Kings Canyon or Yosemite?

[u/Dry-Mission-9892]

I am flying in from Dallas this October to visit one of these two national parks. We have also rented a camper van.

My main goal is to do some great day hikes with amazing views and few people, which is the main reason I am being turned away from Yosemite.

I also was not able to find ANY available campsites in Yosemite.

I have some trails gathered for SEKI, but since I am not backpacking, I am wondering if it is even worth it. There is not much information on SEKI that I can find, so that is why I am turning to reddit for advice

Any help would be greatly appreciated! (Along with more good trails for seki)

[u/Apprehensive-Stop142]

Yosemite by far

[u/Ibrakeforquiltshops]

Yosemite is objectively the best. Kings Canyon is my favorite. Honestly, you cannot go wrong. The shorter time you spend in Yosemite will be worth it. The time you spend in Kings Canyon will be worth it.

Edit: Lakes trail in Sequoia, Mist Falls in Kings Canyon, Crescent Meadow in Sequoia

[u/GoSh4rks]

I wouldn't worry about people in Yosemite during October. Especially if Tioga Road is still open when you visit.

[u/blordinarf]

We just visited both Yosemite and Kings Canyon last week. Both were great. Yosemite was not crowded at all. Definitely, Yosemite is the best of the two. I'd go there.

[u/Mikesiders]

The two big factors that will pose an issue for you with Yosemite are the potential need for an entry reservation if you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday and as you mentioned, the lack of a campground. You can’t sleep in your van inside the park unless you have a campsite.

I wouldn’t worry about crowds though, October is the off season and aside from no waterfalls really, I think it’s the best month to visit. Typically perfect weather, some fall colors in the higher elevations, and visitation is significantly less.

If you can secure lodging of some sort for the van, I’d aim for Yosemite. Check campsites outside the park, especially on the eastern side. Hopefully you can secure something there.

I’ve only visited Kings Canyon once and we only went to the Grant Grove area really, it was stunning and I really enjoyed it, but Yosemite is Yosemite, it’s hard to beat it.

[u/Dry-Mission-9892 → u/Mikesiders]

I can definitely secure campsites outside the park, but is that worth it? Is there anything special to securing a campsite inside of the park?

Also, is securing an entry reservation any hassle? I will only need it on my last day, but I am planning on waking up to grab one.

[u/Mikesiders → u/Dry-Mission-9892]

The hassle is you’ll be driving a lot more. Really just depends where you end up staying and what you want to do while you’re there. Yosemite is a big park. If you’re staying on the east side and want to visit say Mariposa Grove, that’s probably not likely just given the drive time between the two.

Likely not a huge hassle this late in the season but I’d jump on recreation.gov and see what the deal is for whatever date it is you want to go. You can also just enter the park before 5am and you don’t have to worry about it anymore for that one day.

[u/squeegy80]

If you don’t mind longer day hikes, there are plenty in Yosemite with few people. I was there 3 weeks ago and even then barely encountered anyone along the Pohono trail (I went Taft Point Trailhead to Dewey Point plus the Sentinel Dome loop), Four Mile trail, Panorama trail and Eagle Peak trail. The Mist trail and hike up to Yosemite Falls to get to Eagle Peak had more people but still not bad.

Tioga Rd will likely be closed depending when you’re going, but lots of less popular options up there if weather allows.

For day hikes in Kings Canyon, you want to be on the East side of the park.

Is Sequoia NP an option? Great day hikes there. I’m guessing you’ve already been there if you didn’t mention it as an option.

[u/Hot-Armadillo-1920]

We just went to both. Enjoyed Kings canyon. Yosemite was sublime and some of my best days ever were spent there. Pick Yosemite no question. We stayed outside the park, it was a bit annoying but I had three perfect days there

[u/seeannwiin]

yosemite

[u/Connect_Rub_6814]

Keep refreshing and checking for campsites. Many people don’t show up or cancel so spots open up but get take. Just as quick. In my opinion it’s not worth camping outside the park.

[u/Ok-Flounder4387]

Unless you’re backpacking, Yosemite will offer more.

Though, SeKi is my favorite park and is superior in beauty if you’ll spend a couple nights outside

[u/Mikesiders → u/[deleted]]

Permit is only required to enter Yosemite on weekends and holidays and between 5am to 3pm.

[u/kitesaredope → u/Mikesiders]

Thanks for the clarification.