Spring Road Trip Itinerary

Start with a stop at Kings Canyon Overlook, where sweeping views reveal the immense canyon carved by the Kings River. Cooler morning temperatures and angled light make this an ideal introduction to the park’s geology.

Continue into Grant Grove, home to some of the world’s largest trees. The Grant Grove Loop Trail is a short, shaded walk that passes through towering sequoias and leads to the General Grant Tree. The gentle pace and compact distance make this a reflective, unhurried way to experience the grove.

After lunch at Grant Grove Restaurant, choose between two classic Kings Canyon experiences:

• Roaring River Falls, a short paved walk to a powerful waterfall fed by spring snowmelt.
• Zumwalt Meadow Loop, a scenic walk along the Kings River through open meadow framed by steep granite walls.

Both offer distinctly different perspectives on the canyon and are well suited to spring exploration.

As daylight fades, Kings Canyon becomes remarkably still. With minimal light pollution, clear spring nights offer excellent stargazing opportunities. Open meadows and quiet paved paths near Grant Grove provide easy access to the night sky before settling in for the evening near the heart of the park.

Begin the morning in Sequoia National Park with a visit to the Giant Forest, where massive sequoias stand in quiet clusters. The walk to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume, is paved and accessible, though slightly uphill on the return. Early morning is the calmest time to visit, allowing space to appreciate the scale without distraction.

Grab a hearty meal from the Peaks Restaurant (and maybe some road trip snacks from the Wuksachi Lodge gift shop) before departing Sequoia National Park and beginning the drive north. As the landscape shifts, foothill towns provide natural stopping points for coffee or a short break before continuing toward Yosemite’s southern gateway.

Plan a scenic pause at Pine Flat Lake, a broad reservoir along the Kings River framed by low granite ridges and spring-green hillsides. In the spring months, the lake’s shoreline offers a peaceful place to stretch your legs, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the contrast between open water and the foothills rising above it.

From there, continue through portions of the Fresno County Blossom Trail, a seasonal route that winds through orchards bursting with almond, peach, plum, and nectarine blossoms in late winter and early spring. Pale pink and white blooms line rural roads, creating a fleeting but memorable landscape unique to the season. This agricultural corridor offers a glimpse into the working lands that sit between California’s national parks, an often overlooked but defining part of the Sierra’s story.

As the drive continues, orchards gradually give way to oak woodland and pine forest, and the air cools as elevation increases. By evening, arrive near Yosemite’s southern entrance and settle in at Tenaya at Yosemite, located just outside the park boundary.

After a day defined by changing landscapes—from giant sequoias to foothill lakes and blossom-lined roads—take time to unwind and reset. Take a quiet soak in the hot tub beneath the trees or exhale in the Ascent Spa steam room. The calmer pace of the southern gateway sets the tone for an early start and a full day exploring Yosemite National Park ahead.

Start with Tunnel View, one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints, offering a single frame that includes El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome. Morning light often enhances visibility and contrast. Continue to Bridalveil Fall, where a short, paved trail leads to the base of the waterfall. In spring, snowmelt creates heavy flow and mist, sometimes producing rainbows on sunny mornings.

As you move through Yosemite Valley, look for signs of spring—dogwood blooms near the Merced River, early wildflowers, and returning birdlife. These quieter seasonal details add depth between well-known stops.

Grab a quick bite at Degnan’s and finish the afternoon on the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, an easy loop that brings you close to North America’s tallest waterfall. Spring conditions make this one of the most immersive low-effort experiences in the valley.

Evenings in and around Yosemite are especially well suited to slowing down. As daytime visitors depart, the valley and surrounding forest settle into a quieter rhythm, creating space to reflect on the day’s contrasts between granite scale and springtime detail.

For a deeper connection to the night sky, consider joining a seasonal stargazing program offered by the Yosemite Valley Conservancy. Alternatively, return to Tenaya and opt for a guided flashlight hike on-site, where evening walks through the surrounding forest reveal nocturnal sounds, cooler air, and a different perspective on the Sierra landscape.

Ease into the day before heading toward Bass Lake, located just outside Yosemite National Park within the Sierra National Forest. In spring, the lake offers early-season boating, kayaking, and shoreline walks.

The Way of the Mono Trail, a short interpretive loop near the lake, provides insight into the area’s cultural history and natural setting.

Enjoy lunch near the lake before taking a short drive along Beasore Road, a scenic forest route known for open meadows and seasonal wildflowers. While not a through-route, it offers a peaceful detour that highlights the diversity of Sierra landscapes beyond the parks.

Return from the forest with time to reflect on the journey: four days shaped by giant trees, deep canyons, moving water, and long mountain roads. Grab dinner on-property at Tenaya (or order some much deserved room service). Spring reveals the Sierra at a gentler pace, rewarding those who take time to look closely.