Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - General Park Information

These two parks testify to nature's size, beauty, and diversity: Immense mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world's largest trees!

The parks lie in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of the San Joaquin Valley. Activities vary greatly by season and elevation - which ranges from 1300' to 14,494'

Activities and temperatures are at their peak in the summer. The foothills chaparral is hot and dry, but the mid-elevation sequoia groves offer warm days and pleasant nights. All roads and facilities are open --conditions permitting -- and the Giant Forest shuttle is running. Ranger-led nature programs and Crystal Cave tours are offered daily.

In the fall, cooler temperatures arrive to all elevations. In some areas, fall adds a touch of color to the landscape. Sudden storms can dust everything with snow before quickly melting. Crystal Cave tours continue into October. Most roads and facilities remain open but fewer programs are offered. Summer crowds are gone.

In winter, Pacific rains turn foothills grasses green and bring deep snowy silence to higher elevations. Come prepared for winter driving on snowy or icy roads. Some facilities shut down for winter. The roads to Cedar Grove and Mineral King close. The main road may close during and after winter storms for plowing.

Spring brings longer days and warmer temperatures melt snow and clothes lower elevations with wildflowers.
At higher elevations, winter conditions often linger. Rivers grow swift, cold and very dangerous. Crystal Cave tours begin mid-May. The road to Cedar Grove usually opens in mid-April and the Mineral King Road by Memorial Day--weather permitting.