National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- West
- 8 places to see
- 4 current alerts
Current alerts
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Closure
Mineral King Road in Sequoia National Park Is Closed for the Season
The portion of Mineral King Road inside Sequoia National Park is closed for the winter season.
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Closure
Some Trails Closed in the Grant Grove Area Due to Prescribed Burn Activity
Firefighters conducted a prescribed burn in the vicinity of Grant Grove and the General Grant Tree. Smoke and flame may be visible in the area. This is normal. Areas and trails in and around the prescribed burn are closed until they are determined to be safe. They will be reopened once they are clea…
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Notice
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited at all low-elevation campgrounds and picnic areas. Additional restrictions apply. Click "more" for details.
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Notice
Weekday Traffic Delays on Generals Highway North of Giant Forest
Due to removal of hazard trees along Generals Highway between Highway 180 and Giant Forest, there are traffic delays on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vehicles may experience delays of up to 30 minutes at each work site. There will not be delays on federal holidays.
From the National Park Service, as of October 29, 2026, 5:14 pm. Check nps.gov before you go.
Latest news
- Winter storm expected at Sequoia and Kings Canyon during holiday week
- Thanksgiving weekend in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Solicitation of a Concession Business Opportunity to Operate Pack Station, Guided Trail Rides, Other Services within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Residential firewood permits available in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
About Sequoia and Kings Canyon
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.
From the National Park Service.
- Region
- West
- State
- California
- Designation
- National Park
- Entrance fee
- $35, private vehicle
- Places to see
- 8
- Trail data for this park is still being added.
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
Entrance fees
- $35 Private Vehicle This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling in a single vehicle for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.
- $20 Per Person
- $30 Motorcycle
- $100 Nonresident
- $20 Non-commercial Groups
Passes
- $70 Annual Entrance - Park
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, every day.
The parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Some park roads and roads that access more remote parts of the parks close in the winter due to snow accumulation. Rarely, extreme weather conditions may cause roads into the parks to be closed.
Weather and when to go
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.
Getting there
Two highways enter the parks. Hwy 180 from Fresno leads east to Kings Canyon National Park, then continues 30 miles east to Cedar Grove. Hwy 198 from Visalia leads east to Sequoia National Park via Three Rivers. Inside the parks, Highway 198 becomes the Generals Highway, which connects 198 to 180. Vehicles over 22-feet long should enter the parks via Highway 180. In winter, the Generals Highway between the parks often closes. Chains may be required on park roads. No roads cross the parks east to west.
- Gateway towns
- Three Rivers, CA · Visalia, CA
- Nearest airports
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Contact the park
- Address
- 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271
- Phone
- (559) 565-3341
- Official site
- nps.gov/seki
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.
Where to stay for Sequoia and Kings Canyon
The gateway towns, closest first. Add your dates in the planner to search for your own nights.
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Three Rivers, CA Closest
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Visalia, CA
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Guided tours and trips
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Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
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Paradise Creek
Explore Paradise Canyon in the Foothills of Sequoia National Park. This gentle trail parallels Paradise Creek, taking you past waterfalls and pools.
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Wolverton Winter Trail
This short trail connects the Old Lodgepole Road with the Wolverton Parking area. This steep hillside route requires considerable control for downhill travel when skiing away from…
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Visit the 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 ab…
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Explore Hidden Sequoias at Muir Grove
Take a hike to a sequoia grove that is tucked away from the road. Muir Grove provides a quiet experience among these giant trees. If you find other sequoia groves to be a bit crow…
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See the General Sherman Tree in Snow
Enjoy an up-close experience walking around the big trees, including the largest tree on Earth.
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Visit the Kings Canyon Visitor Center
At the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, learn about three regions in Kings Canyon National Park: giant sequoia groves, Kings Canyon, and the High Sierra. Watch a 15-minute movie (Engl…
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Monarch Lake
Upper and Lower Monarch Lakes are gorgeous alpine lakes that lie at the base of Sawtooth Peak. You can hike this 10-mile route as a day hike or an as an overnight backpacking trip…
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Eagle and Mosquito Lakes
Both Eagle and Mosquito lakes offer beautiful views of Mineral Kings alpine landscape. Eagle and Mosquito Lakes trails share the same route for the first 2 miles. The trail for bo…
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Cold Springs Nature Trail
The Cold Springs Nature Trail is a great option for visitors looking for an easier trail and staying at the Cold Springs Campground. Many of the hikes in the Mineral King area are…
Places to see
Visitor centers & lodging
Campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.
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Potwisha Campground
Open year-round except when weather or safety conditions require a closure. Reservations can be made up to four months in advance. All sites are reservation on…
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Azalea Campground
The campground is open year-round but has seasonal restrictions during the winter. May through October: Reservations can be made up to four months in advance.…
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Cold Springs Campground
The campground is typically open May through October. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. All sites are reservation only. Nestled among aspen…
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Atwell Mill Campground
The campground is typically open May through October. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. All sites are reservation only. The campground is si…
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Buckeye Flat Campground
Not currently taking reservations due to past winter storm damage. Open year-round except when weather or safety conditions require a closure. Reservations can…
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Sunset Campground
The campground is typically open May through August. Individual site reservations can be made up to one month in advance. Group sites are available up to four…
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Crystal Springs Campground
The campground is typically open May through September. Reservations can be made up to two days in advance. All sites are reservation only. Crystal Springs cam…
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Crystal Springs Campground Group Sites
The campground is typically open May through September. Reservations can be made up to four months in advance. All sites are reservation only. Crystal Springs…
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South Fork Campground
SOUTH FORK CAMPGROUND IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. South Fork Campground was largely destroyed in 2023 from catastrophic landslides during a series of atmos…
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Lodgepole Campground
The campground is typically open May through November. Reservations can be made up to four months in advance. All sites are reservation only. This large campgr…
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Dorst Creek Campground
Not taking reservations in 2026 due to past winter storm damage. When open, individual site reservations can be made up to one month in advance. Group sites ar…
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Sentinel Campground
The campground is typically open May through October. Reservations can be made up to four months in advance. All sites are reservation only. This campground is…
What to pack for Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Gear & Essentials
Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:
The basics
Worth having in the car whatever the park.
For this trip
Traveling with kids
Bringing a pet
RVing
Backcountry
Winter conditions
On the water
Photography
Accessibility
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