Frommer's Yosemite and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

by Peterson, Eric

• ISBN13: 9781118074749
• ISBN10: 1118074742
• Edition: 8th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-02-28
• Publisher: Frommers

Summary

Insider advice on avoiding the crowds as you explore some of the most memorable natural wonders, from majestic Yosemite Falls to Kings Canyons towering sequoias. Where to find the absolute best campgrounds for each park and a rundown of the best hikes, from ranger-led interpretive walks to challenging backcountry overnights (with detailed, accurate park and trail maps). Insightful commentary on the history of the region and the parks' dazzling array of flora and fauna, including a fully illustrated nature guide to help you spot and identify condors, bobcats, wildflowers, and more. Opinionated reviews. No bland descriptions and lukewarm recommendations. Our expert writer is passionate about his parks-he tells it like it is in an engaging and helpful way. Exact prices listed for every establishment and activity-no other guides offer such detailed, candid reviews of historic lodges or family-friendly motels. We include the very best, but also emphasize moderately priced choices for real people. User-friendly features including star ratings and special icons to point readers to great finds, excellent values, insider tips, best bets for kids, special moments, and overrated experiences.

Author Biography

A Denver-based freelance writer, Eric Peterson has contributed to numerous Frommer's guides covering the American West, and has written Frommer's Montana & Wyoming, Frommer’s Colorado, Frommer's Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, and Ramble: A Field Guide to the U.S.A. Peterson also writes about travel and other topics for such publications as ColoradoBiz, Delta Sky, and the New York Daily News. In his free time, he's an avid camper and hiker, a lifelong Broncos fan, and a part-time rock star (at least in the eyes of his niece Olivia and nephews Mitch and Sam).

Table of Contents

List of Maps vi

1 INTRODUCTION TO YOSEMITE AND SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 1

The Best of Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon 7

2 YOSEMITE AND SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS IN DEPTH 12

The Parks Today 12

Looking Back: Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon History 14

When to Go 17

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 18

Responsible Travel 19

Tours 20

3 EXPLORING YOSEMITE 22

4 HIKES & OUTDOOR PURSUITS IN YOSEMITE 39

Day Hikes & Scenic Walks 39

Exploring the Backcountry 50

Other Sports & Activities 56

5 WHERE TO STAY & EAT IN YOSEMITE 59

Lodging 59

Camping 69

Where to Eat 76

6 EXPLORING SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON 85

Essentials 85

Orientation 87

The Highlights 94

A NEARBY NATIONAL MONUMENT 95

Exploring the Inside of the Earth 96

Seeing the Parks in 1 or 2 Days 97

Seeing the Parks by Car & Shuttle 98

Organized Tours & Ranger Programs 99

7 HIKES & OUTDOOR PURSUITS IN SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON 100

Day Hikes & Scenic Walks 100

Exploring the Backcountry 110

Other Sports & Activities 114

8 WHERE TO STAY & EAT IN SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON 116

Lodging 117

Camping 122

Where to Eat 127

9 A NATURE GUIDE TO YOSEMITE AND SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 131

The Landscape 131

THE LIFE & TIMES OF JOHN MUIR 135

The Flora 136

The Fauna 142

The Ecosystem 154

10 PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO YOSEMITE AND SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 157

Getting There & Getting Around 157

Tips on Accommodations 161

Special Permits & Passes 161

Planning a Backcountry Trip 162

FAST FACTS: YOSEMITE AND SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 163

Index 174

Accommodations Index 179

Restaurants Index 180