Private Day Tour to Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks From LA

All around great tour and travel experience!

My group booked the day trip tour to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park with pick up from Los Angeles. We knew it would be a long day with the travel commute but we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The tour operator was intentional about reaching out in advance to communicate expectations and our driver’s name and telephone number. The tour was customized to meet our needs including pick ups for on the go breakfast, lunch and dinner stops. Our driver and guide, Kirill, was very professional and knowledgeable. He was such a gentleman and made my group of 4 very comfortable and safe. Kirill was eager to share information and helped us secure very nice photo opportunities. He was patient and flexible the entire time, creating a memorable experience for our first visit. The scenic view of both parks was such an amazing experience!

via Tripadvisor

Great trip

I wanted to share that my group had amazing experience with Nikita as our driver and tour guide yesterday! He was very knowledgeable, patient, easy going and made my group very comfortable the entire trip. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide. Thank you for making the travel accommodations.

via Tripadvisor

Very disappointing

I will start with the positives - the views we saw were really delightful. As for the negatives: Our 4-person family bought a quite expensive trip that was meant to provide a comfortable transportation to the national parks and the care of an experienced guide. Unfortunately, the car we got was far from comfortable as 3 people needed to sit squeezed in the back seat for a total of more than 8 hours both ways. The guide had little knowledge of the area, that he probably gained only during his personal trips and repeatedly supported himself with Google. On the spot, it turned out that the parking space was not in any way organized by the company and as the park was quite crowded, we were forced to get in and out of the car in the middle of the busy road. We were left there without internet acess and hence no contact to the driver, and told to be at the same spot in 1.5 hours. It was not enough time for a pleasant walk in the woods, so we were hurrying to the end of the trail, which was definitely not what one wants when being in such an amazing place. We ended up not seeing 2 of the main points of the excursion - Moro Rock and Tunnel Log, due to the road closure. We were informed we can go on foot to the Moro Rock from a further location, but at the same time discouraged, given a long hike (approx. 3 hours) and a lack of parking space, so we would need to once again go alone and then come back rushing to the meeting point. The whole day we felt the only thing our driver was interested in was to come back to LA as soon as possible, which we did, not least thanks to his driving above the speed limit, also on curvy mountain roads, close to the edge, which was not the most comfortable feeling. The sequoias were magnificent and majestic, but the overall experience of the trip was not how we thought it would be and we are very dissapointed, and quite frankly angry that we paid so much money for a service that was so highly unsatisfactory. Taking an Uber from our hotel to the park and back would cost us much less and the final effect would not differ from this trip.

Response from the operator: Dear Costumer’s, Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. We truly value all reviews and would like to clarify a few important points regarding your experience: Our tours do not include a professional guide. This is clearly mentioned in the tour description, as we provide transportation and basic assistance rather than guided tours. Our crew member, drove you to all the locations listed in the itinerary. Unfortunately, two of the sites (Moro Rock and Tunnel Log) were closed by the National Park Service, which is beyond our control. He offered you the option to reach Moro Rock on foot, but understandably, this was declined. Therefore, The vehicle provided was an SUV, as stated in the tour description. Nowhere do we advertise a luxury vehicle. Moreover , Parking inside national parks is often crowded and subject to availability. Our driver always ensures safety when dropping off or picking up passengers. Regarding the time provided on the trail, our tours follow a set schedule in order to cover all locations listed in the itinerary. At the beginning of every trip, we provide all necessary contact information for the driver. In areas with limited signal, clients may also contact Viator support at any time for assistance. Our driver has over 10 years of professional driving experience. Many clients prefer to explore on their own at their own pace. Driven is always available to provide assistance, take photos, or answer questions if asked. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the magnificent Sequoias themselves, though we regret that the overall experience did not meet your expectations. We feel some parts of the review may not fully reflect the actual service provided, but we always welcome constructive feedback as we strive to improve.

via Viator

Sequoia's Top Three Done Deal.

Straightforward and professional guide to Kings and Sequoia must sees. Confident driver departs from LA.

via Viator

Speedy trip to hug trees

We booked this trip through Viator but based on the experience, I am leaving a review here as well. We had a driver, Ruslan, notice I said “driver” not guide. Ruslan knew almost nothing about the park other than how to drive there. He was most familiar with the gas pedal and never met a speed limit he was going to follow, often driving over 80 mph and passing unsafely on 2 lane roads. Our delicious breakfast was at McDonalds, which was fine but maybe the description should be updated. He did not engage with us when we tried to have conversation and his answers about the park were vey minimal. We definitely did not get an experienced guide as promised. He only stayed with us for the General Grant tree but was much too busy taking his own pictures to be bothered helping us take any. He also walked as fast as he drove and had no concept of our pace or where we were behind him. At General Sherman he dropped us off and said “don’t go on Congress Trail” and he went back to the car to take a nap- we actually had to wake him up when we got back. Sadly that was all we got to see of the park. He didn’t want to take us to Moro Rocks and the parking lot was closed so instead of talking to the park ranger there or letting us use the shuttle, he said we had to leave. We also didn’t get to drive through Tunnel Log which was in the itinerary. Overall the park was amazing but this tour was awful! I would definitely use a certified company rather than an individual operator. Also for this price, I would have expected a luxury SUV (we had a very uncomfortable Jeep) and some snacks (granola bars)- the description doesn’t specify a type of car and says they don’t provide snacks so this is not factored in my rating.

Response from the operator: Dear Customer’s, Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. We truly value all reviews and would like to clarify a few important points regarding your experience: 1. Our tours do not include a professional guide, and this is clearly stated in the tour description. 2. Ruslan showed all of the locations listed in the itinerary. One location was closed by the National Park Service, and he offered an alternative option to reach it on foot. This offer was declined. Both of the places you mention were inaccessible due to official park restrictions. 3. Ruslan has over 20 years of driving experience, and we have never received a complaint regarding his driving in any of our previous tours. 4. We always inform clients beforehand and give them the choice of where to have breakfast or to proceed directly to the park. 5. The visit to McDonald’s was chosen by you, and we simply accommodated your preference. 6. Our driver has general knowledge of the park and is always happy to answer questions. For more detailed information, we recommend speaking with the rangers at the Visitor Center, which we are always willing to visit when requested. 7. Our clients usually prefer to walk at their own pace, and we respect their personal space. If a client would like assistance with taking photos or would like more information, the driver is more than happy to help when asked. 8. Regarding the rest taken during your visit on Congress Trail, this is a standard practice on a tour that begins at 7:00 a.m. and finishes around 10–11 p.m. The short rest is essential for safety reasons and is communicated beforehand. Until now, no client has ever raised an issue regarding this practice. 9. Lastly, we have never stated that a luxury vehicle is provided. The tour description specifies an SUV, which is exactly the type of vehicle that was provided. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the park itself, but we feel that several points in the review are either inaccurate or exaggerated. We always aim to provide a fair description of what to expect and remain fully transparent with our clients. If you have any additional concerns, we would be happy to discuss them directly. Kind regards, Nikita Sidorenko CEO of Nik Adventures

via Tripadvisor