National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, and beauty here. Explore these pages to plan your visit or to learn about the plants and animals here and the threats they face. Ancient giant sequoias may seem invincible, but they, too are vulnerable.
Plan your visit
- Best Time To Visit
- Late spring to early fall; expect Cedar Grove closure by snow in winter; plan around road openings
Highlights
- Why Visit
- The two parks protect an extraordinary range of Sierra Nevada landscapes, from the foothill groves to the high alpine. The living giants—giant sequoias—stand as a benchmark for ecological scale and long-term stewardship. This is a landscape where water, fire, weather, and wildlife interact on a continental scale, demanding thoughtful use and respect from every visitor.
- Top Things To Do
- Giant Forest groves and General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock overlook, Grant Grove area, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, Rae Lakes area
Areas to plan around
- Foothills District
- Ash Mountain Entrance, Foothills Visitor Center; proximity to Moro Rock
- Grant Grove District
- Grant Grove Visitor Center; Grant Tree area; accessible facilities
- Lodgepole District
- Lodgepole Visitor Center; Lodgepole Campground
- Cedar Grove District
- Cedar Grove Visitor Center; Cedar Grove area access (seasonal)
Getting there & around
- Getting There Airports
- Fresno Yosemite International (FAT); Visalia Municipal (VIS)
- Getting There Driving Distances
- Varies
- Getting There Entrances
- Ash Mountain Entrance (Highway 198); Grant Grove Entrance; Lodgepole Entrance; Cedar Grove Entrance (seasonal)
- Getting Around Shuttles
- Not required; parking and road access are driven by visitor responsibility
- Getting Around Reservations
- General entry requires no timed reservations; backcountry overnight permits may be required and are issued at park permit desks
- Getting Around Parking
- Parking can be extremely limited; Moro Rock and General Sherman Tree areas commonly fill; arrive before 8:00 AM or later in the afternoon
Where to stay
- Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
- Not listed in data
- Where To Stay Gateway Towns
- Three Rivers, CA (gateway town)
Safety & wildlife
- Safety Bear Country
- Black bears are present. Maintain distance (100 yards for bears, 400 yards from nesting birds). Do not feed wildlife. Carry bear spray when hiking in backcountry; store food properly.
- Safety Weather
- Altitude can cause sickness; stay hydrated and pace ascent. Summer heat raises heat-related risk; weather can change rapidly in the mountains
- Safety Altitude
- High elevations; monitor for altitude effects
- Safety Leave No Trace
- Pack it out; stay on designated trails
- Safety Permits Needed
- Backcountry permits required for overnight backcountry trips; permits issued at park visitor centers
- Wildlife Overview
- Black bears are common; rattlesnakes occur; maintain distance from wildlife; store food properly
- Wildlife Safety
- Keep distance; never feed wildlife; bear spray recommended; know bear-safe practices
Trip strategy
- Itinerary Strategy
- Day 1: Drive Generals Highway through Giant Forest; Day 2: Grant Grove and Kings Canyon viewpoints; Day 3: Rae Lakes or Cedar Grove exploration
- Entrance Hacks
- No timed-entry requirement for general entry; parking fills by mid-morning at popular sites; arrive before 8am or consider afternoon visits
- Basecamp Logic
- WEST SIDE: closer to Giant Forest, better access to dining and services; EAST SIDE: access to Kings Canyon and Cedar Grove, windier, more alpine feel; plan a split stay if possible
- Crowd Calendar
- July is peak crowding; September offers drier conditions and fewer people; June can see snow on some road segments; plan for mosquito activity in peak season
- Tips Advice
- Buy the pass online
- No mandatory shuttle
- Don’t feed wildlife
- Arrive early for parking
- Check road closures daily
More details
- Park Code
- seki
- Tagline
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- Entrance Fee
- $35.00 - Entrance - Private Vehicle
- Quick Facts Entrance Fees
- $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days); digital passes via Recreation.gov; America the Beautiful and other federal passes accepted
- When To Visit Peak Season
- July–August
- When To Visit Shoulder Season
- September–October
- When To Visit Winter
- Roads can be closed; Cedar Grove Byway blocked by snow; plan for winter conditions and self-reliance
- When To Visit Road Opening
- Generals Highway open year-round with possible temporary closures; Kings Canyon Byway opens after snowmelt; Cedar Grove area opens after snow clearance
- Weather Info
- Because of the extreme elevation range in the parks, weather conditions vary widely between areas. In summer, the sequoia groves have comfortable temperatures and the foothills are hot and dry. Snow lingers on high-mountain passes well into summer. In fall, conditions can range from summer-like to winter-like. Winter brings snow to sequoia groves and rain to the foothills. Be prepared for tire chain requirements. Spring is a great time to hike in the foothills and snow begins to melt at higher elevations.
- What To Bring Essential Gear
- Bear spray, layers, water
- What To Bring Clothing
- No cotton; wool or synthetic layers recommended
- Review Summary
- Visitors describe the scale of Sequoia & Kings Canyon as awe-inspiring, with giants dominating the landscape. Expect crowds in peak season and limited parking; early arrival is rewarded with better access to trailheads and viewpoints. Road conditions and closures require proactive planning and ongoing checks.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Is there a timed-entry or vehicle reservation for general park access?
No for general entry; reservations may be required for some areas or services—always check the official site before you go.
Can I bring my dog on trails?
Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash. They are allowed only in developed areas, campgrounds, picnic areas, and along paved roads; not on hiking trails or in wilderness or park buildings.
Do I need a backcountry permit?
Yes, backcountry permits are required for overnight backcountry trips; permits are issued at the permit desks within visitor centers.
Where should I park near popular sites?
Parking is limited; Moro Rock and General Sherman Tree areas fill quickly—arrive before 8:00 AM or later in the afternoon.
Are drones allowed?
Drones are prohibited without a permit.
Trails
The General Sherman Tree
Largest tree by volume. 0.5 miles paved. Don't underestimate the 200-foot return climb—bring water and poles.
Road’s End
Your staging ground before the High Sierra. River views from Muir Rock with deadly currents to respect.
Trail of the Sequoias Winter Trail
Steep winter ski challenge through sequoia groves. Experienced only—not for novices.
Wolverton Winter Trail
Steep winter ski run to Wolverton. Demands downhill control on a narrow, icy hillside. Not for beginners.
Gateway towns
Cedar Grove
Cedar Grove Lodge, market & visitor center in Kings Canyon's river valley—seasonal access only.
Independence
No-frills town 36km from Sequoia. Two motels, one café—closes early. Last fuel stop.
Hume
Hume sits 30km west of Kings Canyon. 11 motels, casual dining, practical staging point. Book ahead for peak season.
Three Rivers
Your pit stop before Sequoia. 26 miles south, solid lodging, and cheaper gas than the park.
Recommended gear
Sources
- National Park Service
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated August 2026. Report an issue.