Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Land of Giants

Ranging from 1500' to 14,494' in elevation, these adjoining parks protect immense mountains, deep canyons, huge trees, and stunningly diverse habitats. The Generals Highway climbs over 5000 feet from chaparral and oak-studded foothills to the awe-inspiring sequoia groves. From there, trails lead to the high-alpine wilderness which makes up most of these parks.

Although they were created by separate acts of Congress, Sequoia and Kings Canyon share miles of boundary and are managed as one park. Sequoia was the second national park designated in this country.

47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271-9651
559-565-3341 - Visitor Information

By Plane
The closest commercial airports are in Fresno & Visalia.

By Car
NOTE: Gasoline is NOT sold within the parks. Be sure to fill your gas tank in one of the neighboring communities.

To Sequoia Park entrance: from Highway 99 at Visalia take Highway 198 east for approximately 1 hour.

To Kings Canyon Park entrance: from Highway 99 at Fresno take Highway 180 east approximately 1-1/4 hours.

By Plane
A few private tour companies come to the parks. Contact 559-565-3106 for more information.

Getting Around
All roads in the park are very curving; many are steep, most are narrow. Use caution!

Click on "more information" above for the most recent notes on road conditions, closures, & other changes.

Since temperatures vary by elevation & these parks reach from 1500' to 14,494' (457m to 4418m), conditions change drastically depending on where you are!

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Camping
• Caving
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Mountaineering
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities
Activities vary according to season, but no matter the time of year, the best way to get into the park is to get out of the car.
"Don't leave until you have seen it," advised 1920s park superintendent Col. John R. White, "and this you cannot do from an automobile."

In summer, rangers lead walks and talks in the foothills, the sequoia groves, and the highcountry. Take a tour of the exquisite Crystal Cave. There are rivers to enjoy -- carefully! Pack stations offer horseback riding.

Come winter, cross-country skis or snowshoes can be rented to explore the sequoia groves beyond the roads. You can join a ranger-guided snowshoe walk. If you prefer warmer activities, trails in the foothills are almost always snow-free, and by February are graced with wildflowers. Check bulletin boards and visitor centers to find what activities are being offered.

Seminars offered by the Sequoia Natural History Association range from 1-7 days and cover many topics. Check www.sequoiahistory.org/sem_info.htm.

The park's mission is to preserve this amazing landscape "unimpaired for future generations." Please keep this in mind and join us in enjoying these parks without leaving a mark.

Click on image to enlarge.