by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
Sequoia & Kings Canyon GuideFall 2019 |
Visitor Guide to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NP) in California. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
featured in
![]() | National Parks Pocket Maps | ![]() |
![]() | California Pocket Maps | ![]() |
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Trip Planner
Fall 2019
Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument
Sequoia Parks Conservancy
Our Changing Parks
As you travel through the parks,
you may notice standing dead
trees, or recently cut tree stumps
and logs. Many trees of difering
species and sizes died during our
recent drought. While droughts are
a natural part of our climate, the
recent drought was made worse by
rising temperatures due in part to
greenhouse gas emissions.
Giant sequoias were also afected
and sufered from unprecedented
beetle attacks. We are working with
USGS and other researchers to
learn more about beetle
infestations and other threats.
Other, less noticeable changes are
also occurring. For example, over
200 species of California birds now
nest earlier each spring. Research
suggests that these species are
avoiding warming temperatures,
which disrupts their natural
(established) nesting patterns.
These changes, both seen and
unseen, surprise us, and make us
In This Issue
General Information............ 2
uneasy about what the future holds
for our national parks.
on sensitive species like sequoias
and bighorn sheep.
Recent studies suggest that our
most treasured places, national
parks, are also among the most vulnerable to warming temperatures.
Because national parks protect
large mountain ranges, expansive
deserts, and other sensitive natural
habitats, future temperature and
rainfall changes in parks will have a
greater impact than in other parts
of the United States. Given the
elevated risks to our parks, we are
working with researchers to study
possible impacts of climate change
We are already seeing the efects
of climate change in Sequoia and
Kings Canyon National Parks and
it concerns us. But it is not too late
for each of us to make a positive
diference. What are ways you can
think of to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions during your visit here,
and when you return back home?
Show your passion for these parks
by joining us in the movement to
protect them so that giant sequoias
will be here for generations to
come.
FAQ ...................................... 2
Activities .............................. 3
Camping .......................... 4–5
Bear safety ........................... 5
Food Storage ....................... 5
Foothills................................ 6
Mineral King ........................ 6
Giant Forest & Lodgepole ... 7
Grant Grove ......................... 8
Cedar Grove ......................... 8
Wilderness Trips................... 9
U.S. Forest Service................ 9
Nature & Ecosystems ......... 11
Fire ..................................... 11
Getting Around ................. 12
Shuttles ................................ 7
Researchers monitor the response of mature giant sequoias to severe drought by
measuring water content in the needles at the top of the tree. Photo © Wendy Baxter.
Vehicle Length Limits ........ 12
2
General Information
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessibility
Cell Service
Pets
Assistive Equipment & Technologies
Cell service is extremely limited here, and mainly is
available for some networks near entrance stations.
Pets are not permitted on any trails in Sequoia and
Kings Canyon. Pets must be kept on a leash at all
times, or appropriately crated or caged. Pets cannot
be left tied and unattended at any time. The leash
must be less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long.
We are committed to a continuing effort to
improve the accessibility of our trails and facilities
so they can be enjoyed by all. If you have questions
or suggestions about accessibility, please email us
at SEKI_Information@nps.gov or call us at
(559) 565-3341.
EMERGENCY — DIAL 911
No coins are needed in payphones for 911
calls.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon (NPS)
559-565-3341 (24 hour): Recorded information is
available for road conditions, weather, current
fires, camping, lodging, wilderness, and more.
Drones
Unmanned aircraft are not allowed in these parks.
This includes drones and other remotely piloted
vehicles.
Marijuana
GPS
GPS programs often misdirect travellers here.
Use maps and signs, or ask for directions.
Web & Social Media
www.nps.gov/seki
@SequoiaKingsNPS
@SequoiaKingsNPS
@SequoiaKingsNPS
Sequoia National Forest/Monument
(USFS) 559-338-2251, fs.usda.gov/sequoia
Yosemite National Park (NPS)
209-372-0200, nps.gov/yose
Possession or use of marijuana and other controlled
substances inside the national parks is prohibited.
While California law provides for limited possession
and use of marijuana, it remains an illegal drug under
federal law, which is enforced within the parks.
Firearms in these National Parks
People who can legally possess firearms
under federal, California, and local laws may
possess firearms here. You are responsible for
understanding and complying with all applicable
California, local, and federal firearms laws.
Discharge of firearms in the parks is prohibited.
Driving Through the Parks
Give yourself plenty of time to travel through the
parks. Allow at least two hours, plus additional
time for sightseeing stops, to drive the Generals
Highway from the southern entrance to the
northern entrance. Check last page of this paper
for seasonal road closure information.
California Road Conditions (CalTrans)
800-427-7623, dot.ca.gov
Free Public WiFi Locations
Available at Foothills Visitor Center (near the
Sequoia National Park entrance) and Kings Canyon Visitor Center (Grant Grove). No password is
needed.
Translations
Welcome - You may borrow a Braille copy of
the park map & guide at visitor centers.
Bienvenidos - Hay un folleto en español
disponible en los centros de visitante.
Bienvenue - Une guide officielle est disponible
dans les centres d’information.
Wilkommen - Eine Landkarte ist auch in
deutscher sprache im Besucher-zentrum erhaltlich.
Benvenuti - La traduzione in lingua Italiana della
mappa e’ disponibile in tutti i centri di informazioni.
Wheelchairs may be borrowed at no cost at
Lodgepole Visitor Center and Giant Forest
Museum. They can be used anywhere in the parks
but must be returned by the end of the day, before
each visitor center closes. Be prepared to provide
your address and phone number.
Assistive listening devices and open captioning are
available for park films. Borrow a receiver at park
visitor centers where films are shown.
Visitor Centers
All visitor centers and museums have paved, flat
paths leading from parking areas to information
desks, exhibits, bookstores, water bottle filling
stations, and restrooms. Cedar Grove Visitor
Center is small, and may be difficult for people
in wheelchairs to navigate. Mineral King Ranger
Station has steps leading to the entrance and
may not be accessible to people with mobility
impairments.
Wheelchair-Accessible Trails
General Sherman Tree Trail (Giant Forest): This
short trail leads a few hundred feet from an
accessible parking area to the General Sherman
Tree, the largest tree on earth.
Big Trees Trail (Giant Forest): This level trail is a
0.75-mile (1.2 km) loop. It circles a meadow
surrounded by giant sequoias.
Panoramic Point Trail (Grant Grove): This paved
trail leads to views that reach deep into park
wilderness.
Roaring River Falls (Cedar Grove): A 528 foot
(160 m), shady walk features a powerful waterfall
rushing through a granite chute. Park 3 miles (4.8
km) east of the Village road. Paved, relatively
accessible.
Muir Rock Trail (Cedar Grove): This short trail
leads to the Kings River and Muir Rock, a large
granite boulder at the river's edge named in honor
of famed naturalist John Muir.
Programs, Events, and Activities
Formations in
Crystal Cave
A ranger program in the Giant Forest
Free Ranger Programs
Crystal Cave Tours
Free programs are offered in the Foothills,
Giant Forest, Lodgepole, Grant Grove, Mineral
King, Cedar Grove, and other locations!
They include evening programs, walks,
demonstrations, talks, living history, and other
activities. Check visitor centers, at bulletin
boards, or online for schedules of ranger-led
activities.
Crystal Cave is open until September 29, and
then closes for the winter season. Reserve
tickets online at www.recreation.gov at least 48
hours in advance. A tour is necessary to see the
cave and a ticket is needed for the tour. Need a
ticket today? Check first thing in the morning at
Lodgepole or Foothills visitor centers (not at the
cave). The cave will reopen next year on May 22.
Free Junior Ranger Program
Crystal Cave Road is 15 miles (24 km) from
Sequoia's entrance at Hwy 198; 3 miles (4.8 km)
south of Sherman Tree. Maximum vehicle length
on this narrow road is 22 feet. Use parking lot
restrooms; the cave has none. Wear sturdy shoes
for the steep 0.5-mile (0.8 km) trail to the cave.
Wear a jacket; it’s 50°F (10°C) inside. To protect
bats from disease, avoid wearing clothing you've
work in other caves. No strollers, tripods, or
bags/packs are permitted inside the cave. (They
can be used on the trail from the parking area
but must be left outside unattended during the
tour.) No flash, lighted photography, or video.
Not wheelchair accessible. Tour times are subject
to change. For school tours & large groups, visit
sequoiaparksconservancy.org/crystalcave.
Pick up a free booklet at any visitor center,
complete the activities, & earn your badge!
Teachers & Parents, Take Note!
Expand your classroom: Invite a ranger to your
class, visit the parks with your school group,
download lesson plans, and participate in distance
learning. All education programs are standardsbased and free! Visit nps.gov/seki/learn/education.
Exploring on Horseback
Travel by horse on hourly rides, spot trips, or
guided trips that leave from two locations.
Grant Grove: Closed for the season.
The stables reopen in summer 2020.
Stables: (559) 335-9292
Off-season: (559) 799-7247
Cedar Grove: Daily until September 30, 2019,
weather permitting, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Pack Station: (559) 565-3464
Off-season: (559) 337-2413.
The stables reopen in summer 2020.
3
Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC) welcomes you
to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks! As
the official nonprofit partner to these parks, we do
more than just provide tours and retail services.
We help you make a deeper connection to the
parks and share your experiences with others.
We would love for you to visit us online and learn
more about everything we do. We’ve saved a place
for you—come join us.
@SequoiaParksConservancy
@SequoiaParksConservancy
@SeqParksCon
Family Cave Tour Daily — 45 minutes
Extra tours on holiday weekends (Friday–Monday).
August 26-September 29
· Weekends: Tours on the hour 10:00 am–4:00 pm,
and on the half hour 11:30 am-1:30 pm
· Weekdays: Tours on the hour 10:00 am–2:00 pm
Ticket prices: Age 5–12 $8; 13–61 $16; 62 and up $15.
Ask about Sequoia Parks Conservancy member
discounts! National Park and Interagency passes do
not apply.
Tire chains or cables are essential when chain control is in
effect and roads are snowy. Rent or buy chains in nearby
towns before you get here. Photo by Alison Taggart-Barone.
4
Camping
Each standard campsite has a table, food
storage box, and a fre ring with a grill. Each
accommodates up to six people and one
vehicle. There are no RV hook-ups in the
parks.
RV and Trailer Length Limits
If you're driving an RV, trailer, or a longer vehicle,
check length limits on park roads and at campsites.
Group Sites
Reservations are strongly recommended for
group sites.
Reservations
Reservations are strongly recommended and are
available from six months to two days before your
stay. In fall, there are more first-come, first-served
sites.
•
•
www.recreation.gov
(877) 444-6777
(877) 833-6777 TDD
Mid-size group sites for 7–19 people are
reservable at Crystal Springs and Canyon View
campgrounds.
Large-group sites for 15–40 people are
reservable at Dorst Creek, Sunset, or Canyon
View.
National forest campgrounds also have group sites.
(888) 448-1474 customer service
Public showers are available seasonally at
Lodgepole and Cedar Grove villages, and in some
national forest areas. Showers are no longer
available in Grant Grove.
Roadside Camping
Roadside camping is not permitted in the park.
Camp only in designated sites in campgrounds.
In the national forest, it's permitted unless posted
otherwise.
Campfres and Firewood
Gather only dead and down wood; do not cut
limbs off trees. Please don’t transport firewood. It
can carry insects and diseases that threaten living
trees. Find or buy wood close to where you will
use it. Please burn any wood you brought in. Fires
must be out cold before you leave.
Quiet and Generator Hours
Showers
If you don't have a reservation, check for
first-come, first-served campgrounds. Many
campgrounds will close soon for winter.
prohibited in South Fork Campground, as well
as in Hospital Rock and Ash Mountain Picnic
Areas. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in
wilderness areas below 6,000 feet. Restrictions are
subject to change. Check for updates on bulletin
boards, at visitor centers, or by visiting
go.nps.gov/sekifirerestrictions.
Fire Restrictions Are In Effect
Because of dry conditions, the parks are in Stage
1 fire restrictions. Wood and charcoal fires are
Music and noise should be audible in your site
only. Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (no
generators). At Lodgepole and Dorst,
generator use is permitted only from 8:00 to 11:00
am and 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
Propane and Fuel Canisters
Recycle fuel canisters at home. Do not put them in
park trash cans or leave them here.
Campgrounds open year-round
Campground
Location
Nightly
fee
Toilets
Dump
station
Showers
Food
nearby
Potwisha
Foothills
$22
Flush
Yes
–
–
Azalea
Grant Grove
$18
Flush
–
–
Yes
South Fork
South Fork
$6
Vault
–
–
–
Other information
Reservations recommended until 9/24.
Near sequoia groves. First come, frst served sites.
Remote camping away from services.
Campgrounds closing in fall
Campground
Location
Nightly
fee
Toilets
Dump
station
Showers
Closing
date
Buckeye Flat
Foothills
$22
Flush
–
–
10/23
No RVs or trailers. Reservations recommended until 9/24.
Atwell Mill
Mineral King
$12
Vault
–
Silver City
10/30
No water is available after 10/18. Bring drinking water.
Cold Springs
Mineral King
$12
Vault
–
Silver City
10/30
No water is available after 10/18. Bring drinking water.
Lodgepole
Lodgepole
$22
Flush
Yes
At village
12/04
The closest camping to the Giant Forest.
Dorst Creek
Lodgepole
$22
Flush
Yes
–
9/25
First come, frst served sites.
Crystal Springs
Grant Grove
$18
Flush
–
–
9/25
Near sequoia groves. First come, frst served sites.
Moraine
Cedar Grove
$18
Flush
–
See note
10/16
Near the river. First come, frst served sites.
Sentinel
Cedar Grove
$22
Flush
–
See note
11/12
Near the river. First come, frst served sites.
Canyon View
Cedar Grove
$40-60
Flush
–
See note
9/25
Group sites for tents only. Reservations required.
Other information
Sunset and Sheep Creek campgrounds and group sites at Crystal Springs Campground are closed for the season. They will reopen in spring 2020.
Keep Bears Wild and Safe
Other camping options
Sequoia National Forest (U.S. Forest Service)
Near Grant Grove
HUME LAKE AREA
Bears can grab unattended food or break into cars where food is visible. They
become bold and aggressive if they get human food. Too often, these bears
must be killed. Food storage is key to keeping humans safe and bears alive.
In Wilderness
Princess Campground
Hanging food often fails! Store all food
in a bear-resistant storage container.
These containers weigh less than 3
pounds (1.3 kg), hold up to 5 days
of food, and fit in a backpack. Rent
bear-resistant storage containers at
park visitor centers. A list of approved
containers can be found on our website.
Metal boxes are located in a few
wilderness locations.
Hume Lake Campground
Tenmile Campground
Landslide Campground
Convict Flat Campground
BIG MEADOWS AND STONY CREEK AREAS
Stony Creek Campground
Everyone
Upper Stony Creek Campground
Horse Camp Campground
Big Meadow Campground
DISPERSED CAMPING
Self-contained camping, with no water,
restrooms, trash cans, or other amenities is
permitted in the national forest (not in the
national parks). Check with Sequoia National
Forest for time and group size limits.
Free fre permits are required. Ask about
them at Hume Lake Offce, Kings Canyon
Visitor Center (Grant Grove), with a USFS
ranger, or get them online at
www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia.
Lake Kaweah (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
Near Three Rivers
Campgrounds
Store food day and night in the metal boxes
provided (avoid using coolers that won’t fit; most
boxes are 47" long x 33" deep x 28" high. Store ALL
food, coolers, related items, and anything with an
odor. Even non-food items must be stored 24 hours
a day when not in use. This includes unopened
cans and bottles. Make sure food storage boxes are
completely latched. Food not properly stored will
be impounded. Keep a clean campsite. Deposit
garbage immediately in trash cans or dumpsters.
Do not leave garbage unattended! Take child safety
seats out of cars—the smells they absorb may
attract bears.
Lodges
Remove all food and child safety seats from your
vehicle.
Don’t let bears approach you, your
food, picnic area, or campsite. Wave
your arms, make loud noises, and throw
small rocks toward them (avoid hitting the face
or head). Keep a safe distance, but be persistent.
Abandoning your food teaches bears that foods
come from humans; the bear may hurt a person in
the future to get food. If a bear does get your food,
NEVER try to get it back.
Touring and Picnicking
Food items MUST be stored in food storage boxes
when provided. If no food storage box is available, food items must be inside your car trunk. If
your vehicle doesn't have a trunk, place food items
low in the vehicle, out of sight, and keep windows
closed. While picnicking, never move away from
coolers and tables when food is out. Stay within
arm's length of food.
Bears can smell anything with a scent—such as cosmetics, toiletries, trash, and cleaning
supplies—and will mistake these items for food. Store anything with an odor.
Horse Creek Campground
Cold Springs Campground, Mineral King
5
Wildlife Viewing & Safety
Keep Wildlife Safe
Mountain Lions and Bobcats
Do not feed or touch ANY wild animals. All animals
in the park are wild. View animals at safe distances
(the length of two city buses) or through binoculars.
Never disrupt, approach, or disturb animals from
behaving normally.
Rarely seen, bobcats are larger than house cats and
have short tails. Mountain lions (cougars) are much
larger and have long tails. Cats usually run when
seen. If you see a mountain lion that doesn’t run:
• Do not run; running may trigger pursuit.
• Pick up children.
• Try to appear as large as possible—don’t crouch
down.
• Hold your ground or back away slowly while
facing the mountain lion.
• If the mountain lion acts aggressively, wave your
hands, shout, and throw stones or sticks at it.
• If attacked, fght back! Report any sightings.
6
Foothills
Explore the golden foothills, home to more species of plants and animals than the rest of these parks combined.
Chaparral, oak woodlands, and river canyons offer warmer days, year-round waterfalls, and clear, starry skies.
Marble Falls
Paradise Creek
Services and Facilities
Foothills Visitor Center
Open 8:00 am–4:30 pm through September
30, then open 9:00 am–4:00 pm. Browse
exhibits on life in the low elevations and the
Sequoia Parks Conservancy park store. A
payphone and free WiFi are available here.
Ask about free ranger programs! Muchas veces hay rangers aqui quienes hablan Español.
Wilderness Offce
Local permits for overnight travel are issued
from 8:00 am–4:00 pm at the Wilderness
Office on weekdays and Saturdays, through
September 20. To reach the Wilderness
Office, follow the dirt path to the left of
the Foothills Visitor Center. Go to the Fire
Management and Wilderness Office on
the far side of the parking lot. Beginning
September 21, self-registration permits are
available outside of the visitor center.
ô Tunnel Rock
ô Hospital Rock Picnic Area
Snap a picture at this iconic pullout off the
Generals Highway. Walk on the old road under this
rock formation, but do not climb. Poison oak is
common here.
See rock paintings and explore exhibits about the
California Native Americans who lived here, and
still visit and live nearby. A short trail built by the
Civilian Conservation Corps leads to a waterfall.
Be careful; drownings occur here. Store your food
from bears.
Marble Falls Trail
For a short walk along canals or a long walk to a
waterfall, park across the highway from Potwisha
Campground (not in the campground). Near site
#14, follow the dirt road along canals. Climb 3.7
miles (6 km) through to the waterfall.
Paradise Creek Trail
For a creekside stroll, park at Hospital Rock Picnic
Area (not in campground). Walk 0.6 miles (0.9 km)
to Buckeye Flat Campground. Take the path across
from site #28 and cross a footbridge over the river.
Follow Paradise Creek (not the river) for 1 mile (1.6
km) until the trail grows faint.
Mineral King
Climb the steep, winding road to its 7,800 feet (2,377 m) peak. Enjoy this remote, rugged place, or follow a trail
into a vast wilderness. The road to this area closes for the season on October 30.
Services and Facilities
Mineral King Ranger Station
Open 8:00 am–4:00 pm until September 24.
Get trail local information. Payphones are
nearby at Cold Springs Campground and the
Sawtooth Trailhead parking area. Ask about
free ranger programs!
Mineral King Valley
Wilderness Permits
Local wilderness permits for overnight travel
are issued at the Ranger Station 8:00 am–
3:45 pm until September 24. After September
24, a self-registration permit station is
available outside of the ranger station.
Silver City Mountain Resort (private)
Stop here for cabins, gifts, showers, store, and
a restaurant with a bakery and wifi. No gas is
available. Open 8:00 am–8:00 pm Friday–
Saturday, and 8:00 am–7:00 pm Sunday–
Thursday. Closes for the season on October
23. (559) 561-3223.
Cold Springs Nature Trail
Paradise Ridge
Stroll through meadows and aspen groves on this
slightly sloped, 1-mile (1.6 km) trail. Start at Cold
Springs Campground.
Hike through sequoias to a ridge with views of the
Great Western Divide. Park in the lot east of Atwell
Mill Campground and walk past the campground
to the trailhead. Climb 3.3 miles (5.3 km) to the
peak of the ridge, or continue into wilderness.
Eagle Lake
Ascend the west side of the Mineral King Valley to
a glacially carved tarn. This steep trail is 3.4 miles
(5.4 km) one way, and begins at the end of Mineral
King Road. After 2 miles (3.2 km), the trail splits.
Turn left for Eagle Lake, or take the right-hand
trail another 1.6 miles (2.5 km) for Mosquito Lake.
Atwell-Hockett to Deer Creek
Along this trail, walk through sequoias and an old
sawmill to a waterfall. Park in the lot east of Atwell
Mill Campground and walk toward the
campground to the trailhead. This trail heads far
into wilderness. Turn back in 2.4 miles (3.8 km) at
Deer Creek for a day hike.
Giant Forest and Lodgepole
7
Welcome to the big trees. Here, enjoy the world's biggest unlogged sequoia grove and largest tree. Park your
car and discover serene meadows, rocky streams, and towering forests.
General Sherman Tree
ô Big Trees Trail
General Sherman Tree
A level, paved loop with trailside exhibits about
sequoias. Start your walk at Giant Forest Museum
for a 1-mile (1.6 km) round-trip walk. If you have a
disability placard, park at the trailhead for a 0.75mile (1 km) loop.
Two trails lead to the world’s largest tree:
Main Trail - This 0.5-mile (0.8 km) trail down to
the tree has some stairs; the walk back is uphill.
Benches provide rest points along the way. Drive 2
miles (3 km) north of Giant Forest Museum (past
the small Sherman Tree accessible parking lot).
Turn right on Wolverton Road and follow signs.
Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road
This 3-mile (4.8 km), dead-end road begins at
Giant Forest Museum. The road closes for the
season once snow accumulates.
ô Wheelchair-accessible trail from the Generals
Highway - Wheelchair-accessible trail from
the Generals Highway- Parking here is only for
those with disability placards. If you don't have a
placard, but can’t walk the hill on the main trail,
ask at a visitor center for a temporary permit.
Moro Rock - Climb a steep stairway to the top of
this granite dome for spectacular mountain views.
Tunnel Log - Go under a fallen sequoia that was
tunneled through. This is the only “tree you can
drive through” in these parks.
Congress Trail - From the Sherman Tree, continue
along this fairly level 2-mile (3.2 km) loop through
the heart of the Giant Forest sequoia grove.
Upcoming Free Holiday
Shuttle
Wuksachi Lodge
& Restaurant
Lodgepole Village
Wolverton Snowplay Area
Thanksgiving: 11/21 - 11/24
December holidays: 12/21-1/1
Shuttles will run 10:00 am - 4:30 pm between
Giant Forest Museum, the Sherman Tree
parking area along the Generals Highway,
Wolverton, Lodgepole, and Wuksachi Lodge.
Plan a holiday visit to your parks!
Crescent Meadow - Sequoias surround this fragile
wetland. Stay on designated trails. Several trails
start here, such as the 1-mile (1.6 km) route to
Tharp’s Log, a historic cabin made from a fallen
sequoia; and the High Sierra Trail (60 miles/97 km)
to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower
48 states.
Shuttle stop opens with snow
Sherman Tree Main Trail
Road & shuttle stop close with snow
Sherman Tree
To the foothills,
Three Rivers,
and
Giant Forest Museum
Tokopah Falls
This walk along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah
River begins in Lodgepole Campground. The 1.7mile (2.7 km) trail starts just beyond the Marble
Fork Bridge. Walk along the 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. Be
careful around the water; cold and swift currents
are difficult to escape.
Services and Facilities
Giant Forest Museum
Open 9:00 am–4:30 pm. Browse exhibits, trail
information, and the SPC park store. Ask about
free ranger programs!
Lodgepole Visitor Center
Open 7:00 am–4:30 pm until September 22.
From September 22-October 14, 8:00 am–4:30
pm. Closes for season on October 14. Watch
a movie about bears, learn about the forest
ecosystem, get trail information, and browse the
SPC park store. Ask about free ranger programs!
Wilderness Permits
Local permits for overnight travel are issued at
Lodgepole Visitor Center from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm,
until 9/21. Beginning 9/22, self-registration permits
are available outside of Giant Forest Museum.
Lodgepole Market*
Open daily. Monday–Thursday 8:00 am-6:00 pm.
Friday-Sunday 7:00 am–8:00 pm through 10/19, then
hours shorten 9:00 am–5:00 pm. Supplies, clothing,
groceries, grab-and-go food, ATM, payphone.
LODGEPOLE GRILL: Open with market through
October 20, then closed for the season.
SHOWERS & LAUNDRY: Open with market
through 11/03, then closed for the season. Closed
daily for cleaning 12:30 pm; 2:30 pm.
Wuksachi Lodge*
The lodge sits at 7200’ elevation, 2.3 miles (3.7 km)
north of Lodgepole Visitor Center. Open yearround, 24 hours. Payphones, WiFi, and ATM. Ask
about naturalist programs. (866) 807-3598.
PEAKS DINING ROOM: Open 7:00–10:00 am,
11:30am - 3:00pm, & 5:00–9:00 pm. Reservations
recommended for dinner. Box lunches available.
(559) 625-7700.
WUKSACHI PIZZA: Currently open daily from
11:00 am–9:00 pm; hours will change in late
October.
GIFT SHOP: Open 8:00 am–6:00 pm. Souvenirs.
*Operated by Delaware North
8
Grant Grove
Wander through shady sequoia groves and hike to bird's-eye views of
distant wilderness. From lively Grant Grove Village to lofty Big Baldy
Ridge, Grant Grove offers a chance to explore with amenities nearby.
Grant Tree Trail
This 0.3-mile (0.5 km) paved trail leads to the
world’s second-largest living tree. Along the trail
are tactile exhibits about sequoias. Trail head is 1
mile (1.6 km) from Grant Grove Village.
Grant Grove Village*
MARKET: Open 8:00 am-8:00 pm through
10/19 then 9:00 am-6:00 pm. Grab-&-go food,
groceries, supplies, ATM, payphone.
ô Panoramic Point
Stumps in this meadow from late 19th-century
logging include the Mark Twain Stump. Climb the
steps to see the growth rings of this giant. Start
the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) loop trail from the Big Stump
Picnic Area.
Until 10/14: Open 8:00 am–5:00 pm. Beginning
10/15: Open 9:00 am–4:00 pm. Watch a park
film, and browse exhibits in English and
Spanish and the park store. Payphone and free
WiFi. Ask about ranger programs!
Available in the visitor center until 9/21. Beginning 9/22, pick up self-issue permits outside.
This lightly traveled, 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop offers a
close look at sequoias and a quiet forest walk. Start
at the Grant Tree bus and RV parking area.
Big Stump Basin
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
Wilderness Permits
North Grove Loop
A narrow road leads to an accessible short trail
to a viewpoint with beautiful Sierra vistas. RVs
and trailers are not permitted on the road, which
begins behind the John Muir Lodge. This road
closes when it becomes impassable due to snow.
Services and Facilities
Panoramic Point
Big Baldy Ridge
Climb to 8,209 feet (2,502 m) for great views over
Redwood Canyon. You'll gain 600 feet (183 m) in
elevation over the 2.2-mile (3.5 km) trek to this
granite peak. From Grant Grove Village, go 8
miles (13 km) south on Generals Highway to the
trailhead.
RESTAURANT: Open 7:00–10:00 am; 11:30
am–4:30 pm; 4:30-9:00 pm through 10/19, then
hours shorten.
GIFT SHOP: Open 8:00 am–8:00 pm through
10/19, then 9:00 am-6:00 pm.
POST OFFICE: Open Monday–Friday 9:00
am–4:00 pm; 24-hour lobby.
John Muir Lodge*
Make a reservation to stay in the lodge or in a
cabin. (866) 807-3598.
Cedar Grove
Quiet and remote, Cedar Grove sits deep in the Kings Canyon,
surrounded by sheer granite cliffs.
Canyon View
Mist Falls
The “U” shape of this canyon, apparent from this
viewpoint, reveals its glacial history. This feature is 1
mile (1.6 km) east of Cedar Grove Village Road.
Head through forest and chaparral to one of the
parks' largest waterfalls. The 4-mile (6.4 km) trip
begins at Road’s End and climbs 800 feet (250 m)
to a viewing area for the cascade.
Knapp’s Cabin
In the Roaring Twenties, a California businessman
stored gear in this small cabin for lavish fshing trips.
Stop two miles east of Cedar Grove Village.
ô Roaring River Falls
Take a very short, shady walk to a powerful waterfall
rushing through a granite chute. The paved,
moderately sloped trail begins 3 miles (4.8 km) east
of Cedar Grove Village road.
Zumwalt Meadow
The north side of this 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop is closed
due to food damage, but the south side still ofers
views of high granite walls, the lush meadow, and
the Kings River. Park at the trailhead 4.5 miles (7.2
km) east of Cedar Grove Village road.
Sheep Creek Cascade
Climb the Don Cecil Trail to a small waterfall. At
that point, turn around or continue for a longer
hike. Park at Cedar Grove Visitor Center and look
for the signs. The trail to the waterfall is 1 mile (1.6
km).
Zumwalt Meadow
Services and Facilities
Cedar Grove Visitor Center
Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm through 9/22. Get
trail information and browse the park store.
Payphone. Beginning 9/23, the visitor center is
closed for the season.
Wilderness Permits
Issued at Road's End from 7:00 am-3:30 pm
through 9/21/19. Beginning 9/22, permits are
available at the self-registration station outside.
Cedar Grove Village and Lodge*
Make a reservation to stay at the Cedar Grove
Lodge. (866) 807-3598.
GRILL: Limited food service from 7:00–10:00
am, 11:30 am–2:30 pm; and 5:00–9:00 pm.
GIFT SHOP/MARKET: Open 7:00 am–