Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Fodor's) - Fodor's [41]
Wuksachi Village Dining Room.
$$–$$$ | AMERICAN | Huge windows run the length of the high-ceilinged dining room, and a large fireplace on the far wall warms both the body and the soul. The diverse dinner menu—by far the best in the two parks—includes filet mignon, rainbow trout, and vegetarian pasta dishes, in addition to the ever-present burgers. The children’s menu is economically priced. Breakfast and lunch also are served. | Wuksachi Village 93262 | 559/565–4070 | Reservations essential | AE, D, DC, MC, V.
PICNIC AREAS
Take care to dispose of your food scraps properly (the bears might not appreciate this short-term, but the practice helps ensure their long-term survival).
Crescent Meadow.
A mile or so past Moro Rock, this comparatively remote picnic area has meadow views and, quite handily, is by a lovely trail on which you can burn off those potato chips and cookies. Tables are under the giant sequoias, off the parking area. There are restrooms and drinking water. Fires are not allowed. | End of Moro Rock–Crescent Rd., 2.6 mi east off Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198) 93262.
Foothills Picnic Area.
Near the parking lot at the southern entrance of the park, this small area has tables on grass. Drinking water and restrooms are available. | Near Foothills Visitor Center 93262.
Halstead Meadow.
An ongoing restoration project should make this spot more scenic, although picnickers must ignore Generals Highway noise. Grills and restrooms are provided, but there’s no drinking water. | Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), 4 mi north of Lodgepole junction 93262.
Hospital Rock.
American Indians once ground acorns into meal at this site; outdoor exhibits tell the story. The picnic area’s name, however, stems from a Caucasian hunter/trapper who was treated for a leg wound here in 1873. Look up and you’ll see imposing Moro Rock up the road. Grills, drinking water, and restrooms are available. | Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), 6 mi north of Ash Mountain entrance 93262.
Pinewood Picnic Area.
Picnic in Giant Forest, in the vicinity of sequoias if not actually under them. Drinking water, restrooms, grills, and wheelchair-accessible spots are provided in this expansive, lovely setting that is near Sequoia National Park’s most popular attractions. | Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), 2 mi north of Giant Forest Museum, halfway between Giant Forest Museum and General Sherman Tree 93262.
Wolverton Meadow.
At a major trailhead to the backcountry, this is a great place to stop for lunch before a hike. The area sits in a mixed-conifer forest adjacent to parking. Drinking water, grills, and restrooms are available. | Wolverton Rd., 1½ mi northeast off Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198) 93262.
KINGS CANYON
Cedar Grove Restaurant.
¢–$ | AMERICAN | For a small operation, the menu here is surprisingly extensive, with dinner entrées such as pasta, pork chops, and steak. For breakfast, try the biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, or cold cereal. Burgers (including vegetarian patties) and hot dogs dominate the lunch choices. Outside, a patio dining area overlooks the Kings River. | Cedar Grove Village 93633 | 559/565–0100 | AE, D, MC, V | Closed Oct.–May.
Grant Grove Restaurant.
$$–$$$ | AMERICAN | In a no-frills, open room, order basic American fare such as pancakes for breakfast or hot sandwiches and chicken for later meals. Vegetarians and vegans will have to content themselves with a simple salad. Take-out service is available. | Grant Grove Village 93633 | 559/335–5500 | AE, D, MC, V.
Picnic Areas
Big Stump.
At the edge of a logged sequoia grove, some trees still stand at this site. Near the park’s entrance, the area is paved and next to the road. It’s the only picnic area in either park that is plowed in the wintertime. Restrooms, grills, and drinking water are available, and the area is entirely accessible. | Just inside Rte. 180, Big Stump entrance 93633.
Columbine.
This shaded picnic area near the sequoias is relatively