There are countless states in the US that feature natural beauty, but it’s hard to argue with California’s cold, hard facts: nearly 20 million acres of wilderness, second only to Alaska; nine national parks; and 280 state parks so beautiful that many would become national parks if they were located in any other state. From snow-capped peaks to otherworldly deserts, its diversity is unrivaled. But how to start? That’s where the Majestic Mountain Loop itinerary comes in.
California’s Nature Sampler
The Majestic Mountain Loop, or MML for short, is the ideal way to sample three of California’s most famous national parks and their biggest attractions in a three-day tour. This includes Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. If you can spare a few extra days, we provide alternatives to explore even more of our nation’s treasures.
Day 0: Arrive
To minimize travel time while exploring California’s natural beauty as part of the Majestic Mountain Loop itinerary, the closest and easiest airport is Fresno-Yosemite Airport. You can catch a direct flight from major cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and even Guadalajara! After arriving, grab your belongings and head south on Highway 99 for less than an hour to the quaint town of Visalia.
The fertile land surrounding Visalia is nicknamed the “world’s fruit basket” as it produces a significant portion of the world’s stone and citrus fruits. You can learn about the county’s rich history of farm labor and agriculture at the Tulare County Museum of Farm Labor and Agriculture, or simply meander through the array of charming restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops in the downtown district that showcase the region’s bounty. Get a step ahead of your visit and download Visalia’s downtown Foodie guide.
Day 1: Sequoia National Park
Travel Time: 1.5 hours – 51 Miles
There’s nothing more American than roadside attractions on a road trip. As you head east on Highway 198, you’ll find a bevy of fruit stands. These aren’t just any ordinary stands; they offer a chance to sample over 120 varieties of crops grown in the region, such as the Cara Cara Navel. A good place to start is by visiting Visit Visalia’s article, “Discover Food Trucks and Roadside Eats.”
As you drive past the entrance to Sequoia National Park, take a moment to glimpse how the indigenous peoples have lived in the area for over a thousand years by checking out Hospital Rock.
Giant Forest Museum – Basecamp to Big Trees
Start your journey by learning the story of the Giant Sequoias tucked beneath the canopy of the Giant Forest at the Giant Forest Museum. From here, set off on a short hike to Moro Rock, which culminates in a ¼-mile ascent via a granite staircase. From the granite dome, you can take in the panoramic views of the park and the Great Western Divide. Afterwards, visit the infamous Tunnel Log, created when an elder statesman of the forest fell across the road in 1937.
Depending on how you feel, you can either take a 6-mile walk through the serene beauty of the Giants from Moro Rock or hop on a shuttle to visit the famous General Sherman Tree. Standing at 275 feet tall and 36 feet wide, it’s the largest living thing on Earth!
Delve into Sequoia’s Depth Literally
Travel Time: 30 minutes – 9 Miles
Buy tickets online at least 36 hours in advance, but we recommend you purchase two months in advance of your visit. Tickets are not available at the cave.
Note: Crystal Cave is planning to re-open in summer 2025.
On your Majestic Mountain Loop itinerary, a scenic thirty-minute drive takes you to the entrance of Crystal Cave. As you step down into the cave, the summer heat is replaced by year-round temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A good example of the marble caverns found throughout the western half of the Sierra, it’s filled with curtains of icicle-like stalactites and mounds of stalagmites.
Spend the night in the alluring Wuksachi Lodge inside Sequoia National Park, surrounded by Giant Sequoias and the soaring peaks of the Sierra.
Click here for the full day’s itinerary.
Day 2: Kings Canyon
Travel Time: 45 minutes – 26 Miles
As you awaken in Sequoia National Park, you’ll set off on what is considered one of the most scenic byways in the United States: the Generals Highway. Built by hand in the 1930s, it connects the two great parks and includes stunning examples of “Parkitecture” bridges.
America’s Christmas Tree – General Grant Tree
General Sherman may receive all the fanfare for being the biggest Giant Sequoia. But being situated on a hillside, it’s a bit more challenging to fully appreciate its size. In contrast, General Grant’s surroundings, located on flatter terrain, really showcases just how massive these trees are. It’s no wonder President Calvin Coolidge honored it in 1926 by designating it as our nation’s Christmas tree. Combined with the fact that this grove is less crowded, and you’ll surely fall in love with this gentle giant.
Boyden Cavern
Travel Time: 40 minutes – 20 Miles
Transitioning from the tranquil meandering through the kaleidoscopic sunrays among the Giant Sequoias on the Generals Highway, the Kings Canyon National Scenic Byway offers up giant vistas of the deepest canyon in North America as you head to your next destination: Boyden Cavern. While both Boyden and Crystal Caves are made of marble, the formations inside them are vastly different. Inside Boyden, you’ll find stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, pendants, and shields. While the classic 45-minute tour provides a good overview, if you want to truly immerse yourself in Boyden’s Cave, reserve a spot for one of their private extended tours.
Roaring River Falls
Travel Time: 20 minutes – 13 Miles
Continuing deeper into what John Muir considered “a rival to Yosemite,” Kings Canyon holds many treasures that measure up to its popular sibling in the north, all with a fraction of the visitors. One such treasure along your Majestic Mountain Loop itinerary is the Roaring River Falls. A short one-mile round-trip walk brings you to the appropriately named falls, cascading between two granite monoliths. The volume of water truly showcases just how powerful nature can be.
Road’s End Adventure
To truly appreciate the serene beauty of Kings Canyon, you must step outside of your car and take in this slice of Eden. At its heart is Zumwalt Meadow, which features a 1.5-mile loop. Even on the busiest weekends, you may encounter only a few fellow explorers during hours of wandering. The lush landscape in this meadow is adorned with tall trees, nestled between two nearly vertical granite faces, providing a glimpse of what Yosemite Valley must have been like when John Muir strolled through it.
Depending on whether you’re up for it, you can continue your hike for a 4 mile-loop via the River Trail, which follows the Kings River to the aptly named “Road’s End.” This is where the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway terminates and where true adventures into this giant park begin. It’s also here you’ll find Muir Rock, where more than a century ago John Muir would stand on his natural pedestal and address anyone who would listen. For the full story of this rock, watch the movie at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, Gem of the Sierra.
Click here for the full day’s itinerary.
Palms Meet the Pines
Travel Time: 2 hours minutes – 96 Miles
As you exit Kings Canyon National Park and head north to your evening accommodations in Oakhurst, you’ll hit the symbolic division of Northern and Southern California and where the Palms meets the Pines. If you have an extra day to add to your Majestic Mountain Loop itinerary, consider a foothills diversion to North Fork and the starting point of one of the most beautiful Byways in the country – the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. Otherwise, you can explore Highway 41’s countless activities on your way.
Day 3: Yosemite
Travel Time: 40 minutes – 27 Miles
Be aware that if you visit Yosemite National Park during peak times, a reservation may be required. Visit the National Park Service’s website for more details.
Mariposa Grove
Your final leg of the Majestic Mountain Loop takes you into the iconic Yosemite National Park. As you arrive at Mariposa Grove and embark on the Big Trees Loop, take note of the area’s significance. It was the birthplace of the national park movement. In 1864, President Lincoln signed the Yosemite Valley Grant Act to protect these trees and Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite History Center
Travel Time: 10 minutes – 5 Miles
Next, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in what it was like when visitors arrived in the late 19th century. If you visit during the summer, you’ll see hosts and hostesses dressed in period attire walking amongst a collection of historic buildings. This includes the Wells Fargo Office, where stagecoaches used to stop. Be sure to take note of the Wawona Covered Bridge. It served as the only entrance to the park from 1857 until 1937.
Glacier Point
Travel Time: 50 minutes – 28 Miles
The showpiece of the park is Yosemite Valley. For the first time visitor, the best way to be introduced to this iconic valley is from Glacier Point. Situated more than 3,200 feet above the valley floor, it provides a commanding view of the many falls that crash into it, Half Dome, and countless other iconic peaks of the High Sierra.
If time allows, the best way to appreciate this view is by doing the four-hour round-trip from the Valley Floor up to it.
Tunnel View
Travel Time: 43 minutes – 24 Miles
Descending from Glacier Point and driving through California’s longest tunnel, you burst upon the view that made Ansel Adams famous. Known as Tunnel View, this vantage point allows you to take in El Capitan, Half Dome, AND Bridalveil Fall all in one shot. It’s no surprise as to why it made Yosemite Mariposa County’s top 10 places to get the shot.
Yosemite Valley
Travel Time: 17 minutes – 8 Miles
The iconic valley must be seen in person to be truly appreciated. From the thundering roar of the falls in spring to the sheer granite walls lining the glacial canyon, every aspect captivates visitors. This is where remarkable rock-climbing feats like the Dawn Wall and Free Solo were accomplished. It leaves you with a sense of awe. And all of these landmarks are within just two and a quarter miles of each other, making it no wonder that this small section is by far the most visited part of the park.
For less crowds and a unique take to the iconic Yosemite Valley, venture in the winter and glide on one of the most breathtaking outdoor ice-skating rinks in the country.
Click here for the full day’s itinerary
Extend Your Trip
This Majestic Mountain Loop itinerary is but a small appetizer to spark your curiosity of the natural wonders you’ll find in the High Sierra. Explore the hidden gems, deep dive into other itineraries, or venture into the unknown. As John Muir said, “Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.”
Author: Alex Silgalis
Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
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