Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Sequoia and Kings Canyon

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

   The largest trees in the world – Sequoiadendron giganteum or the giant sequoia – are the top draw for many visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. And this slice of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California is indeed one of the best places to see these incredible, awe-inspiring trees. As the audio guides play commentary based on your GPS location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route to match your interests and schedule.

   480 minutes here

2. This impressive grouping of 4 trees form a natural entryway on the road to the forest in Sequoia National Park. They are famous for being successfully protected from the KNP Complex fire, thanks to the efforts of firefighters who wrapped their bases in aluminum blankets. The Four Guardsmen are part of the Giant Forest, a cluster of huge trees.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

3. General Sherman Tree

   General Sherman, named for American Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman, is considered to be the largest tree in the world by wood volume and is estimated to be 2,200 years old. That makes it the most famous tree in the park, and it is surrounded by other amazing trees in the grove. Visiting the tree requires a half mile walk to the site, but is a not-to-be-missed sight.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

4. Giant Forest Museum

   Located at the Giant Forest, the museum is a fantastic place to begin your exploration of this unique area. Located in an historic market building, displays help demonstrate the story of the giant sequoias. A number of short, but worthwhile, trails complete with interpretive signage depart from the museum site.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

5. Hospital Rock

   Archeological evidence around the Hospital Rock provides insight to how different Native American groups lived in and used the area dating back to the 14th century. Our modern Hospital Rock name originated through incidents where on two occasions a pair of settlers were given treatment for injuries at the site by the then resident Monache band, including a gunshot wound from a trapping accident. Those two settlers then tagged the site: Hospital Rock. This location features ancient bedrock mortars and pictographs.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

6. Moro Rock Trail

   This is a fantastic small-ish granite dome that is able to be scaled using a 350 step staircase. Panoramic views from the top are impressive and include the Great Western Divide of the Sierra Nevada, the foothills, and the San Joaquin Valley. One of the top three best sights in Sequoia!

   60 minutes here · Admission not included

7. Tunnel Log

   Unlike some other tunnel-though-a-tree locations, where a living tree was sacrifiiced for amusement, this car-sized tunnel was carved through a giant sequoia that had already fallen naturally. The park managers thought it was a good way to help visitors further understand the immensity of the giant sequoias, and also was a unique way to make the road passable once again. Don't worry if your vehicle is too large - there is a bypass option!

   Pass by without stopping

8. Though it can seem and feel a little sad visiting a tree graveyard, Big Stump also inspires us as to why it is so important for us to preserve these uniquely iconic trees that have taken thousands of years to reach their level of grandeur. Scientists are also learning how these big trees decay, and how we might re-generate the grove. The biggest tree in Big Stump was called the Mark Twain tree and measured 14 feet in diameter, possibly one of the biggest sequoias ever. The hiking trail can be accessed from either the picnic area or a trailhead near the Big Stump Entrance Station.

   30 minutes here

9. The Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon sits in a pretty setting and provides the last of available services, deep in the park, including campgrounds, a market and even a basic lodge. From the area there are a series of very nice hikes to choose from, ranging from short and easy to backcountry hauls. The river setting and several waterfalls add to the appeal.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

10. General Sherman Tree

    The General Grant Tree, close to Grant Village and the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, is one of the world's largest. The parking area is conveniently located making this marvel very easily accessible. If you are willing to walk further, this grove contains other fantastic trees and formations well worth exploring. It was the goal to protect this particular tree and grove from logging that eventually lead to the creation of Kings Canyon National Park.

    20 minutes here · Admission not included

11. Panoramic Point

    A very descriptive name for this elevated view that is expansive across the peaks of the high Sierras and the depths of Kings Canyon. The access road is located opposite the turn for the General Grant Grove. A very short hike is needed to open up the best views.

    20 minutes here · Admission not included

12. Roaring River Falls

    Just a short half mile walk on a paved trail gets you to enjoy Roaring Falls. The roaring gets very thunderous during the late spring melt and run-off. More serious hikers can continue on to Mist Falls, one of the biggest in the park.

    30 minutes here · Admission not included

13. Just before we reach the end of the canyon road at Kanawyers, Zumwalt Meadows is considered the best pick on the relatively easy hikes in the Cedar Grove area of the park. The trail is relatively flat and extremely scenic. This is one of the better areas for spotting wildlife, but keep in mind, wildlife tend to not be active at the hottest parts of the day. Unlike much of the canyon, these meadows are the remains of an old lake bed.

    30 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide)

Know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
• Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
• Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
• Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
• Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
• Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
• Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
• Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
• Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
• Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
• Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
• The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
• Please Note: National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination and not at the time of booking.

Photos

Traveler reviews

34 verified traveler reviews for Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.