Nature's Royal Treatment

John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon

10.20.2015

Dwarfed beneath a ring of behemoth sequoias sits Kings Canyon National Park's iconic John Muir Lodge. All 36 rooms in the secluded stone and timber retreat have eco-friendly décor yet retain a rustic ambience. The lobby's rough-hewn open beam ceilings and an oft-lit stone fireplace provide a warm backdrop on crisp autumn days. The lodge is located within minutes of historic Grant Grove and its towering forest of giant sequoias, including the General Grant. Dubbed "the Nation's Christmas Tree," it's the second largest tree by volume in the world (after neighboring Sequoia's General Sherman!). Also a short drive from the lodge is Panoramic Point, a 7,520-foot overlook with beautiful vistas of the area's surrounding peaks and valleys. Hike 2.5 miles to the Park Ridge Fire Lookout and climb to the top of the tower for sublime views of Hume Lake, and a humbling perspective of the devastation caused by the recent fires.

BONUS: Wonders of the Night Sky and Ghosts Among the Giants are complimentary guided excursions offered at John Muir Lodge and Wuksachi Lodge every Friday and Saturday night through October. Thank the Sequoia Parks Conservancy for making it happen!

John Muir Lodge is open year-round at 86728 Hwy. 180, Kings Canyon National Park, (877) 436-9615. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View

  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View

  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View