Nov 13 - Kings Canyon National Park, California

   We decided to enter Kings Canyon National Park from the north entrance, off of Hwy 180, instead of driving back through Sequoia National Park to the northern road, that connects with Kings Canyon.  We figured it might be less windy, according to the map.  WELL.  We took Highway 245 from our road Highway 198 up to Highway 180.  It was around 40 miles.  AND IT WAS ALL TWISTY, CURVY, SWITCHBACKS.  Going 10 to 20 mph takes a long time to drive 40 miles.  I have NEVER driven such a windy road for so long.  And, since it was a local road, there were no turnouts and overlooks to stop at.  No shoulders.  Just focus on the curvy road and drive--for a long time!  We actually went through two "towns" along the way--population 240 and 345.  I can't imagine living so remotely, on the mountain sides, and have to drive that road every time you need to go anywhere.
   We got to the Kings Canyon National Park entrance, and decided to only go to two places--the General Grant Sequoia Tree Grove and the Panoramic Point.
   General Grants Grove was a nice 1 mile loop, through this very nice Giant Sequoia grove.  Half way through the loop is the General Grant Tree.  One of the largest trees in the park.  It's diameter is 40 feet, and it is 248 feet tall.  They also had a hallow,  downed tree that early workers used to live in.  And many other huge, magnificent, and noble trees. It's nice to see that the National Parks are taking such good care of our incredible resources.
  We then drove up the 2 miles curvy, winding, steep road to the Panoramic Point.  This was a short hike up the  hill, on a paved trail, to a phenomenal overlook of the entire Kings Canyon.  The high Sierra's in all their glory.    Breathtaking.  We sat on a bench and took it all in.
  We were very clear that we wanted to go back to the RV on a different route.  So we took Hwy 180 further west, to Hwy 63, and then south to the town of Visalia.  We had dinner at a really neat brewery.  The restaurant was right next to the brewing tubs.  Good beer too.  We drove the 20 miles back on Hwy 198 to the RV site.  A bit longer route, with swerves, but a much easier trail.  Took us about the same amount of time.

Kings Canyon photos:

General Grant Grove photos:

Panoramic Point photos:

Brewery restaurant photo: