Yosemite, Kings Canyon & Sequoia: 7 Day Camping Adventure

My biggest takeaway from this journey is the humbling realization of how small I am in this vast universe. Standing beneath the towering peaks, gazing up at the cascading waterfalls, and walking among the ancient, giant sequoias, I felt a profound sense of awe. Each moment spent in these majestic landscapes was a reminder of the incredible scale of the world around me, and how, in comparison, my own presence is but a fleeting whisper.

@camillalxy, Your AAdventure Guide

Essential Information

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in San Francisco (SFO) -> Upper Pines Campground

Arrive in San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in the morning and pick up your rental car. Begin your scenic four-hour drive to Yosemite National Park, making a stop in nearby town for supplies. In the evening, set up camp at Upper Pines Campground, nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley. If time permits, visit Valley View for a stunning sunset over the Yosemite Valley.

Day 2 - Sunrise at Tunnel View -> Glacier Point -> Yosemite Falls -> Mirror Lake

Start your day early with a sunrise drive to Tunnel View for breathtaking vistas of El Capitan and Half Dome. Hike the 5-mile Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop to enjoy panoramic views of the park and the vertigo-inducing Taft Point. After lunch, drive to Glacier Point for more incredible sights, then drive back for short hikes to the Bridalveil Fall and Lower Yosemite Falls. If time allows, take a serene 2-mile hike to Mirror Lake before returning to your campsite.

Day 3 - Mist Trail -> Olmsted Point -> Tuolumne Meadows

Embark on the Mist Trail hike in the morning to reach the top of Vernal Falls (3 miles round trip), experiencing the misty spray and vibrant rainbows along the way. Afterward, drive to Olmsted Point for a unique perspective of the park. Stop by Tenaya Lake for a refreshing break. Hike the 1.5-mile Soda Springs Trail through the picturesque Tuolumne Meadows. Return to Upper Pines Campground for the night.

Day 4 - Fresno -> Azalea Campground -> General Grant Tree

Check out of your Yosemite campground in the morning and drive to Kings Canyon National Park, a journey of about three hours. Along the way, stop in Fresno for supplies. Once at Kings Canyon, set up camp at Azalea Campground, located in the Grant Grove area. Spend the afternoon hiking the General Grant Loop Trail, home to the impressive General Grant Tree, the second largest tree in the world. Visit Panoramic Point Overlook for sweeping views of the canyon, a perfect spot for sunset photography.

Day 5 - Zumwalt Meadow -> Dorst Creek Campground

Begin your day with a hike on the 4.1-mile Zumwalt Meadow Trail, offering lush meadows, stunning river views, and dramatic granite cliffs. Afterward, drive to Sequoia National Park, about an hour away, and set up camp at Dorst Creek Campground.

Day 6 - General Sherman Tree -> Moro Rock -> Crystal Cave

Visit the iconic General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. Hike the Congress Trail to explore the surrounding giant sequoias and marvel at their grandeur. In the afternoon, hike Moro Rock for an exhilarating climb and breathtaking views of the park. See the famous Tunnel Log and take a tour of Crystal Cave, a stunning marble cavern with striking formations. Return to Dorst Creek Campground for your final night in the park.

Day 7 - Departure from SFO

On your final day, pack up your campsite and enjoy a scenic four-hour drive back to San Francisco International Airport. Don't forget to share your photos and experiences with us to be featured on Voyagers' social media. We'd love to hear your stories!

This Trip Is Best For

First-time visitors: "I've never been to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, or Sequoia and want to see all the highlights."

Experienced hikers: "I'm in good shape and enjoy challenging hikes and packed schedules."

Outdoor adventurers: "I prioritize unique outdoor experiences over food and lodging conditions."

Independent explorers: "I prefer traveling without a guide and am comfortable with basic navigation."

Early planners: "I plan my trips at least 5 months in advance to ensure I can book campsites."

How To Autopilot

1. Pay a deposit to receive the full itinerary and secure your spot if you'd like to join a group.

2. Answer a few questions from us to be matched with compatible group members. 

3. Pay the balance to meet your group and get ready for your self-guided adventure together.

• Once you've met your group, no refunds will be issued for cancellations.
• Each additional participant you bring gets 10% off the balance for everyone in the same party, until your party size reaches the max group size of the trip.

For just $14 or less, you'll be ready to go with an actionable itinerary AND travel buddies you'll get along with.

That's like HOURS ⏰ of trip planning and HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS 💰 on travel agency SAVED ✅

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