1 Week Adventuring Through 4 U.S. National Parks: Death Valley, Sequoia, Yosemite & Kings Canyon
Curated By
RoamWell Journeys
Curator’s statement
Exploring Death Valley National Park, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park over Festive Week was a reminder of how diverse and awe-inspiring California’s landscapes and the U.S. National Parks truly are. From snowshoeing beneath towering giant sequoias to hiking through granite valleys dusted in winter snow and watching the dramatic contrasts between alpine peaks and desert terrain, every park offered a completely different kind of beauty and adventure. Traveling through these parks during the quieter winter season made the experience feel even more intimate and magical, with peaceful trails, crisp mountain air, and unforgettable “pinch me” moments around every corner. This journey became special not only because of the landscapes themselves, but because it combined adventure, reflection, and the kind of natural wonder that stays with you long after returning home.
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Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley
The trip started off with arriving in Ridgecrest, California and driving to Death Valley to hike around and explore the park. Everything from hiking Mosaic Canyon, exploring Badwater Basin, and seeing how far below sea level you are, to experiencing the Natural Bridge and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes made for a fun adventure through Death Valley.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park
A day trip to Sequoia National Park from Ridgecrest was an unforgettable experience and a true highlight of the journey. The day began with cold rain that gradually transformed into falling snow as I wound deeper into the park, creating an incredibly scenic winter atmosphere. Standing beneath General Sherman and the park’s other massive giant sequoias was both humbling and awe-inspiring, made even more magical by the snowy surroundings. Despite the challenging weather, the beauty and scale of the ancient trees made the adventure absolutely worth it.
Yosemite National Park
Hiking Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park
Exploring Yosemite National Park during winter was both challenging and unforgettable, with every day bringing a different kind of adventure. I hiked the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls in 36-degree rainy weather—beautiful scenery paired with absolutely miserable conditions—before spending New Year’s Eve hiking eight miles through pouring rain to Mariposa Grove to see the giant sequoias. Thankfully, New Year’s Day brought sunshine and clear skies, creating the perfect conditions for a stunning hike to Yosemite Falls with incredible views of Bridal Veil Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Valley
One of the trip highlights was a nine-mile snowshoe to Dewey Point overlooking Yosemite Valley and El Capitan, easily my favorite snowy adventure of the journey, while the easy walk to Lower Yosemite Falls was another must-do experience.
Snowshoeing at Dewey Point
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park felt especially peaceful and remote ahead of an incoming snowstorm, with very few visitors in the park. Although I had to move through quicker than planned because snow began falling heavily, driving through the park and seeing General Grant Tree and the surrounding giant sequoias was still an incredible experience. The snowy conditions added to the beauty of the park and made the visit feel even more memorable despite the shortened stay.
Hiking to Middle Yosemite Falls
Need to know
It is a two-hour drive each way from Ridgecrest to Death Valley National Park, so I recommend either staying in the park or planning for about a four-hour drive that day. I chose Ridgecrest because I was going to Sequoia National Park the next day.
Regardless of season, bring layers and rain/snow gear if you are planning to hike and explore each of the parks.
Stay in Yosemite National Park (we loved staying in West Yosemite) to be close to the trailheads and cut down on drive times in and out of the park. In high season (and during Festive), Yosemite can have a lot of entrance lines.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our California page.
Travel Advisor
RoamWell Journeys
Brittany O’Brien
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