LA Int'l Students' Thanksgiving Road Trip Guide 🚗🌲

🔥 Park Basics ▫️ Annual Pass: $80 (Access all U.S. National Parks) ▫️ Explore: Sequoia + Kings Canyon – two parks, one epic trip ▫️ Season: Nov–Feb for snowy landscapes ❄️ (No fresh snow during 11/24-25, but plenty to admire!) 🏡 Accommodation ✔️ Three Rivers Inn – $300/night for 6, includes kitchen & living space ⚠️ In-park Wuksachi Lodge – book 1-2 months ahead 🍽 Food Tips 📍 Black Bear Diner – Huge portions! Two dishes fed four people (~$11/person) 💡 Last supply stop: Three Rivers ❗ Bring snacks + trash bags – no bins on trails 🍎 Pack: bread, fruits (apples, oranges, etc.) 🗺 Must-See Stops 🌲 Sequoia Section 1️⃣ Tunnel Log ⭐⭐⭐ Drive through a massive sequoia trunk 🚗🌳 Lie down for an epic low-angle shot 📸 2️⃣ General Sherman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ World’s largest tree 🌍 Connect to Congress Trail for more giants 🚶 3️⃣ Moro Rock ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Summit by 5 AM for surreal sunrise views 🌅 Icy steps in winter – tread carefully! 🧊 4️⃣ Crescent Meadow ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Summer wildflower paradise 💐 Chance wildlife sightings 🐻 🏞 Kings Canyon Section 5️⃣ General Grant ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Nation’s Christmas Tree 🎄 Easy loop trail – family-friendly 👨‍👩‍👧 6️⃣ Panoramic Point ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Breathtaking sunset overlook 🌄 Narrow mountain roads – drive with care 🚙 🚗 Road Trip Essentials ⛽ Last gas station: Three Rivers 🎵 Download Google Maps & playlists offline ⛓ Carry snow chains (Nov–Mar) – even if unused 👟 Gear Checklist ✅ Waterproof hiking boots ✅ Layered clothing ✅ Headlamp + hiking poles ✅ Ice cleats ❌ Avoid smooth-soled shoes – friends slipped multiple times! 💡 Pro Tips · Enter before 9 AM – avoid ticket checks · Check AllTrails for trail conditions & closures · Carry enough water – no refill stations inside · Download the NPS app for real-time road/weather updates #SequoiaKingsCanyon #WinterRoadTrip #StudyAbroadUSA #USNationalParks #ThanksgivingTrip #SnowHiking #TravelSmart #CaliforniaNature