Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - General Park Information

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are open all year, although the more remote areas are inaccessible in winter. High mountain passes are seldom open to travel before July 1. The roads to Giant Forest, Lodgepole and the Big Stump entrance are open all year; however, the Generals Highway between Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park and Grant Grove in Kings Canyon may be closed by heavy snow for periods during winter. Tire chains may be required at any time.

Vehicles longer than 22 feet are not recommended on the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park between Potwisha Campground and Giant Forest. An alternate route for longer vehicles to access the area is SR 180 from Fresno through Kings Canyon National Park, a straighter, less steep and wider road.

Accommodations generally are open all year. While most campgrounds usually operate from late May through October, some campgrounds are open all year.

Lodgepole and Grant Grove/Kings Canyon visitor centers, in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, respectively, are hubs for activities. Naturalists give illustrated talks or campfire programs several nights a week in summer at Cedar Grove, Dorst, Grant Grove/Kings Canyon, Lodgepole, Mineral King and Potwisha amphitheaters. Schedules of programs and daily guided walks are posted on bulletin boards and in prominent public places. The parks' free newspaper contains seasonal information. It is available at park entrance stations and visitor centers.

A state fishing license is required for all persons 16 years and over; fee for residents $34.90 (annual), non-residents $34.90 (good for 10 days). A 2-day resident or non-resident license costs $17.60. A second-pole license is $10.75. Hunting and weapons of any kind are prohibited.

Horseback trips over the hundreds of miles of backpacking trails are popular. Current information is available at the park visitor centers and in the park newspaper. Guided trail rides and pack trips or rental saddle stock are available from Grant Grove, Cedar Grove and Horse Corral in the National Forest land between the parks. Pack trips also can be arranged from the Owens Valley area on the east side of the Sierras. Cross-country ski rentals and lessons are available at Grant Grove and Wuksachi Lodge.

Headquarters for both parks, which are administered jointly, is at Ash Mountain, on the Generals Hwy. 7 mi. above Three Rivers via SR 198. The Foothills Visitor Center includes a photographic exhibit depicting life in the foothills.

ADMISSION to the parks is $20 per private vehicle, good for 7 days, or $10 per person by other means.

PETS are permitted only if they are on a leash, crated or otherwise restricted at all times. They are prohibited on all trails and in buildings and may not be left unattended at any time.

ADDRESS inquiries to the Superintendent, 47050 General's Hwy., Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Three Rivers, CA 93271-9651; phone (559) 565-3341.