As a foreign national military spouse from Bulgaria, I was thrilled when we received our new orders for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move to Italy. The proximity to home, my love for Italian food and wine, and the excitement of a new adventure for our family kept me enthusiastic during the long countdown. Understandably, my husband wasn’t as excited; there were many conveniences he’d miss from our established life in the U.S. But one thing we both undeniably agreed on was visiting the national parks still left on our must-see list.

The Countdown Before Our Military PCS

As we began planning our final months before the move, we realized we were deep into PCS season — that hectic window filled with packing lists, goodbyes, and last-minute to-dos. Over the years — especially after having our son — we made it a goal to visit a new national park every few months. It became our way to escape daily life, find peace in nature, slow down and breathe deeply, and build a stronger bond and deeper gratitude. We knew we would deeply miss waking up to mountain vistas and hearing rustling leaves as we hiked along trails.

There was no doubt: we had to take one last big trip to a national park before a military PCS. And this is the story of our visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

The Journey to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Our journey began on a sunny Saturday morning. After stuffing the car to the brim with a pack and play, hiking shoes, a backpack carrier, tons of toys and snacks (if you know, you know), just-in-case essentials, and plenty of unnecessary items, we were ready! Neither of us was looking forward to six hours in the car with a very active toddler, so we split the trip over two days and stayed overnight in Bakersfield — an ideal halfway point between Oceanside, CA, and the parks.

Our son was so excited about the adventure that he woke us up early, and we reached Sequoia National Park by lunchtime. As always, we stopped at the visitor center first to get oriented. Then we checked into our “home” for the next five days — Montecito Sequoia Lodge.

Fun fact: Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two distinct national parks, but they’re right next to each other — you can easily visit both in a single day.

Our lodge was in neither park but nestled in the small area in between. Montecito Sequoia Lodge offers summer camps for families, but since we visited off-season, it was peaceful yet fully equipped with great facilities.

We had barely dropped our bags before heading out to explore. My son ran straight to the lake to see ducks, play in the sand, collect rocks and sticks, and bounce on the trampoline. His joy over the simplest things filled us with happiness. As we chased after him, laughing and smiling, I knew — this trip would be unforgettable.

Moments That Mattered Most

This visit was different from our past national park adventures. I had a list of hikes and must-sees ready, but it stayed untouched at the bottom of our suitcase. We slowed down. We spent hours by the lake, immersed in the serenity of the forest. Sure, we marveled at General Sherman Tree (the biggest in the world), drove through Tunnel Log, climbed the 3

50 steps up Moro Rock Trail, watched the sunset from Buena Vista Trail, took the stunning Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, and let our son run free at Roaring River Falls. But more than anything, we disconnected from the outside world and reconnected within.

Nature helped us reflect on the past three years at our duty station and envision what lay ahead. Away from the fast-paced rhythm of life, with phones tucked away, we connected more deeply as a family. We had conversations we don’t often get to have. We were truly present — and noticed the small, beautiful things we often overlook.

As I write this, I’m flooded with memories. Sitting in silence (even our son) by the fireplace while a stranger softly strummed a guitar. Watching our son splash in a cold mountain stream. Tossing pebbles into a waterfall basin. Feeling awe at the grandeur of the giant sequoias, and in their vastness, recognizing both our smallness and our place in something bigger. It was the perfect pause before the intensity of PCS season really set in — a time to breathe, reflect, and reconnect before everything changed.

During and after our visit, we kept saying: This was our best family trip ever. Everything about it felt magical and special. We didn’t want to leave. But, as always, duty calls. Still, we dream of the day we can return and create even more unforgettable memories.

National Parks and the Military PCS Journey

With 63 national parks across 30 states, chances are there’s one near your duty station. If you’ve recently PCSed and haven’t looked into it yet — start now! Make a list of the nearest parks.

Why visit? To step into the great outdoors, where Wi-Fi fades and nature takes over. There’s real healing in quiet forests, winding trails, and the calming wild beauty. It’s more than just outdoor time — it’s therapy for the military family lifestyle.

Every national park visit is an adventure, but for military families, it’s also an essential escape. A pause. A reset. A rare, uninterrupted moment of togetherness.

And yes — service members are eligible for a free annual national park pass. Military spouse eligibility is included too, making it even easier for families to explore the outdoors together. It’s one of many examples of free stuff for military families that can truly make a difference, offering not just savings but priceless memories.

PCS Season: A Great Time to Experience the Wonder

Our visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon was our last big adventure before our PCS move to Italy. To say we talk about it weekly would be an understatement. While we’re excited to explore Europe, each U.S. national park holds a special place in our hearts. The memories we made on these trips — we carry with us every day.

Even now, looking up at the photos above my desk, I see a family soaking in views at Yosemite, marveling at sequoias, and camping under desert stars in Death Valley. These images remind me what matters most: time with loved ones, quiet moments, and laughter shared.

Honoring Military Families with a National Park Getaway

Military families are the unsung heroes behind every service member — facing frequent moves, long separations, and often living on a single income. That can make something as simple as summer camp or a family vacation feel out of reach.

For the second year in a row, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) has partnered with the National Park Service to honor these everyday sacrifices by giving one heroic military family an all-expenses-paid trip to Grand Teton National Park. This initiative is part of the broader ASYMCA military support programs that provide meaningful opportunities, especially during the challenging PCS season.

All active duty junior-enlisted families (E-6 and below) are invited to enter the Heroes in the Great Outdoors: Military Family Giveaway. Share why your family loves the outdoors, along with a favorite family photo. The story with the most votes will win an unforgettable national park adventure.

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