If you're staying inside Kings Canyon NP at that time, you'd be at Grant Grove Village (up top, not down in the canyon). But you would need reservations, fast.

Thanks Supercillious.

So helpful! May I just ask if 3 rivers to Giant forest is ever shut at that time of year, or is it just roadworks that need checking on? ( Thanks for the link).

Cheers!

Thanks Jenazz.

If we have to book outside the park, where would you suggest and would we still need 2 days if the drive to Cedar Grove is out of bounds?

Thanks for your time.

I'm afraid I've only stayed inside the parks. The park website www.nps.gov/seki has links to area motels, but I don't know how current they are. Or you could make it three nights in your first motel.

As for time - that depends on what you plan to do up there. You could subtract the night and day you were planning to devote to the canyon, or you might find there's another area with hikes or other activities that interest you.

Storms can come in during early May but they are unusual and don't last long. With the Canyon not accessible and no cave tours in May, I would just plan for two nights if I was going.

It's impossible to know what trail conditions will be like this far in advance. A couple of years ago, some of the higher trails just off the Generals' Highway were closed until mid-June. The main groves should be OK but I think you are better off spending more time in Yosemite Valley which is lower in elevation.

Many thanks to you both for taking time out to help us.

We really appreciate it.

Just to add a couple of things, the road into Sequoia from Three Rivers on Highway 198 only rarely closes, and it takes something pretty extreme for that to happen so you shouldn't have any issues with road closures. I would still advise checking road/weather conditions before entering the park though to make sure the roads you intend to use are open (dial 559-565-3341).

I also agree with the suggestion to just make the drive from Pismo. It does take a few hours but it really isn't a terrible drive.

Hello.

Many thanks for your input.

I have taken note of telephone no. We have booked into your lodge for the 11th and 12th May, so I really hope road stays open!

Look forward to seeing you all then.

Take care and thanks again.