THE ULTIMATE PET PARENT GETAWAY TO VISALIA AND THE SEQUOIAS
Are you a pet-parent that loves to travel with your pup, but wonder where you can take your dog when visiting Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks? Here’s what you need to know about traveling with your pet in and around the parks!
Are Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Pet Friendly?
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have strict pet policies, but dogs and pets are welcome in some areas. Leashed pets are allowed in Sequoia and Kings Canyon campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots, so there are plenty of ways to explore together along the General’s Highway and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
Be a Sequoia Super Star!
If you take a lunch break, bring along a bag of Zuke’s Dog Treats! Zuke’s Dog Treats committed $20,000 to Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the official non-profit partner to the parks, and will match public donations up to an additional $5,000 through December 31, 2026.
A Pet-Friendly Drive Through Sequoia National Park
These are some of the pet-friendly stops in Sequoia National Park where you and your pets can stretch, play, and take in the majestic sights along General’s Highway:
The Sequoia Entrance Sign: Pull into the small parking lot at the historic sign and take a picture with you and your pets. The entrance sign was carved from a fallen giant sequoia tree and installed in 1935, where the carved profile of the trees’ namesake, Sequoyah, greets park visitors.
Tunnel Rock: This granite boulder was the original entrance to the park before General’s Highway was rerouted. You and your pets can still walk through the tunnel and explore the original park road.
Hospital Rock Picnic Area: This picnic area sits in an oak woodland with sunny and shady spots available. You and your pup can enjoy outdoor exhibits about the Native American communities that lived in the park and the ancient pictographs and bedrock mortars you find throughout the park.
Sentinel Tree: Park at the Giant Forest Museum to enjoy this towering sequoia tree. You and your pup can even walk along a sidewalk marker that shows how tall the Sentinel Tree is!
Giant Forest Museum: Although pets are not allowed in the museum, the parking lot has access to amazing sequoia groups. Walk along the perimeter to see these giant clusters.
General Sherman: Also known as the world’s largest tree (by volume), General Sherman is an ancient 3,000-year-old giant visible from the parking lot. You and your pup can park, stretch, and stare in wonder as General Sherman towers over the rest of the giant forest.
Lodgepole: This stop is home to a visitor center, cafe, amphitheater, and campground that overlooks the river. There are plenty of pet-friendly roads, parking lots, and campsites; it’s a beautiful place to stop, grab a bite to eat, and stretch your legs in a pet-friendly space.
Lost Grove: Giant sequoias grow right next to the road at the old northern entrance to Sequoia National Park. You and your pup can see more towering trees before you head into Sequoia National Forest and Kings Canyon.
What Are Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Sequoia?
Although pets are not allowed on hiking trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, they are allowed on trails in the Sequoia National Forest. Here are some of the pet-friendly hiking trails you and your pup can enjoy between the two parks.
Stony Creek Trail: The 3.5-mile trail begins at the Upper Stony Creek Campground and ends at the junction with Jennie Lakes Trail. The trail is open for the following uses: dog-friendly hiking and horseback riding.
Montecito Sequoia Lodge Loop: A gentle 1-mile loop that skirts along the lake and Mt. Baldy Trail.
Big Baldy Trailhead from Montecito Sequoia Lodge: Pay close attention to signs here. This pet-friendly trail does cross into Kings Canyon National Park, where pets can’t be on hiking trails.
A Pet-Friendly and Scenic Road Trip Through Kings Canyon National Park
Whether you’re doing one road trip through Sequoia and Kings Canyon or enjoying a multi-day pet getaway, here are dog-friendly activities you can do in Kings Canyon National Park.
Grant Tree Grove: This well-sized parking lot has plenty of space to get out and explore the border of Grant Tree Grove. You and your pup can see General Grant, the nation’s Christmas tree, The Fallen Monarch, Gamlin Cabin, and Centennial Stump from this stop.
Crystal Springs Campground: This site is rich with sugar pines, incense cedar, fir, and sequoia trees. Wildlife is abundant and includes black bears, mule deer, gray and golden-mantled ground squirrels, and local birds.
Canyon View Overlook: This roadside stop overlooks the U-shaped, glacier-carved canyon that gives Kings Canyon its name.
Roaring River Falls: This thunderous 40-foot waterfall is one of many majestic waterfalls that pepper Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
Roads End: The official end of the Scenic Byway offers incredible views of Zumwalt Meadows, Muir Rock, and the Cedar Grove of giant sequoia. There is also plenty of space for you and your pup to stretch and run off some energy after your scenic drive!
Pet-friendly Hikes in the Sequoia National Forest
Kings Canyon National Park is funny–a huge swath of the pet-friendly Sequoia National Forest cuts through the park, giving you and your pup access to the giant sequoias, waterfalls, and canyon views along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. Well-known hiking trails and vistas include:
- Cherry Gap Trail
- Boole Tree Trail
- Princess Campground
- Hume Lake
- Junction View
- Grizzly Falls
Remember to keep an eye on the season. Large parts of Kings Canyon and the surrounding national forest are only accessible during the summer. Check the U.S. Forest Service website to see if the roads are still open during your travel dates.
Book a Stay in Pet-Friendly Visalia, CA
Mooney Grove Park: Not only does this massive 155-acre park include a dedicated dog park, but there are plenty of trails, picnic tables, ponds, and local history museums to keep everyone entertained.
Plaza Park: Enjoy the fishing ponds, pickleball courts, bike paths, and Cody Kelley Bark Park at 1800 S. Plaza Dr., Visalia.
Seven Oaks Park: This snug dog park is also home to a spacious disc golf course and basketball courts where both you and your four-legged companions can stretch your legs.
Kaweah Oak Preserve: This 344-acre park is home to the last surviving valley oaks and offers pet-friendly trails for you and your furry friends.
Bistro di Bufala: This beloved Italian restaurant has a pet-friendly patio in the heart of downtown Visalia. Enjoy fresh fare and cocktails as you people watch together.
Pita Kabob: You and your pet can enjoy fresh Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine on their pet-friendly patio.
House of JuJu: One of the newer dining spots in downtown includes a dog-friendly patio where you can enjoy gourmet burgers, salads, and wraps!
Taylor Brothers Hot Dog Stand: This old-school hot dog stand features retro style, a simple menu, and outdoor space for you and your pets.
Scoops: Order a scoop or two of homemade ice cream and enjoy the cafe-style outdoor seating at The Mix, Visalia’s newest food hub.
How We Roll Ice Cream: Mix your own flavors at this downtown Visalia spot. How We Roll Ice Cream mixes and makes fresh ice cream to order, using organic milk and toppings sourced from local farms.
Farm Fresh Bowls: These Dutch-inspired bowls use local ingredients and family recipes for their healthy bowl that you can enjoy in their outdoor seating.
BarrelHouse Brewing: Known for their weekly rotation of live music, bingo nights, and boot-stomping dances, this pup-friendly brewery serves up local drafts and seasonal brews.
Simply Brewing Co: Also found in the heart of our Brewery District, this pet-friendly brewery has its own residential fur mascots, local drafts on tap, and rotating food trucks.
Soccer City 1852: Leashed pets are more than welcome inside this vast sport complex. Enjoy freshly brewed beers, indoor soccer, and a rotating choice of food trucks.
Curl Up and Relax at These Pet-Friendly Hotels
After a long day on the trails or in the city, book yourself a pet-friendly room. These local hotels and inns welcome pets and their well-behaved humans!
Pet-Friendly FAQs
What activities can I do with my dog in Visalia, CA?
With its many parks, trails, and outdoor spaces, there are many activities to do with your dog in Visalia, CA. Some popular outdoor activities include:
- The Downtown Visalia Mural Tour
- A self-guided tour of historic downtown Visalia.
- A meal at any of the pet-friendly restaurants.
- Checking the events calendar for any outdoor movie nights at the park.
What are dog-friendly hiking trails near Visalia, CA?
Enjoy pet-friendly hikes within the national forest or visit the pet-friendly trails in Visalia, CA. The following parks and trails welcomed leashed pups:
- St. Johns Trail - Cutler Park
- Valley Oak and Sycamore Loop - Kaweah Oak Preserve
- Valley Oak and Cottonwood Fitness Loop - Kaweah Oak Preserve
- Elderberry and Wild Rose Loop - Kaweah Oak Preserve
- Dry Creek Preserve - Woodlake
- Homer Ranch - Lemon Cove
You can also check out the local farm tours and trails during your visit.
