The roads are closed to vehicle traffic due to snow and debris, but remain open to winter recreation such as hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Roads will reopen once they have been cleared and made safe for vehicle traffic
Mineral King Road Is Closed Due To A Regular Seasonal Closure. Expected To Reopen May 21.
The portion of Mineral King Road inside Sequoia National Park is closed for the winter season to the general public. The road typically reopens in May on the Wednesday before Memorial Day, but could be later depending on conditions.
Several Small Roads Closed Due to Roadway Damage Or Snow Accumulation
These roads are closed due to roadway damage during past storm events or due to snow accumulation: Crystal Cave Rd, Middle Fork Rd, Redwood Canyon Rd, South Fork Rd, Panoramic Point Rd More
While our parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, not all visitor centers are open year-round. Some close seasonally. Others operating outdoors may close due to inclement weather or poor air quality.
Our visitor centers, ranger stations, and a museum offer opportunities to explore the nature and history of these parks, watch park films, and get trip-planning information. Park stores within visitor centers offer books and other products related to the park. All purchases in these stores support park programs through the Sequoia Parks Conservancy.
Wilderness Permit Desks
Many of our visitor centers also have locations where visitors can pick up wilderness permits.
Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC) Park Stores
SPC Park Store hours may vary from visitor center or wilderness permit desk hours. Please check the park newspaper when you arrive at the park for the latest hours.
Foothills Visitor Center
This visitor center is one mile past the Ash Mountain entrance station along the Generals Highway. Stop here for information, maps, books, gifts, and restrooms. Browse exhibits about the ecology and human history of the foothills, and join a free ranger-led program.
Physical Address
47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA93271
Mailing Address
47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA93271
On the Generals Highway 1 mile (1.6 km) north of the Ash Mountain Entrance.
Current Hours (Fall, Winter, Spring Hours - End Date And Operating Hours Are Subject to Change)
October 13–May 23
Every Day:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
The end date and operating hours of the spring schedule are subject to change.
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Except when weather or safety conditions require a closure, Foothills Visitor Center is open every day. Hours vary seasonally.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Fall, Winter, Spring Hours - End Date And Operating Hours Are Subject to Change
October 13–May 23
Every Day:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
The end date and operating hours of the spring schedule are subject to change.
Learn more here about the ecology of the parks' foothills. NPS Photo
Learn more about the plant and animals found in the parks' foothills. NPS Photo
Learn about challenges that the parks faces today, NPS Photo
Giant Forest Museum
The museum is housed in a historic market in the Giant Forest sequoia grove at 6,500 feet (1,980 m) elevation. Explore exhibits about sequoias and learn why this landscape grows the biggest of big trees. Stop here before you explore the grove. Giant Forest Museum is open year-round except when weather or safety conditions require a closure. Hours vary seasonally. During wilderness permit non-quota season, permits can be picked up at a self-issue station outside the museum.
Physical Address
Mile 16, Generals Highway Sequoia National Park, CA93262
Mailing Address
47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA93271
On the Generals Highway 16 miles (26 km) north of the Ash Mountain Entrance.
Current Hours (Spring Hours)
March 29–May 23
Every Day:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Standard Hours
Every Day:9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Giant Forest Museum is open year-round except when weather or safety conditions require a closure. Hours vary seasonally.
Several visitors walk around and examine exhibits in the Giant Forest Museum. NPS / Alison Taggart-Barone
The Giant Forest Museum offers limited bench seating. NPS / Alison Taggart-Barone
Learn how the size of sequoia compares to other large recognizable objects. NPS / Alison Taggart Barone
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
This visitor center is in Grant Grove Village at an elevation of 6,500 feet (1,980 m). Learn about three regions in Kings Canyon National Park: giant sequoia groves, Kings Canyon, and the High Sierra. Watch a 15-minute movie (English/Spanish). A park store sells books, maps, and educational materials.
Physical Address
83918 Highway 180 Kings Canyon National Park, CA93633
Mailing Address
47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA93271
On Highway 180 in Grant Grove Village, 3 miles (5 km) east of the Big Stump Entrance.
Current Hours (Spring Hours - Operating Hours Subject To Change)
March 29–May 23
Sunday and Monday:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday:Closed
Wednesday-Saturday:9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Kings Canyon Visitor Center is open every day of the year except when weather or safety conditions require a closure. Hours vary seasonally. A pay phone and WiFi are available.
Visit our information desk to get trip questions answered or to plan an overnight wilderness trip. NPS / S. Lindquist
The visitor center features several exhibits, including videos, tactile exhibits, and a movie theater. NPS / Alison Taggart-Barone
Here, you can talk to a ranger and get trip planning information, or obtain a wilderness permit. NPS / Alison Taggart-Barone
Learn about park wildlife and the ecosystems where they live. NPS / Alison Taggart Barone
Lodgepole Visitor Center
Located in the conifer zone at an elevation of 6,700 feet (2,040 m), the visitor center provides opportunities to view exhibits, get trip planning advice, get a wilderness permit, watch several park films, or shop at the gift shop. New exhibits immerse visitors in the wilderness environments of the parks, from the foothills to the highest peaks and to underground caves, as well as exploring the human history of the southern Sierra Nevada with tactile exhibits and soundscapes from every park environment.
Physical Address
63100 Lodgepole Rd. Sequoia National Park, CA93262
Mailing Address
47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA93271
On the Generals Highway 21 miles (34 km) north of the Ash Mountain Entrance. 2 miles (3 km) north of the General Sherman Tree.
Closed today
Current Hours (Winter Seasonal Closure)
September 28–May 30
Every Day:Closed
Standard Hours
Every Day:8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Lodgepole Visitor Center is open seasonally. It opens mid-May and closes in mid-October. Hours vary by season.
Learn about park biodiversity at Lodgepole Visitor Center NPS Photo / Nicholas Paxton
Visitors take in the brand-new displays and maps at the Lodgepole Visitor Center NPS Photo / Nicholas Paxton
Visitors to Lodgepole Visitor Center can purchase gifts at the Park Store NPS Photo / Nicholas Paxton
Visitors needing to pick up their reserved wilderness permit or obtain a walk-up permit can do so at Lodgepole Visitor Center. NPS Photo / Nicholas Paxton
Visitors can watch short videos about the park at the Lodgepole Visitor Center NPS Photo / Nicholas Paxton
Cedar Grove Visitor Center
This visitor center is next to the South Fork of the Kings River in mixed conifer forest at an elevation of 4,600 feet (1,400 m). Learn about the natural and cultural history of the Cedar Grove area. Nearby services include accessible restrooms and a pay phone.
Physical Address
Northside Drive Kings Canyon National Park, CA93633
Mailing Address
47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA93271
On Highway 180, 30 miles (48 km) east of Grant Grove. Next to Sentinel Campground.
Closed today
Current Hours (Winter Closure (End Date Subject to Change Based on Conditions))
September 28–May 23
Every Day:Closed
Services in Cedar Grove close for the winter, usually when Highway 180 closes for the winter season.
Standard Hours
Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Cedar Grove Visitor Center is open seasonally, generally opening the Friday before Memorial Day weekend and closing in mid-September. The visitor center may close on weekdays early or late in the season, and may close for lunch any time of the year.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Winter Closure (End Date Subject to Change Based on Conditions)
September 28–May 23
Every Day:Closed
Services in Cedar Grove close for the winter, usually when Highway 180 closes for the winter season.
At this quaint log cabin visitor center, you will find exhibits, books, and a ranger available to answer questions. NPS Photo
Learn more about places to go and things to do in Cedar Grove NPS Photo
Mineral King Ranger Station
Located in a mixed-conifer forest at 7,600 feet (2,320 m), the Mineral King Ranger Station houses some exhibits on Mineral King's human and natural history. Books, maps, and educational items for sale. Food storage canisters are available. Obtain wilderness permits here.
Planning to park overnight? Marmots may attempt to get in your car's undercarriage or damage wiring. Make sure that you wrap the underside of your vehicle in a tarp.
Physical Address
Mile 24, Mineral King Road Sequoia National Park, CA93271
Mailing Address
47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA93271
On the Mineral King Road 24 miles (39 km) from the junction of Highway 198 in Three Rivers.
Closed today
Current Hours (Winter Seasonal Closure (End Date Subject To Change Based On Conditions))
October 22–May 23
Every Day:Closed
Standard Hours
Every Day:7:30 AM–4:00 PM
Mineral King Ranger Station is generally open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Hours may vary.
Closures & Seasonal Exceptions
Winter Seasonal Closure (End Date Subject To Change Based On Conditions)
