{"id":"nps-seki","slug":"sequoia-and-kings-canyon-national-parks","name":"Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks","designation":"National Parks","category":"national-park","categoryLabel":"National Park","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"SEKI","designation":"National Parks","sourceId":"nps-seki"}],"states":["CA"],"stateNames":["California"],"location":{"lat":36.71277299,"lon":-118.587429},"bbox":null,"acres":null,"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":null,"recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Sequoia%20%26%20Kings%20Canyon%20National%20Parks","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7A250B-1DD8-B71B-0BCF61A89A8B2970.jpg","title":"Kings Canyon","alt":"A deep canyon with a forested floor and steep granite cliffs","caption":"The Glaciers carved the Kings Canyon's steep granite cliffs, leaving a wide U-shaped valley.","credit":"NPS/Rick Cain","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7A2835-1DD8-B71B-0B468E834049FBE4.jpg","title":"The Tablelands","alt":"A steep granite slope leads from forest to a bare alpine landscape","caption":"Just above Lodgepole Valley, the trail to the Watchtower offers views above the treeline.","credit":"NPS/Rick Cain","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7A2E1B-1DD8-B71B-0B4D563CB47FA60F.jpg","title":"Moro Rock","alt":"A guardrail encircles people along a narrow walkway with wide views","caption":"A historic stairway leads to the top of Moro Rock, offering views from foothills to peaks","credit":"NPS/Paul Johnson","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7A301B-1DD8-B71B-0B8311F9B0AC4F69.jpg","title":"Giant Sequoia in Winter","alt":"A giant sequoia's reddish bark contrasts with the snow around it","caption":"For those who don't mind icy roads, winter offers stunning views of sequoias in snow.","credit":"NPS","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7A4E3C-1DD8-B71B-0B99ADC8D2689BDE.jpg","title":"Giant Forest Museum","alt":"A rustic building is surrounded by giant sequoias","caption":"Giant Forest Museum offers exhibits, park information, and a bookstore.","credit":"NPS/Rick Cain","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Auto and ATV","Scenic Driving","Astronomy","Stargazing","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)","Group Camping","RV Camping","Caving","Climbing","Rock Climbing","Fishing","Freshwater Fishing","Fly Fishing","Food","Dining","Picnicking","Guided Tours","Hands-On","Citizen Science","Hiking","Backcountry Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horseback Riding","Junior Ranger Program","Skiing","Cross-Country Skiing","Snow Play","Snowshoeing","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Park Film","Museum Exhibits","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store","Gift Shop and Souvenirs"],"topics":["African American Heritage","Arts","Painting","Photography","Poetry and Literature","Transportation","Roads, Routes and Highways","Animals","Birds","Caves, Caverns and Karst","Canyons and Canyonlands","Climate Change","Fire","Foothills, Plains and Valleys","Forests and Woodlands","Coniferous Forests","Geology","Grasslands","Meadows","Lakes","Mountains","Natural Sounds","Night Sky","Astronomy","River and Riparian","Rock Landscapes and Features","Scenic Views","Trails","Unique Species","Rare","Endangered","Watersheds","Headwaters","Wilderness"],"fees":[{"title":"Entrance - Private Vehicle","cost":"35.00","description":"This 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."},{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"20.00","description":"This 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."},{"title":"Entrance - Motorcycle","cost":"30.00","description":"Valid 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."},{"title":"Entrance - Non-commercial Groups","cost":"20.00","description":"Non-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."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus","cost":"100.00","description":"This 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."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach","cost":"200.00","description":"This 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."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Per Person","cost":"20.00","description":"The 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."},{"title":"Nonresident","cost":"100.00","description":"Each 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."}],"passes":[{"title":"Annual Entrance - Park","cost":"70.00","description":"This 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."}],"hours":[{"name":"Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks","description":"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.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"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.","weatherInfo":"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.","contacts":{"phone":"5595653341","email":"SEKI_information@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Foothills Visitor Center","description":"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.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":36.4910724125,"lon":-118.825590743},{"name":"Giant Forest Museum","description":"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.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":36.56468778866104,"lon":-118.7726831068016},{"name":"Kings Canyon Visitor Center","description":"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.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":36.7400152932,"lon":-118.963419956},{"name":"Lodgepole Visitor Center","description":"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.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":36.604134478373304,"lon":-118.7319448096024},{"name":"Cedar Grove Visitor Center","description":"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.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":36.79096017608169,"lon":-118.67113461228871},{"name":"Mineral King Ranger Station","description":"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.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":36.4527426099,"lon":-118.610793099}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Potwisha Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/potwisha.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/249979","sites":42},{"name":"Azalea Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/azalea.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10124502","sites":110},{"name":"Cold Springs Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/cold_springs.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/246864","sites":40},{"name":"Atwell Mill Campground","description":"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).","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/atwell.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10044710","sites":21},{"name":"Buckeye Flat Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/buckeye.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/249982","sites":27},{"name":"Sunset Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/sunset.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234752","sites":158},{"name":"Crystal Springs Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/crystal_springs.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10124445","sites":35},{"name":"Crystal Springs Campground Group Sites","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/crystal_springs_group.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251008","sites":14},{"name":"South Fork Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/south_fork.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":0},{"name":"Lodgepole Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/lodgepole.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232461","sites":214},{"name":"Dorst Creek Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/dorst.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232460","sites":222},{"name":"Sentinel Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/sentinel.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/253917","sites":82},{"name":"Canyon View Group Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/canyon_view.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234753","sites":16},{"name":"Moraine Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/moraine.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10044761","sites":121},{"name":"Sheep Creek Campground","description":"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.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/sheep_creek.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10044765","sites":111}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"manzanar-national-historic-site","km":39},{"slug":"alabama-hills-national-scenic-area","km":41},{"slug":"blue-ridge-national-wildlife-refuge","km":54},{"slug":"inyo-national-forest","km":63},{"slug":"giant-sequoia-national-monument","km":70},{"slug":"sierra-national-forest","km":83}],"hasBoundary":false,"boundarySource":null,"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=seki"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.622Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Park Closure","title":"Mineral King Road in Sequoia National Park Is Closed for the Season","text":"The portion of Mineral King Road inside Sequoia National Park is closed for the winter season.","url":null,"updated":"2026-10-28 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-F4211ED4-7B7E-4852-925E-EAEC78B28394"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Park Closure","title":"Some Trails Closed in the Grant Grove Area Due to Prescribed Burn Activity","text":"Firefighters conducted a prescribed burn in the vicinity of Grant Grove and the General Grant Tree. Smoke and flame may be visible in the area. This is normal. Areas and trails in and around the prescribed burn are closed until they are determined to be safe. They will be reopened once they are cleared of hazards. Click \"more\" to view a map showing all trail and area closures.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/maps/full.html?mapId=98f33b85-31e2-47ac-b0ba-b319e8c5ab92","updated":"2026-10-26 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-13B2A38C-C7D9-4FE4-9F5D-BFCB471BCE00"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Weekday Traffic Delays on Generals Highway North of Giant Forest","text":"Due to removal of hazard trees along Generals Highway between Highway 180 and Giant Forest, there are traffic delays on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vehicles may experience delays of up to 30 minutes at each work site. There will not be delays on federal holidays.","url":null,"updated":"2026-10-22 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-09C80695-B7BF-4CD7-88B9-9670C8250EEF"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/sequoia-and-kings-canyon-national-parks/","boundaryUrl":null}