Sequoia and Yosemite

Route description

From Fresno, head south and east through Visalia and the orange groves of the San Joaquin Valley, then take CA-198 into the foothills to Three Rivers, the gateway town to Sequoia National Park.

From Three Rivers, the Generals Highway climbs steeply through many switchbacks into Sequoia National Park, and vehicles over 22 feet are advised not to drive the section between Potwisha and the Giant Forest Museum. The General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth by volume, is a short walk from its parking area in the Giant Forest.

Follow the Generals Highway north to Grant Grove and CA-180 back down toward Fresno, then take CA-41 north to Oakhurst and CA-49 to Mariposa, an old gold country town with a historic courthouse. From there, CA-140 follows the Merced River canyon into Yosemite Valley.

Tunnel View, on Wawona Road just above the valley floor, frames El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome in one view. In summer, check whether Yosemite requires an entry reservation, and book valley campgrounds months ahead. In winter, chains may be required on the mountain roads of both parks.