The year was 1971 and my youngest brother and I began the drive up the road in my `65 Opel wagon to check out the camping as our parent`s and sister were going to follow us in their station wagon and 15` travel trailer. Almost a mile up that steep road I had to lighten the load which had my brother exiting the car! We turned around and headed back down the mountain and found a payphone to call our parents and give them the news. Little did we know that we had missed the sign below that advised visitors of the difficulty for trailers and RVs to travel this road! A very enjoyable vacation was in store for all of us in Sequoia at Azalea Campground that year which was not our first there for our family.

Getting to Mineral King Valley is an adventure - the narrow dirt road clings to the side of a hill most of the way, but affords lovely views, and the Valley is worth it!

Had a great time this summer visiting the park. Lots of easy trails for the family to hike. My daughter participated in the junior ranger program which was a very special memory for her. The giant sequoias are an awesome attraction if you haven't lost your sense of wonder. I mean these trees are unbelievable. Lot's of great places for picnics and of course camping if you plan for that. We stayed just outside of the park and drove in to different locations each day planning for a few hikes and a picnic each time. We had my grandparents with us this time so we went at a slow pace but it was great being surrounded by the beauty of the parks and having time with family. Seniors can purchase a lifetime pass to the parks for a low rate which benefited us on this trip.

- Early morning drives are great for spotting wildlife.
- Junior Ranger Program for Kids - http://www.nps.gov/learn/juniorranger.cfm
- Check out the day hikes - http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/dayhikes.htm
- My favorite picnic - Grizzly Falls

Both are located in the Sierra Nevada (California) at the latitude of Fresno. The altitude is about 2000 meters for the Sequoia and goes down to about 1000 meters for the King Canyon.
In the Sequoia Park, you can drive and see interesting view points and hike as there are several trails. Do not expect large views because the park is covered by trees. Of course the most interesting trees are the sequoias, of which the "Sherman Tree" is the largest tree in the world ! The "Grant Tree" (on the road to the King Canyon) is just a little bit smaller. The road in the park is rather slow and there are not so many parkings.
The King Canyon park has a "V" shape ; there are not so many trees in this park but the views are spectacular. The road goes down from the Sequoia park and follow afterwards the river at the bottom ; you return by the same road. You find also trails especially at the end of the road. When I was there (October 2012) the Sequoia Park was in the clouds but descending to the King Canyon lets the sun appear.

Count one day to visit each park.