Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

About Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is a national parks located in California. 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.

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.

💰 Entrance Fees & Passes

The general entrance fee for Sequoia & Kings Canyon starts at $20 (which commonly covers entry for a single private vehicle and passengers for up to 7 consecutive days). The park offers several fee options: Entrance - Private Vehicle ($35), Entrance - Per Person ($20), Entrance - Motorcycle ($30), Entrance - Non-commercial Groups ($20), Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus ($100), Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach ($200), Commercial Entrance - Per Person ($20), Nonresident ($100). If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80) is highly cost-effective, as general entry to most parks will quickly offset the pass cost.

🥾 Things to Do

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Stargazing, and 35 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.