"Deadman Canyon, Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness, 8/4/2011" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
Sequoia & Kings Canyon GuideSummer 2023 |
Summer 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 and Kings Canyon National Parks
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Summer 2023 Trip Planner
ANGIE OLSEN
Information in this newspaper can change at any time as we work to safely increase access to the parks.
Welcome to the Land of Giants
Rising from 1,300 feet (396 m) to 14,494 feet (4,418 m),
the highest elevation in the lower 48 states, these parks
protect a spectacular elevational range. Within our
boundaries are dramatic shifts from warm foothills to
cool forests to the cold High Sierra.
Diverse plants and animals living in extremely varied
conditions call the parks home. The parks encompass
steep roads, trails that climb mountains, and cold rivers
that plunge down from epic heights. This is not one,
but two national parks—Sequoia and Kings Canyon—
managed by the National Park Service as one unit.
As you travel, look for evidence of past fires and storms.
The 2021 KNP Complex Fire burned along much of
the Generals Highway. Last winter’s record-breaking
precipitation fell on burned slopes that had been
cleared of vegetation. The resulting mudslides caused
significant damage to park highways and roads.
Crews are working on repairs. Road construction is
likely to cause driving delays throughout the summer,
and highways leading to Cedar Grove and Mineral King
may remain closed all summer. Please have patience as
we work to safely restore access to the parks.
Park Area
May 27 to September 4
September 5 to October 9
Foothills Visitor Center
Foothills
8 am to 5 pm
8 am to 5 pm
Giant Forest Museum
Giant Forest
9 am to 6 pm
9 am to 5 pm
Lodgepole Visitor Center
Lodgepole
8 am to 5 pm
Tentative July Opening
8 am to 5 pm
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
Grant Grove
8 am to 5 pm
8 am to 5 pm
26 mi/42 km
50 minutes
General
Sherman Tree
29 mi/47 km
60 minutes
Giant Forest
Museum
31 mi/49 km
65 minutes
EMERGENCY — DIAL 911
Emergency calls can be made on any
cellular network, even if you do not
have service for regular calls.
Road Conditions
(559) 565-3341, (press 1, then 1)
Gas may be available in the Sequoia
National Forest.
• Hume Lake (559) 305-7770
• Stony Creek Village (559) 565-3909
Road Closures
• Generals Highway from Hospital
Rock to Giant Forest (tentative
July opening)
• Highway 180 into Cedar Grove
• Mineral King Road
• Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow
Road (closed weekends & holidays)
• Crystal Cave Road
Emergency Car Repairs
Drive Times and Distances (Miles/Kilometers)
Lodgepole
Visitor Center
Free Public Wi-Fi
Foothills Visitor Center
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
Gasoline
Find a Visitor Center
Grant Grove
Village
Important Information
Road Rules
Getting Around the Parks
Grant Grove
Village
Current Conditions
The parks do not tow or repair
vehicles. If you are blocking traffic,
call 911 or contact the emergency
communications center at
(559) 565-3341, ext. 9.
Lodgepole
Visitor Center
General
Sherman Tree
Giant Forest
Museum
Foothills
Visitor Center
26 mi/42 km
50 minutes
29 mi/47 km
60 minutes
31 mi/49 km
65 minutes
46 mi/74 km
170 minutes due to construction
Tentative July Road Opening
3 mi/5 km
10 minutes
5 mi/7 km
15 minutes
20 mi/32 km
120 minutes due to construction
Tentative July Road Opening
Vehicle Length Restrictions
Start
Finish
Length
4 mi/6 km
15 minutes
20 mi/ 32 km
120 minutes due to construction
Tentative July Road Opening
Foothills
Visitor Center
Potwisha
Campground
24 feet
7.3 m
Potwisha
Campground
Giant Forest
22 feet
6.7 m
Giant Forest
Grant Grove
No limits
3 mi/5 km
10 minutes
5 mi/7 km
15 minutes
4 mi/6 km
15 minutes
16 mi/26 km
105 minutes due to construction
Tentative July Road Opening
Table of Contents
Welcome 1
Visitor Center Hours 1
Drive Times 1
Road Rules 1
Facilities and Services 2
Campgrounds 2
Explore Wilderness 3
Sequoia National Forest 3
Ranger Recommendations 4 and 5
Safety and Regulations 6
Accessibility in the Parks 6
Download an App 6
Spanish Information 7
Park Areas and Driving Map 8
Free Sequoia Shuttle 8
Sequoia Parks Conservancy 8
Sequoia
andPark
Kings
Canyon
National
Service
National
Parks
U.S. Department
of the Interior
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Welcome! Ask for printed
information in other languages.
¡Bienvenido! Solicite información
impresa en español.
Bienvenue! Demandez des
informations imprimées en
français.
Wilkommen! Fordern Sie
gedruckte Informationen in
deutscher Sprache an.
Benvenuti! Richiedi informazioni
stampate in italiano.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks
(559) 565-3341
Mailing Address
Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
NPS / BRITTANY BURNETT
Services and Facilities
Sequoia
Kings Canyon
Foothills
Lodgepole Village
Grant Grove Village
Foothills Visitor Center
• Park Store (SPC)
• Free public Wi-Fi
• Picnic area nearby
Lodgepole Visitor Center
Tentative Opening in July
• Park Store (SPC)
• Shuttle stop
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
• Park Store (SPC)
• Free public Wi-Fi
• Wilderness permits
Giant Forest
Village Shops - opening date TBD
• Market and gift shop:
8 am to 8 pm
Village Shops
• Market: 8 am to 8 pm
• Gift shop: 10 am to 7 pm
• Post office: weekdays,
9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm
E-mail
seki_information@nps.gov
Web
nps.gov/seki
Free Public Wi-Fi
Foothills Visitor Center
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
@sequoiakingsnps
Giant Forest Museum
• Park Store
• Water bottle filling station
• Shuttle stop
• Wilderness permits
Wuksachi
Emergency - Dial 911
Wuksachi Lodge
Lobby open 24 hours
• Gift shop: 8 am to 8 pm
Park Fees
Pay your entrance fee at park
entrance stations. Annual and
lifetime passes cover this fee.
Pass and photo ID are required
for access.
7-day Passes
Single Vehicle .................... $35
Motorcycle ......................... $30
Individual ........................... $20
Fare-free Park Shuttles
Through September 10
Daily from 8:30 am to 6 pm
throughout Giant Forest and
Lodgepole, with pickups
every 10 to 15 minutes.
Wuksachi Lodge’s
Peaks Restaurant
• Open to the public
• Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am
• Lunch: 11:30 am to 3:30 pm
• Dinner: 5 am to 9 pm
• Bar open for lunch & dinner
Grant Grove Restaurant
• Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am
• Lunch: 11 am to 4 pm
• Dinner: 4 pm to 8 pm
John Muir Lodge & Cabins
Lobby open 24 hours
Grant Grove Stables
June 10 to September 7
9 am to 4 pm, daily
To inquire about lodging availability
call (559) 625-7700 or visit
www.visitsequoia.com/lodging
Sequoia and Kings Canyon Pass
Annual Pass........................ $70
(access only to Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs)
Interagency Annual and
Lifetime Passes
Annual Pass........................ $80
Lifetime Senior Pass .......... $80
(for US Citizens aged 62+)
Annual Senior Pass ............ $20
(for US Citizens aged 62+)
Annual Military Pass ......... Free
(for active-duty military and dependents)
Access Pass ........................ Free
Reservations are required. Campsites
are $28 per night. Campsites hold up
to six people and each site has a picnic
table, fire ring with grill, and a metal
food-storage box. Check-in and checkout is at noon.
Campground
Location
Make a Reservation
Azalea
Grant Grove
Recreation.gov or
Crystal
Springs
Grant Grove
Sunset
Grant Grove
Recreation.gov App
(877) 444-6777, (877) 833-6777 TDD
(888) 448-1474 Customer Service
(for people with permanent disabilities)
Camping Information
Other Passes Honored
Golden Age, Golden Access,
Volunteer, and 4th Grade (Every
Kid Outdoors)
Toilets
Open campgrounds have flush toilets.
Propane and Fuel Canisters
Please recycle fuel canisters at home.
Quiet and No Generator Hours
Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am.
Dump Stations
Potwisha and Lodgepole
Campgrounds
The Fees You Pay Make a
Difference!
The parks use these funds
for projects that protect and
improve visitor services such as:
• Maintaining campgrounds
• Educating students
• Improving accessibility
• Fare-free Sequoia Shuttle
2
Find a Campground
Roadside Camping
Roadside camping is not permitted in
the parks. Camp only in designated
campground sites.
Campfires - when restrictions allow
Campfires must be out cold before you
leave your campsite.
Kings Canyon National Park
No Shows
Sites that remain vacant by noon on
the second day of a reservation may be
released for new reservations.
Due to road damage from winter
storms, Cedar Grove campgrounds are
closed for the 2023 season.
Sequoia National Park
Dorst
Closed for the 2023
season
Lodgepole
Lodgepole/
Giant Forest
Potwisha
Foothills
Buckeye Flat
Closed for the 2023
season
South Fork
Closed for the 2023
season
Mineral King Campgrounds may be
closed due to ongoing road repairs of
damage from winter storms.
Experience Wilderness
Wilderness Safety
NPS / NATHAN PEARSEY
NPS / TIMOTHY NG
NPS / ERIC VICHICH
Wilderness is untrammeled, natural, and undeveloped, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are 97% designated
Wilderness. Magnifcent glacial canyons, broad lake basins, lush meadows, and sheer granite peaks—hallmarks of the most
rugged portion of the High Sierra—form the core of the largest expanse of contiguous wilderness in California, which is
visited and valued by people from around the world. Get a wilderness permit and solitude is just a long hike away.
Wilderness Permits
Due to winter storm damage, entry
points to wilderness will look diferent
this year. During the summer quota
period, May 26 to September 23, there
are limits on the number of people each
day that may enter the wilderness at
an entry point and a fee is required.
Most trailheads allow advance
reservations on Recreation.gov.
Unused quota permits are available
frst-come, frst-served for walkups at permit issuing stations.
Wilderness Permit Station
locations can be found below.
Wilderness Permits for Overnight Travel
Foothills
Wilderness Offce
Follow the path south of the visitor center to the
Wilderness Offce across the parking lot.
8 am to 3:30 pm
Giant Forest/
Lodgepole
Giant Forest Museum
7 am to 3:30 pm
Grant Grove
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
8 am to 4 pm
Due to road damage from winter storms, all Cedar Grove wilderness permit reservations
through July 31 have been canceled. If you have reservations for Cedar Grove after August
1, 2023 or for Mineral King after June 29, they will be reevaluated as road work progresses.
Food
Storage
Store all
food in
a bearresistant
storage
container.
These
containers
weigh less than 3 pounds (1.3
kg), hold up to 5 days of food,
and ft in a backpack. Rent bearresistant storage containers at
park visitor centers.
Rental Cost
$5 for three nights
$2 per additional night
Water
Park waterways may contain
bacteria, including Giardia.
Properly flter or treat water
before drinking.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia can occur yearround. Stay warm and eat
snacks. Symptoms include
shivering, exhaustion, confusion,
memory loss, slurred speech, and
fumbling hands. If symptoms
appear, drink warm sugary
drinks, and get into dry clothes,
sleeping bags, or shelter.
Hiking at Altitude
Most trails here are above
5,000 feet (1,524 m) elevation.
People not accustomed to high
altitudes may need to acclimate
to the low oxygen levels, which
can cause shortness of breath
and dehydration. Plan for a
slow ascent and drink lots of
water.
Leave a Detailed Itinerary
Create a detailed itinerary of
your backpacking trip. Your
itinerary should include your
start date, time, name of
trailhead, camping locations,
and your estimated return
date. Leave this itinerary with a
trusted responsible person.
Emergency - Dial 911
Sequoia National Forest
Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument have over
1.1 million acres (4,452 sq km) of recreational opportunities. The forest ofers
52 developed campgrounds, more than 1,147 miles (1,846 km) of trails, over 314,448
acres (1,273 sq km) of wilderness, 222 miles (357 km) of Wild and Scenic Rivers,
2,617 rivers and streams, world-class whitewater rapids, 158 ponds and lakes,
boating, fshing, biking, horseback riding, and more.
Services and Facilities
Sequoia National Forest,
Hume Lake District
Hume Lake Ofce
Open 9 am - 4:30 pm,
Monday through Friday
(559) 338-2251 or visit their website
Campgrounds
• Big Meadows
• Horse Camp
• Hume Lake
• Landslide
• Princess
• Tenmile
• Upper Stony Creek
Wilderness Camping
Contact the Hume Lake Ofce.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is
available, but restrictions
apply. Contact the Hume
Lake Ofce of Sequoia
National Forest for more information.
Permits for portable stoves or fres are
required and are available online.
Montecito Sequoia Lodge
(559) 565-3388
This lodge has cabins, a
restaurant, hotel, and Wi-Fi.
Hume Lake Village
(559) 305-7770
Gas station, market, and snack shop
are available. Gas pumps may close.
Call ahead before you travel here.
Stony Creek Resort
(559) 565-3909
This area has camping, room
rentals, a market, and gas station.
Gas pumps are credit card only
when market is closed.
Boyden Cavern
Boyden Cavern is closed
for the 2023 season.
Walking, hiking, and biking are
not allowed on closed California
highways, like Highway 180 past
the Hume Lake Road junction.
NPS/KIEL MADDOX
NPS/KIEL MADDOX
National Parks vs National Forests
Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks
Sequoia National Forest
Pets
Pets are not allowed on trails.
Pets on a leash no longer than
6 feet (1.8 m) are allowed in
parking lots, picnic areas, and
campgrounds.
Pets are allowed in developed
areas and on trails. Pets must be
on a leash no longer than 6 feet
(1.8 m).
Collect
Resources
Collecting objects is not
allowed in parks. This includes
natural objects, such as pine
cones, rocks, plants, animals,
and cultural artifacts such as
arrowheads, beads, or pottery
shards.
You may keep a few cones or
rocks for personal use. Collecting
artifacts such as arrowheads,
beads, or pottery shards is
prohibited.
Hunting
Not in the parks. You are
responsible for understanding
& complying with all
applicable state, local, and
federal frearms laws before
entering the parks.
Only seasonally
with a license. Call
559-243-4005 or
learn more online.
Not in the parks. Stay on the
roads.
Get off-highway-vehicle (OHV)
route information at
USFS Hume Lake Offce in Dunlap.
Wood cutting is prohibited,
though campers may gather
downed wood when not in
sequoia groves.
Allowed. Please contact the
nearest Forest Service offce for
guidance and a permit.
Off-Road
Driving
Cutting
Wood
Not allowed within the parks.
Dispersed
Car Camping
Restrictions apply.
3
Ranger Recommendations for Sequoia and Kings Can
Grant Grove Area
t
Nor
y
ar
No r
Park Ridge Trail
th
il
Tra
n se Trail
t
Crystal
Springs
Columbine
Su
2
3
Landslide
4
Tenmile
S E Q U
N A T I O
F O R
nita Trail
anza
General
Grant
Tree
nd
ita
Sunset
n
ar
Roa d
1
Grant Grove Village
y Trai l
Fire
M
Hume Lake
Chicago
Stump
Manza
South Bou
Azalea
180
Princess
CONVERSE
BASIN
GROVE
1
Tra
il
Pa
Tr
rk Ridge
et Trail
Trail
Sequoia
Grant Grove Village
N at i onal Fore s t/
G i ant S e quoia
N at i ona l
QU A IL F L
Monume nt
AT
a
ale
Az
Ella Viola
Falls Falls
ail
Suns
Boole Tree
Highway 180 to Cedar Grove
is closed due to winter
storm damage
3
h B
oun
d
l Trail
rra
Grov
Panoramic
Point
NAT ION AL FOR EST
NAT ION AL PAR K
Co
General
Grant
Tree
e Loop
To Hume Lake
GRANT
GROVE
North
2
180
s Trail
180
Big Stump
Entrance
Redwood
5 Mountain
6
Kings Canyon
Overlook &
Buena Vista
Trail
Generals
Highway ends
Main Road
ay
way
Big Stump Park Entrance
gh
4
To Sequoia
National Park
and Hwy 198
Hi
Ge
rals High
ne
w
ls
180
Key
m
asin Lo
op
pB
BIG STUMP
SEQUOIA
GROVE
ra
S tu
Park Ridge
Lookout
ne
Big
Monteci
Lodge
Ge
Hitch cock Mea
do
w
Overlook
Secondary Road
NATIONA L PARK
NATIONA L FOREST
Closed Road
Stony Creek Village
(closed in winte
Trail
Accessible Trail
Ranger
Recommendation
Roundtrip
Distance
Starting Point
Park Boundary
1
General Grant Tree
Trail
0.5 miles
0.8 km
Grant Grove
Parking Lot
National Park Service
2
North Grove Trail
(loop)
1.5 miles
2.4 km
Grant Grove
Bus Parking Lot
3
Panoramic Point Trail
0.5 miles
0.8 km
Panoramic Point
Parking Lot
3
Park Ridge Trail
4.7 miles
7.6 km
Panoramic Point
Parking Lot
Picnic Area
4
Big Stump Basin Trail
1 mile
1.6 km
Big Stump Picnic Area
Market and Snacks
5
Redwood Mountain
Overlook
Viewpoint
Just West of
Redwood Mountain Road
6
Buena Vista Trail
3.2 miles
5.1 km
Kings Canyon Overlook
Parking Area
6
Kings Canyon
Overlook
Viewpoint
Kings Canyon Overlook
Parking Area
7
Lost Grove
Viewpoint
Rest Area along the
Generals Highway
Muir Grove Trail
4 miles
6.4 km
Dorst Creek
Campground
Tokopah Falls Trail
3.4 miles
5.5 km
Lodgepole Campground
Features
8
9
MUIR
GROVE
US Forest Service
NPS Visitor Center
Restroom
Crystal
Closed for the 202
Food and Drinks
Post Office
Accessible Area
Accessible Parking
1 Ranger Recommendation
Park Campground
Generals Highw
Once it is open, drive with caution
Forest Campground
Lodging
Gas Stations
Shuttle Stop
Parking Lot
Wi-Fi
Tu
R
Giant Sequoias
Hiking
Ash Mounta
Entran
Scenic Viewpoint
Point of Interest
Fire Lookout
Waterfall
Stables
198
NPS/ S. TAYLOR
4
Three Rivers
Highway 198 to
Three Rivers
nyon National Parks
K
in
g
s
Can
yo n
Byw ay
S ce nic
U O I A
O N A L
E S T
Features
Ranger
Recommendation
Roundtrip
Distance
Starting Point
10
Congress Trail (loop)
Sherman Tree Parking Lot
or Shuttle Stop
10
10 Sherman
General
Tree Trail
2.9 miles
4.7 km
1.2 miles
1.9 km
Sherman Tree Parking Lot
or Shuttle Stop
11
General Sherman
Tree Accessible Trail
0.5 miles
0.8 km
Sherman Tree Accessible
Parking Lot, or Shuttle Stop
12
Big Trees Trail (loop)
0.7 miles
1.1 km
Giant Forest Museum
Parking Lot
13
Tunnel Log
On roadway
Along Moro Rock and
Crescent Meadow Road
14
Moro Rock Trail
0.5 miles
0.8 km
Along Moro Rock and
Crescent Meadow Road
15
Amphitheater Point
Overlook
12
Viewpoint
Parking area along
Generals Highway
16
Hospital Rock
Cultural site
Hospital Rock Picnic Area
17
Marble Falls Trail
6.2 miles
10 km
Potwisha Campground,
near site #14
18
Tunnel Rock
0.1 mile
0.2 km
Parking area along
Generals Highway
Big Meadows
Giant Forest Area
Lod
gep
ol e
-to
-S
ito Sequoia
KINGS
CANYON
NATIONAL
PARK
General
Sherman Tree
Trail
(Placard Required)
l
Trail
rai
aT
Tra
Alt
il o
ft
Co
he
ng
Trail
p
o
shington
Wa
ee
Tr
oi
eq
u
eS
eadow
as
off
Log M
Loop
13
Crescent Meadow
Parking Lot and Trail
Tr
og
sL
p’
L
ar
h
T
w oop
High
ado
Sierra
Me
Trail
Log
Tunnel
Log
il
Si
er
ra
Tra
High
13
il
a
Tr
M
or
o
Pine
l
i
Tra
Trail
Bobca
t
t
n
oi
P
Ro
iers
Hanging Rock
r
ga
Su
Sold
14
Crescent
Meadow
Huckleberry
Meadow
t
Log Cu
ad ow
Me
il
Cresc ent Tharp’s
Trailof th
il
Tra
l Tra
Trail
ai
l
Low
er
Circle
w
ay
ea d
hw
Circle
Tr
a
il
Moro Rock
14 Parking Lot
SEQUOIA
NATIONAL
PARK
ine
ar P
Sug
Trail
Moro Rock
ig
(Closed)
Trai l
Buckeye
Flat
il
Tra
16
ton Tr
r Hil
ck
ck
Amphitheater
Point
Overlook
Hospital
Rock
berry
iers Trail
Bea
Ro
Moro Rock
Potwisha
Huckle
G I A N T F ORES T
il
Tra
Tunnel Log
15
Lo
So
ld
11
To Three Rivers
and Visalia.
Closed until
sometime in July.
Moro
GIANT
FOREST
17
o
(Closed
weekends
and holidays)
10
12
Giant Forest Museum
Marble Falls
GIANT
F ORES T
M
ee
Old Bear
Giant Forest
Museum
Hill Road
and Park Store
er 2023)
Congress Trail
way closed from Hospital Rock
to Giant Forest until July.
n through construction zones.
ng
s
Big
Trees
Trail
ub
ht
at
ed
os
Summer parking
for Sherman Tree Trail
General Sherman
Tree
Sherman Tree
Shuttle Stop
and Accessible
Parking
and Trail
as
ea
M
B
hi
e Roa d (C l
Wolverton
23 season.
Circle Meadow
l
al
Cryst Cav
l Cave
um
m
Moro Rock
and Crescent
Meadow
Road
Wa
s
Hazelwood
Nature Loop
Beetle Rock
Tokopah
Falls
9
Big Trees
Trail
rai
aT
(Closed)
ck
Alt
Wuksachi
Village
Ro
Trail
Dorst
Creek
Lodgepole Visitor Center
and Village
weah Tra
il
Ka
Rimrock
Sunset
8
Be
ars
oi
o
Lo
r
aT
12
qu
do
w
ail
Alt
Se
p
res
s
Tra
il
Wo
lve
Rimrock
rton
Cut
Pinewood Picnic Area
7
18
off
Co
ng
res
s
Co
Alt
ng
a Tr
res
s
l
Tra
i
G I A N T F ORES T
ail
Tra
i
l
11
LOST
GROVE
er)
ain
nce
Sherman Tree
Parking Lot
and Trail
10
Sherman Tree Shuttle Stop
and Accessible Parking and Trail
Sunset Rock
e
unnel
Rock
To Wolverton
Road
h
Horse
Camp
erm an Tree Trail
Wolverton Road,
access to
General Sherman
Parking Lot
Ge
n
a
er
ls
H
North
Foothills Visitor Center
0
0
Mineral King Road is closed
at the park boundary for road
repairs during summer 2023.
1
2 Kilometers
1
2 Miles
Mineral King
Ranger Station
NPS
5
Lookout Point
Entrance
Keep Yourself and the Parks Safe
Tree Hazards
Branches and trees may
fall, whether dead or alive,
and when there is no wind.
Keep eyes and ears open. Run if you
hear cracks or snapping from roots,
trunks, or branches. Don’t linger under
dead, cracked, or broken hanging
branches or trees with rotten bases.
Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions may be
in place at any time and at
any elevation. Prohibited
locations for wood or charcoal
fres will be posted. Restrictions
change as conditions change. Check
for information on park bulletin
boards or at visitor centers.
Air Quality
In summer months, ozone
concentrations often exceed
federal health standards.
Ozone can have negative health efects.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in most
areas of the parks, and on
adjacent national forests.
People 16 years of age or older are
required to have a California fshing
license. Get copies of park-specifc
regulations at any visitor center.
River Safety
Drowning is the primary
cause of death in the parks.
Rivers present a great
danger due to their swift currents and
slippery rocks. Do not leave children
unattended. Wear sturdy shoes, and
never swim alone.
Drones
Launching, landing, or
operating remotely piloted
aircrafts (such as model
airplanes, quadcopters, or drones) is
prohibited.
Firearms
It is illegal to discharge a
frearm within Sequoia and
Kings Canyon National
Parks or to bring one into any federal
building. Hunting and trapping are
illegal in the parks.
Pets
Pets are not permitted on
any trails in the parks. Pets
in designated areas must
be kept on a maximum 6-foot (1.8 m)
leash at all times. Pick up and dispose
of all pet waste. Do not leave pets
unattended or in vehicles where they
can easily overheat.
Keep Wildlife Wild
You Are in Black Bear Country
Bears will grab unattended food and break into cars when food is visible. Bears have a keen sense of
smell and are attracted to human food as well as hand sanitizer, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, cleaning
supplies, and child safety seats. Bears that have had human food can become aggressive and dangerous
and have to be killed. A fed bear is a dead bear. Food storage is the key to protecting humans and bears.
Wildlife Viewing Safety
Wildlife Viewing
Viewing wildlife is an amazing
opportunity that comes with
responsibility. Give animals room
to move. Stay a minimum distance
of 25 yards (23 m) from most wildlife
and 100 yards (91 m) from predators
like bears and mountain lions. In
general, if a wild animal reacts to
your presence, you are too close.
Remember that wildlife are wild
and can be unpredictable when
they are disturbed or surprised. Use
binoculars or a zoom lens from a safe
distance and move back if an animal
approaches you. Keep Wildlife Wild
and observe from a safe distance.
NPS / ALISON TAGGART-BARONE
Black Bears
If you see a black bear, don’t let it
approach you, your food, picnic area,
or campsite. Wave your arms, make
loud noises, and throw small rocks
towards it. Keep a safe distance but be
persistent.
Mountain Lions and Bobcats
These animals normally run away
when seen. However, if you see one and
it does not run away, follow these tips
for a safe encounter:
• Do not run; running may trigger a
pursuit.
• Pick up children.
• Try to appear as large as possible,
do not crouch down.
• Hold your ground, or back away
slowly, while facing the animal.
• If it acts aggressively, wave your
hands, shout, and throw stones and
sticks at it.
• If attacked, fght back!
• Report all sightings.
25 yards (23 m)
Food Storage
Metal food storage boxes are
provided to properly store food
and odorous items, when not in
use. Store all food, coolers, and
anything with an odor, including
child safety seats and favored
drinks. If no food storage box
is available, food items must be
stored inside your car trunk or
low in the vehicle, out of sight,
and keep windows closed.
Always keep a clean campsite
and throw away all trash in
dumpsters. While picnicking,
never move away from coolers
and tables when food is out. Stay
within arm’s length of food.
NPS
100 yards (91 m)
25 yards (23 m) is about two bus-lengths
NPS
Accessibility: Parks for All
Accessibility Guide
Looking for information
about accessibility
accommodations for people
with disabilities? Ask for a
free Accessibility Guide at
any park visitor center or
download it online.
Assisted Listening Devices
At Kings Canyon
Visitor Center in Grant
Grove, assisted listening
devices and audio description are
available for the park flm. Ask at the
information desk for a receiver.
Braille Park Map
Borrow a Braille version
of the ofcial park map
at park visitor centers.
Outdoor exhibits along the Grant
Tree Trail have Braille text and
tactile features. Kings Canyon Visitor
Center and Hospital Rock Picnic Area
have tactile interpretive exhibits.
Borrow a Wheelchair
Borrow a manual
wheelchair at Lodgepole
or Kings Canyon visitor
centers or at Giant Forest Museum.
Be prepared to provide your address
and phone number. Wheelchairs
may be used anywhere in the parks
but must be returned where they
were borrowed by closing time.
National Park Service
(NPS) App
Find maps, information,
and an events calendar on this app.
Once downloaded, search for Sequoia
and Kings Canyon National Parks,
download content for ofine use.
UniDescription App
This app translates the map of
the parks into acoustic media,
designed for people who are blind,
visually impaired, print dyslexic, or
who prefer learning through sound.
Recreation.gov App
This app is your on-thego solution for making
reservations or purchasing passes.
Return to your favorite spot or
fnd a new one by searching for
the location that is right for you.
Exploring in the Digital Age
We have an app for that!
Download these apps to help
plan your visit, fnd the perfect
hike, or reserve a campsite. Need
Wi-Fi to download? Find free
public Wi-Fi at Foothills and
Kings Canyon Visitor Centers.
6
Bienvenido al país de los gigantes
A una altitud de 1,300 pies (396 m) a 14,494 pies (4,418 m), la mayor elevación
en los 48 estados contiguos, estos parques protegen una espectacular
cordillera elevada. Dentro de nuestros límites se encuentran impresionantes
transiciones, desde las cálidas estribaciones hasta los bosques frescos y la
fría High Sierra. En esos parques tienen su hogar diversas plantas y animales,
que viven en condiciones extremadamente variadas. Los parques abarcan
empinados caminos, senderos que trepan por las montañas y ríos que se
desploman desde alturas épicas. En sus recorridos, busque evidencias de
incendios y tormentas pasadas.
El incendio KNP ardió a lo largo de casi toda la Generals Highway en 2021;
después, el invierno de 2022-2023 trajo una precipitación sin precedentes.
La lluvia y la nieve que cayeron en las laderas quemadas causaron daños
signifcativos a las carreteras y caminos del parque. Ahora hay cuadrillas
trabajando en la reparación pero es probable que la construcción de caminos
cause demoras en el tráfco durante todo el verano. Tenga paciencia mientras
trabajamos para restablecer el acceso seguro a los parques.
Manténgase usted mismo y el parque a salvo
Peligros con los árboles
Pueden caer ramas y
árboles, ya sea muertos
o vivos, y cuando no
haya viento. Tenga los ojos abiertos
y escuche con atención. Corra si
escucha crujidos o chasquidos
de raíces, troncos o ramas. No se
entretenga debajo de ramas muertas,
rajadas o rotas y colgantes, ni de
árboles con la base podrida.
Armas de fuego
Es ilegal disparar armas
de fuego en los parques,
así como introducirlas
en cualquier edifcio federal. Es
ilegal cazar y atrapar animales en los
parques.
Restricciones de
hacer fuego
En cualquier momento
y en cualquier elevación
puede haber restricciones de hacer
fuego. Se publicarán los lugares
donde está prohibido hacer fogatas de
madera o de carbón. Las restricciones
cambian conforme cambien las
condiciones. Busque la información
en los tableros de anuncios del parque
o en los centros de visitantes.
Drones
Está prohibido lanzar,
aterrizar y operar aeronaves
de piloto remoto, como
modelos de avión, cuadricópteros y
drones.
Calidad del aire
En los meses de verano, la
concentración de ozono
en ocasiones supera las
normas federales de salud. El ozono
puede tener efectos negativos en la
salud.
Mascotas
No se permiten mascotas
en ningún sendero de los
parques. Pueden tenerse
mascotas en las áreas designadas, con
una correa de máximo 6 pies (1.8 m)
en todo momento. Recoja y deseche
todos los desechos de su mascota.
No deje desatendidas sus mascotas
ni adentro de vehículos que puedan
sobrecalentarse fácilmente.
Conserve la fauna silvestre
Está en tierra de osos. Los osos se apoderan de la comida desatendida y entran a la fuerza en los autos donde ven
alimento. Los osos tienen un refnado sentido del olfato y se sienten atraídos por la comida de los humanos, así como por
el desinfectante de manos, los cosméticos, los artículos de tocador, la basura, los artículos de limpieza y los asientos de
seguridad para niños. Los osos que han probado alimento humano pueden volverse agresivos y peligrosos, y tienen que
ser sacrifcados. Un oso alimentado es un oso muerto. Guardar los alimentos es la clave para proteger a humanos y osos.
Observación de la fauna y seguridad
Observar la fauna
Observar la fauna es una
oportunidad maravillosa que implica
responsabilidades. Dé espacio a los
animales. La mejor forma de estar a
salvo al observar la fauna es darles a
los animales espacio para moverse.
Manténgase a por lo menos 25 yardas
(23 m) de distancia de la mayoría de
los animales y a 100 yardas (92 m) de
depredadores, como osos y pumas. En
general, si un animal salvaje reacciona
a su presencia, usted está demasiado
cerca. Recuerde que los animales
salvajes pueden ser impredecibles
cuando se sienten perturbados o
sorprendidos. Use binoculares o
una lente de zoom a una distancia
prudente y retroceda si el animal se
le acerca. Conserve la fauna silvestre
y obsérvela desde una distancia
prudente.
Los osos negros
Si ve a un oso negros, no permita que
se le acerque a usted, a su comida ni
a su área de picnic o de campamento.
Agite los brazos, haga ruidos fuertes
y arroje piedras pequeñas en su
dirección. Mantenga una distancia
prudente, pero sea persistente.
25 yardas (23 m)
Los pumas y los gatos monteses
normalmente corren cuando son
vistos. Sin embargo, si usted ve a un
puma o un gato montés y éstos no
corren, siga estos consejos para que el
encuentro sea seguro:
• No corra; correr podría provocar
una persecución.
• Recoja a sus niños.
• Trate de aparecer lo más grande
posible; no se acuclille.
• Manténgase frme o retroceda
lentamente, dándole la cara al
animal.
• Si el animal actúa agresivamente,
agite los brazos, grite y arroje
piedras o palos en su dirección.
• ¡Si lo ataca, deféndase!
• Reporte todas las observaciones.
Pesca
La pesca está permitida
en la mayoría de las áreas
de estos parques y en los
bosques nacionales adyacentes. A
las personas de 16 años o más se les
requieren que tengan una licencia
de pescar de California. Obtenga los
reglamentos específcos del parque en
el centro de visitantes.
Seguridad en ríos
El ahogamiento