Sequoia & Kings Canyon Guide

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Fall 2024 Trip Planner Park Maps Available on Pages 4-5 Road Conditions: (559) 565-3341, (Press 1, Then 1) 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, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect a spectacular elevational range. Dramatic shifts from hot foothills to cool forests to the cold High Sierra can be found here. The extremely varied conditions in the parks make it home to a wide diversity of plants and animals. 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. Current Conditions Look for evidence of past fires and storms. The 2021 KNP Complex Fire burned along much of the Generals Highway. Record-breaking precipitation in winter 2022-2023 fell on burned slopes that had been cleared of vegetation. The resulting mudslides caused significant damage to park highways and roads. Important Information Crews completed most repairs in 2024, but occasional minor roadwork could be encountered during the fall. Please have patience as the parks work to safely maintain roads and continue recovery from past damage. EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center Emergency calls can be made on any cellular network, even if you do not have service for regular calls. Gasoline and Charging Stations Find a Visitor Center Visitor Center Park Area Through Oct 14 After Oct 15 Foothills Visitor Center Foothills 8 am to 5 pm 9 am to 4:30 pm Giant Forest Museum Giant Forest 9 am to 5 pm 9 am to 4:30 pm Lodgepole Visitor Center Lodgepole 8 am to 5 pm Open through September 29 CLOSED Kings Canyon Visitor Center Grant Grove 8 am to 5 pm 9 am to 4:30 pm Cedar Grove 9 am to 5 pm Open through September 22 CLOSED There is no gas or charging station available in the parks. Gas may be available in Sequoia National Forest. Call ahead of time to check: Hume Lake (559) 305-7770 or Stony Creek Lodge (877) 828-1440. Road Closures (subject to change) Cedar Grove Visitor Center • Crystal Cave Road • Redwood Mountain Road • Middle Fork Road Vehicle Emergencies and Towing 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. Getting Around the Parks River Safety Rivers are swift and cold. Rocks are slippery. Do not leave children alone near water. Drive Distances and Times Foothills Visitor Center Foothills Visitor Center Giant Forest Museum General Sherman Tree Grant Grove Village Cedar Grove Village 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 48 mi (74 km) 120 minute 75 mi (120 km) 180 minutes 3.8 mi (6.1 km) 10 minutes 30 mi (48 km) 65 minutes 60 mi (97 km) 120 minutes 28 mi (45 km) 60 minute 57 mi (92 km) 115 minutes Giant Forest Museum 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes General Sherman Tree 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 3.8 mi (6.1 km) 10 minutes Grant Grove Village 48 mi (74 km) 120 minutes 30 mi (48 km) 65 minutes 28 mi (45 km) 60 minutes Cedar Grove Village 75 mi (120 km) 180 minutes 60 mi (97 km) 120 minutes 57 mi (92 km) 115 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes Vehicle Length Restrictions and Recommendations Road Length Limit Generals Highway: Foothills Visitor Center to Potwisha Campground 24 feet1 7.3 m Generals Highway: Potwisha Campground to Giant Forest 22 feet1 6.7 m Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road 22 feet2 6.7 m Recommendation, 2Restriction (longer vehicles not allowed) 1 Table of Contents Visitor Center Hours 1 Drive Times 1 Vehicle Length Restrictions Services and Facilities 2 1 Campgrounds 2 Experience Wilderness 3 Sequoia National Forest 3 Maps 4–5 Ranger Recommendations 4–5 Safety and Regulations 6 Accessibility in the Parks 6 Información en Español 7 Information in this newspaper can change at any time. Park Areas 8 Shuttles and Parking in Giant Forest 8 Sequoia Parks Conservancy 8 National Park Service Sequoia and Kings Canyon U.S. Department of the Interior National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Welcome! Ask for printed information in other languages. ¡Bienvenido! Solicite información impresa en español. Services and Facilities Sequoia National Park Foothills Lodgepole Village Foothills Visitor Center • Park store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Picnic area nearby Lodgepole Visitor Center CLOSED beginning Sept 30 • Park store (SPC) • Wilderness permits Wuksachi Lodge Lobby open 24 hours • Gift shop: 8 am – 8 pm Wilkommen! Fordern Sie gedruckte Informationen in deutscher Sprache an. Village Market and Grill Giant Forest CLOSES for the season mid-Oct • Market: 8 am – 7 pm • Lodgepole Grill: 8 am – 7 pm Giant Forest Museum • Park store (SPC) • Shuttle stop Benvenuti! Richiedi informazioni stampate in italiano. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (559) 565-3341 Mineral King Mailing Address Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs 47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA 93271 To check for lodging availability inside the parks, call (866) 807-3598 or visit www.visitsequoia.com/lodging E-mail seki_information@nps.gov Web nps.gov/seki Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center At press time all recreational services in the Mineral King area were closed to public access due to firefighting operations. Reopening before normal winter closure was unknown. 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 Residents / Citizens aged 62+) Annual Senior Pass ............... $20 (for US Residents / Citizens aged 62+) Annual Military Pass ............. Free (for active-duty military and dependents) Lifetime Military Pass ............ Free (for Gold Star family members or veterans) Access Pass .......................... Free www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.htm Single Vehicle....................... $35 Motorcycle........................... $30 Individual ............................. $20 Grant Grove Village Cedar Grove Visitor Center Village Shops • Market: 9 am – 5 pm • Gift shop: Fri–Sun, 10 am – 5 pm; (CLOSED beginning Oct 28) • Post office: weekdays, 9 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 4 pm Grant Grove Restaurant John Muir Lodge and Cabins CLOSED beginning Dec 1 • Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am • Lunch/Dinner: 11:30 am – 8 pm CLOSED beginning Dec 1 Lobby open 24 hours Services are subject to change based on conditions. SPC = Sequoia Parks Conservancy Camping Campsites hold up to six people and each site has a picnic table, a fire ring with grill, and a metal food storage box. Check-in and checkout are at noon. Campsite Fee (Reservation Required) Make a Reservation (877) 444-6777 (877) 833-6777 TDD Customer Service: (888) 448-1474 Install the Recreation.gov App www.recreation.gov/mobile-app See map on pages 4-5 for campground locations. Campgrounds are subject to closure due to weather or natural events. Camping Information Golden Age, Golden Access, Volunteer, and 4th Grade (Every Kid Outdoors) Toilets Open campgrounds have flush toilets. 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 Quiet Hours (No Generator Use) Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am. Dump Stations Potwisha Campground Lodgepole Campground Campfires Campfires must be out cold before you leave your campsite. Cedar Grove Lodge, Market, and Grill CLOSES for the season mid-October • Lodge lobby & Market: 7 am – 9 pm • Grill/snack bar: Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am, Lunch: 11 am – 2 pm, Dinner: 4 pm – 8 pm • Showers & laundry: 8 am – 8 pm Cedar Grove Pack Station 10 am – 3 pm. Closed beginning Oct 1 Call (559) 565-3360 Campground Status Azalea Reservation-only through October 31. First-come, firstserved after Nov. 1. Crystal Springs OPEN through September 10 Sentinel OPEN through October 28 www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2931 $32 per night Other Passes Honored CLOSED beginning Sept 23 Kings Canyon National Park Campground Options (for people with permanent disabilities) The Fees You Pay Make a Difference! Wuksachi Lodge’s Peaks Restaurant & Pizza Kitchen • Open to the public • Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am • Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm • Dinner: 5 pm – 10 pm • Bar open for lunch & dinner Cedar Grove Village Emergency - Dial 911 7-day Passes After Dec 1: Snowshoe rentals when snow permits: 10 am – 6 pm Kings Canyon National Park Kings Canyon Visitor Center • Park store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Wilderness permits @sequoiakingsnps Pay your entrance fee at park entrance stations. Annual and lifetime passes cover this fee. Pass and photo ID are required for access. Check visitor centers for schedules. Wuksachi Bienvenue! Demandez des informations imprimées en français. Park Fees Ranger-led programs offered regularly. Roadside Camping Roadside camping is not permitted in the parks. Camp only in designated campground sites. Propane and Fuel Canisters Please recycle fuel canisters at home. No Shows Sites that remain vacant by noon on the second day of a reservation may be released for new reservations. Sequoia National Park Campground Options Campground Status Potwisha OPEN Lodgepole OPEN through December 3 Atwell Mill CLOSED at press time due to firefighting operations. Normally OPEN through October 15. All other campgrounds are closed for the season. Campground status can change based on conditions Experience Wilderness Wilderness Safety NPS / NATHAN PEARSEY NPS / TIMOTHY NG NPS / ERIC VICHICH Wilderness is untrammeled, natural, and undeveloped. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are 97% designated Wilderness. Magnificent 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. With a wilderness permit solitude is just a long hike away. Wilderness Permits During the summer quota period, May 24 to September 28, there are limits on the number of people that may enter the wilderness at an entry point each day and a fee is required. Most trailheads allow advance reservations on Recreation.gov. Unused quota permits are available first-come, first-served for walkups at permit issuing stations. Wilderness Permit Station locations can be found below. Wilderness Permit Stations for Overnight Travel Area Foothills Permit Station Open Hours Wilderness Office 8 am to 4:30 pm Self-issue permitting after Sept 28 Follow the path south of the visitor center to the Wilderness Office across the rear parking lot. Giant Forest/ Through Sept. 28: Lodgepole Visitor Center Lodgepole After Sept 28: Giant Forest Museum Grant Grove Mineral King Cedar Grove 7 am to 3:30 pm Self-issue permitting Kings Canyon Visitor Center 8 am to 5 pm After Sept 28: Self-issue permitting Mineral King Ranger Station 7:30 am to 4 pm After Sept 28 Self-issue permitting Road’s End Permit Station, through Sept 28 7 am to 3:30 pm Sept 29 Until Hwy 180 closes in late October Self-issue permitting Food Storage Store all food in an animalresistant 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 containers at park visitor centers. Rental Cost $5 for three nights $2 per additional night Water Park waterways may contain bacteria, including Giardia. Properly filter 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 in the parks are above 5,000 feet (1,524 m) in elevation. People unaccustomed to high altitudes may need to acclimate to low oxygen levels, which can cause shortness of breath and dehydration. Plan for a slow ascent and drink plenty 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 offers 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, fishing, biking, horseback riding, and more. Services and Facilities Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake District Office located in Dunlap, CA. Open 8 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (559) 338-2251 or visit their website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sequoia/ recarea/?recid=79569 Campgrounds All CLOSE for winter on September 30 • Big Meadows • • Hume Lake • • Landslide • Princess • • Tenmile • Stony Creek Upper Stony Creek Fir Group Cove Group Wilderness Camping Contact the Hume Lake Office. Dispersed Camping Dispersed camping is available, but restrictions apply. Contact the Hume Lake Office of Sequoia National Forest for more information. Permits for portable stoves or fires are required and are available online at: permit.preventwildfiresca.org Montecito Sequoia Lodge (559) 565-3388 through May 13 Features cabins, a restaurant, a hotel, and Wi-Fi. Stony Creek Lodge (559) 565-3909 through May 8 CLOSES late October When open, this area has room rentals, a market, and a gas station. Hume Lake Village (559) 305-7770 Gas pumps are not always open. Call ahead to check fuel pump status. Boyden Cavern CLOSES late October Tours of Boyden Cavern are available for a fee. Advance reservations recommended at boydencavern.com NPS / KIEL MADDOX NPS/KIEL MADDOX Regulations: 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 and complying with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering the parks. Only seasonally with a license. Call 559-243-4005 or learn more online: Off-Road Driving Cutting Wood Dispersed Car Camping wildlife.ca.gov/hunting Not allowed. Stay on park roads. Get off-highway-vehicle (OHV) route information at USFS Hume Lake Office in Dunlap. Wood cutting is prohibited, though campers may gather downed wood when not in sequoia groves. Allowed. Please contact the nearest Forest Service office for guidance and a permit. Not allowed within the parks. Restrictions apply. 3 Grant Grove Area GRANT GROVE oramic Pan No r Columbine n se Trail t Azalea zanita Trail Grant Grove Village Hume Lake Village Chicago Stump 1 T ra il Pa e Tr a rk Ridg Trail ea 2 3 4 Tenmile North end of Generals Highway Stump Bi Park Ridge Lookout g Stu o p Lo p m St um 180 p Lo op Ge Big Stump Entrance Station rals ne Hi g To Sequoia National Park and Hwy 198 h way Big Stump Entrance Station Starting Point 1 Big Stump Loop 1.5 mile 2.4 km Big Stump Picnic Area 2 General Grant Tree Trail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Grant Tree Parking Lot 3 North Grove Trail (loop) 1.8 miles 2.9 km Grant Tree Bus Parking Lot 4 Panoramic Point Trail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Panoramic Point Parking Lot 4 Park Ridge Trail 4.7 miles 7.6 km Panoramic Point Parking Lot 5 Roaring River Falls 0.3 miles 0.5 km Trailhead on Highway 180 6 Zumwalt Meadow 0.8 miles 1.3 km Trailhead on Highway 180. Distance is to meadow view. 7 Kanawyer Loop 4.5 miles 7.2 km 8 Kings Canyon Overlook 8 hw Buena Vista Trail ay Montecit Lodge Key Main road Secondary road NATIONA L PARK NATIONA L FOREST Roundtrip Distance Redwood Mountain Overlook Canyon 8 Kings Overlook g Hi t c h cock Meado w Sequoia National Fore close for the season on Hi 1 Big Ranger Recommendation Features Landslide erals Gen Big 180 S E Q U N A T I O F O R E General Grant Sequoia N at i onal Fore sTree t/ G i ant S e quoia Grant Grove Village N at i ona l Monume nt s Trail il al Az BIG STUMP SEQUOIA GROVE Hume Lake Cherry Gap Man Sunset Princess CONVERSE BASIN GROVE it a an th Sou Boun da ry T rai l Su Road Point Park Ridge Trail th Crystal Springs et Trail Suns To Fresno 180 Highway 180 closes for the season at this point in late October. 4 Boun da Man z Roa d Boole Tree ail Tr Fire Area Maps and Ranger R ry l Trail rra 2 Panoramic Point NAT ION AL FOR EST NAT ION AL PAR K Co General Grant Tree p To Hume Lake 9 mi (14.4 km) rt h No 3 Loo 180 Trail Park boundary National Park Service US Forest Service 1 Ranger recommendation National park campground (year-round | seasonal) Stony Creek Lodge CLOSES in late Oct KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK MUIR GROVE National park campground CLOSED National forest campground Showers Parking lot Laundry Restroom Holiday shuttle bus stop Market and snacks Accessible parking only Road’s End in Cedar Grove Giant sequoias Entrance fee station Viewpoint Kings Canyon Overlook Parking Area Visitor center Horseback riding Kings Canyon Overlook Parking Area Lodging (year-round | seasonal) Hiking Buena Vista Trail 2.0 miles 3.2 km Book and souvenir shop Interpretive exhibit 9 Lost Grove Viewpoint Rest area along the Generals Highway Wi-Fi ATM 10 Tokopah Falls Trail 3.4 miles 5.5 km Trailhead across road bridge from Lodgepole Campground parking lot Wheelchair accessible Fire lookout 11 Congress Trail (loop) 2.9 miles 4.7 km Sherman Tree Parking Lot or Shuttle Stop Bar 11 General Sherman Tree Trail 1.2 miles 1.9 km Sherman Tree Parking Lot or Shuttle Stop Post office 12 General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Sherman Tree Accessible Parking Lot, or Shuttle Stop 13 Big Trees Trail (loop) 1.2 miles 1.9 km Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot 14 Tunnel Log On roadway Along Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road Point of interest 15 Moro Rock Trail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Along Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road Waterfall 16 Amphitheater Point Overlook Viewpoint Parking area along Generals Highway Public telephone 17 Hospital Rock Cultural site Hospital Rock Picnic Area Tunnel Rock 0.1 mile 0.2 km Parking area along Generals Highway 18 Food service and drinks Picnic area Gas station Tun R Scenic viewpoint Ash Mountain Entrance Station Drinking water Wilderness permit station 198 4 Three Rivers To Three Rivers Cedar Grove Recommended Activities 5 6 Cedar Grove Visitor Center and Village Tr w ek is K I N G S Sheep Creek Horse Camp Cedar Grove Pack Station KINGS (closed) to Sequoia O N Y C A N Viewpoint Sentinel KINGS South Zumwalt 6 Meadow Ka na w ye Ka na wy e oop Ki Mist Falls ng r Lo op bb 5 sC reek Road o rt n . ring R oa (closed) rL 7 Roaring River Falls R NATIONAL PARK Stony Creek Upper Stony Creek Cove Group Fir Group Muir Rock Bu Canyon CANYONMoraine View (closed) Roads End Permit Station Fork Knapp’s Cabin River Cr e ek s wi Le Cedar Grove Visitor Center and Village Cre 180 Hote l C ek PA R K CANYON Big Meadows re Cr e e k GS Granite KIN The Cedar Grove Area CLOSES in late October when Highway 180 closes for the season. Cedar Grove Area N AT I O N A L est campgrounds n September 30. N C A N Y O rail Paradi s e Valley T O I A O N A L E S T Roads End Permit Station s K I N G S Creek 7 per Sc e n i c C op B yw a y PARK Boyden Caverns yo n Creek Trail Can KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK C o p pe r s Le K in g e Wol v Giant Forest Area eek LOST GROVE She ep l Rimrock Trail on Rimrock in gt Alt Co Cut off qu oi as Me Tr ee ad Tra i l oo p L rai aT ow Alt l Hazelwood Nature Loop Circle Wa sh Se do w B il Tra Big Trees Trail Circle Meadow Crys il er eS eq uo ia s ff ra gT Lo ps Th a r w Loop o d a High Me Sierra Log il 14 Loop l Tra Crescent Meadow Trail and Parking Lot ut o Log C Trailof th Crescent Meadow Tunnel s Tr Log ai Trail il Tra Bear Si er ra l High r ga Su Moro Rock Trail and Parking Lot Pine l i Tra Trail Bobca t t in Po il Tra Sugar Pine k Loop R oc Moro R d oa 15 r Hil So l d i Hanging Rock Bea Tharps Cresc ent ad ow Me d oa Crescent Meadow and Moro Rock Loop Roads close to vehicles when snow accumulates Trail Log M ead ow berry Huckleberry Meadow il ay il Tra Huckle Giant Forest Museum and Park Store a Tr ig hw Road ck Ro 2 Miles ill ad ow R ro Mo To Three Rivers and Visalia 2 Kilometers 1 H t Me er 2023) Foothills Visitor Center 0 um m s North 0 C re s c ed os H Old e Roa d (C l 17 SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK Hospital Rock en ee Tr n ashi gton W tal C av 11 12 13 14 15 16 Potwisha G he T ck Be ars il Tra ub ht at Ro Trail Low er A 13 Sunset weah Tra il Ka lta Beetle Rock (Closed) e en ft Loo p Congress Trail Buckeye Flat s il o res s Tra il Moro Rock l ra Tra ng Tunnel Log 18 rail aT Alt General Sherman Tree GIANT FOREST nnel Rock Trail Co Giant Forest Museum Amphitheater Point Overlook ls era Gen rton Sunset Rock ss Wo lve Pinewood Picnic Area Parking for Sherman Tree Trail Big Trees Trail a Tr ail Tra i Closed for 2024. Crystal Cave Road is closed for 2024. ng res s Wolverton Sherman Tree Accessible Parking ay hw Hig Circle Mea Crystal Cave General Sherman Tree Trail (Parking Placard Required) Lodgepole p 11 Sherman Tree Shuttle Stop 12 Accessible Parking and Trail Tokopah Falls 10 Main Sherman Tree Parking Lot and Trail Lod gep ol e -to -S (Closed) Trail Wuksachi Village To Wolverton Road h Lodgepole Visitor Center and Village Con gr e Dorst Creek erm an Tree Trail Wolverton Road provides access to General Sherman Parking Lot Cr 9 Mineral King Ranger Station Moro Rock 5 Seasonal closure of Mineral King Road to vehicles begins October 30. Keep Yourself and the Parks Safe Tree Hazards Fishing 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. River Safety Drowning is the leading cause of death in the parks. Rivers present a great danger due to their swift currents, icy water, and slippery rocks. Do not leave children unattended. Fire Restrictions 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 fishing license. Get copies of park-specific regulations at any visitor center. Pets Pets are not permitted on any trails in the parks. Pets in picnic areas, campgrounds, and on roads 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. Fire restrictions may be in place at any time and any elevation. Prohibited locations for wood or charcoal fires will be posted. Restrictions change as conditions change. Check for information on park bulletin boards or at visitor centers. Firearms It is illegal to discharge a firearm within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks or to bring one into any federal building. Hunting and trapping are illegal in the parks. Keep Wildlife Wild You Are in Black Bear Country Even in winter bears can still be active, particularly in the foothills. 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 anything scented, including hand sanitizer, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, cleaning supplies, and child safety seats. Bears that have had human food can become bold and persistent in attempts to obtain human food and may 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 50 yards (46 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 Don’t let a black bear approach you, your food, picnic area, or campsite. Make yourself appear large: wave your arms, clap your hands, and yell at the bear. Keep a safe distance but be persistent. Report to the nearest ranger. 25 yards (23 m) 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, fight back! • Report all sightings. Air Quality In summer months, ozone concentrations often exceed federal health standards. Ozone can have negative health effects. For air quality information, visit the park website: https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/ nature/airqualityinfo.htm Drones Launching, landing, or operating remotely piloted aircraft (such as model airplanes, quadcopters, or drones) is prohibited. 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 flavored drinks. If a food storage box is unavailable, food items must be stored inside your car trunk or low in the vehicle, out of sight, and with all windows closed. Always keep a clean campsite and deposit 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 50 yards (46 m) NPS 25 yards (23 m) is about two bus-lengths 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. www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm Assistive Listening Devices At Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove, assistive listening devices and audio descriptions are available for the park film. Assistive listening devices are also available at Lodgepole Visitor Center. Ask at the information desk for a receiver. Braille Park Map Borrow a Braille version of the official 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 Kings Canyon Visitor Center, Giant Forest Museum, or Lodgepole Visitor Center. Be prepared to provide your address and phone number. Wheelchairs may be used anywhere in the parks but must be returned to where they were borrowed by closing time. 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 find 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, find 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 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 and download content for offline use. 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 el 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 significativos 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 tráfico durante todo el verano. Tenga paciencia mientras trabajamos para restablecer el acceso seguro a los parques. Manténgase usted mismo y el parque a salvo 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. 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 específicos del parque en el centro de visitantes. 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. Para obtener información sobre la calidad del aire, visite el sitio web del parque: https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/ nature/airqualityinfo.htm Armas de fuego Es ilegal disparar armas de fuego en los parques, así como introducirlas en