Parks / Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
National Parks · CA
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (1)
Fire Restrictions in Place
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited at all low-elevation campgrounds and picnic areas. Additional restrictions apply. Click "more" for details.
Entrance Fees
Reservations are not accepted or required. Most credit cards, debit cards, and digital forms of payment are accepted including Discover, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay, among others. The entrance fee amount varies depending on how a visitor arrives at the park, and whether they are part of a commercial tour group or not. Advance purchasing of entrance fees for Commercial Vehicles of all sizes is not available.
Campgrounds (15)
Atwell Mill Campground
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).
Details →Azalea Campground
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.
Details →Buckeye Flat Campground
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.
Details →Canyon View Group Campground
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.
Details →Cold Springs Campground
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.
Details →Crystal Springs Campground
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.
Details →Crystal Springs Campground Group 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.
Details →Dorst Creek Campground
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.
Details →Lodgepole Campground
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.
Details →Moraine Campground
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.
Details →Potwisha Campground
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.
Details →Sentinel Campground
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.
Details →Sheep Creek Campground
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.
Details →South Fork Campground
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.
Details →Sunset Campground
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.
Details →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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Crescent Meadow Wildlife
Keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife as you hike along the Crescent Meadow in trail Sequoia's Giant Forest.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Visitor Centers
- Cedar Grove Visitor Center
- Foothills Visitor Center
- Giant Forest Museum
- Kings Canyon Visitor Center
- Lodgepole Visitor Center
- Mineral King Ranger Station
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.