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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Feb 18, 2019 · Updated: Aug 26, 2026 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    John Muir Lodge - Kings Canyon National Park

    TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
    🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
    📍Tours
    🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

    John Muir Lodge - Kings Canyon National Park

    John Muir Lodge is located near Grant Village in Kings Canyon National Park. The John Muir Lodge has 36 rooms available year-round.  The lodge is located truly in the heart of Kings Canyon NP. It is the perfect place to stay so you have all day to explore this gorgeous park.

    The John Muir Lodge is rustic in design but truly comfortable. From the roaring fireplace in the lobby with a large John Muir painting hanging over it to the Kings Canyon puzzle, anyone can work on.

    We spent a couple of hours relaxing in the lobby and it was fantastic. The gentleman at the front desk talked with us about birds, Sequoia trees and nature and was unbelievably knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the park.

    John Muir Lodge is the closest lodge to the General Grant Tree and Grant Grove. 

    Click here to book your stay at the John Muir Lodge

    King Room

    We stayed in a king room on the main floor of the John Muir Lodge.  I have to tell you I had the best night's sleep I have had in months in this room.

    The room was dark, so quiet and peaceful that I slept for over 9 hours without moving. I would return to the hotel just to get more sleep.

    Our room included a king-size bed, a small table with two chairs, a lounge chair, flat-screen tv, mini-fridge, single cup coffee maker (not a Keurig), and an en-suite bathroom.

    Our room ended up being an ADA Accessible room so the bathroom was pretty large.

    Room amenities

    • Blow dryer
    • Clothes steamer
    • Fan
    • Single Cup Coffee Maker (not a Keurig)
    • Radio/Alarm Clock, with 2 USB plug-ins + 2 electrical plug-ins
    • Sequoia/Kings Canyon signature toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap)
    • Pen and Paper

    There is a snack machine located in the hall near the main entrance.

    Roll-away beds are available upon request.

    There was great parking right outside of the lodge main entrance and four stairs to reach the front door.

    Book your stay at the John Muir Lodge Now

    Grant Grove Restaurant

    The Grant Grove Restaurant is located in Grant Grove right near the lodge. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

    During the summer breakfast is offered as a daily buffet, the buffet is offered on weekends only during the off-season. During the off-season, the restaurant offers an ala carte menu.

    Breakfast options include

    Western Omelet served with house breakfast potatoes and a fruit cup

    Muir Lodge two egg breakfast served with house breakfast potatoes, choice of breakfast meat and toast.

    Pancakes - served with 2 eggs and a choice of breakfast meat

    Junior Ranger Breakfast includes 1 egg, 1 meat, and a fruit cup

    French toast and waffles

    Lunch and dinner options include:

    California Flatbread (artichoke, feta, and tomato)

    Vegetarian Soup

    House grass-fed beef chili

    Four cheese pizza (12-inch)

    Mary's Chicken Pot Pie

    Grant Burger (lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, roasted garlic spread) served with your choice of chips, fresh fruit, pesto pasta salad, chili or vegetarian soup

    Almond Crusted Ruby Trout includes a choice of soup, salad or chili. Served with fresh market vegetables and sourdough bread.

    Vegetarian Lasagna includes a choice of soup, salad or chili. Served with fresh market vegetables and sourdough bread.

    Grass-Fed Meatloaf includes a choice of soup, salad or chili. Served with fresh market vegetables and sourdough bread.

    Harris Ranch Ribeye Steak includes a choice of soup, salad or chili. Served with fresh market vegetables and sourdough bread.

    ½ Rack St. Louis Cut Pork Ribs includes a choice of soup, salad or chili. Served with fresh market vegetables and sourdough bread.

    These are just some of the menu options at the Grant Grove Restaurant.

    Reserve Your Room at the John Muir Lodge

    John Muir Lodge General Information

    Canceled reservations within 48 hours of your stay will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.

    Check-in is guaranteed at 4 pm

    Check out is at 11 am

    The lodge has quiet hours from 9 pm to 8 am.

    The lodge is all non-smoking. You must be 25 feet away from a building if you choose to smoke.

    Pets - Prior approval is required to bring a pet with you to the lodge. There is a one-time non-refundable deposit of $25. The lodge welcomes well-mannered dogs. no other types of pets are allowed.

    All rooms are equipped with wall heating units.

    Check out the neighboring Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park for another great lodge to stay at during your visit. 

    Things to do When Staying at John Muir Lodge

    🌲 Visit the General Grant Tree, the third largest living tree on Earth and the Nation's Christmas Tree, a short walk from the lodge
    🥾 Hike the General Grant Tree Trail, an easy loop through the heart of the Grant Grove sequoia forest
    🏔️ Drive Kings Canyon Scenic Byway into the dramatic Kings River Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in North America
    🌊 Explore Roads End at the bottom of Kings Canyon, where the Kings River roars through granite walls
    🦌 Wildlife watch for mule deer, black bears, and mountain chickadees in the surrounding forest
    🌿 Walk through Panoramic Point for sweeping views of the High Sierra and Kings Canyon
    📸 Photograph giant sequoias in the grove at dawn when the forest is quiet and the light is soft
    🍽️ Dine at the Grant Grove Restaurant, steps from the lodge, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    ☕ Warm up by the stone fireplace in the lodge common room with a hot drink after a day outdoors
    🎿 Snowshoe through the giant sequoia groves in winter on marked trails departing from Grant Grove Village
    🛒 Pick up supplies, maps, and souvenirs at the Grant Grove Market nearby
    🏛️ Visit the Kings Canyon Visitor Center at Grant Grove for exhibits on park history and sequoia ecology
    🚗 Drive south on the Generals Highway to connect with Sequoia National Park and Wuksachi Lodge

    Book the John Muir Lodge Before it Fills

    Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Tours

    Sequoia National Park Small Group Tour from Three Rivers

    ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours, 30 minutes | 🌳  Check Rates and Availability

    Avoid the crowds and explore Sequoia National Park with ease on this small group tour. It stops at many of the park's key attractions as well as some of its hidden gems. This tour is jam-packed and ideal for first-time visitors.

    Day Tour to Kings Canyon National Park from Fresno, California

    ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 to 8 hours | 🌳  Check Rates and Availability

    This round-trip tour from Fresno, California takes you to a gem of the Seirra Nevada Mountains, Kings Canyon. This trips inclusddes stops at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, the Grant Grove where you can take a short hike through the trunk of a fallen tree, see lots of giant Sequoia Trees, even see the General Grant Tree, the third largest tree in the world! Afterwards, head to Cedar Grove Villagewhere you can see waterfalls, breathtaking canyon walls, possibly a bear too!

    Private Stargazing - Sequoia National Park

    ⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 hours, 30 minutes | 🌳  Check Rates and Availability

    When night falls, Sequoia's crowds depart, but don't worry, that's when the real show begins! Your guide provides everything you need, including binoculars, chairs, and more, as you stare into the dazzling night sky.

    Private Guided Hiking Tour - Sequoia National Park

    ⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1to 6 hours | 🌳  Check Rates and Availability

    Sequoia National Park is adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park, but if you are not familiar with the area, you might not know where to go and see the main spots of the parks. This private hiking tour with a private guide will show you the way. See General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock Trail, Tunnel Log, and Crescent Meadow Loop.

    Lodging Options in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park 

    ⭐️ 4.2 of 5 Stars - John Muir Lodge  - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    A cozy year-round mountain lodge sitting at 6,600 feet in the heart of Kings Canyon National Park, just a half mile from one of the most magnificient Giant Sequoia Groves on earth!

    The lodge was built in 1998 and features a stunning great room with open-beam ceilings, a stone fireplace with a historic redwood mantel, and public balconies perfectly positioned for Sierra sunsets. All 38 rooms include handcrafted wood furniture, mini fridge, coffee maker, flat-screen TV, and private bath.

    ⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Grant Grove Cabins - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    Wake up surrounded by towering giant sequoias at one of the most historic cabin properties inside any national park, with one cabin dating back all the way to 1910!

    ⭐️ 4.1 of 5 Stars - Cedar Grove Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    Open May-mid-October & Pet Friendly!

    A rare find deep inside one of America's most dramatic canyons, sitting right on the banks of the wild and scenic Kings River surrounded by towering granite walls!

    Rooms here do not have TV or cellular service, instead you have the steady roar of the Kings River and the canyon walls rising above you. All 21 air conditioned rooms include private bathrooms, coffee makers, complimentary continental breakfast, snack bar, gift shop, and laundry facilities are all on-site.

    Lodging in Sequoia National Park

    ⭐️ 4.1 of 5 Stars - Wuksachi Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    Sequoia National Park's flagship lodge, sitting at 7,200 feet surrounded by the most magnificiant giant sequoia forest on earth, just minutes from the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on the planet!

    Built from native granite, oak, cedar, and hickoryall 100 rooms feature private bathrooms, flat screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffee makers, hair dryers, and ski racks. The lodge offers a cozy fireplace, full service restaurant, cocktail lounge, gift shop.

    Lodging In Three Rivers, CA (6 miles from Sequoia National Park)

    ⭐️ 4.7 of 5 Stars - Sequoia Village - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    lA fun, updated retro-style motel right on the Kaweah River, less than 10 minutes from the Sequoia National Park entrance! New owners have invested heavily in the property, adding a game room, river access, BBQ grills, complimentary laundry, and morning coffee, juice, fruit, and snacks to fuel you before hitting the trails. All 23 individually decorated rooms feature Smart TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, free WiFi, and private bathrooms, with select rooms offering fireplaces, private decks, and balconies with river views. Picnic area, gas grills, concierge services, and free parking all on site. Pet friendly!

    ⭐️ 4.1 of 5 Stars - The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    A charming riverside lodge sitting just steps from the Sequoia National Park entrance, perched right on the banks of the scenic Kaweah River! The on-site restaurant features seafood, seasonal soups, and fresh salads with picturesque river views, and the bar highlights 30 styles of whiskey and 50 styles of vodka. Cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily. Room options range from standard rooms to a two-bedroom river house, all with free WiFi, cable TV, air conditioning, and private baths, with select cottages featuring full kitchens and private decks overlooking the river.

    Click on this link or the map below to see additional vacation rentals and lodging near the park.

    https://www.stay22.com/embed/63372c1aaf79eb0016aa4cee

    Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Entrance Fee

    Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

    Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

    Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

    $20.00 for Non-commercial group (16+ persons)

    $45.00-75.00 for commercial sedan with 1-6 seats ($25.00 plus $20.00 per passenger)

    $75.00 for commercial van with 7-15 seats

    $100.00 commercial Mini-bus with 16-25 seats

    $200.00 for commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

    Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

    $80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

    2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

    Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

    National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

    Additional Information on Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    • Complete Guide to Kings Canyon National Park
    • Things To Do in Kings Canyon National Park
    • Grant Grove Travel Guide
    • Complete Guide to Sequoia National Park
    • Things To Do in Sequoia National Park
    • Moro Rock Trail, Sequoia National Park

    Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok

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    Filed Under: Lodging, US National Parks

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