NPS Photo The parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Occasionally, winter storms will close roads leading into the parks until they can be plowed or repaired. Seeing these parks involves going up in elevation. Sequoias grow about one mile higher in elevation than the orchards of the San Joaquin Valley. Weather varies from low to high elevation. Snow may close the Generals Highway between the parks while flowers bloom in the foothills. Some roads open only in summer and fall, and some have limitations on the length of vehicles permitted. Check what's open before you come, and be prepared for changing conditions and availability of facilities due to weather or other circumstances. NPS AppExplore Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with the free, NPS app. Download the data for the parks so that even when you are out of your cellular network range, this interactive guide can help you make the most out of your trip. Purchase Entrance Passes Before You ArriveEntrance passes can be purchased online, in advance of your trip. Buy online and save time at the entrance gate! Eating & SleepingThere are many options for camping, lodging, and restaurants in these parks. Things to DoActivities in the parks will include ranger programs, day hikes, wilderness trips, winter activites, and more. Places to GoVisitor services are concentrated in five different areas: Grant Grove, Giant Forest, and Foothills areas stay open all year. Cedar Grove and Mineral King open from late spring to early fall. Campgrounds are open in all areas spring through fall; some stay open in winter. Find lodging and other services at Grant Grove, Giant Forest, and Wuksachi year-round, and at Cedar Grove during summer and early fall. Lodging, camping, and other services are also available in the national forests and communities bordering the parks. Bears & Food StorageBlack bears are found throughout the parks. Bears will grab unattended food and have damaged property in an attempt to get human foods. They can become bold and aggressive in attempts to get more food, which can be a risk to your safety. Follow food-storage rules during your visit. If you camp, be prepared to remove all food and scented items from your vehicle and store in the provided food storage boxes. Operating Hours & SeasonsEven though we are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, seasons and weather conditions impact the availability of some features and facilities. Current ConditionsOn our Current Conditions page, you will find weather forecasts, road advisories, and other up-to-date information. Shuttle ServicesPark and ride! In summer, shuttles operate within Sequoia National Park and can bring you to the park from nearby towns. Shuttles also run during some winter holidays. Park NewspaperThe park "Trip Planner" is a good place to start when planning a visit. It includes phone numbers, opening/closing dates, and information on camping, lodging, dining, shopping, showers, activities, attractions, hiking trails, wilderness permits, food storage, safety, road-construction delays, where to find gasoline, vehicle-length advisories, shuttle service, a park map, and more. Free Ranger-led ProgramsJoin us for a walk, talk, or campfire program! Programs are offered year-round. News ReleasesGet updates on special events, conditions, future road construction, fee-free dates, fire information, public comment opportunities, and more. Permits & ReservationsSome special activities in these parks require a permit, such as camping in the wilderness, commercial tours, filming, or scientific research. Check the Permits and Reservations page for information about different permit types and instructions on how to apply. Crystal CaveSequoia Parks Conservancy has announced the closure of Crystal Cave for the 2023 season due to damage sustained to the road, trail, and visitor facilities at Crystal Cave during the 2021 KNP Complex wildfire and the extreme winter weather in winter of 2023. Sequoia Parks Conservancy is working closely with the National Park Service to restore access to the public in 2024. AccessibilityIf you or someone you are traveling with has with mobility or sensory impairments, there are trails, programs, and other options that are right for you. You can also ask for accessibility information at any visitor center. PetsPets are limited to few places in the park, and are not permitted on trails. Service dogs (not including emotional support animals) may attend to their handlers accompany them in park facilities. Rules for pets vary between our parks and the neighboring national forest land. Stay Safe in the ParksYour safety is your responsibility. Before you visit, learn about hazards you may encounter in natural areas. Gasoline & Emergency Automobile ServicesNo gas stations or repair shops are inside park boundaries. Gas and emergency vehicle services are available nearby in national forests. Fire & Your VisitAs fire danger increases in summer, restrictions on fire may begin, including limits on campfires, barbeques, smoking, and wilderness campfires. To learn about how the park manages fire and its role in keeping sequoia groves healthy, visit our prescribed-fire web page. National Parks vs. National ForestsSequoia National Forest and Sierra National Forest both border these national parks. If you drive the Generals Highway between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, you'll cross national forest lands, which are managed by a different agency. Some rules vary between national parks and national forests. Weapons & Firearms in the ParksWeapons (including, but not limited to, BB, pellet and paint guns; bow/arrow, slingshots, bear spray, and other compressed-gas irritant devices) are illegal to possess. No firearms, including concealed-carry, are allowed in any federal building. Discharge of a firearm or weapon is prohibited within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Park Information Translated in Several LanguagesThe Sequoia and Kings Canyon Official Map and Guide has been translated into several languages: |
Last updated: September 26, 2023