Nature's Royal Treatment

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.