Overall Route Rating
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4.63 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.63
9 Reviews

Highway 198, Sequoia National Park

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jul 31, 2003

Rider Reviews

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troglobiker
July 1, 2015
My son and I just stayed in Three Rivers, Ca in…
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Guest
December 11, 2008
Sequoia Kings Canyon is one of the states best…
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Written Directions

I suggest starting in the town of Three Rivers CA. Three Rivers is just about 70 miles north of Bakersfield California and lies just outside the southwest border of the Sequoia National Park. The route I describe is only about 20 miles long and it takes place all on one main road that goes through the park - highway 198. Go north from Three Rivers on highway 198 into Sequoia National Park. The really twisty section is in the first 20 miles. If you continue north through the park and back down to the lower altitudes (and back to civilization), it will be another 70 miles. Highway 198 will turn into Highway 180. If you go left on 180, it will take you out of the park to Squaw Valley. If you go right it will take you to a dead end/turnaround in the heart of Kings Canyon National Park.

Scenery

This place could define the word scenery in a picture book on national parks. Huge rock formations, grand vistas of mountains and valleys, and, best of all, a GIANT sequoia nearly 300 feet tall. Yosemite National Park is even more grand, and can be visited the next day.

Drive Enjoyment

Imagine the perfect layout with tight curves and tight switchbacks with plenty of elevation changes. Then pour the greatest pavement in the US. I'm not joking. We're talking 1-grit sandpaper quality ... your tires will grab on to this stuff like glue. I rode 20 mph through a 5 mph switchback on bald tires.

Tourism Opportunities

There's a lack of gas stations and fast food joints, but the park is full of places to see and things to do. You could spend a week here.Be prepared for several thousand feet of altitude change and the temperature change that comes along with it. In October it was 80 degrees down low, but 60 degrees higher up in the park.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Guest
January 11, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
This is a great road, but it does have two downsides. First being weekend traffic of buses, RV's, and familys out on a day trip to avoid the summertime heat of the valley. Secondly, if my memory serves me correctly, there is a 45mph speed limit the entire way through the park. So while the road ccan be safely ridden well in excess of that, you run the risk of a badge heavy park ranger dropping a ticket on you.
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Big_Mike
December 12, 2019
517 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Great riding and plenty of natural beauty to be seen from the saddle or off.
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RtPilot
April 16, 2020
60 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
My first motorcycle camping trip with an an organization/group. (Airheads) Fantastic event in the middle of some of the best roadway scenery on the planet. The roads are generally good condition but crowded during summer and weekends. The campgrounds are primitive but well kept and clean with good oversight. I am trying to figure out how to post the go pro videos here. I highly recommend this place for road touring, camping and adventure riding in the back country. all have something to offer.
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