Sequoia & Kings Canyon

National Parks California

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Park Tools

There are park alerts in effect.

Fire Danger is HIGH in the Parks - Observe Current Fire Restrictions

On Saturday, July 14, 2012, fire restrictions began and will continue until further notice. Follow link to read the full news release for info on wood, BBQ, & propane fires, and smoking in campgrounds, picnic, & wilderness areas below 6,000 ft. More »

Road Construction Delays in Sequoia NP thru end of November 2012 (if entering/exiting Hwy 198)

Expect 20-minute to 1-hour delays on weekdays and 20-minute delays on weekends along main road through parks. Weeknight closures with one pass through the construction zone at 11:30 p.m. See link to schedule and map or call 559-565-3341 (press 1, 1, 1,). More »

22-foot Vehicle Length Limit in Sequoia NP thru end of November 2012 (if entering/exiting Hwy 198)

Planning to see the "Big Trees" in Sequoia National Park? If you enter/exit via Hwy. 198, all vehicles must be less than 22 feet in length. Even vehicles towing trailers must be less than 22 feet in combined length. Longer vehicles must enter at Hwy. 180. More »

Directions

Please read important park alerts by clicking the red tab above before you come to the parks.

Driving Directions ¦ News Releases ¦ Road Conditions ¦ Vehicle Restrictions ¦ Driving Mountain Roads

Plan for road construction delays in Sequoia National Park through the end of November 2012. See construction schedule and map of location.

Driving to the Parks

You can visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks all year. Two highways enter the parks. Inside the parks' boundaries both become the Generals Highway, often referred to as "the road between the parks."

Highway 180 east from Fresno enters the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park, then continues 30 miles east to the Cedar Grove area. Highway 180 ends 6 miles east of Cedar Grove.

Highway 198 enters Sequoia National Park from the southwest via Three Rivers.

There are no roads that cross the mountains west-to-east through the parks.

Important!: If you have a vehicle longer than 22 feet (vehicles towing trailers - the combined length must be less than 22 feet), you will not be able to drive to the Big Trees (General Sherman Tree/Giant Forest), Moro Rock, Crystal Cave, or Lodgepole/Wuksachi Lodge directly from the Sequoia National Park entrance at Hwy 198. This restriction is expected to last through the end of November 2012. Until then, plan to enter/exit the parks through Kings Canyon National Park off Hwy. 180 with vehicles of this size.

However, if you choose to enter Sequoia National Park off of Hwy. 198 with a vehicle greater than 22 feet in length, you will have to turn around 6.1 miles in the park (at Hospital Rock Picnic Area). You will only be able to access:

- Foothills Visitor Center
- Potwisha Campground
- Hospital Rock Picnic Area/Buckeye Flat
- Hiking trails at lower elevations (less than 4,000 feet)

WEATHER-RELATED DETOURS MAY BE NECESSARY!
If the Generals Highway is closed between the parks: The recommended alternate route is via Hwy 63. Note: Hwy 245 is not recommended because it is a narrow, winding, two-lane road.

Please note: GPS and route-finding units do not give accurate directions in this area. Double-check your route using the park map and road signs. Do not rely on GPS devices.

For more information on road construction, road status, and length limits and advisories, visit the Road Conditions page or call (559) 565-3341 (press 1, 1, 1).