Destination: Sequoia National Park

[fayliss]

We just returned from a trip to Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park in and are planning our next trip to Sequoia National Park, CA next year. We are leaving from Kansas City, KS traveling Route 40 west to a Route 66 Museum in Clinton, OK, then Meteor Crater, AZ, then on to the Grand Canyon, AZ as we make our way to the national park. We would like to know if anyone has suggestions for other "must see" sites along the way AND is there an alternative route to return home, perhaps through CO? Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks

Kim & Katie

[Chief T]

Kim & Katie,

We used to live in Central CA for 6 years and made many a day trip to Sequoia and King Canyons. Can't recommend a CG to stay.

Personally, I40 is pretty boring, but a stop at Petrified Nat'l Forest is worth a stop. Located in Western NM just before the AZ border. The observatory in Flagstaff and old town is kinda cool.

CO has some real nice State Parks. If travelling through Northern NM, there is a nicely priced CG at NRA Whittington Center just outside of Raton, NM. Full hook up pull thru for only 32-25 per night depending on 30 or 50 amp.

Safe and happy travels.

[Teetime]

A couple things, first the route.

If you are towing, you best stay on good routes. We take I40 to Barstow, and then Rt58 accross to Tapachapi, then north on CA 99.

I'd recommend camping near Visalia. There is a KOA there.

You will not be able to tow up to Sequoia, and won't want to. There are many mile of tight switch backs. It's about 25 miles of about a 10,000 ft elevation change.

There are many private shuttle services which are great, and you can watch and enjoy the trip.

[swampdonkey772]

Originally Posted by fayliss

We just returned from a trip to Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park in and are planning our next trip to Sequoia National Park, CA next year. We are leaving from Kansas City, KS traveling Route 40 west to a Route 66 Museum in Clinton, OK, then Meteor Crater, AZ, then on to the Grand Canyon, AZ as we make our way to the national park. We would like to know if anyone has suggestions for other "must see" sites along the way AND is there an alternative route to return home, perhaps through CO? Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks

Kim & Katie

If you go into the park on 198 you won't be able to get far. The CG is called potwisha that's as high as you can go towing. If you go up 180 east of Fresno its a lot better. Remember summer is HOT HOT HOT. Average temp depending on elevation could be 90 degrees high up to easy 100 a little lower. You must see the Sequois they are a sight.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by fayliss

We just returned from a trip to Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park in and are planning our next trip to Sequoia National Park, CA next year. We are leaving from Kansas City, KS traveling Route 40 west to a Route 66 Museum in Clinton, OK, then Meteor Crater, AZ, then on to the Grand Canyon, AZ as we make our way to the national park. We would like to know if anyone has suggestions for other "must see" sites along the way AND is there an alternative route to return home, perhaps through CO? Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks

Kim & Katie

Yes, we were just though there in July.

Before you get to Meteor Crater stop for a night in Holbrook, AZ and spend the next entire day in the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert National Park.

It was a MUCH better attraction than Meteor Crater.

We stayed at the Holbrook Petrified Forest KOA, a nice place, near the interstate but convenient.

https://koa.com/campgrounds/holbrook/

For the Grand Canyon we stayed in Williams, AZ and rode the train over to the GC and back later in the day. A bus took us around the GC stopping at all the best locations to view the canyon. The driver was very knowledgeable and informative as well.

Best place to stay: https://koa.com/campgrounds/grand-canyon/

The train leaves for the GC in the campground itself.

We had no traffic or parking problems in the park because we chose to do the GC this way. We both HIGHLY recommend both the train and the bus tour.

[Telstar]

While your at Meteor Creator don’t miss Walnut Camyon. A stop at Winslow to see the original Harvey House Hotel and get a picture of yourself “Standing on the Corner”.

[hbillsmith]

http://www.sequoiarvranch.com

[swampdonkey772]

Originally Posted by hbillsmith

http://www.sequoiarvranch.com

Be advised this RV park is in the town of three rivers. Nice town. Park is pretty nice. It is roughly 30 minutes from SNP entrance gate. If your coming in the summer it will be hot at least 100 degrees or hotter depending on the month. You will be driving alot if you want to go anywhere nice in the park

[aircommuter]

You won’t be far from Yosemite and Bodie, I live on one of the roads that goes to Yosemite, but Bodie is my favorite. It really shows how life was in those days. I have people staying here with their RVs from boondockers welcome on a regular basis when the they are going to those locations.

[Wannabretired]

4 corners is a must do.
Mesa verdes is also close to where you will be coming through.

[Wannabretired]

We stayed at the KOA in Williams AZ. They have a go cart track and williams is a good place to spend a day walking the streets and looking at the stores. Gkids loved both.

[Wannabretired]

We stayed in paso robles and took our day trips to Hearst castle, Hwy 1 drive, San Fran is good, we took our time and stayed overnight in Hotel to see Alcatraz. Seal beach is a worthwile stop close to Hearst castle. Cayucos is a town close to paso robles and has some great beaches to see whales and seals etc.They had a great 4th of july show also.

[Wolverine 1945]

Originally Posted by fayliss

We just returned from a trip to Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park in and are planning our next trip to Sequoia National Park, CA next year. We are leaving from Kansas City, KS traveling Route 40 west to a Route 66 Museum in Clinton, OK, then Meteor Crater, AZ, then on to the Grand Canyon, AZ as we make our way to the national park. We would like to know if anyone has suggestions for other "must see" sites along the way AND is there an alternative route to return home, perhaps through CO? Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks

Kim & Katie

LOVE your avatar !!!

[drelec]

In Boron, CA off US58 is the Borax Visitor Center. Very cool view of large open pit mine from visitor center built on top of tailing pile. Plenty of room in parking lot for big rigs. Worth 1-2 hours stop.