We spent our last day (and a half) in Kings Canyon National Park. Kings Canyon and Sequoia are right next to each other and are jointly managed. Kings Canyon is actually split into two different areas -- the Grant Grove area and the canyon area further to the east, and these two areas are separated by the Sequoia National Forest.
The drive down into the canyon was full of twists and turns, and Henry got quite motion sick. We had to stop every 5-10 minutes to let him out to get a breath of fresh air!
Fortunately, the turnouts were everywhere, and we were greeted with beautiful wildflowers and stunning vistas.
Kings River down below -- that's where we had to go!
Kings River was moving so fast!
We couldn't resist a stop at Grizzly Falls, especially since the falls were literally steps from the road.
Gorgeous falls
A couple of deer crossed the road right in front of us.
After stopping by the Cedar Creek Visitors Center for maps, we headed out on the Zumwalt Meadow Trail.
The river really did appear to be a deep turquoise-green.
Crossing the river
As soon as we got on the trail, everyone we passed warned us of a rattlesnake at trail marker 11. They all said he was coiled up and sleeping and that we would be fine if we walked by quietly. Of course, by the time we got to him, he was awake, rattling, and slithering away (fortunately into the rocks and away from the trail). That was some excitement!
Moving on past the snake with Gene in the lead to listen for other rattles.
Gorgeous views
The river was so full that part of the trail was washed out and underwater, so we had to turn back the way we came. The rattlesnake was long gone by the time we got back to trail marker 11.
This truck was parked next to us in the parking lot (SEKI stands for Sequoia-Kings Canyon).
After lunch at Cedar Creek, we drove back to the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon, stopping at vista points on the way.
Back in the Grant Grove area, we checked in to the John Muir Lodge and walked down to the visitor center, where the boys earned their Junior Ranger badges. We all learned that three of the first four national parks formed were to protect the giant sequoias. Grant Grove was its own national park from 1890 until 1940, when it was joined with the newly formed Kings Canyon National Park.
We drove to the Grant Grove area, home to the General Grant Tree, which is the third largest sequoia in the world.
General Grant Tree
Settler's cabin
After dinner, the boys found ice cream. It was quite warm that day, so it was a perfect end to a very full day.
On our last day, we were up and checked out of the lodge pretty early, so we had plenty of time for one last hike before heading to Fresno to catch our flight home. We chose the Big Stump Trail, which is about a mile loop right on our way out of the park.
Another sequoia bridge
Meadow -- no bear sightings!
This is the Mark Twain stump. In 1891, a slab from this tree was sent to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City so that all people could marvel at these incredible giants. Believe it or not, some people thought the giant sequoias were simply a tall tale!
Sad Henry -- so many of these giant trees were cut down for lumber.
The end of our last hike!
The quiet beauty of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are incredible and I am so glad I was able to visit again, this time with my family in tow!
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