Location: Lemoncove, CA
NPS Website: http://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm
Major Attractions:
General Sherman Tree: largest tree in volume in world
General Grant Tree: America's Christmas Tree, 2nd largest
Tunnel Log: photogenic drive-thru log
Kings Canyon: hailed as miniature Yosemite Valley
Mt. Whitney: tallest peak in lower 48 states
Number of Attractions: 11
Moro Rock, Crystal Cave, General Sherman Tree, Tunnel Log, Crescent Meadow, Tokopah Falls, General Grant Tree, Mt. Whitney, Grizzly Falls, Boyden Cave, Roaring River Falls
Accessibility:
All of Sequoia and Kings Canyon's attractions are along roads and short trails except Mt. Whitney. The roads are extremely winding and trafficked which means it takes several hours to drive from Sequoia to Kings Canyon. And currently, there is heavy construction from the south (Foothills/Ash Mountain entrance) which closes the Generals Highway for an hour at a time. Pick a campground close to your main activities.
Maintenance of Roads/Trails:
Main road, overlooks, and trails are maintained very well. In summer, it is not too hot in the tree groves or highest elevations. Precipitation is very heavy during the fall, winter, & spring months. Elevations change very drastically within the heavily wooded parks, so expect some campgrounds to remain closed due to snow.
(http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/CANPSKC:13)
Amenities:
There are more than a dozen campgrounds all over the park, making it relatively easy to find an open site. You'll need reservations to stay at Lodgepole near General Sherman Tree as its home to a village of stores and restaurants.
Conclusion:
The variety here seems endless. Caves, falls, rocks, meadows, rivers, canyons, the largest trees, and tallest mountains. Also, as bear have learned to forage from humans, you'll have your best chance in encountering one as they aren't afraid of humans.
During the summer, numerous Yucca plants are in bloom along the mountainous terrain. But many of the viewpoints are difficult to photograph as there is a serious problem with smog in the park. I was told that Sequoia is the most polluted park in the country due to smog from Los Angeles.
And don't forget to visit the hidden Kings Canyon! Driving along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway gets you feet from the rapids of the Kings River in a majestic canyon without encountering the crowds at Yosemite.
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