"Off Season Camping in Sequoia National... " a Sequoia National Park Travel Page by Anthro

With our national parks crowded during the summer through Labor Day, my hubby and I decided to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park in October. There are two parks in one, with General Sherman in Sequoia National Forest. One entrance fee gets you into all of the areas. By going later in the year, we had our pick of campsites and there were a fraction of visitors on the roads and trails. The only thing with going off season is that there are not as many facilities open cause they are not open as late. No problem though if you bring your own food. Remember to put the food & toiletries in the bear-proof storage locker.

The General Sherman is the reason most people go to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park. It is the largest living thing on Earth. My camera was at a 90 degree angle and it still didn't capture the entire tree. Words cannot explain the awe and humble feeling I got at looking at that tree. We are so insignificant in a size comparison.

Carved out of the same granite rock in Yosemite, just to the north, Sequoia National Park has many things to see. We hiked the Tokopah Falls trail, near Lodgepole Campgrounds, and went through meadows, streams, forest, and it eventually led to the Tokopah Falls, which was dried up cause of our time of season visit. Apparently it is more during the spring. Anyway, there are also the Crystal Caves, which for $10 a ticket, it was a great 45 minute tour. Tickets can be purchased at the Lodgepole Visitors Center. It takes an hour to get there (45 minute drive plus a 15 minute hike).