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Before you go
Your trip to Visalia.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Visalia – California Destination Sequoia and Kings Canyon
How to get there
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Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) Fresno · 70 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is about 70 km away via Highway 99. Amtrak stops at Hanford, about 30 km away, with connecting buses. Highway 198 connects Visalia to Three Rivers and the Sequoia entrance.
How many days
One day for Grant Grove and the General Grant, and another, in summer, to descend to Cedar Grove and Zumwalt Meadow.
When to go
From June to September, to have all park roads open. The city, in the valley, is very hot in summer and humid and foggy in winter.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes. The parks are far, and there is no public transport to Grant Grove and Kings Canyon. In summer, there are buses from Visalia to the Giant Forest.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Visalia
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Morning
Grant Grove
Leave Visalia early and drive up to Grant Grove in Kings Canyon for the trail around the General Grant.
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Afternoon
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
In summer, drive down Highway 180 to the bottom of Kings Canyon, with viewpoints over the canyon.
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Late afternoon
Zumwalt Meadow
Do the Zumwalt Meadow trail in Cedar Grove, with the granite cliffs lit in the late afternoon.
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Evening
Return to Visalia
Drive back slowly on the mountain road and have dinner in downtown Visalia.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is Visalia a good base for Sequoia?
Yes. It has more hotels and restaurants than the mountain towns and is about 55 km from the Sequoia entrance.
Are there buses from Visalia to Sequoia National Park?
In summer, there are buses that leave Visalia and go up to the Giant Forest. Confirm dates and reservations before you go.
What is the distance from Visalia to Grant Grove?
About 100 km by road, one-and-a-half to two hours.
How many days to stay in Visalia?
One to two days as a base for Grant Grove and Kings Canyon.