FALL IN SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS

The end of summer brings cooler temperatures, and for some, this is the best time of year to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. The summer crowds begin to thin with the start of the school year. Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks before the snows come. The cool, crisp temperatures make longer hikes more comfortable than in the heat of summer, smaller crowds gather around the giant sequoias, and the landscape begins to change. Here are the top things to do this fall in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Fall is all about hiking. Though the waterfalls have little if any water, the trails that lead to them are still wonderful, with scenic vistas around each bend in the trail. Our top Fall hikes include:

• Moro Rock: From atop Moro Rock, the Great Western Divide and the Sierra Nevada mountains spread out before you. 
• Big Trees Trail: Just across from Giant Forest Museum, the short trail circles Round Meadow. Learn about sequoia ecology from educational signs along the path. 
• Marble Falls – Sequoia Foothills: The trail head can be found in the Potwisha campground. This hearty hike is just under 4 miles in, perfect for fall weather.

One of the areas of the park that visitors seldom take the chance to explore is Kings Canyon. And early fall, before the park closes the road down into the canyon for the season (around the second Monday in November), is a wonderful time to explore. At about 4,000 feet in elevation, the temperatures are still comfortable. Top highlights are Zumwalt Meadow, John Muir Rock, and Knapp's Cabin.

Boyden Cavern is along Highway 180 and offers an underground view of the park during its limited October season. Book a cavern tour to gain a new perspective into Kings Canyon.

Zumwalt Meadow Trail offers great views of the meadow, the Kings River, and the granite cliffs that surround Cedar Grove. Beyond the meadow trail, the trail merges with the Kanawyer Loop trail, continuing less than a mile towards Road's End and Muir Rock. Trailhead parking is 4.5 miles east of Cedar Grove Village.

Sit atop flat Muir Rock and overlook the river to contemplate the beauty around you, much like John Muir must have as he gave lectures on geology and natural history during outings with the Sierra Club.

Roaring River Falls Trail is a very short, shady walk to the powerful waterfall that rushes through a granite chute. The trailhead is in the parking area 3 miles east of the Village road and is paved and relatively accessible.

Average temperatures drop about 10 degrees each month, going from an average high of 91 degrees in September to 80 degrees in October and 67 degrees in November in the Foothill areas. The average daytime temperatures range from 71 degrees in September to 50 degrees in November in the higher elevation of the Giant Forest. 

Remember to dress in layers; the park can feel warmer when the sun is shining than what the temperature reads. Brisk morning air turns into sunny afternoons, so be prepared.