Kings Canyon/Sequoia

[Loki45]

I plan to visit both parks this summer using a C-class motorhome. As I'm going to come from the North and continuing to the South, I'll hate to follow the "official" recommendation which advises against using the winding mountain road that leads from Kings Canyon to the southern exit of the park (between Potwisha and Giant Forest Museum), if the RV is longer than 22ft. I'm very experienced at driving mountain roads, so I would take the road if it's technically possible. Does anyone know about this road?

Thanks.

[profdant139]

A 28 footer is not feasible. As mentioned, I have driven that road maybe 50 times in my life.

[lbrjet]

Feasible if you plan on using the entire road on some of the curves. I could barely use one lane in my 19 foot pickup this past summer. Hopefully you don't cause an accident and/or get ticketed.

[Loki45]

Thanks everybody for your input. It pretty much confirms what I thought - it's difficult, but feasible. I'm going to be there in a 28 ft. C-Class motorhome, not in my own 36 ft. 5th wheel. I wouldn't even have asked if I were in that rig! Any more comments would be welcome.

[profdant139]

I would observe the rule carefully -- but if you are not over the limit, no problem. Just drive alertly. I have driven that road many times, but never while towing.

Oh, and one more thing -- are you coming in the early summer or late summer? We have had a very heavy winter -- the streams will be high in June. Lots of flowers and waterfalls this year! Tokopah Falls is amazing in a wet year, and the hike is very easy.

[Off_Pavement]

When we did that section last summer in our 25' class C, I would have been turned around by the gate ranger if I hadn't asked about unhooking our toad and driving separately. I got the "It's not recommended" spiel, "take it easy", and "rangers will ticket you if you are crossing the lines or otherwise being a traffic hazzard".

We did it, and loved it. We saw several small van cab tour busses on the road. If narrow mountain roads make you nervous, then perhaps you should skip it, but in my opinion, the car drivers were the danger... they were all over the road! You did say you are experienced in these conditions...

[salem]

Road is very crooked with lots of switchbacks. However, a 22 ft. rig doesn't sound too unreasonable to me. Hopefully, someone will jump in who has the actual experience. I've made the drive numerous times but always in a car. The town of Three Rivers has some nice candy shops and restaurants btw.:)

[Lwiddis]

I can't specifically advise you but I can say I like a driving challenge. California Hwy 4 is not advised when pulling a trailer but not forbidden. I did that one over the Sierras. It was fun but I don't need to do it again. I "CHICKENED OUT" on taking California Hwy 1 from Fort Bragg to Leggett. Still kicking myself but CA Hwy. 20 was a pretty drive to Willits.