Entrance Fee
$35.00
/ Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Hours (Today)
All Day
Foothills Visitor Center: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Miza AI
Plan your Sequoia & Kings Canyon trip
About the Park
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.
Ready to explore Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks?
Take the stress out of planning. Our AI will automatically sequence your stops, find the best hotels, and optimize your driving time in seconds.
What to See & Do
Paradise Creek
Explore Paradise Canyon in the Foothills of Sequoia National Park. This gentle trail parallels Paradise Creek, taking you past waterfalls and pools.
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 Wolverton.
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 about the ecology and human history of the foothills, and join a free ranger-led program.
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 crowded, take a walk to experience Muir Grove.
See the General Sherman Tree in Snow
Enjoy an up-close experience walking around the big trees, including the largest tree on Earth.
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 (English/Spanish). A park store sells books, maps, and educational materials.
Self-Guided Tours
Sherman Tree Trail (Accessible Tour)
Join us on this four-stop tour to the General Sherman Tree and learn more about giant sequoia trees. Please note: The following tour provides audio descriptions of wayside signs specifically for assisted learning devices. These tours do not have actual audio available to listen to, but they do have detailed descriptions of the information written on waysides.
Moro Rock Trail (Accessible Tour)
A historic stone and 350-step concrete stairway leads to the top of this granite dome. This hike can be strenuous; take your time as you climb to help adjust to higher elevations. Please note: The following tour provides audio descriptions of wayside signs specifically for assisted learning devices. These tours do not have actual audio available to listen to, but they do have detailed descriptions of the information written on waysides.
Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road (Accessible Tour)
Travel along Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road to see highlights of the Giant Forest. In summer, avoid the need to find parking by riding a free park shuttle. Please note: The following tour provides audio descriptions of wayside signs specifically for assisted learning devices. These tours do not have actual audio available to listen to, but they do have detailed descriptions of the information written on waysides.
Visitor Centers
Foothills Visitor Center
The Foothills Visitor Center is one mile east of the Ash Mountain Entrance on Generals Highway. Stop by for information, maps, books, gifts, water, and restrooms. Explore exhibits on foothills ecology and human history. Open year-round, except during weather, emergency, or operational closures. Operating hours vary seasonally. During the wilderness permit non-quota season, self-issue wilderness permits are available outside the Wilderness Office building behind the visitor center.
Giant Forest Museum
The Giant Forest Museum is in a historic market building in the Giant Forest sequoia grove at 6,500 feet (1,980 m), about 16 miles north of the Ash Mountain Entrance on Generals Highway. Stop by for information, maps, books, gifts, water, and restrooms. Explore hands-on exhibits about giant sequoia ecology. Open year-round, except during weather, emergency, or operational closures. In the wilderness permit non-quota season, self-issue permits are available in the museum plaza.
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
The Kings Canyon Visitor Center is located in Grant Grove Village, about three miles north of the Big Stump Entrance Station, at 6,500 feet (1,980 m). Stop in for maps, information, books, gifts, water, and restrooms. Explore exhibits on giant sequoias, Kings Canyon, and the High Sierra, and watch a short park film available in English and Spanish. Operating hours may vary. During the wilderness permit non-quota season, self-issue permits are available at the permit station in the visitor center plaza.
Lodgepole Visitor Center
Renovated in 2023, the Lodgepole Visitor Center is located in the coniferous forests at an elevation of 6,700 feet (2,040 m), about 21 miles north of the Ash Mountain Entrance Station on Generals Highway. Stop by for information, wilderness permits, park films, maps, books, gifts, water, and restrooms. Explore immersive exhibits highlighting the park’s diverse ecosystems and human history. The visitor center is open only during the summer season, and operating dates and hours may vary.
Cedar Grove Visitor Center
The Cedar Grove Visitor Center, located in a small historic cabin beside the South Fork of the Kings River, sits in a mixed coniferous forest at an elevation of 4,600 feet (1,400 m) in Cedar Grove. It is approximately 30 miles east of Grant Grove Village along CA-180. Stop by for park information, maps, and brochures. Nearby amenities include potable water, accessible restrooms, and venues for ranger-led programs. The visitor center operates only during the summer season; operating hours and dates may vary.
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. 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.
Where to Stay
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 only. The campground sits at 2,100 ft (640 m) elevation along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River under an open stand of oaks. Hot and dry weather in the foothills often require fire restrictions in the summer. In the winter, the campground is usually snow-free.
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. All sites are reservation only. November through April: The campground reduces to only one loop with 20 sites. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Azalea campground is centrally located in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This campground is at an elevation of 6,500 feet.
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 trees and conifers, the campground is located near the Mineral King Ranger Station, 26 miles (42 km) - 1.5 hour drive time - from the Highway 198 junction in Three Rivers. There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the campground.
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 situated along the East Fork of the Kaweah River. There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 1.7 miles (3 km) east of the campground. More services can be found in Three Rivers, 23 miles (37 km) west of Atwell Mill Campground (approximately 1.5 hours away).
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 be made up to one month in advance. All sites are reservation only. Campers can hear the rushing Middle Fork of the Kaweah River from most sites. Due to high temperatures and dry conditions, fire restrictions are often in effect here. The Paradise Creek Trail departs from the campground, and the Middle Fork Trail is located nearby.
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 months in advance. All sites are reservation only. Sunset Campground is located 3 miles (5 km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance. It is located near Grant Grove Village in an open stand of evergreens. Services can be found in Grant Grove Village. A park amphitheater is located here and occasionally offers park programs.
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 campground is located 4 miles (6 km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance in the Grant Grove area. The campground is situated under open stands of evergreen trees at an elevation of 6,500 feet (1,980 m). Services can be found in Grant Grove Village.
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 campground is located 4 miles (6 km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance in the Grant Grove area. The campground is situated under open stands of evergreen trees at an elevation of 6,500 feet (1,980 m). Services can be found in Grant Grove Village.
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 atmospheric river disaster events. The area remains hazardous due to the continued risk of landslides due to unstable slopes. These conditions are precluding the reestablishment of the campground in the foreseeable future.
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 campground is on the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River within easy walking distance of Lodgepole Village. At an elevation of 6,700 ft (2,042 m), the campground can be snowy in spring and fall. Lodgepole Village offers a visitor center, market, shower, and laundry facilities. In summer, ride the free Sequoia Shuttle. Many nearby trails are located here.
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 are available up to four months in advance. All sites are reservation only. Ten miles (16 km) from the Giant Forest, this campground rests under open stands of evergreen trees at an elevation of 6,800 feet (2,073 m). This centrally located campground is ideal for those exploring both parks. The trail to the Muir Grove of giant sequoias begins here.
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 located on Highway 180, is next to Cedar Grove Visitor Center, and is 0.25 miles (400 m) from Cedar Grove Village. The campground is situated in the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River under open stands of evergreen trees. Services at Cedar Grove Village include food and showers.
Canyon View Group Campground
The campground is typically open May through October. All sites are reservation only. Canyon View campground is located on Highway 180, 0.25 miles (400 m) from Cedar Grove Village. This group-only campground is on the floor of the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River. It was named for its excellent views of Kings Canyon's granite cliffs. This campground is for medium and large groups.
Moraine Campground
The campground is typically open May through October. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. All sites are reservation only. Just 0.75 miles (1.2 km) from Cedar Grove Village, Moraine Campground rests in the heart of King Canyon. It is located along the South Fork of the Kings River under stands of evergreen trees at an elevation of 4,600 feet (1,400 m). Visit Cedar Grove Village for services such as showers and food.
Sheep Creek Campground
The campground is typically open May through September. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. All sites are reservation only. Sheep Creek Campground is located on Highway 180, 0.25 miles (400 m) from Cedar Grove Village. The campground is situated on the floor of the canyon beside the confluence of the South Fork of the Kings River and Sheep Creek. Services can be found in Cedar Grove Village.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
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.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Auto Log Parking
Closed to vehicle traffic when Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road becomes impassable due to weather and closes in the winter (often December through the Wednesday before Memorial Day). Parking lot is also closed to vehicles that don't have an accessible placard Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day as the road is closed for large shuttle traffic.
Open in MapsBig Stump Picnic Area and Snowplay
Regular parking w/ lined spots in the middle, RV/Bus parking along the side.
Open in MapsBuena Vista Trailhead
Unlined spots; trailhead has entrance & exit. How many spaces is directly related to how people park and the size of vehicles. KCO is right across the street.
Open in MapsCedar Grove Visitor Center
Open in MapsCopper Creek Trailhead
Open in MapsCrescent Meadow Parking
Closed to vehicle traffic when Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road becomes impassable due to weather and closes in the winter (often December through the Wednesday before Memorial Day). Parking lot is also closed to vehicles that don't have an accessible placard Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day as the road is closed for large shuttle traffic.
Open in MapsCrescent Meadow Parking Lot
Closed to vehicle traffic when Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road becomes impassable due to weather and closes in the winter (often December through the Wednesday before Memorial Day). Parking lot is also closed to vehicles that don't have an accessible placard Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day as the road is closed for large shuttle traffic.
Open in MapsCrystal Cave Parking Lot
Currently only open during time of service, roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day and gate is only open during operating hours.
Open in MapsFoothills Visitor Center
Open in MapsFoothills Visitor Center Lower Lots
Open in MapsFoothills Visitor Center Picnic Area
Open in MapsGeneral Grant Tree Parking
A circle lot with regular parking along the outside, and RV/Bus parking in the middle.
Open in MapsGiant Forest Museum Accessible Parking Lot
Open in MapsGiant Forest Museum Parking Lot
When this lot is full, park at Lodgepole Campground and use the free park shuttle bus (late May through mid-September) to travel to the Giant Forest Museum. The Giant Forest Museum parking lot has two tiers - look for the "Overflow" parking sign and use the lower tier when the upper tier is full. The lower tier closes with snow.
Open in MapsGiant Forest Museum Parking Overflow
"Overflow" parking sign and use the lower tier when the upper tier is full. The lower tier closes with snow.
Open in MapsGrant Grove Village Parking
Two parallel rows of lined spots; regular spots next to the buildings, and RV/Bus parking next to the road.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$35.00This 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.
Entrance - Per Person
$20.00This 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.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$30.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles, scooters, or similar motorized vehicles with up to 4 total passengers to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$20.00Non-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.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$100.00This 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.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$200.00This 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.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
$20.00The fee is $20 per person for any resident 16 years or older. For any nonresident the fee is $100 per person for anyone 16 years or older. This fee is valid for seven consecutive days.
Nonresident
$100.00Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
Annual & Lifetime Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$70.00This 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.
Operating Hours
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
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.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Live Webcams
Click any camera to open the live feed on the NPS website.
Photos
A steep granite slope leads from forest to a bare alpine landscape
A guardrail encircles people along a narrow walkway with wide views
A giant sequoia's reddish bark contrasts with the snow around it
A rustic building is surrounded by giant sequoias
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Build your Sequoia & Kings Canyon itinerary
Tell Miza your dates, pace, and interests—get a day-by-day plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
2-4 days
Searching for the best hotel deals near Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks...
Planning Sequoia & Kings Canyons
These common questions go deeper into logistics and planning. For real-time updates on road closures and current conditions, always check the Alerts section above.