Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, often treated as a single, unified park, offer a diverse landscape, from giant sequoia groves to alpine lakes and rugged granite peaks. These parks provide a range of experiences, whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a casual visitor looking for accessible natural wonders.
While Sequoia is known for its accessible roads, sequoia trees, and Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Kings Canyon is largely a wilderness area with vast backpacking opportunities. Both parks share a rich history, being the ancestral lands of the Yokuts, Mono (Monache), Tübatulabal, Paiute, and Western Shoshone tribes. Today, 15 federally recognized tribes continue to steward these lands.
What You Need to Know Before Visiting
Be Prepared for Varied Conditions
With elevations ranging from 1,370 feet to 14,505 feet, Sequoia and Kings Canyon experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. The foothills can be significantly warmer than the higher elevation areas like Giant Forest and Mineral King. Snow can linger above 10,000 feet well into summer, so pack accordingly with layers, microspikes, and trekking poles.
Disconnect to Connect
Cell service is limited within the parks, except near the Foothills Visitor Center and Kings Canyon Visitor Center. Download the Sequoia and Kings Canyon mobile app for maps, trail information, and audio tours. Rely on paper maps for navigation while driving.
Pet Policies
Sequoia and Kings Canyon have limited pet-friendly areas. Pets are not allowed on trails and are restricted to paved roads, parking lots, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Consider visiting nearby Sequoia National Forest for more dog-friendly options.
Fuel Up
There are no gas stations or repair shops within the parks. Fill up your tank in Three Rivers (Highway 198), Hume Lake Market (near Kings Canyon), or Stony Creek Lodge (north, closed in winter). Take advantage of Sequoia’s free shuttle service during the summer to conserve gas and parking.
Backcountry Rewards
While many attractions are accessible by car and wheelchair-friendly trails, exploring the backcountry offers unique rewards, such as secluded sequoia groves and stunning alpine lakes. Be prepared for challenging hikes to destinations like Hamilton Lake and Redwood Meadow.
Getting There
Sequoia and Kings Canyon are located in central California. The closest commercial airports are Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Visalia Municipal Airport. From there, rent a car or use public transportation options like the City of Visalia’s V-Line and the Sequoia Shuttle (summer only).
Access the parks from the west via Highway 198 (Sequoia) or Highway 180 (Kings Canyon). The parks have three entrance stations: Ash Mountain, Big Stump, and Lookout Point, leading to different areas (Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Mineral King, respectively).
Best Time to Visit
Winter
Witness the beauty of sequoias against a snowy backdrop. Generals Highway is plowed, providing access to popular areas like Giant Forest. Visit “The Nation’s Christmas Tree” in Grant Grove. Remote areas like Cedar Grove are closed until later in the year. Snow chains are often required. Enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Grant Grove and Giant Forest.
Spring
Wildflowers bloom in the foothills, and waterfall chasing in Kings Canyon becomes an epic adventure with the reopening of Highway 180 to Roads End. Hike to Roaring River Falls or Mist Falls. Experienced mountaineers begin climbing alpine routes.
Summer
High season for hiking, backpacking, and peak bagging. Mineral King reopens, and the parks’ high elevation makes summer ideal for outdoor activities. Consider overnight trips to Timber Gap and the Big Five-Little Five Lakes Loop.
Fall
Fewer crowds, open park roads, snow-free trails, and cooler conditions make fall a perfect time to visit. Enjoy rock climbing and stargazing, and attend the Dark Sky Festival.
Where to Stay
Camping
Sequoia and Kings Canyon offer fourteen campgrounds. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance via Recreation.gov. Lodgepole is near the Giant Forest, while Sentinel sits along the Kings River. South Fork is a first-come, first-served option.
Hotels
Wuksachi Lodge is open year-round in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, centrally located with a restaurant and hiking trail access. Kings Canyon offers options like Grant Grove Cabins, John Muir Lodge, and Cedar Grove Lodge.
Bearpaw High Sierra Camp
Located on the High Sierra Trail, this wilderness outpost offers stunning views. Reservations are typically required well in advance.
Adventures in the Parks
Sightseeing
Visit Hospital Rock, Amphitheater Point, and Giant Forest. Walk the Big Trees Trail and marvel at the General Sherman Tree. Drive Generals Highway to Kings Canyon Overlook. Explore Grant Grove and hike the Zumwalt Meadow loop.
Day Hiking
Hike the Congress Trail and General Grant Tree Trail. For a quieter experience, try the North Grove Loop or Muir Grove. Hike to alpine lakes like Pear Lake and Lower Monarch Lake.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in most rivers, lakes, and streams with a valid California fishing license. Top spots include the South Fork of the Kings River and Bubbs Creek.
Backpacking
Explore the John Muir Trail and other multi-day loops. Consider a guided backpacking trip with Wildland Trekking.
Climbing and Mountaineering
Climb at Moro Rock and Charlotte Dome. Summit peaks like Mount Tyndall and Mount Silliman.
Snow Sports
Visit designated snowplay areas like Wolverton, Columbine, and Big Stump. Rent snowshoes and cross-country skis at Wuksachi Lodge and Grant Grove Market. Explore ski trails through sequoia groves. Visit the Pear Lake Winter Hut.
Stargazing
Enjoy the night skies. Attend the Wonders of the Night Sky program or the annual Dark Sky Festival. Visit in mid-August to see the Perseid meteor shower.
Where to Eat and Drink
Dine at Cedar Grove Grill and Peaks Restaurant. Visit Wuksachi Pizza Deck and Lodgepole Café. Try the Grant Grove Restaurant. Outside the parks, visit River View Grill and Bar in Three Rivers, Sierra Subs and Salads, and Reimer’s Candy and Gifts.
Detours
Explore Sequoia National Forest and Jennie Lakes Wilderness with your dog. Go whitewater rafting on the Kaweah River with Mountain Descents and Kaweah Whitewater Adventures. Visit Boyden Cavern.
Be a Conscious Visitor
Wildlife
Store food properly to avoid attracting bears. Bear canisters are recommended for overnight backpacking. Be aware of peregrine falcon nesting closures for rock climbing on Moro Rock.
Fire Safety
Check fire restrictions and avoid open fires if possible.
By planning ahead and being mindful of the environment, you can have an unforgettable experience in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
