← Back to Search

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Designation: National Parks

Location: California

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

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.

🌤 Weather Information

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.

🚗 Directions

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.

Images

A deep canyon with a forested floor and steep granite cliffs

The Glaciers carved the Kings Canyon's steep granite cliffs, leaving a wide U-shaped valley.

Credit: NPS/Rick Cain

A steep granite slope leads from forest to a bare alpine landscape

Just above Lodgepole Valley, the trail to the Watchtower offers views above the treeline.

Credit: NPS/Rick Cain

A guardrail encircles people along a narrow walkway with wide views

A historic stairway leads to the top of Moro Rock, offering views from foothills to peaks

Credit: NPS/Paul Johnson

A giant sequoia's reddish bark contrasts with the snow around it

For those who don't mind icy roads, winter offers stunning views of sequoias in snow.

Credit: NPS

A rustic building is surrounded by giant sequoias

Giant Forest Museum offers exhibits, park information, and a bookstore.

Credit: NPS/Rick Cain

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

Entrance - 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.
$35.00
Entrance - Per Person
This entry fee is for a single person traveling on foot or by bicycle. It is valid for 1-7 days in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.
$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling on a motorcycle, scooter, or similar motorized vehicle for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.
$30.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
Non-commercial groups traveling in vehicles that have a capacity of up to 15 passengers pay a $35 vehicle entrance fee or use a park pass. Groups traveling in a bus or vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged $20 per person, up to the maximums listed for commercial groups with comparable passenger capacity ($100 or $200). People 15 years old or younger, anyone with a pass that may be used for park entry, and drivers hired for transportation only are exempt from the per person fee.
$20.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
This entrance fee is for commercial tours of vehicles with a seating capacity of 7-15 people that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle and not the actual number of passengers. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.
$75.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
This entrance fee is for commercial tours of vehicles with a seating capacity of 16-25 people that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle and not the actual number of passengers. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.
$100.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
This entrance fee is for commercial tours of vehicles with a seating capacity of 26 or more people that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle and not the actual number of passengers. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.
$200.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
The charge for vehicles with a seating capacity of 1-6 passengers is $25, plus $20 per passenger, with a maximum total fee of $75. This entrance fee is for commercial tours of one or more people traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
The per person fee for vehicles with a seating capacity of 1-6 passengers is $20, plus $25 per vehicle, with a maximum total fee of $75. This entrance fee is for commercial tours of one or more people traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.
$20.00

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park
This pass is valid for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument for one year from the month of purchase. The pass admits all passengers in a private vehicle and is non-transferable.
$70.00

3-Day Weather Forecast

Monday, May 4

Moderate or heavy snow showers

Moderate or heavy snow showers

High: 34.5°F | Low: 25.9°F

Humidity: 82%

Wind: 7.8 mph

Rain Chance: 93%

UV Index: 7.4

Sunrise: 05:57 AM

Sunset: 07:46 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (95%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 26.3°F

Cloud Cover: 93%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Tuesday, May 5

Moderate or heavy snow in area with thunder

Moderate or heavy snow in area with thunder

High: 35.8°F | Low: 25.5°F

Humidity: 84%

Wind: 4.9 mph

Rain Chance: 87%

UV Index: 8.8

Sunrise: 05:56 AM

Sunset: 07:47 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (90%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 26.4°F

Cloud Cover: 87%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, May 6

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 49.3°F | Low: 28.9°F

Humidity: 66%

Wind: 6.3 mph

Rain Chance: 83%

UV Index: 9.6

Sunrise: 05:55 AM

Sunset: 07:48 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (84%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 32.9°F

Cloud Cover: 83%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (1)

⚠️ Lake Wind Advisory (Moderate)
▼

Lake Wind Advisory issued May 3 at 7:32PM PDT until May 4 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA

Effective: May 3, 2026 10:32pm
Expires: May 4, 2026 6:45am

* WHAT...West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* WHERE...Kern River Valley.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM PDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create
hazardous conditions for small craft.

Park Alerts

Generals Highway Closed Between Grant Grove and Giant Forest; Reopens 3/20 Park Closure
Generals Highway is closed between Wuksachi Lodge and Montecito Lodge for the winter season. It is not possible to drive between Grant Grove/General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park and Giant Forest and General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park. The closed section will re-open on March 20.
Winter Storm Warning in Effect Through Sunday, April 12 Caution
A mixture of cold rain and snow is forecast for the sequoia groves this weekend. Be prepared for cold weather and rapidly changing conditions in the sequoia groves. Bring tire chains if visiting. Consider visiting the sequoias at another time if you're not experienced driving in mountain storms and a variety of conditions. For road condition info call (559) 565-3341 (press 1, then 1) or click "More" to visit the road conditions page.

More Info

Winter Seasonal Road Closures Park Closure
The following roads are closed for the winter season or due to current snow conditions: Mineral King Rd, Crescent Meadow and Moro Rock Roads, and Panoramic Point Road.

More Info

Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove Village Closed Due to Impacts from Winter Storms Park Closure
Due to a power outage during an ongoing winter storm, the Kings Canyon Visitor Center is temporarily closed as of noon on February 17. It will re-open once electricity returns and the building can be heated and deep, heavy snow can be cleared.
Tire Chain Restrictions in Effect Caution
Chain restrictions are in effect on some park roads. All vehicles must carry chains or cables in some areas, including 4WD and AWD vehicles. Install chains when required. For current road information, call (559) 565-3341, (press 1, then 1).

More Info

Holiday Shuttles in Giant Forest Are Running Saturday and Sunday Information
Coming to visit the General Sherman Tree in the Giant Forest? Park and ride a shuttle to avoid traffic. Click on "more" below to see a map of shuttle stops.

More Info

Much of Generals Highway Temporarily Closed Due to Winter Storm Impacts Park Closure
General Sherman Tree, Giant Forest, and Wolverton Snowplay Area are not accessible during the closure. The temporary closure is due to impacts from recent winter storms. Near the town of Three Rivers, only the southern seven miles of highway--to the Hospital Rock area--are open. Sections of the highway will reopen when road crews are able to clear the roadway.
A Few Small Roads Closed Due to Roadway Damage and/or Repair Work Park Closure
These roads are closed due to roadway damage during past storm events and/or repairs to roadway damage: Middle Fork Rd, Redwood Canyon Rd, South Fork Rd, Crystal Cave Rd

More Info

Park Events

Sign of the Times (Sequoia)

Make a short stop to learn the history of the entrance sign.

Location: Sequoia Historic Entrance Sign

Date: Dec 20, 2025 12:00am to Dec 27, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Echoes of Existence Walk (Sequoia)

For thousands of years, human history has been woven into the story of Sequoia National Park. Come walk through time to learn about people's lasting impact on these lands.

1 hour, 1 mile (1.6 km) round-trip across uneven dirt and rocky surfaces. Shoes with good traction recommended.

Location: Meet across from the Potwisha Campground, at the Overflow Parking lot.

Date: Dec 27, 2025 12:00am to Dec 27, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Guided Snowshoe Walk (Kings Canyon)

This guided hike in the Grant Grove Village area is moderately strenuous.

Open to ages 10 and up.

Snowshoes provided.

Participants should bring warm layered clothing, gloves, hats, and sunglasses.

Hiking boots or waterproof shoes are required.

Location: Meet at Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove Village

Date: Jan 9, 2026 12:00am to Jan 9, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Grant Tree Talk (Kings Canyon)

What is the significance of sequoia trees? Meet at the General Grant Tree for this ranger-led talk.

 

 

Location: Meet at the base of the General Grant Tree.

Date: Jan 10, 2026 12:00am to Jan 10, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Rangers Choice Talk (Kings Canyon)

Discover an exceiting aspect of Kings Canyon National Park!

Location: Inside the Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove Village

Date: Jan 14, 2026 12:00am to Jan 14, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Rangers Choice Talk (Kings Canyon)

Discover an exciting aspect of Kings Canyon National Park!

Location: Inside the Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove Village

Date: Jan 14, 2026 12:00am to Jan 14, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Symbols and Stories (Sequoia)

Stop at Hospital Rock to view historic pictographs and learn about the Native Americans of the Southern Sierra. 

Location: The ranger will be across the street from the Hospital Rock Picnic Area.

Date: Jan 16, 2026 12:00am to Jan 16, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Rangers Choice Talk (Kings Canyon)

Discover an exceiting aspect of Kings Canyon National Park!

 

20 minute ranger-led talk

Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove Village

Location: Inside the Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove Village

Date: Jan 23, 2026 12:00am to Feb 19, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Forest Feature Talk (Sequoia)

An introduction to natural history or cultural figures of Sequoia National Park.

Location: Meet in front of the Giant Forest Museum.

Date: Feb 2, 2026 12:00am to Feb 2, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ecology Walk* (Sequoia)

Join us for a guided walk through the Giant Forest to experience the changing seasons. Depending on weather conditions, the program may become a snowshoe walk. (Please see note below for details)

Distance: 1.5 hours, 1.3mi. (2 km) 
Meet in front of the Giant Forest Museum.

*If there is more than eight inches of snow accumulation, ecology walks will be replaced with snowshoe walks on the same schedule. Inquire at the Giant Forest Museum for conditions and to sign up for the snowshoe walk program.

Location: Meet in front of the Giant Forest Museum.

Date: Feb 7, 2026 12:00am to Feb 7, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271

🏤 Mailing Address:
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271

📞 Voice Phone: 5595653341

📞 Fax Phone: 5595653730

✉️ Email: SEKI_information@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
Loading fun fact...