Explore Better with the National Park Travelers: Road-Tripping the Majestic Mountain Loop
We just got back from exploring two of the most beautiful National Parks we’ve ever visited: Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park. The best thing about these two bucket list destinations is the proximity between them—they are a short 3-hour drive apart. You can see them both on a road-trip along the appropriately named Majestic Mountain Loop for the perfect long weekend getaway. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know when visiting these parks!
Best Airport To Use
Fresno International as the airport of choice. It is the nearest airport to both, located about 1.5 hours from each park.
Where To Stay
Sequoia National Park
The Wuksachi Lodge is our go-to place to stay when visiting! It’s located inside Sequoia National Park itself, which is extremely helpful for your trip. The closest town is more than 1.5 hours away! On property you’ll find a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a gift shop, guided tours, and much more! We had the incredible opportunity to view the Orionids meteor shower during a guided stargazing tour that left directly from the Wuksachi Lodge lobby. Here, the wonders of Sequoia National Park are right at your fingertips.
Yosemite National Park
The Tenaya Lodge is one of the most beautiful national park lodges we’ve ever seen. Staying there is an experience like no other. Offering tours, 3 on-site restaurants, a pool, the Ascent Spa, gym, gift shops, and so much more!
Best Time Of Year To Visit
Both parks have pros to each season that make them worth visiting year-round!
Our Personal Favorite: Fall
Fall is our favorite time to visit Sequoia National Park! The crowds have started to thin out, and you should be able to get relatively snow-free roads and trails for much of the season. Expect some chilly mornings and nights!
Fall colors against granite rock is a stunning, must-see contrast. Don’t miss the view of Sentinel Rock from the banks of the Merced River, just behind Yosemite Valley Lodge. Fall is also an active time for wildlife in the park as they prepare for winter.
Winter
If you’ve ever seen photos of Sequoia under a blanket of snow, you can imagine why this place is a must-visit during the winter! The snow transforms the forest into a winter wonderland. Be sure to be prepared! You’re required to carry snow chains in your vehicle (or have 4-wheel drive with high clearance).
Winter in Yosemite brings less crowds, more wildlife, and magical views of granite domes dusted in snow. The season also hosts one of the most incredible natural phenomena: the Firefall. In February, the sunset illuminates Horsetail Fall on El Capitan with a bright orange glow, making it appear like fire falling from the monolith.
Spring
You can typically expect snow on the ground through late May. Once it melts, you’ll be treated to amazing hiking weather, blooming wildflowers, and active wildlife before the summer crowds roll in.
As the winter snow begins to melt, this is when Yosemite is bursting with life. This is the prime time to see waterfalls and wildflowers in the park! Each typically reach their peak around June.
Summer
Crowds begin to pour in, but the entire park is accessible to hike, making it easy to venture deep into nature and find solitude. If you’re a backpacker or a backcountry hiker, summer is your season in Sequoia National Park.
Expect crowds during the summer, but with good reason. The Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road open and the park truly becomes a hiker’s dream! However, if you are going are hoping to see the iconic waterfalls of Yosemite Valley (Yosemite Falls, Nevada Falls, and Bridalveil Falls), keep in mind they may be running dry due to low water and drought of the season.
Sequoia Hikes We Recommend
One of the must-do Sequoia National Park hikes is Moro Rock. This hike takes you up 350+ steps that are carved into a massive granite dome overlooking the valley below. Best viewed at sunrise or sunset!
- Difficulty (moderate)
- Distance (0.5 miles)
- Estimated hike time (30 minutes)
At 1200 ft long, Tokopah Falls is the longest waterfall in Sequoia and a beautiful stop! Unlike other free-falling waterfalls, Tokopah Falls features a series of cascading water.
- Difficulty (moderate)
- Distance (3.8 miles)
- Estimated hike time (1.5-2 hours)
A peaceful meadow situated in the middle of a beautiful forest of sequoia trees. This trail is also near Moro Rock and makes for a great stop before you begin a sunset hike. You can also add on Tharps Log to Crescent Meadow to see a fallen sequoia tree that was converted into a living quarters in the 1800s.
- Difficulty (easy)
- Distance (1.3 miles)
- Estimated hike time (30 minutes)
This unique trail overlooks a deep canyon and offers beautiful views of alpine forest, meadows, granite valleys, and tall peaks. This also leads to the Lake Trail which features 4 alpine lakes!
- Difficulty (moderate)
- Distance (8.2 miles)
- Estimated hike time (4-5 hours)
One of the best views in the park for minimal effort. This easy boardwalk trail winds beneath massive sequoia trees on the edge of Round Meadow. Filled with interpretive signs along the route, this trail also provides a great opportunity to learn more about Sequoia National Park’s history.
- Difficulty (easy)
- Distance (1.2 miles)
- Estimated hike time (30 minutes)
This popular paved loop starts at the largest tree in the world, The General Sherman. This is our favorite trail in the entire park and a perfect way to get up-close and personal with these majestic giants in a short and easy hike.
- Difficulty (easy)
- Distance (2.9 miles)
- Estimated hike time (1.5 hours)
Yosemite Hikes We Recommend
This is one of Yosemite’s most beautiful and iconic lakes. It’s also easily accessible. Time it right and you will catch some amazing reflections of snowcapped mountains in the glass-like water.
- Difficulty (easy)
- Distance (3.4 miles)
- Estimated hike time (1 hour)
You’ve probably seen the famous Tunnel View of Yosemite, with El Capitan and Half Dome side by side and the beautiful valley in between. You’ve also probably seen the crowds that flock to the roadside viewing point. Artist Point is a great alternative to that. This moderate hike takes you right above that viewing point with far less crowds!
- Difficulty (moderate)
- Distance (2.3 miles)
- Estimated hike time (1.5 hours)
At 2,425 Ft tall, this free-falling waterfall is a gem of not only Yosemite, but all the United States. Lower Yosemite Fall trail takes you on a paved loop to get a view of the gigantic waterfall from all angles.
- Difficulty (easy)
- Distance (1.2 miles)
- Estimated hike time (30 minutes)
After visiting lower Yosemite Falls and getting a good appreciation for the size, now is time to hike to the top of the falls. A hard day hike, this will reward you with some of the best views in the park from the top of this enormous waterfall and the valley below.
- Difficulty (hard)
- Distance (7.6 miles)
- Estimated hike time (5-6 hours)
These two National Parks feature some of our favorite views of all time and need to be on everyone’s bucket list. Combine the fact that you can explore both in one road trip, you’re sure to have an experience you’ll never forget—and the urge to return again and again.