Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

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.

Riding guide

Horses provided

Entrance fees & passes

• Entrance - Private Vehicle

  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.

  $35.00

• Entrance - Per Person

  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.

  $20.00

• Entrance - Motorcycle

  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.

  $30.00

• Entrance - Non-commercial Groups

  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.

  $20.00

• Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

  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.

  $100.00

• Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

  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.

  $200.00

• Commercial Entrance - Per Person

  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.

  $20.00

• Nonresident

  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.

  $100.00

• Annual Entrance - Park

  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.

  $70.00

Trails

No trails synced for this park yet.

Campgrounds

• Atwell Mill Campground

  21 sites

  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).

  Reserve a site

• Azalea Campground

  110 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

• Buckeye Flat Campground

  27 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

• Canyon View Group Campground

  16 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

• Cold Springs Campground

  40 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

• Crystal Springs Campground

  35 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

• Crystal Springs Campground Group Sites

  14 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

• Dorst Creek Campground

  222 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

• Lodgepole Campground

  214 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

• Moraine Campground

  121 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

• Potwisha Campground

  42 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

• Sentinel Campground

  82 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

• Sheep Creek Campground

  111 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

• South Fork Campground

  0 sites

  SOUTH FORK CAMPGROUND IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. South Fork Campground and its access road were heavily and extensively damaged by floods and landslides from winter storms. The dirt road is currently impassible. Old Description: This small, primitive campground was in a remote area of the foothills on the South Fork of the Kaweah River, away from main park highways and features. There is no potable water. Trailers and RVs are not permitted.

• Sunset Campground

  158 sites

  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.

  Reserve a site

Points of interest

• A Changed Scene

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "A Changed Scene," shows how the Giant Forest Museum area has changed over the years.

• A Forest from Fire

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Moro Rock: Changing Views, A Forest from Fire," shows photos about the importance of fire.

• A Giant's Footprint

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "A Giant's Footprint", shows the size of a mature sequoia tree's cross section.

• A Graceful Grouping

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "A Graceful Grouping", shows three sequoia trees.

• A Living Shrine

  POI

  Some national parks exist to commemorate battles. No known battle took place here, yet this giant tree inspires us to consider the inner strength and endurance of this country and those who have fought for it. What do you feel about the unusual move of designating a tree as a national shrine?

• A Monarch

  POI

  This tactile exhibit shows the size of the General Grant Tree compared to a person, and discusses its significance.

• Amphitheater Point

  POI

  Located on the Generals Highway between Hospital Rock Picnic Area and the Giant Forest Museum, this viewpoint offers stunning views of Moro Rock and the steep elevation change from the foothills to granite peaks. The foothills are an often overlooked area of the park, but they are a vital and diverse landscape. During the cooler months, deer and bears often move downhill to find food. Reptiles, birds, and small mammals live there year round. It is not uncommon to spot foxes i

• A Natural Process

  POI

  This exhibit, titled "A Natural Process," shows how fire plays a part of sequoia growth.

• Ash Mountain Entrance Station

  POI

  Visitors pay the entrance fee or use an interagency pass at the station. Entrances station staff provide a park newspaper and other orientation materials. 

• Aspen Hollow Campground

  POI

  Please consult the USFS on facility availability- https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sequoia/recarea/?recid=79580.Aspen Hollow Group Campground sits at an elevation of 5,300 feet within the Giant Sequoia National Monument, adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park. The campground is one mile from Hume Lake, an 87-acre man-made lake in the Kings River Watershed. The campground accommodates up to 100 people and has back-in spaces for 35 vehicles. Vault toilets, drinking water, laundr

• Atwell-Hockett Trailhead

  POI

  Atwell-Hockett Trail leads 10 miles one-way (20 miles round-trip) at a moderate slope through sequoia trees and up to Hockett Meadow. The first campsite along the trail is at 6 miles at Clover Creek. Other wilderness destinations include Evelyn Lake, Cahoon Rock, and the Golden Trout Wilderness, which is outside national park boundaries in Golden Trout Wilderness.

• Auto Log

  POI

  Once you could drive a car onto this fallen giant, but rot in the log put an end to the tradition. As you walk on it, consider these massive trees that dwarf modern vehicles and can support their weight. Be sure to read see the wayside exhibit here about the nearby Booker T. Washington and Col. Young trees, named for two giants in history.

• Beetle Rock

  POI

  A short walk from the Giant Forest Museum, Beetle Rock offers a view of the western edge of the park and the San Joaquin Valley below. While this view can be beautiful at sunset, you are also likely to witness the smog that people are surprised to find here. A wayside exhibit (to the right as you approach the rock) explains the source of pollution.

• Berries, Bees, and Snow

  POI

  This wayside at the far end of the Big Stump Picnic Area gives insight into an important food plant here, the manzanita. How might climate change affect the bees and snow this shrub relies on? How might climate change affect the manzanita berries that other animals rely on?

• Big Baldy Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Big Baldy Trail area. The Big Baldy Trail leads 2.2 miles one-way (4.4 miles round-trip) at a gentle slope along a ridge toward panoramic views of Kings Canyon and the Great Western Divide. This trail is for day-use only; overnight camping is not allowed.

• Big Meadows Road Access

  POI

  On Forest Service land between the park areas of Grant Grove and Lodgepole, this road accesses primitive campgrounds, the Big Meadows Pack Station, and Buck Rock Fire Lookout. This road can close, especially in the winter when conditions are snowy or muddy.

• Big Stump Entrance Station

  POI

  This entrance station is probably your first stop within the parks if you are coming from Fresno. On Highway 180, this is where you pay the entrance fee to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest.

• Big Stump of the Mark Twain Tree

  POI

  Known as the Mark Twain Tree, this Giant Sequoia reached 16 feet (4.8 meters) in diameter. Even after the national park was established, travel to the sequoia groves was difficult, and many people simply didn't believe trees could grow so large. In 1891, the Army cut down this sequoia so it could be displayed to astonished crowds in New York and London.

• Big Stump Picnic Area and Snowplay Area

  POI

  The first rest area after the park entrance station on Highway 180, makes this a perfect spot to get your bearings after the drive up from the San Joaquin Valley. It includes the trailhead for the Big Stump Trail, which leads to the Mark Twain Stump via a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike. A small staircase on the stump lets you climb onto it.

• Big Trees Trailhead

  POI

  Big Trees Trail circles Round Meadow in a 0.7 mile loop. It is flat, paved, and has benches along the way. Informational displays offer insight into what you are experiencing. Watch for yellow-bellied marmots, bears, and other wildlife. After taking this trail, consider walking the Hazelwood Meadow Trail on the other side of the road; it leads through another part of the grove.

• Booker T. Washington Tree

  POI

  A giant sequoia dedicated to the memory of Booker T. Washington-a leader in the African-American community during the late 18th and early 19th centuries-stands before you.Colonel Charles Young-a commissioned officer in the US Army who served as the first superintendent of Sequoia National Park, dedicated this tree in honor of a man he deeply admired.

• Boole Tree Access

  POI

  This 2.5-mile trail in the national forest outside the park leads to the magnificent Boole Tree, one of the few monarch sequoias spared by 19th-century logging. It also offers great views over and across the Kings River country. Take Highway 180 2.5 miles north of Grant Grove, and turn onto the dirt road. In about 2 miles, you pass through aptly named Stump Meadow, the remnants left by an 1800s logging operation.

• Boyden Cavern

  POI

  Take a guided, 50-minute walking tour through this cavern, located below the towering 2,000 foot marble walls of the Kings Gates. A short but very steep trail leads to the cave, traveling under and around rock formations. Tours are appropriate for all ages and are offered by a U.S. Forest Service partner, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tour operators recommend you wear hiking boots and a light jacket.

• Bradley Meadow

  POI

  This soft, moist, open pocket of soil contrasts with the surrounding forest and granite bedrock near the ground's surface. Enjoy the sounds of birds and insects that rely on the meadow for food, lodging, and hiding places. Relatively uncommon here, meadows provide critical habitat to many species.

• Brigadier General Charles Young Tree

  POI

  In the fall of 1903, the Buffalo Soldiers who oversaw these parks that year held an end-of-season picnic. A local resident who attended, Phil Winser, wrote the following about Captain Charles Young, the leader of this contingent and the first African American superintendent of any national park: "They wanted to name a tree for our captain but he refused, saying they could do so if they felt the same way, twenty years hence..." He chose instead to name a sequoia for educator B

• Buena Vista Trailhead

  POI

  From here hike up to Buena Vista Peak and its 360-degree view of park, forest, and California's huge Central Valley. It's a two-mile round-trip hike, making it one of the most easily accessible peaks in the park. This uphill walk is fairly gentle.

• Buttress Tree

  POI

  The Buttress Tree fell without warning on June 3, 1959. Its roots, like all sequoias, grew in a shallow, matted maze. Although sequoia roots can extend as much as 300 feet outwards, they rarely grow deeper than 12 feet. This leaves the trees vulnerable to erosion and changing soil conditions.

• Call the Cavalry!

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled, "Call the Cavalry," shows photos and text about the U. S. Cavalry and The Parker Group.

• Canyon View Overlook

  POI

  This pullout is located near Moraine Campground, along Highway 180 ( Kings Canyon Scenic Byway). It provides an excellent view east of the U-shaped, glacial canyon. The flat bottom of the canyon supports meadows and forests that could not be supported in the V-shaped, water-carved canyon further west. From here you can see canyon walls that were ground flat by the glacier, with scars where boulders trapped in the ice were dragged across the granite. John Muir, a proponent of

• Cedar Grove Amphitheater

  POI

  Join a ranger at this outdoor theater for programs on a wide variety of park topics. It is wheelchair accessible, and the visitor center has assistive-listening devices. Check local bulletin boards and the visitor center for schedules.

• Cedar Grove Lodge & Market Center

  POI

  Cedar Grove Lodge is in Kings Canyon at an elevation of 4,600 feet (1402 m). Granite cliffs, the Kings River, and hiking trails are nearby. The lodge offers 21 hotel rooms, a counter-service restaurant, a market, and a gift shop. The lodge is also within walking distance of Cedar Grove's visitor center.<br /><br />Seasonally available. Please visit https://www.visitsequoia.com/ for more information.

• Cedar Grove Showers & Laundry

  POI

  Coin-operated showers and laundry facilities are for lodge guests as well as campers, backpackers, and other travelers.

• Changing Scenes, Changing Sounds

  POI

  You may hear Peregrine falcons, birds that nest on this rock. A peregrine falcon's call sounds like "key, key, key, key". This wayside exhibit, titled "Moro Rock: Changing Views, Changing Scenes, Changing Sounds," discusses human-caused sounds and their effects on humans and wildlife.

• Cherry Gap

  POI

  This Forest Service area 3 miles (4.8 kilometer) north of Grant Grove is part of the Converse Basin sequoia grove. From Cherry Gap, you can take roads to the Chicago Stump.

• Chimney Tree

  POI

  This sequoia burned in 1914. For over a century, the remaining trunk has slowly weathered but remains in remarkably good condition. What do you think it will look like in another hundred years?

• Clara Barton Tree

  POI

  Trees throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are named for a variety of extraordinary people. The Clara Barton Tree, near the beginning of the Big Trees Trail, honors this Civil War nurse, a teacher, and patent clerk and the founder of the American Red Cross, who lived from 1821 to 1912. It is one of only two trees named for women. The other, the Susan B. Anthony Tree, can be seen from this trail if you know where to look. Clara Barton's contemporary, Susan B.

• Cold Springs Nature Trail - Western Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of Cold Springs Nature Trail.<br /><br />Cold Springs Nature Trail is 2.0 miles round-trip (3.2 kilometer) at an easy incline. It travels through meadows and aspen groves to the site of the former mining town of Beulah. The trail features interpretive panels, which give more information about your surroundings. This trail is for day-use only; overnight camping is available at the Cold Springs Campground.

• Colonel Young: A Buffalo Soldier

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Shaping a Park, Colonel Young: A Buffalo Soldier," shows photos and text about Colonel Charles Young.

• Columbine Picnic Area and Snowplay Area

  POI

  This picnic spot near the Grant Grove campgrounds and Visitor Center offer a good slope for sledding in the winter.

• Community

  POI

  Sequoia groves grow within the larger conifer--or conebearing--forest. Their neighbors are as important, fascinating, and beautiful as sequoias -- just not as big!<br /><br />This wayside exhibit, titled "Community", shows four different types of conifer trees.

• Community Kitchen

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Community Kitchen," shows how American Indian women prepared acorns.

• Competition

  POI

  This outdoor exhibit, titled “Competition,“ shares information about giant sequoia ecology.

• Congress Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Congress Trail. Congress Trail is a 2.7 mile round-trip lollipop-shaped trail on a gentle, paved incline. It begins near the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth. Along the path, you'll also see excellent examples of mature sequoias, including the House and Senate groups, and the President Tree.

• Convict Flat Campground

  POI

  Convict Flat Campground is in Sequoia National Forest at an elevation of 3,000 feet. It features stunning views of granite cliffs.

• Copper Creek

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Copper Creek Trail area.Copper Creek Trail is 10 miles one-way (20 miles round-trip) at a difficult incline. The trail travels through several aspen forests and meadows, ending at Granite Lake, a stop that offers beautiful vistas of Mount Hutchings, Goat Mountain, and Comb Spur. The first campsite along the trail is at 4 miles at Lower Tent Meadow. This is a hot, steep climb, so you may want to plan your hiking fo

• Correct Climate

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Correct Climate," shows how temperature changes can affect sequoia growth.

• Crescent Meadow Picnic Area and Trailhead

  POI

  The Crescent Meadow Picnic Area is 2.6 miles from the Giant Forest Museum, near Moro Rock and several trailheads. The picnic area rests at the edge of a lush meadow.

• Crescent Meadow Shuttle Stop

  POI

  This Sequoia Shuttle stop is located at Crescent Meadow, one of the larger meadows in these parks and the starting point for several hikes. Sequoia Shuttles run from late May until early September. Riding the shuttle helps you avoid having to find parking, which can be limited. It also reduces air pollution within our parks. Shuttles within the park are free; round-trip shuttles from Visalia are $20, which includes the park entrance fee.

• Cross-Section Story

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Cross Section Story" provides information about the tree section in front of you.

• Crystal Cave

  POI

  Crystal Cave is an excellent example of a marble cavern. There is a moderately steep (but paved) half-mile trail from the parking area to the cave entrance. The trail through the cave is also one half mile. Because of fragile formations, the only way to visit the cave is on a guided tour.

• Crystal Cave Parking & Trailhead

  POI

  Here, you will find an expansive parking lot, restrooms, and an orientation panel that shows a map and images of Crystal Cave. The Crystal Cave Trail descends 0.5 miles at a moderately steep incline to Crystal Cave.

• Current Conditions at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

  POI

  A portal to learn about current conditions at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

• Don Cecil Trailhead

  POI

  The 4.4 mile one-way (8.8 mile round-trip) Don Cecil Trail is a steep climb along the north-facing slope of Kings Canyon. If you're looking for a shorter hike, Sheep Creek Cascade is about a mile up the trail and offers a shady spot to sit and relax. This historic trail was the major access route to Cedar Grove prior to the completion of Highway 180 in 1939. This trail is for day-use only; overnight camping is not allowed.

• Eagle-Mosquito Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the area around Eagle Trail and Mosquito Trail. Eagle and Mosquito Lakes trails share the same route for the first 2 miles. At Eagle Basin, Eagle Lake Trail travels to the left for 3.4 miles one way. Mosquito Lake Trail travels right 3.6 miles to Mosquito Lake #1. The first campsite along the trail is 4 miles from the junction (6 miles from the trailhead) at Mosquito Lake #2. Both trails are moderately strenuous and

• Eagle-Mosquito Trailhead Restroom

  POI

  A vault toilet is available at this trailhead.

• Eleven Range Overlook

  POI

  Located along the Generals Highway between Hospital Rock and the Giant Forest Museum, Eleven Range Overlook features an outdoor exhibit and a spectacular vista overlooking the Kaweah Canyon toward the San Joaquin Valley.

• Even in Good Habitat

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Even in Good Habitat," shows why sequoias fall.

• Expanding Park Horizons

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Moro Rock: Changing Views, Expanding Park Horizons," identifies the mountain peaks that you can see from this location.

• Farewell Gap-Franklin Lakes Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the area around Farewell Gap Trail and Franklin Lakes Trail.

• Feeding the Foothills

  POI

  This wayside exhibit discusses the ways that changing temperatures could affect food chains in the foothills.

• Foothills Picnic Area

  POI

  Foothills Picnic Area is across the highway from Foothills Visitor Center. In winter and spring, this is a comfortable place to stop on the way up into the mountains, or on the return trip. In summer, the foothills are hot and dry, and fire restrictions may be in effect.

• Foothills Wilderness Permit Office

  POI

  To request a reservation, email an application to seki wilderness reservations@nps.gov at least two weeks in advance of the wilderness entry date. Visit https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness_permits.htm for additional information. Get wilderness permits here for overnight backpacking trips for foothills trails, and also the South Fork and North Fork areas.

• Forests of Life

  POI

  Dramatic, ancient trees such as sequoias are often thought of as Trees of Life. People tend to perceive them as eternal, or even magical. They are not eternal, of course, but evolve with natural systems that they need to thrive and regenerate. If we can care for those systems, the forest can go on as it has for thousands of years.

• For the Good of the Giants

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "For the Good of the Giants," shows what the Giant Forest area looked like in the 1950s.

• Frequent Fire

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Frequent Fire," shows how fire can affect sequoia growth.

• From Hurt to Healing

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "From Hurt to Healing," shows the importance of preservation in Round Meadow.

• Gamlin Cabin

  POI

  Imagine life in a cabin like this in the shadow of trees like these. What would you come to value most about this place and the sequoias?

• Garfield Grove Trailhead

  POI

  If you'd like to experience a remote sequoia grove, consider the Garfield-Hockett Trail. It's a relatively steep 5-mile one-way climb to the Garfield Sequoia Grove, then levels out beyond the grove as it approaches the Hockett Plateau. The first campsite along the trail is 4 miles from the trailhead at Snowslide. <br /><br />As you hike, look for views of Homer's Nose, a prominent granite dome that can be seen from Visalia.

• General Grant Tree

  POI

  Before you stands the second-largest tree in the world. The General Grant Tree is not one of the oldest, but it has the advantage of growing in a spot with bright sunlight and plenty of water, so it grew larger quickly. It holds two additional titles: the Nation's Christmas Tree (not the National Christmas Tree, which gets decorated in Washington, D.C.) and the country's only living national shrine. Sequoia FactsSequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to seven of th

• General Grant Tree Trailhead

  POI

  You are about to travel among some of the giants of the world. The General Grant Trail is an easy, 0.5 mile loop through the Grant Grove of sequoias.The grove's namesake, the General Grant Tree, is the second-largest tree by volume in the world. (The largest is the General Sherman Tree, also in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks.) President Coolidge proclaimed the General Grant Tree as the Nation's Christmas tree in 1926. You can also visit the historic Gamlin Cabin here.

• General Sherman Tree

  POI

  There are taller trees, and wider trees, but the General Sherman Tree contains more wood (volume) in its trunk than any other tree on Earth. Behind the Sherman Tree are the General Grant, President, Lincoln, and Stagg trees. Another measure of tree volume is the total biomass of the tree-trunk, branches, roots, and foliage. If we measure the biomass, the Sherman Tree still ranks at #1, but the General Grant Tree loses second place to the President Tree.

• General Sherman Tree Accessible Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail area.<br /><br />You are getting close to the famous General Sherman Tree. The volume of wood in its trunk alone makes it the largest tree in the world. <br /><br />This trail runs from the accessible parking lot to the General Sherman Tree. If you do not have a disability plate or placard to park here, please park at the Main Sherman Tree Parking Lot and take the shuttle to this trailhead.

• General Sherman Tree Accessible Trailhead Shuttle Stop

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  This Sequoia Shuttle stop is located at the accessible parking area for the General Sherman tree, the largest tree in the world! From here is the shortest walking distance to General Sherman, 500ft (150m). This parking lot is for vehicles with accessibility placards only. All other vehicles can park at the main General Sherman Parking Area, and walk 0.5 miles (0.8km) to the tree from there, or ride the shuttle back to this lot for a shorter hike.

• General Sherman Tree Main Trailhead

  POI

  You are getting close to the famous General Sherman Tree. The volume of wood in its trunk alone makes it the largest tree in the world. As you walk the 0.8 miles to it, you'll pass many other spectacular giants as well. At the bottom of the trail, you can stand by a cross section of a sequoia trunk that was cut years ago. Because this trail goes downhill to where the giant grows, your walk offers the unique experience of seeing the Sherman Tree from top to bottom.

• General Sherman Tree Main Trailhead Shuttle Stop

  POI

  This Sequoia Shuttle stop is located at the main parking area for the General Sherman tree, the largest tree in the world! From here it is a 0.5 mile (0.8 km) walk down a paved path with stairs to General Sherman. For a shorter walk, take the shuttle to the General Sherman Accessible Trailhead, which is a 500ft (150 m) distance. Sequoia Shuttles run from late May until early September. Riding the shuttle helps you avoid having to find parking, which can be limited.

• General Sherman Tree Trail: Halfway Point

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  This wayside exhibit, titled "Halfway Point," shows your location in relationship to the height of the General Sherman Tree.

• General Sherman Tree Trail: Near the Bottom

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  This wayside exhibit, titled "Near the Bottom," shows your location in relationship to the height of the General Sherman Tree.

• General Sherman Tree Trail: Near the Top

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  This wayside exhibit, titled "Near the Top", shows your location in relationship to the height of The General Sherman Tree.

• Giant Forest and Lodgepole Winter Trails

  POI

  Trails in the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas are often snowy and icy in the winter. But with the right gear and preparation, adventurous explorers can still take in the unique beauty of sequoias in the snow. Visitors can either hike on plowed trails, or cross-country ski and snowshoe on established routes.

• Giant Forest Museum Shuttle Stop

  POI

  This Sequoia Shuttle stop is located at the Giant Forest Museum, which is an excellent entry point to learning about the giant sequoias and surrounding ecosystem. The museum is surrounded by a series of easy trails by which to explore the sequoias. Sequoia Shuttles run from late May until early September. Riding the shuttle helps you avoid having to find parking, which can be limited.

• Giant Forest Museum Trail Center

  POI

  Trails from here can lead you past the giant trees and lush meadows in this sequoia grove, whether you are an experienced hiker who wants to see miles of the parks or you would just like a gentle half-hour walk. Trails in this area can be confusing. We recommend purchasing a trail map at the museum for all but the shortest hikes.

• Grant Grove Cabins

  POI

  The Grant Grove Cabins are in the Grant Grove Village area of Kings Canyon National Park. Guests can choose from six types of cabins, some of which are available year-round. At an elevation of 6,500 feet (1,980 m), this area is snowy in winter and tire chains may be needed during winter storms.

• Grant Grove Gift Shop

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  Open year-round, this gift shop offers souvenirs, clothing items, gifts, and crafts.

• Grant Grove Market and Post Office

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  Find snacks, campfire foods, and some prepared foods here. The post office is open Monday-Friday except Federal holidays. Grant Grove Village also includes parking, restrooms, a visitor center and food service.

• Grant Grove Restaurant

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  This new restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining, meadow views, and a beautiful building that meets the highest standards for environmental sustainability. The menu features locally grown ingredients.

• Grizzly Falls

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  Grizzly Falls and its picnic area are located in the Sequoia National Forest, 4.6 miles (7.4 km) from the Cedar Grove Visitor Center. No grills or water are available at this site. From the picnic area, follow a short walk to Grizzly Falls, an 80 foot waterfall that swells in early spring.

• Halstead Meadow Picnic Area

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  Next to a restored meadow, Halstead Meadow Picnic Area is four miles from the Lodgepole Visitor Center.

• Hazelwood Nature Trail-Alta Trail Junction

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  This trailhead sign includes a map indicating the junction of the Hazelwood Nature Trail Loop with the Alta Trail, which heads west towards the Giant Forest Museum. 

• Hazelwood Nature Trail Trailhead

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  The Hazelwood Nature Trail features a 0.5-mile (0.8-km) loop trail. Along the Hazelwood Nature Trail you will walk through a mixed-fir forest with towering giant sequoias, and encounter a meadow. Along the trail, several exhibit signs provide information about the plants and and how they survive the seasons. 

• High Sierra Trailhead

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  The historic High Sierra Trail is a marvel of engineering that stays relatively level for its first portion, offering views of wilderness without the steep climbs of other park trails. Hike 11 miles one-way (22 miles round-trip) to Bearpaw Meadow, where you can camp in designated sites or, with reservations, enjoy the luxury of Bearpaw High SIerra Camp. The trail travels through forests and oaks, along canyons, and reaches subalpine meadows.

• Hospital Rock Picnic Area

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  Picnic in an oak woodland near the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River. Numerous picnic areas offer both sunny and shady spots to eat and relax. While you're here, browse outdoor exhibits that tell the story of Native Americans who lived and traveled in this area, and continue to visit this area today.

• Hospital Rock Picnic Area Exhibits

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  This place was once a vibrant village inhabited by Native Americans. Learn more about their relationship with this area. Experience these exhibits, along with accompanying tactile and audio components, in person, or learn more below.

• Hospital Rock Pictographs

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  Note, this is a sacred area, please be respectful. Hundreds of years ago, people who came here drew these pictographs. Their meaning is unknown, but local tribe members explain that they serve as a history for the people who once lived here and area a reminder of how important this place is to them today.

• Hospital Rock River Trailhead

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  A short steep downhill climb will lead you to the Kaweah River, which is one of the most scenic spots in all of the foothill region of the park.

• Hotel Creek Trailhead

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  The 6.9 mile (11.1 KM) loop Hotel Creek Trail has a steep incline. The trail was iburned over during the 2015 Rough Fire but is recovering. It climbs through a ponderosa pine forest to views of Monarch Divide and other peaks. Parking is limited at the trailhead. Alternative parking is available at Cedar Grove Lodge, which adds 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to the trip.

• Hot Spots

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  This wayside exhibit, titled "Hot Spots," shows how fire helps trees grow.

• How's the View?

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  This wayside exhibit, titled "How's the View?," shows the weather patterns that cause pollution in the valley.

• Hume Lake Campground

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  Please consult the USFS on facility availability- https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=79563&actid=29Hume Lake Campground is within the Sequoia National Forest, and within minutes walking distance from Hume Lake. Hume Lake is a popular destination year-round, with a full range of recreational activity.Campground Information- Open mid-May to mid-September- 74 sites open to tents, trailers, and RVs- Campsite fees are $25

• Hume Lake Village

  POI

  Hume Lake Village and Camp is on national forest land on the shore of a small, man-made lake open to hiking, boating, and fishing. While some services are only available to Hume Lake Camp guests, a gas station, general store with gifts, cafe, and picnic area are available to the public.

• Inheritance

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  This wayside exhibit, titled "Inheritance," shows why fallen trees create good conditions for sequoias to thrive.

• Into the Giant Forest

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  This wayside exhibit, titled "Into the Giant Forest," shows a photo of the Giant Forest and a map of the Giant Forest Trail system.

• John Muir Lodge

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  Open year-round, this lodge offers hotel rooms and cabins. Nearby, food is available at the Grant Grove Restaurant and Grant Grove Market. Other services in the village include a post office, gift shop, and Kings Canyon Visitor Center.

• Junction View

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  The Junction View Scenic Overlook is located along Highway 180, the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. This wayside exhibit, titled "The Kings Canyon: A Wonderland of Unique Geology," shows photos and text about the geology of the canyon in view.

• Just Enough Soil

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  This wayside exhibit, titled "Just Enough Soil," shows why sequoias have shallow roots.

• Kings Canyon Overlook

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  This overlook is located along the Generals Highway, south of Grant Grove. Thousands of acres of wilderness peaks and canyons lie before you. The forces of plate tectonics pushed these mountains up, then water and ice carved canyons deep into them. Thousands of species of plants and animals populate this wild landscape. For a different view out over this area, visit Panoramic Point in Grant Grove.

• Knapp's Cabin

  POI

  A wealthy businessman from Santa Barbara, George O. Knapp traveled here regularly with guests for fishing and camping expeditions. In 1925, he had this cabin built to store equipment for these lavish trips. In 1978, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Glacial ViewsIt's easy to see why Knapp built the cabin here.

• Ladybug Trailhead

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  This 4.2 mile (6.8 km) one-way trail, or 8.4 mile (13.5 km) out and back, is a moderate climb. After traveling through forests and passing over creeks, the path reaches Ladybug Camp, where ladybugs can be found during cooler months. The route then narrows and heads uphill to giant sequoias and Whiskey Log Camp.

• Lakes Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Lakes Trail area. The 6 mile one-way Lakes Trail is a moderately strenuous climb up through meadows and forests, along granite cliff overlooks, and to several lakes. Heather and Aster lakes are closed to overnight use. Camping is available five miles from the trailhead at Emerald Lake and at the end of the trail, six miles from the trailhead, at Pear Lake.

• Landslide Campground

  POI

  Please consult the USFS on facility availability- https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=79563&actid=29<br /><br />Landslide Campground is within the Sequoia National Forest, 12 miles from the Grant Grove Visitor Center. At 5800-foot elevation, the campground is within the designated Giant Sequoia National Monument, with hiking in two nearby groves of giant sequoias. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Lewis Creek Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Lewis Creek Trail area.

• Life After Death

  POI

  Tannin, a chemical in the wood and bark of sequoias, slows down the decay process. A surprising benefit: Trees long dead still preserve their growth rings, which scientists can study for insight into past climate and weather patterns. This wayside exhibit, titled "Life After Death", shows a black and white photo with text about the fallen sequoia tree in front of you.

• Life in the Zones

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  This wayside exhibit, titled "Moro Rock: Changing Views, Life in the Zones," describes the different elevation zones you can see from this location.

• Little Baldy

  POI

  Little Baldy is a wide granite dome that rises to just over 8,000 feet in Sequoia National Park. At the top of the dome there is a wide, fairly flat, area with patches of low shrubs and a few stunted conifer trees. There are long curved layers of rock, a few inches thick, on the dome's surface, like the layers of an onion. The surface is uneven and there are no safety rails. From this summit, you have a view to the east of tree-covered hills and the Great Western Divide.

• Little Baldy Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Little Baldy Trail area. Little Baldy Trail travels 1.7 miles (2.7 km) at an easy incline to the granite dome of Little Baldy, which features views of the lower portion of the Great Western Divide, Kaweah Peaks, and Sillman Crest.

• Living Proof

  POI

  Should we kill unusual trees like this in order to put them on display? That was a common practice in the past, with both trees and animals. Perhaps the display moved some people to visit these parks and fight to protect them. The wayside exhibit, titled "Living Proof", shows the felling of sequoia trees.

• Lodgepole Amphitheater

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  Meet here for ranger-led campfires and talks, usually given in the evening.

• Lodgepole Campground Shuttle Stop

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  This Sequoia Shuttle stop is located at the Lodgepole Campground, which is conveniently located about two miles from the Giant Forest Museum and grove of sequoias. Sequoia Shuttle runs from late May until early September. Riding the shuttle helps you avoid having to find parking, which can be limited. It also reduces air pollution within our parks. Shuttles within the park are free.

• Lodgepole Market Center

  POI

  Lodgepole Market is open seasonally from May to October. Here you can find a large selection of supplies and services, including clothing, groceries, grab-and-go food, an ATM, and a payphone. Lodgepole Grill offers casual food including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

• Lodgepole Market & Visitor Center Shuttle Stop

  POI

  This Sequoia Shuttle Stop is located at the Lodgepole Market and Visitor Center. The Lodgepole Market offers groceries, camping and hiking supplies, and gift items. It also has a deli and snack bar with prepared food. Behind the market is Lodgepole Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the parks, plan your trip, and purchase souvenirs. Sequoia Shuttle runs from late May until early September.

• Lodgepole Picnic Area

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  The Lodgepole Picnic Area is adjacent to Lodgepole facilities, including the Village Market, visitor center, campground, restrooms, laundry, and showers.

• Lodgepole-to-Sherman-Tree Trailhead

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  The trail from the Lodgepole Campground to the General Sherman Tree is 2.8 miles one way (9 kilometers) with a mild incline.

• Lookout Point

  POI

  Welcome to the Mineral King area in the canyon of the East Fork of the Kaweah River. This marks one of only three road entrances into Sequoia National Park. Take a moment to look down into the river valley below. As you continue on this historic road, views will become more spectacular. Entering the Park Please use the self-serve station to pay your park entrance fee.

• Lost Grove Sequoia Grove

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  This pull-out looks into the Lost Grove Sequoia Grove, where an entrance station once stood. Now giant sequoias stand right next to the road. Stop for a restroom break or just enjoy this peaceful spot near the Sequoia National Forest boundary.

• Marble Falls Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Marble Falls Trail area.<br /><br />This trail climbs 3.1 miles one-way at a moderate incline through the chaparral scrubland, ending at a waterfall cascade. <br /><br />Park near site #14 at Potwisha Campground and follow the dirt road across the concrete ditch. The trail starts along the steep bank to the right. Additional parking available across the Generals Highway in the Potwisha Overflow Parking Lot.

• McGee Overlook

  POI

  This overlook on US Forest Service land has excellent sunset views. It's also a great spot to see the effects of a very hot portion of the 2015 Rough Fire that reburned an area of the 1955 McGee Fire.

• Meadows

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  This outdoor exhibit, titled “Meadows,“ discusses the seasonal lifecycle of a meadow.

• Middle Fork Trailhead

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  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and photos of the Middle Fork trailhead.

• Mineral King Food-Storage Shed

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  If you're heading into park wilderness and will be staying overnight, store food and scented items in this shed. Bears may break into vehicles to get food.

• Mist Falls

  POI

  The 8-mile round-trip walk to this spectacular cascade makes a great all-day walk. The first miles are relatively flat and open; in the last mile the wooded trail gains 600' in elevation. Be careful once there: Mist and spray make the surrounding rocks slippery and treacherous. Too often people have slipped and fallen in here.

• Montecito Sequoia Lodge

  POI

  Montecito Sequoia Lodge is located in the Giant Sequoia National Monument on National Forest Service land. Please contact them directly for hours of operation.

• Moro Rock

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  Climb to the top of this immense granite dome for views of the park that extend deep into wilderness. Along the way, stop to catch your breath at exhibits that offer details about the surrounding landscape. At the top, a railing encloses a flat portion of the rock to protect viewers from steep dropoffs.

• Moro Rock History and Geology

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  These wayside exhibits show a timeline of historic events related to Moro Rock, and describe the forces that created the granite dome, and provide an introduction to hiking the stairway to the top.

• Moro Rock Shuttle Stop

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  This Sequoia Shuttle stop is located at Moro Rock, a spectacular hike up an immense granite dome. From the top, take in 360 degree views of the Sierra Nevada. Sequoia Shuttles run from late May until early September. Riding the shuttle helps you avoid having to find parking, which can be limited. It also reduces air pollution within our parks. Shuttles within the park are free; round-trip shuttles from Visalia are $20, which includes the park entrance fee.

• Moro Rock Trailhead

  POI

  Welcome to one of the most popular and spectacular hikes in these parks. To reach the top of this granite dome, take the stairway that climbs up 300 feet (.09 km) to the 6,275 ft (2,050 km) summit. This parking area is two miles (3.2 km) from the Generals Highway. In summer, free park shuttles at the Giant Forest Museum will drop you off at this parking area. At the top is a spectacular 360° view from the Great Western Divide to the east around to the western half of Sequoia

• Muir Grove Trailhead

  POI

  Muir Grove offers an opportunity to hike into a sequoia grove that's off the beaten path. The gently sloping trail follows a ridgeline that offers distant views of the sequoias as you hike. Once you reach them, enjoy the quiet and calm of the area.

• Muir Rock

  POI

  Over a hundred years ago, Scottish-American naturalist John Muir explored the Kings Canyon, calling it "a yet grander valley" and "a rival of the Yosemite." From this rock overlooking a relatively quiet bend of the Kings River, he would address anyone who would listen. He shared his love of the wild and his theories on how these canyons formed (carved by large rivers of ice called glaciers, which later proved to be correct).

• North Fork Trailhead

  POI

  The trails that start here are lightly maintained. Be prepared for more rugged conditions than you would see on trails that get heavier use. Maps can be useful in this area. Poison oak is common here, especially on the Colony Mill Trail.

• North Grove Loop and Dead Giant Loop Trailhead

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  The North Grove Trail is an initial loop through sequoias and meadows. After the North Grove Trail, you can continue to the Dead Giant Trail loop. These trails offers views of Sequoia Lake and the Dead Giant, a huge sequoia that stayed standing even after it died.

• On Native Soil

  POI

  This exhibit, titled "On Native Soil," shows the plants that flourish in the foothills.

• Panoramic Point Overlook

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  This overlook is located a short driving distance from the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. Look outward from Panoramic Point across hundreds of miles of Kings Canyon National Park and neighboring national forest lands. Below lies Hume Lake, a small historic lake in Sequoia National Forest that was created in 1908 using a rare multiple-arch dam.

• Panoramic Point Picnic Area and Trailhead

  POI

  Take this fairly easy half-mile hike to Panoramic Point and a great view of the Kings Canyon, Hume Lake, and the mountains beyond. It offers one of the best places to get a view of the effects that millions of years of erosion, and especially the Ice Age, have had on Kings Canyon. The trail to Panoramic Point is paved, with gentle slopes. You can continue past there to the Park Ridge Fire Lookout, another 2.5 miles of unpaved trail.

• Paradise Creek Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and photos of the Paradise Creek trailhead.

• Paradise Ridge Trailhead

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  This 5.5 mile loop (8.85 kilometers) is a moderate climb, with frequent ups and downs. Starting with views at Panoramic Point, the trail visits a fire lookout, dense forest, and logged and fire-scarred areas.<br /> <br />This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Paradise Ridge area.

• Parker Group

  POI

  These giant sequoias were named for the eight members of the family of Captain James Parker. Captain Parker served in Troop B, 4th Cavalry , U. S. Army and was the Acting Superintendent of Sequoia National Park from 1893-1894. Read more about the U.S. Calvary in Sequoia at the wayside exhibit. You can stand nestled among three closely-clustered trees in the group and observe their fire scars and sheer size.

• Park Ridge Service Road

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  This service road provides access to park vehicles for maintenance of the Park Ridge Fire Lookout. It's more commonly used for hiking, though. Because of it's status as a road, it's the only trail in Kings Canyon National Park that allows biking.

• Pinewood Picnic Area

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  Located between the Giant Forest Museum and Lodgepole Visitor Center, the Pinewood Picnic Area offers regular and long picnic tables for groups of all sizes. The picnic areas also has restrooms, a water faucet, and barbecue grills.

• Potwisha Amphitheater

  POI

  Up to 50 people can enjoy a ranger-led programs at the Potwisha Campground Amphitheater. Parking is located across the street from the campground. For evening programs, please watch your footing and remember to bring a flashlight. A sign at the front of the campground, posts current program times. Program information is also available at visitor centers.

• Potwisha Day Use Area

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  This day use area features river access, as well as overflow parking for Potwisha Campground, Potwisha Amphitheater guests, and additional parking for Marble Falls hikers.

• Prime Sequoia Habitat

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  This outdoor exhibit, titled "Prime Sequoia Habitat," shows an illustrated map and photos of Round Meadow and Big Trees Trail.

• Princess Campground

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  This national forest campground is open in summer only and has reservable single and double-sized sites The campground is near a large meadow where wildlife sightings are common.

• Protecting Scenery

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  This exhibit shows the effects air pollution has on the park.

• Protection: Past and Future

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  Activities outside the parks affect life here. By working in our home towns to prevent air pollution and fight climate change, we contribute to preserving these awe-inspiring trees. These parks feel inputs from as close as the San Joaquin Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area to as far away as China. Where does the air in your town travel before it arrives?

• Redwood Canyon Trailhead

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  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Redwood Mountain Trail area.The Redwood Mountain Trail is 9.5 mile loop (15 km) at a moderate incline. It takes you along the ridge above Redwood Canyon for spectacular views as well as along the canyon floor among the trees. The trail is lightly used, so you may be able to experience solitude on this hike.

• Redwood Mountain Overlook

  POI

  This overlook is just west of the Redwood Mountain Road, along the Generals Highway. Before you lies one of the largest groves of giant sequoia trees in the world. From this overlook, you can see the tops of sequoias, the canopy of the Redwood Mountain grove. It was here that park scientists began to understand the importance of fire in the ecology of forests. The trunks of large giant sequoias trees are almost always marked by fire scars at ground level.

• Restoring Dark Skies

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  This exhibit, titled "Moro Rock: Changing Views, Restoring Dark Skies," shows an evening view from Moro Rock and a filtered image of light pollution to the west.

• River Trailhead

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  The quiet, 1.75 mile one way (2.8 km) River Trail follows the south fork of the Kings River at an easy incline.

• Road Information for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

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  A portal to find road information for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

• Road's End Restroom

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  This marks the last chance for wilderness hikers to experience the relative comfort of a developed restroom, and a welcome to civilization for hikers who are returning from a long trip. Please leave the restroom in good condition!

• Road's End Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Road's End Trail area.Road's End is the start of some great hiking adventures. Looking for relatively easy, flat hiking? Try the Zumwalt Meadows Loop, or make a longer day hike to Roaring River Falls. If you want to gain elevation, hike one of the trails that lead to Bubbs Creek, Mist Falls, Paradise Valley, and Copper Creek.

• Roaring River Falls

  POI

  Roaring River flows from Deadman and Cloud canyons deep in the parks' wilderness, then crashes down a narrow chute into a pool. The power and sound of the waterfall changes through the year, and is at its biggest and loudest in late spring and early summer. From here, you can also take a relaxing walk along the River Trail to Zumwalt Meadow. This walk is 3.9 miles round-trip in a lollipop shape at an easy, paved incline.

• Roaring River Falls Trailhead

  POI

  From here, it's a short walk on a paved path to one of the notable waterfalls of Cedar Grove. Roaring River Falls is short but powerful. If the parking area is full, overflow parking is available cross the bridge, a short distance from here.

• Sawtooth Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Sawtooth Trail area. Sawtooth Trail is a 10.2 mile (16.4 kilometer) loop trail at a steep incline. Beyond Monarch Lakes, the trail is rough and unmaintained. The first campsite is at Lower Monarch Lake at 4.2 miles (6.7 kilometer).

• Sentinel Tree Interactive Ruler

  POI

• Sequoia Mather Plaque

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  A bronze plaque embedded in stone commemorates Stephen Tyng Mather, the first National Park Service Director. This spot is within walking distance from the Tunnel Log, where you will find limited parking and a trash can.

• Sequoia National Park Entrance, North Boundary

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  This point marks the northern boundary of Sequoia National Park.

• Sequoia National Park Historic Entrance Sign

  POI

  This historic entrance sign was constructed in 1935 by Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmen based on a smaller design from a National Park Service architect.

• Sequoias Take Shape

  POI

  This tactile outdoor exhibit, titled "Sequoias Take Shape," shows the growth stages of a sequoia tree.

• Shedding Water

  POI

  Listen carefully; you may hear the birds that nest here. Small swifts and swallows dart about in the air above this rock dome, especially near the top. They are hard to see so high in the air. Swifts are black with white bellies and long pointy wings. They make a high-pitched cheeping call that sounds like "swheey swheey." Swallows are brown with a red neck and short wings. Their calls are also high pitched and sound like, "twitter twitter".

• Shifting Stone

  POI

  This outdoor exhibit, titled "Moro Rock: Changing Views, Shifting Stone," shows photos and text about granite layers of Moro Rock.

• Silver City Mountain Resort and Store

  POI

  The restaurant at Silver City is a popular stopping place for dining, including pie on the patio. A small market offers essentials, including tarps to help protect vehicles from the marmots that may cause damage to radiator hoses in spring and early summer. <br /><br />Cabins at Silver City Lodge offer lodging in one of the park's quietest areas.

• Stony Creek Village

  POI

  Stony Creek Village offers several services, including camping. Located in Sequoia National Forest, please contact them for current hours of operation.

• Sunset Amphitheater

  POI

  Cross Hwy 180 from the visitor center, get there via trail or drive into Sunset Campground and follow signs to the parking for the amphitheater. Meet here for ranger-led campfires and talks, usually given in the evening.

• Sunset Rock Trailhead

  POI

  The trail to Sunset Rock offers a great path for wandering through the Giant Forest, even if you only go a short way. Peaceful spots along the way provide spots to relax. If you go all the way to Sunset Rock, you'll be rewarded with views that extend into the foothills and beyond.

• Sun Worshipers

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Sun Worshipers," shows how sequoias use the sun.

• Surviving Change

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Surviving Change," shows how climate changes can affect sequoia growth.

• Surviving In Snow

  POI

  This outdoor exhibit, titled “Surviving in Snow,” explains how dogwoods and fir trees survive in the snowy winter months in the Sierras. 

• Tar Gap Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and photos of the Tar Gap trail area.

• Tar Gap Trail Parking

  POI

  If other trailhead parking areas are full, this lot offers overflow parking. Protect your vehicles from marmots here, especially in spring and early summer.

• Ten Mile Campground

  POI

  Tenmile Campground is within the Sequoia National Forest, 10 miles from the Grant Grove Visitor Center. The campground is adjacent to Ten Mile Creek, a creek popular with anglers and hunters and dwarfed by towering sequoia and Jeffrey pines at an elevation of 5,294 feet.

• Tharp's Log

  POI

  Back in 1861, Hale Tharp built this cabin in a tree, making him the first non-Native American to live in the Giant Forest.

• "Tharp's Log" Wayside

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• The CCC Boys

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  This wayside exhibit, titled "Shaping a Park, The CCC Boys," shows photos and text about Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

• The General Grant Tree

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "The General Grant Tree," has illustrations that show the size of the tree.

• The General Sherman Tree

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "The General Sherman Tree," shows measurements of the General Sherman Tree, the biggest tree on Earth, as well as other notable trees.

• The Naturalists

  POI

  This exhibit, titled "Shaping a Park: The Naturalists," shows photos and text about early park rangers.

• There it is!

  POI

  As you stand on the path before this exhibit, notice the pavement has a textured feel. Under your feet, rows of paving stones radiate out in concentric circles from a central point. They represent a cross-section through the base of the General Sherman Tree. The outer edge of the landing has smooth tiles, which represent the bark. Walk along it to experience the "footprint" of the biggest tree on earth.

• There it is! (General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail)

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "There it is!", shows photos about the General Sherman Tree. You can also find this exhibit southwest of the General Sherman Tree, near the General Highway Parking Access.

• The Sentinel: Just Average?

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "The Sentinel: Just Average?," shows this tree's size compared to other sequoias.

• Tokopah Falls Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Tokopah Falls Trail area.<br /><br />Tokopah Falls trail is a 1.7 mile (2.7 kilometer) hike at an easy incline. It travels along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to the impressive granite cliffs and cascading waterfall of Tokopah Canyon. Tokopah Falls is 1,200 feet (365.8 meters) high, and is most impressive in early summer. Please use caution around the water.

• Too Wet

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Too Wet," shows why too much water is not healthy for sequoias.

• Tough Twins

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Tough Twins", shows photos of two trees and explains the relationship between fire and a sequoia's growth cycle.

• Trailbuilders

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Shaping a Park, Trailbuilders," shows photos and text about the trail builders that shaped this park.

• Tunnel Log

  POI

  This giant sequoia fell across the road in 1937. Rather than remove it, Civilian Conservation Corps workers (the CCC) tunneled through it, creating the only "tree-you-can-drive-through" in these parks. The famous standing tunnel tree in Yosemite collapsed in 1969. Check out the wayside exhibit here for more details.

• Tunnel Rock

  POI

  This granite boulder created a tunnel over the Generals Highway until the road was rerouted. If you want to take a closer look, accessible parking and a paved path provide easy access to the old roadway beneath Tunnel Rock.

• Twin Lakes Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Twin Lakes Trail area. Twin Lakes Trail is a 6.8 mile (10.9 km) trail at a moderate incline. It travels through forests, meadows, and lakes. The first campsite is at Cahoon Meadow, after 3 miles (4.8 km).

• Under The Canopy

  POI

  This outdoor exhibit, titled “Under the Canopy,” shares fun facts about Pacific dogwood trees.

• Upper Stony Creek Campground

  POI

  Upper Stony Creek Campground is situated on the northern side of Hume Lake, set amidst Douglas fir and Jeffrey pines at an elevation of 5,250 feet (1,600 m).

• Want to Climb a Sequoia?

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, "Want to climb a Sequoia?," explains an interactive experience that can show you the height of a giant sequoia named the Sentinel Tree.

• Weather at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

  POI

  This page provides a portal from the NPS App to the weather webpage for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

• What Brings Them Down?

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "What Brings Them Down?," shows photos and explains why sequoia trees fall.

• What is good habitat?

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "What is Good Habitat?," shows the conditions that sequoias need to reproduce and thrive.

• What's in the Air?

  POI

  This exhibit, titled "Moro Rock: Changing Views, What's in the Air?," has photos and a map describing air quality.

• When Sequoias Fall

  POI

  This outdoor exhibit, titled “When Sequoias Fall,“ explains why sequoias fall near wet meadows and what happens in the aftermath.

• Why so big and so old?

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Why so big and so old?", shows the sequoia's survival system. <br /><br />You can also find this exhibit southwest of the General Sherman Tree, closer to the Generals Highway Parking.

• Why so big and so old? (General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail)

  POI

  This wayside exhibit, titled "Why so big and so old?", shows the sequoia's survival system. You can also find this exhibit on the west side of the General Sherman Tree.

• Winter Trails in the Grant Grove Area

  POI

  Trails in the Grant Grove area are often snowy and icy in the winter. But with the right gear and preparation, adventurous explorers can still take in the unique beauty of sequoias in the snow. Visitors can either hike on plowed trails, or cross-country ski and snowshoe on established routes.

• Winter Wildlife

  POI

  This outdoor exhibit, titled “Winter Wildlife,“ discusses the different types of animals and insects found in this area, and how they survive the seasons.

• Wolverton Picnic Area, Trailhead, and Snowplay Area

  POI

  In addition to being a great place to stop for lunch, Wolverton offers trailheads to some of the most stunning frontcountry and backcountry hiking in these parks. Wolverton Meadow is an excellent place to view black bears in the late spring and early summer. They are often seen feeding in the meadows. The meadow's wildflowers change throughout the season, so taking this hike in June is a different experience than in August or May.

• Wolverton Shuttle Stop

  POI

  This Sequoia Shuttle stop is located at the Wolverton Picnic Area, Trailhead, and Snowplay Area. Sequoia Shuttles run from late May until early September. Riding the shuttle helps you avoid having to find parking, which can be limited. It also reduces air pollution within our parks. Shuttles within the park are free; round-trip shuttles from Visalia are $20, which includes the park entrance fee. All buses are wheelchair accessible, and either kneel or have lifts.

• Woods Creek, Bubbs Creek, Rae Lakes Loop Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the area around Woods Creek, Bubbs Creek, and Rae Lakes Loop trails. Wilderness permits for these trails are only issued from the Road's End Permit Station.

• Wuksachi Restaurant & Lodge

  POI

  The restaurant and lounge are open to all, not just lodge guests. The dining room's open beams lend a rustic feel, and windows look out on forests and peaks. A new pizza deck offers quick and casual food. Hours vary depending on the season.

• Wuksachi Restaurant & Lodge Shuttle Stop

  POI

  The Route 3 shuttle that serves this stop only runs on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Overflow parking lots in this area almost always have parking. If you can't find a spot in the Giant Forest or Lodgepole, park here and take the shuttle. Please use the overflow lots and leave the closer parking spaces for hotel guests.

• Wuksachi Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and photos of the Wuksachi Trailhead area.

• Zumwalt Meadow

  POI

  Zumwalt Meadow is one of the park's most iconic, scenic meadows. Explore the trail that begins near the Kings River, crosses a riparian corridor, and then climbs gently along a rocky hillside. As you hike through a talus slope, you will catch glimpses of the meadow below. Meadows often attract bears and other animals such as yellow-bellied marmots, deer, birds of prey, and snakes; watch for them all here.

• Zumwalt Meadow Trailhead

  POI

  This trailhead orientation panel shows a map and images of the Zumwalt Meadow area.

Things to do

• Alta Winter Trail

  The Alta Trail descends nearly 1,000 feet from Wolverton to Giant Forest and connects with several other trails. This is a difficult ski with steep terrain and many trees.

  Duration: 6-8 Hours

• Bear Hill Winter Trail

  The trail follows the old Bear Hill Road and travels under the shade of giant sequoias and mixed conifers. Bear Hill Road is wide and easy to follow with a moderate grade.

  Duration: 1-2 Hours

• Become a Junior Ranger

  Become a Junior Ranger!

• Big Stump

  The first resting spot after the park entrance station on Highway 180, this picnic area makes this a perfect stop to get your bearings after the drive from the San Joaquin Valley. From here, you will find the trailhead for the Big Stump Trail, which leads to the Mark Twain Stump via a 2-mile (3.2-km) hike.

• Big Trees Trail Wildlife

  Park wildlife are often seen along the Big Trees Trail, an easy and accessible path that starts at Giant Forest Museum and takes you around a meadow lined with mature sequoias.

  Duration: 1-2 Hours

• Bike the River Road

  Explore this little-known dirt road in Kings Canyon National Park: the River Road in Cedar Grove. The traffic on the road is light, so it is good for biking, walking, running, or walking your dog. And it's a great place to escape the busier spots in the park.

  Duration: 1-5 Hours

• Clover Creek Winter Trail

  This one-way trail is currently marked to the Twin Lakes hiking trail junction. Return to Wuksachi on the same trail.

  Duration: 2-4 Hours

• Cold Springs Nature Trail

  The Cold Springs Nature Trail is a great option for visitors looking for an easier trail and staying at the Cold Springs Campground. Many of the hikes in the Mineral King area are long and steep. This route is a gentle hike 3 mile (4.8 km) hike with a 500-foot elevation gain and offers a taste of the Mineral King area.

• Crescent Meadow

  The Crescent Meadow Trail is an ideal place for photography and a relaxing walk. Follow the flat, 1.5-mile (2.4-km) loop trail around Crescent Meadow, where bright green vegetation contrasts with the red bark of giant sequoias.

• Crescent Meadow Road Winter Trail

  The most popular of the Giant Forest’s ski trails, Crescent Meadow Road begins at the west end of the Giant Forest Museum Plaza. The entire route is an unplowed road with gentle to moderate grades and lots of giant sequoias.

  Duration: 2-3 Hours

• Crescent Meadow Wildlife

  Keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife as you hike along the Crescent Meadow in trail Sequoia's Giant Forest.

  Duration: 1-3 Hours

• Crescent Winter Trail

  The trail connects the General Sherman Tree with the end of Crescent Meadow Road (see Crescent Meadow Road Trail). The trail passes through the heart of the Giant Forest. The skiing is mostly easy, but has several short grades that require turning through the thick forest.

  Duration: 4-6 Hours

• Crystal Cave

  A tour through Crystal Cave will give you an inside look at the complex world that lies beneath our feet. Spend time with a guide and learn about the unique geologic features and animal creatures found within the cave.

• Discover a Winter Meadow

  With easy access from Giant Forest Museum, this trail goes along the Moro Rock – Crescent Meadow Road. This gentle sloping trail will take you by dozens of sequoia trees, including the famous Tunnel Log. At the end of the trail, enjoy the serenity of Crescent Meadow.

  Duration: 2-4 Hours

• Discover Sheep Creek Cascade

  Visit Cedar Grove, in the heart of Kings Canyon. Once there, take a hike through a forested ravine to a shady glen and a small cascading waterfall called Sheep Creek Cascade. You’ll also see views of the Monarch Divide.

  Duration: 1-2 Hours

• Discover the Lodgepole-Sherman Tree Trail

  Explore the Giant Forest on your way to the General Sherman Tree. Take the 2.8 mile Lodgepole-Sherman Tree Trail from the Lodgepole Campground, then catch the Green Route 1 shuttle back to the parking lot.

  Duration: 2-5 Hours

• Discover Tokopah Valley and Falls

  The Tokopah Falls Trail is great place to see the “classic” Sierra Nevada landscape. Sheer granite cliffs, a dense conifer forest, and a rushing river create a peaceful mountain scene.

• Eagle and Mosquito Lakes

  Both Eagle and Mosquito lakes offer beautiful views of Mineral Kings alpine landscape. Eagle and Mosquito Lakes trails share the same route for the first 2 miles. The trail for both is 10 miles out and back with over 3,000 feet of elevation change.

• Enjoy a 360-Degree View at Little Baldy Dome

  Hike on a lesser-known trail in Sequoia National Park. The Little Baldy trail takes you through a mixed-conifer forest to the top of a granite dome. Once there, you can take in a 360-degree panoramic view.

  Duration: 2-3 Hours

• Explore Hidden Sequoias at Muir Grove

  Take a hike to a sequoia grove that is tucked away from the road. Muir Grove provides a quiet experience among these giant trees. If you find other sequoia groves to be a bit crowded, take a walk to experience Muir Grove.

  Duration: 2-3 Hours

• Explore Sub-Alpine Landscapes at Mineral King

  In Sequoia National Park visit Mineral King, a beautiful valley at 7,500 feet. This area can be used as a basecamp for day hikes to lakes and alpine wonderlands.

  Duration: 1-3 Days

• Explore the Winter Forest by Foot

  There is no better way to see the snow covered Giant Forest than to get out on the trails and walk around. Whether you rent snowshoes or bring your own, snowshoeing around a sequoia grove is a fun experience for people who are well-prepared.

  Duration: 1-4 Hours

• General Grant Tree

  The General Grant Trail is an easy, 0.5 mile loop through the Grant Grove of sequoias. The General Grant Tree is not one of the oldest, but it has the advantage of growing in a spot with bright sunlight and plenty of water, so it grew larger quickly. It holds two additional titles: the Nation's Christmas Tree (not the National Christmas Tree, which gets decorated in Washington, D.C.) and the country's only living national shrine.

• Grant Grove Loop Winter Trail

  Visit one of the world's largest living trees. President Coolidge proclaimed the General Grant tree the Nation's Christmas tree in 1926, making it the perfect place to visit for the winter.

  Duration: 30-60 Minutes

• Hike Among the Giants

  There is no better way to explore the Giant Forest than by going out on the trails. Try a stroll on the Congress Trail, a 2-mile (3.2-km) loop that starts from the General Sherman Tree and takes you into the heart of a sequoia grove.

• Hike the Wuksachi Trail

  Head out on the Wuksachi Trail to Lodgepole for a walk through fir forests, meadows, and creeks. Venture into the wilderness by connecting to the Twin Lakes Trail for Cahoon Meadow, or continue to Lodgepole, where you can catch the Purple Route 2 shuttle back to Wuksachi Lodge (summer only).

  Duration: 1-6 Hours

• Hike to a Bird's Eye View

  Take a short hike to little-known viewpoint, called Eagle View. This vista is just as spectacular as Moro Rock, but with fewer people. Enjoy the bird's-eye view of the Sequoia Kings Wilderness and the High Sierra.

  Duration: 1-2 Hours

• Learn about Giant Sequoias

  Before you investigate the area, stop here at the Giant Forest Museum to learn about giant sequoias and area history.

• Learn the Inside Story at a Ranger Program

  Discover the parks with an expert! Learn more at an all ages ranger program.

  Duration: 15-60 Minutes

• Mist Falls

  An 8-mile round-trip walk to this spectacular cascade makes a great all-day walk. The first miles are relatively flat and open; in the last mile the wooded trail gains 600' in elevation. Be careful once there: Mist and spray make the surrounding rocks slippery and treacherous. Too often people have slipped and fallen in here.

• Monarch Lake

  Upper and Lower Monarch Lakes are gorgeous alpine lakes that lie at the base of Sawtooth Peak. You can hike this 10-mile route as a day hike or an as an overnight backpacking trip, but be aware that camping is only allowed several miles into your route. There is an elevation gain of 2,867 feet.

• Moro Rock

  A stone and concrete stairway leads to the top of Moro Rock, a granite dome that towers over the Generals Highway. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the hills below and the wilderness to the east.

  Duration: 30-120 Minutes

• North Grove Loop Winter Trail

  The North Grove Loop travels through a magnificent grove of giant sequoias. Skiers will find it easier to follow this loop trail counterclockwise to avoid some of the sharper downhill curves in the road.

  Duration: 1-3 Hours

• Old Lodgepole Road Winter Trail

  This old road connects the Lodgepole Visitor Center with the General Sherman Tree. The skiing is easy, except for a steep grade as the trail approaches the General Sherman Tree.

  Duration: 3-4 Hours

• Panoramic Point

  Look outward from Panoramic Point across hundreds of miles of Kings Canyon National Park and neighboring national forest lands

• Panoramic Point and Park Ridge Winter Trail

  One of the most popular winter trails in this area begins at the village and follows the unplowed road to the top of Park Ridge. Panoramic Point offers spectacular views of the snow-covered mountains in Kings Canyon.

  Duration: 6-8 Hours

• Panther Winter Trail

  Taking its name from Panther Gap (8,600 feet), the Panther Trail is part of a difficult loop for experienced skiers. Steep grades and dense forests guard the great views from Panther Gap.

  Duration: 4-6 Hours

• Paradise Creek

  Explore Paradise Canyon in the Foothills of Sequoia National Park. This gentle trail parallels Paradise Creek, taking you past waterfalls and pools.

  Duration: 1-2 Hours

• Pear Lake Winter Trail

  The Pear Lake Trail is the most challenging of the marked ski trails in Sequoia National Park. The trail climbs steeply through dense fir forest, then ends at the Pear Lake Winter Hut.

  Duration: 6-8 Hours

• Picnic Among the Giants

  Gather around a picnic at these spots from Giant Forest to Grant Grove.

• Play in the Snow at Wolverton

  Sitting at 7,250 feet (2,160 m) above sea level, snow transforms Wolverton Meadow into a winter wonderland. This is a great place for people of all ages and abilities to play in the snow.

• Road's End

  Road's End is the last stop in the Cedar Grove area, at the literal end of Highway 180. This area is the jumping off point for many high Sierra hiking trails, but also is an access point for easy trails in the valley.

• Roaring River Falls

  This is a short, paved walk to a cool waterfall (literally and figuratively!) On a hot day, it’s a great place to stop because the powerful falling water creates its own wind! Watch the mist swirl through the treetops as you take a moment to relax and cool off.

• See the General Sherman Tree in Snow

  Enjoy an up-close experience walking around the big trees, including the largest tree on Earth.

  Duration: 15-60 Minutes

• Sequoia Historic Entrance Sign

  Stop by this historic entrance sign to take pictures and learn about its unique significance to Sequoia National Park.

  Duration: 1-15 Minutes

• Ski Through the Sequoias

  For skiers with more experience, the Trail of the Sequoias is a great opportunity to find some solitude among the big trees.

  Duration: 3-6 Hours

• Snowshoe with a Ranger

  Our popular ranger-guided snowshoe walks are a great way to explore snowy trails. Snowshoe programs are usually offered from December through March, as long as there is at least 8 inches of snow on the ground.

  Duration: 2 Hours

• Sunset Rock Winter Trail

  This easy trail leads through a mixed-conifer forest of red firs, Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, and incense cedars to a large granite dome. Once there, take a seat on the dome and enjoy the sweeping views of a deep canyon that was carved by the Kaweah River. If you're there for sunset, sit back and enjoy the colorful show! When finished, return on the same trail back to the Giant Forest Museum.

  Duration: 1-2 Hours

• Take a Short Hike to Buena Vista Peak

  Would you like to hike, but don’t have a lot of time? Head to Buena Vista Peak, which is only a 1-mile hike to a spectacular viewpoint. You’ll be rewarded with views of Redwood Canyon and the Kings Canyon high country.

  Duration: 1-2 Hours

• The General Sherman Tree

  The General Sherman Tree is a must-see while visiting the Giant Forest. It is the largest tree in the world by volume.

• Tokopah Falls Wildlife

  Keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife as you hike along the Tokopah Falls trail.

  Duration: 3-5 Hours

• Trail of the Sequoias Winter Trail

  A challenging alternative to the Crescent Trail, the Trail of the Sequoias explores the eastern edge of the Giant Forest. This trail is not for novice skiers.

  Duration: 4-6 Hours

• Tunnel Log

  Since 1935, people have been driving through Tunnel Log. You too can join in on the novelty of driving through a fallen Sequoia.

  Duration: 5-10 Minutes

• View Sunset from Sunset Rock

  Are you looking for the perfect spot for sunset? Head to Sunset Rock in the Giant Forest. This less trafficked trail is a great option for escaping the crowds and enjoying the colorful sunset.

  Duration: 1-2 Hours

• Visit the Foothills Visitor Center

  This visitor center is one mile past the Ash Mountain entrance station along the Generals Highway. Stop here for information, maps, books, gifts, and restrooms. Browse exhibits about the ecology and human history of the foothills, and join a free ranger-led program.

  Duration: 5-75 Minutes

• Visit the Kings Canyon Visitor Center

  At the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, learn about three regions in Kings Canyon National Park: giant sequoia groves, Kings Canyon, and the High Sierra. Watch a 15-minute movie (English/Spanish). A park store sells books, maps, and educational materials.

  Duration: 5-75 Minutes

• Visit the Lodgepole Visitor Center

  With brand new museum exhibits, a Park Store, and a wilderness information counter, the Lodgepole Visitor Center is the place to be.

  Duration: 5-120 Minutes

• Winter Driving and Snow Chains in Sequoia National Park

  In winter, you must be prepared for snowy or icy mountain roads and cold temperatures. Tire chains can be required on any park road at any time from fall through late spring.

• Wolverton Winter Trail

  This short trail connects the Old Lodgepole Road with the Wolverton Parking area. This steep hillside route requires considerable control for downhill travel when skiing away from Wolverton.

  Duration: 1-2 Hours

• Zumwalt Meadow

  Zumwalt Meadow is one of the park's most iconic, scenic meadows. Explore a 1 - 3 mile trail that begins near the Kings River, crosses a riparian corridor, and then climbs gently along a rocky hillside.

Visitor centers

• Cedar Grove Visitor Center

  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.

  Get directions

• Foothills Visitor Center

  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.

  Get directions

• Giant Forest Museum

  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.

  Get directions

• Kings Canyon Visitor Center

  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.

  Get directions

• Lodgepole Visitor Center

  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.

  Get directions

• Mineral King Ranger Station

  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.

  Get directions

Webcams

• Giant Forest

  Currently unavailable.

Hours of operation

Activities

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Contact

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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.