GladGradDad

^^ I don't see anything on the Sequoia website or the tour company website about Crystal Cave being closed.

TatinG

I subscribe to their news feed on Facebook. It was posted there.

Opened again yesterday.

ENsMom

We also camp in the Sequoias/Kings Canyon every summer - our favorite camping spot is Hume Lake. Beautiful lake, no power boats, great fishing and swimming. There is also a large Christan camp nearby that has a general store where you can buy basics (tho no alcohol!) as well as a small burger joint where you can go if you're just tired of doing dishes in a blow-up sink....

Kings Canyon is wonderful. We never miss a trip to Boyden Cavern (fabulous caves with a guided tour every hour or so) and a trip to Muir Rock. Great spot for jumping into the swimming hole below.

As others have said, it may be a bit cold in October and certain areas/sites may be closed so best to check first. We also have had our share of bear stories over the years, so you can't be too careful in safely securing ALL of your food.

Have fun!

DeniseC

We have camped in all three. They are all beautiful. Yosemite Valley and Sequoia are not to be missed. Kings Canyon is very beautiful and less crowded, but if you have to skip one, skip Kings Canyon.

We stayed south of Yosemite last week and day tripped to Yosemite Valley. It was still awe inspiring but not the same as staying overnight in the valley. When you are there overnight you can enjoy so much more, the sounds of the night, the dew of the morning, the changing light of the day.

These parks cover a large chunk of territory so prepare for lots of driving.

Enjoy!

calla1

We did annual family reunions for years in King's Canyon, so I have a big soft spot for that beautiful park. There are 3 levels of places to stay beyond backpacking. Sheep Creek, mentioned above is a nice campground, and camping at Hume Lake is nice too. One step up from them is the cabins at Grant Grove Village. They are rustic but have more amenities. Some have canvas roofs and a shared bathroom/shower with the other cabins. Others are little rustic cottages with their own bath and shower. These last cabins are old and have uncomfortable beds. If you would rather have a nicer experience, the John Muir Lodge in Grant Grove village is very nice, with well- appointed rooms and a huge common area, and also many balconies/porches with rocking chairs to enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Definitely go to the visitor's center in Grant Grove village. Lots of great information and exhibits.

Close by to Grant Grove Village (a mile? - at most) is a great trail area that takes you through the giant sequoias. One of them is fallen and hollow and you can walk through it. It was used for awhile as stables by the military. You will also see the stump of a tree that was cut and cross-sectioned for the St. Louis world's fair. They had to cut it into pieces when shipping it and no one back there could believe that a tree could be so big so they called it the "California Hoax"! There are many other trees, including the famous General Sherman tree. Really, if you have not seen giant sequoias, they are not to be missed!

I have done both Crystal Cave in Sequoia and Boyden Cave in King's Canyon. Crystal Cave is far nicer but Boyden Cave is a fun outing anyway.

The road connecting Kings Canyon/Sequoia parks looks short but I warn you it is windy and slow and takes much longer than you would expect from looking on the map. A previous poster mentioned a tree near Crescent Meadow that was used as a cabin. I agree it is a fun hike.

Even if you don't stay at Hume Lake it is fun to rent kayaks. Warning: don't try to get lunch at the snack/burger shop near the lake landing. It takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r to get served. We've eaten there maybe 5 times and it was the same every time.

Near Yosemite, I totally agree that the ghost town of Bodie is a great day trip. And stop by Mono Lake: it doesn't take long and it is very unique.

Hmm.. just remembered your trip is in October. The weather will be cooler but no snow yet. I've been there in October and it's nice, but bring a warm jacket!!!

Have fun!

Onward

Okay, right now I have three nights in Yosemite reserved and two in Sequoia. I am hoping to get to Mono lake and Bodie. I have one day before we go to Yosemite that I need to fill up. We are going to fly into Fresno (Thanks for that tip) which incredibly was cheaper than flying into SF. We get in really late so we will just crash at the airport hotel but the next day I have wide open. The availability at the park dictated the use of my days. So where should we stay? Any good b & bs around? Are there winery tours or brewery tours or something neat to see in the area? Thanks!

GladGradDad

So, you're staying the first night in Fresno, the second night in tbd, and the next 5 nights in Yosemite/Sequoia?

If so, then maybe the tbd night could be in Kings Canyon.

I don't think Fresno is much of a tourist spot itself.

Onward

No, I am sorry. I wasn't clear enough. We have 3 nights booked in Yosemite and two in Kings Canyon. I agree that Fresno isn't a tourist destination. We fly in around midnight on a Sunday so we will just crash near the airport. Monday night is the night with no plans yet. I was able to get the places I wanted in Yosemite but could only get T, W, Th. Friday and Saturday, we will be staying at Muir lodge and then to the airport Sunday morning.

DeniseC

You will enjoy Yosemite and Sequoia!

Mono Lake is on the other side of the mountains. It would be a 4 1/2 hour one way drive there from Fresno. It is across a route, Tioga Road, that I have always wanted to take, the beautiful high country meadows of Yosemite National Park.

Driving across and back the next day would be an undertaking. Alternately you could look into a Coarsegold/Oakhurst/winery day.

Onward

I think that is what I am thinking DeniseC. I thought we would go to Mono Lake when we stay at Curry Village. So on that Monday, a day going to a winery, checking out Coarsegold and Oakhurst would be worth doing? Any winery suggestions?

GladGradDad

Here's another idea -
- Stay in Fresno the first night.
- Drive to Bodie the next day. According to Google this is about a 4.5 hour drive but it's a very scenic drive (hwys 41 and 120).
- After you see Bodie, drive to Mono lake to see that including the Tufa formations.
- Stay this night somewhere near Mono lake perhaps in Lee Vining. If you're really enjoying driving a lot you could go to June lake and stay there and then head back the next day along the June Lake Loop road.
- The next night will be in Yosemite. Google maps says it's about 2.5 hours from Mono Lake to Yosemite Village.

It all boils down to what you like to do and whether you like drives (scenic ones but hours nevertheless).

Get busy with Google maps and see what the different routes look like and what the time estimates are.

DeniseC

If you are going to make the drive to Mono Lake area, I would follow GladGradDad's plan and go the day before Yosemite. That would make the stay in Yosemite Valley more peaceful.

If you don't want to drive that far, I would look for a winery in the area and stay in Oakhurst. Coarsegold and Oakhurst are not destinations in themselves but are supply locations for the area. No, I'm sorry I haven't been to a winery in the area.

You will have a wonderful vacation either way.

Onward

Just wanted to let all you helpful people know that we had a wonderful time. We spent 2 nights in Sequoia, three in Yosemite and one night at a winery in Sanger. The weather was perfect and because we went in early October, there was a lot less people. We saw two bears and gorgeous scenery. Thanks again for all the tips!

TatinG

I'm so glad you had a good trip. Yosemite is my favorite place on earth. And it's good you didn't wait until late October. Yosemite is going to get significant snowfall tomorrow.

Onward

I saw that on the weather channel. I'm glad we went when we did but I would love to see the sequoias with snow. The pictures I've seen of them look amazing.