Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon NP route suggestions?

[Jeremy McCreary]

And now for something totally different from my usual coastal riding: Leaving soon for 12 days in Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks — all in the Sierra Nevada. Taking the Vado SL 1.

All 3 parks allow legal ebikes wherever regular bikes can go — mainly paved roads and MUPs, maybe some gravel roads, but no dirt hiking trails or wilderness areas.

Anyone have route suggestions to share away from the main tourist areas?

Probably looking at 20-25 mi rides. Don't mind hills but prefer grades under 10%. In Yosemite, we'll be staying well south of Yosemite Valley in the Wawona area.

Thanks!

 

[Chazmo]

Had one of my best backpacking overnights in Kings Canyon, Jeremy. No idea about biking, but your trip sounds like a winner! Have a great vacation!

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Had one of my best backpacking overnights in Kings Canyon, Jeremy. No idea about biking, but your trip sounds like a winner! Have a great vacation!

Thanks! Been to all of these spectacular parks several times and once cruised parts of Yosemite Valley on a crummy rental.

Otherwise, no cycling experience in any of them. Plenty of hills at home that get my heart pumping, but I think the hills I'm about to face will at minimum be much longer.

 

[RunForTheHills]

I was in Sequoia and Kings Canyon about a year ago. I wasn't looking for it, but I don't remember many bike friendly roads and people do drive fast on the main road into Kings Canyon. Of course, you can tool around the campgrounds and picnic areas. You can go down to visit Grant's tree by road, but it is a pretty steep, winding road coming back up and not much of a shoulder on the road. I took the Bromptons with us, but we never took them out of the car and mostly ended up hiking with other family members that were also on the trip.

 

[Darth_Vado]

No ideas for you, but will be watching this thread.

Beautiful country up there. Mist Falls trail is a favorite, though not bikeable.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I was in Sequoia and Kings Canyon about a year ago. I wasn't looking for it, but I don't remember many bike friendly roads and people do drive fast on the main road into Kings Canyon. Of course, you can tool around the campgrounds and picnic areas. You can go down to visit Grant's tree by road, but it is a pretty steep, winding road coming back up and not much of a shoulder on the road. I took the Bromptons with us, but we never took them out of the car and mostly ended up hiking with other family members that were also on the trip.

Thanks, very helpful. May be facing a similar situation in Wawona.

Just scouted the roads there using Google Maps in satellite view. The main roads are twisty and narrow with no bike lanes, and often no rideable shoulders.

All the non-MTB RideWithGPS routes in the area use roads like this. A few nearby developments have streets that might be safer but hardly exciting. Overall, not very appetizing.

Taking the bike on this trip was Plan B. Plan A was to hike, not bike. Then my right knee started one of its spells — this time making walking pretty painful after half a mile or so without affecting cycling. Figured I'd just ride elsewhere while the missus and our friends did their walks.

However, if tonight's reconnaissance of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon segments looks as unappetizing as you found them, I may leave the bike and associated theft worries at home. Problem is, the knee's still not in hiking shape.

 

[RunForTheHills]

Thanks, very helpful. May be facing a similar situation in Wawona.

Just scouted the roads there using Google Maps in satellite view. The main roads are twisty and narrow with no bike lanes, and often no rideable shoulders.

All the non-MTB RideWithGPS routes in the area use roads like this. A few nearby developments have streets that might be safer but hardly exciting. Overall, not very appetizing.

Taking the bike on this trip was Plan B. Plan A was to hike, not bike. Then my right knee started one of its spells — this time making walking pretty painful after half a mile or so without affecting cycling. Figured I'd just ride elsewhere while the missus and our friends did their walks.

However, if tonight's reconnaissance of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon segments looks as unappetizing as you found them, I may leave the bike and associated theft worries at home. Problem is, the knee's still not in hiking shape.

There is always a good book, a camp chair, and a beverage of your choice. My parents liked to fish there. But if you go in the spring, the water may be too fast with the snow melt. There are some swimming holes as well. Our trip last year was to spread my parents ashes in Kings Canyon as it was their favorite place to camp. It's a beautiful area.