. You can stay outside of the park in some of the smaller towns like Oakhurst or Fish Camp to get away from the crowds a bit. Or, if you want to go all out for a night or two, you can stay at The Majestic aka The Ahwahnee Hotel. It's beautiful and historic and right in the middle of it all... but get ready to get out your wallet for that one.
