Frequently Asked Questions
What are the costs associated with the loop?
The Loop is a series of suggested itineraries that help to guide visitors to 3 of California's National Parks: Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite.
Currently there are several ways to do the Loop:
1. By Plane
Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest airport to all 3 Parks, has direct flights from major airport hubs, and is very guest friendly. You can fly in and rent a car and explore the Parks at your leisure. FlyFresno.com
2. By Car
Whether your drive from your starting destination in your own car or you rent a car, you can visit the Majestic Mountain Loop at your own pace. Stay for 3 days or for a week or more. You can follow the suggested itinerary for each day or make up your own.
3. Existing Guided Tours
Depart from the town of Visalia (south of Sequoia) and the Oakhurst area (south of Yosemite). Links to all tours can be found at MajesticMountainLoop.com/other-transportation
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia Shuttle runs daily (May to Oct) from Visalia (very cute downtown, we recommend getting a hotel there and starting your journey early morning) - $20 round trip includes park entry. Use the in-park shuttle to see all the top sites in Sequoia National Park.
Sequoia Sightseeing Tours – runs all year with tours of Sequoia -about $88 per adult – you can pick up this tour in Three Rivers by driving or taking the Sequoia Shuttle. Or they have other pick up locations in Sequoia & at Wuksachi Lodge.
Kings Canyon
There are no tours that you can buy at this time – this is self-guided.
Yosemite National Park
There are several all-day Yosemite tours that pick up from Oakhurst, Bass Lake & Fish Camp (south gate to Yosemite) for average rate $112 per adult (some include lunch) (it's a little less in the winter).
If you're a photography buff, there is Photo Safari in Yosemite which is an amazing day seeing Yosemite sites and learning how to best photograph them.
There are also several tours inside of Yosemite where you can park your car and take a tour of the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley.
National Park Service Entry Fees:
Single-Entry - Good for 7 days (per car):
Sequoia/Kings $35
Yosemite $35
Annual Pass - Good for 1 Year
Yosemite $70
Sequoia/Kings $60
All National Parks $80
Senior Pass - $80 (62 and older, lifetime, must be US citizen)
Access Pass - $0.00 (Disabled, lifetime, must provide doctor's proof of disability)
Military Pass - $0.00 (Active military only, must provide proof)
Lodging Rates
Depend on what level of accommodations you are interested in and in what season:
Seasonal Camping (Runs $20 per day or less)
Hotels in the Summer (Average $159 per night (plus tax)
Hotels in the Spring/Fall (Average $119 per night (plus tax)....
Hotels in the Winter (Average $99 per night (plus tax)
Check individual properties for rates & availability - MajesticMountainLoop.com/where-to-stay
What are the National Park Operating Hours?
Sequoia, Kings Canyon & Yosemite are all open 24 hours a day.
Services such as gift shops and visitor centers hours can be found on the NPS websites.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - www.visitvisalia.com/Sequoia-National-Park
Yosemite National Park - www.yosemitethisyear.com/yosemite
How do I find out winter road conditions?
Road Conditions go to www.dot.ca.gov or call 1-800-427-7623
Yosemite Road Conditions call 1-209-372-0200 then press 1, 1
Sequoia/Kings Canyon Road Conditions – 1-559-565-3341 then press 1, 4, 1
When are the best times to see the parks?
Best times to see the Parks depend on your interests as all 4 seasons are amazing in different ways. Please note that seasons often overlap and change due to weather patterns.
Spring is the time to see the waterfalls and dogwood trees in bloom (April to mid-June)
Summer is warm and everything is open, so if you like hiking, camping water rafting, horseback riding and exploring the wilderness - this is the best time to go. (June thru September)
Fall has so many colors in the trees - awe inspiring! (September thru November)
Winter – is truly Majestic! Some service are not open in the winter, but there is still a lot to see and do...snowy vistas, cross country skiing, downhill at Badger Pass in Yosemite, snowshoeing, giant sequoia, ice skating in Yosemite, shops, museums... (December thru March)
