Sequoia & Kings Canyon Guide

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Summer 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. www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Important Information Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center Crews continue to work on repairs in 2024. Road construction may cause driving delays through the summer. In addition, some roads will remain closed. Please have patience as the parks work to safely maintain roads and continue recovery from past damage. EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 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 Sept 2 Sept 3 – Oct 14 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 8 am to 5 pm Closes September 29 Kings Canyon Visitor Center Grant Grove 8 am to 5 pm 8 am to 5 pm 9 am to 5 pm 9 am to 5 pm Closes September 23 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 Cedar Grove • 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 Lodgepole Village Grant Grove Village 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 20 mi (32 km) 80 minutes 46 mi (74 km) 120 minutes 3.8 mi (6.1 km) 10 minutes 4.5 mi (7.2 km) 15 minutes 30 mi (48 km) 65 minutes 3 mi (4.8 km) 10 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 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 Lodgepole Village 20 mi (32 km) 80 minutes 4.5 mi (7.2 km) 15 minutes 3 mi (4.8 km) 10 minutes Grant Grove Village 46 mi (74 km) 120 minutes 30 mi (48 km) 65 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes 26 mi (42 km) 45 minutes 26 mi (42 km) 45 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 ¡Bienvenido! Solicite información impresa en español. Foothills Giant Forest Foothills Visitor Center • Park store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Picnic area nearby Giant Forest Museum • Park store (SPC) • Shuttle stop Check visitor centers for schedules. Services are subject to change based on conditions. To check for lodging availability inside the parks, call (866) 807-3598 or visit www.visitsequoia.com/lodging Bienvenue! Demandez des informations imprimées en français. Mineral King Wilkommen! Fordern Sie gedruckte Informationen in deutscher Sprache an. Lodgepole Village Village Market and Grill • Market: 8 am – 9 pm • Lodgepole Grill: 9 am – 7 pm 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 Grant Grove Restaurant • Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am • Lunch: 11:30 am – 3 pm • Dinner: 4 pm – 8 pm Grant Grove Stables 9 am – 4 pm. Closes September 11. Call (559) 335-9292 Campsite Fee (Reservation Required) 2 Cedar Grove Pack Station June 10 to September 2: 9 am – 4 pm. Call (559) 565-3360. Toilets Open campgrounds have flush toilets. 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. Grant Grove 8 am to 5 pm Kings Canyon Visitor Center Mineral King Mineral King Ranger Station 7:30 am to 4 pm Cedar Grove 7 am to 3:30 pm Road’s End Permit Station Azalea OPEN (877) 444-6777 (877) 833-6777 TDD Customer Service: (888) 448-1474 Sunset Regular Sites Grant Grove OPEN until Sentinel opens Install the Recreation.gov app Sunset Group Sites Grant Grove OPEN www.recreation.gov/mobile-app Crystal Springs Grant Grove OPEN Campgrounds Sentinel Cedar Grove OPEN no earlier than July 1 • • • • • 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 Area Status Potwisha Foothills OPEN Lodgepole Giant Forest OPEN Cold Springs Mineral King Opening Date TBD Atwell Mill Mineral King Opening Date TBD All other campgrounds are closed for repairs in 2024. Rental Cost $5 for three nights $2 per additional night 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 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. Grant Grove www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2931 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. Water Park waterways may contain bacteria, including Giardia. Properly filter or treat water before drinking. Sequoia National Forest 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: Campgrounds are subject to closure due to weather or natural events. Golden Age, Golden Access, Volunteer, and 4th Grade (Every Kid Outdoors) 7 am to 3:30 pm Status Make a reservation 8 am to 4 pm Giant Forest/ Lodgepole Visitor Center Lodgepole Area See map on pages 4-5 for campground locations. Camping Information Follow the path south of the visitor center to the Wilderness Office across the rear parking lot. Campground $32 per night Other Passes Honored 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 Cedar Grove Lodge, Market, and Grill • Lodge lobby & Market: 7 am – 9 pm • Grill/snack bar: Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am, Lunch: 11 am to 3 pm, Dinner: 4 pm – 9 pm • Showers & laundry: 7 am – 8 pm Open Hours Wilderness Office Services and Facilities Camping 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. Permit Station Kings Canyon National Park Campground Options (for people with permanent disabilities) The Fees You Pay Make a Difference! Cedar Grove Visitor Center SPC = Sequoia Parks Conservancy 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. Foothills Service hours may vary in June and July www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.htm (access only to Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs) John Muir Lodge and Cabins Lobby open 24 hours Area Cedar Grove Village Some services open no earlier than June 21 Kings Canyon Visitor Center • Park store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Wilderness permits Emergency - Dial 911 Annual Pass ......................... $70 Village Shops • Market: 7 am – 9 pm • Gift shop: 10 am – 7 pm • Post office: weekdays, 9 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 4 pm Grant Grove Village @sequoiakingsnps Sequoia and Kings Canyon Pass During the summer quota period, May 24 to September 28, 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 Wilderness Permit Stations for Overnight Travel Kings Canyon National Park Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center Single Vehicle....................... $35 Motorcycle........................... $30 Individual ............................. $20 Wilderness Permits Listing of Silver City Resort does not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. Web nps.gov/seki 7-day Passes Silver City Mountain Resort (PRIVATELY OWNED) (559) 242-3510 • Monday to Thursday: 8 am – 7 pm • Friday to Sunday: 8 am – 8 pm Wuksachi Lodge’s Peaks Restaurant & Pizza Kitchen • Open to the public • Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am • Lunch: 11:30 am – 5 pm • Dinner: 5 pm – 10 pm • Bar open for lunch & dinner E-mail seki_information@nps.gov Pay your entrance fee at park entrance stations. Annual and lifetime passes cover this fee. Pass and photo ID are required for access. 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. Wuksachi Lodge Lobby open 24 hours • Gift shop: 8 am – 8 pm Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (559) 565-3341 Mailing Address Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs 47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA 93271 Mineral King Ranger Station • Wilderness Permits Wuksachi Lodgepole Visitor Center • Park store (SPC) • Wilderness permits Benvenuti! Richiedi informazioni stampate in italiano. Park Fees NPS / NATHAN PEARSEY information in other languages. Sequoia National Park Wilderness Safety NPS / TIMOTHY NG Welcome! Ask for printed Experience Wilderness Ranger-led programs offered regularly. NPS / ERIC VICHICH National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Services and Facilities NPS / KIEL MADDOX https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sequoia/ recarea/?recid=79569 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 When open, this lodge has cabins, a restaurant, a hotel, and Wi-Fi. Stony Creek Lodge (559) 565-3909 through May 8 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 Tours of Boyden Cavern are available for a fee. Advance reservations recommended at boydencavern.com 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 Cedar Grove PARK Zumwalt 6 Meadow River Ka na w ye Ka na NATIONAL PARK rL wy e 7 Roaring River Falls R rail Paradi s e Valley T Creek Muir Rock oop Ki ng r Lo op bb 5 Trail Road Laundry Restroom Shuttle bus stop Buena Vista Trail 2.0 miles 3.2 km Kings Canyon Overlook Parking Area eek Cr She ep l Tra i res s l Tra il er 14 Crescent Meadow Trail and Parking Lot Tunnel Trail il Tra High 0 4 Hanging Rock 2 Kilometers 1 2 Miles 15 k Loop R oc Moro R d oa 0 To Three Rivers ff ra gT Lo ps Th a r w Loop o d a High Me Sierra Log s Tr Log ai North Foothills Visitor Center 198 T Parking area along Generals Highway Crescent Meadow ut o Log C Loop 0.1 mile 0.2 km r Hil Tharps Cresc ent ad ow Me Tunnel Rock Bea To Three Rivers and Visalia. Trail Huckleberry Meadow r ga Wilderness permit station il Tra 18 ee Tr n ashi gton W Hospital Rock Picnic Area L Cultural site as ow 17 Hospital Rock H berry Su Drinking water oi ad Public telephone qu Me Parking area along Generals Highway Circle Viewpoint Tra i l Amphitheater Point Overlook G s il Tra 16 Ash Mountain Entrance Station e en l ra Se l Waterfall Point of interest 18 ad ow R Huckle Giant Forest Museum and Park Store So l d i Moro Rock Trail Along Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road Scenic viewpoint Road d oa 15 0.5 miles 0.8 km Tunnel Rock ill il On roadway SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK Hospital Rock en a Tr Tunnel Log Along Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road 17 Gas station he oo p ck Ro Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot (Closed) Potwisha um m Crescent Meadow and Moro Rock Loop Roads are CLOSED to private vehicles on weekends and holidays. ro Mo Big Trees Trail (loop) 1.2 miles 1.9 km Post office Picnic area ee H t Me Sherman Tree Accessible Parking Lot, or Shuttle Stop Buckeye Flat er 2023) 0.5 miles 0.8 km gt 11 12 13 14 15 16 s 12 General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail 14 Amphitheater Point Overlook Wa sh Hazelwood Nature Loop Beetle Rock ed os 11 Sherman Tree Parking Lot or Shuttle Stop 13 Moro Rock Bar 1.2 miles 1.9 km Big Trees Trail Tunnel Log Food service and drinks General Sherman Tree Trail ck Tr Fire lookout ft do w B on Wheelchair accessible Ro Circle Meadow in ATM 13 il Tra l Sherman Tree Parking Lot or Shuttle Stop Wi-Fi A Be ars rai aT 2.9 miles 4.7 km GIANT FOREST weah Tra il Ka lta Alt 11 Congress Trail (loop) Congress Trail Giant Forest Museum Interpretive exhibit il o res s Tra il C re s c Trailhead across road bridge from Lodgepole Campground parking lot Big Trees Trail Tra ng Old 3.4 miles 5.5 km General Sherman Tree Trail 10 Tokopah Falls Trail Hiking rail aT Alt Co e Roa d (C l Viewpoint Book and souvenir shop Crystal Cave Road is closed for 2024. Trail tal C av Lost Grove Lodging Horseback riding Rimrock Crys 9 Rest area along the Generals Highway Visitor center Entrance fee station ls era Gen Parking for Sherman Tree Trail ss ra Viewpoint Kings Canyon Overlook Parking Area Sunset Rock Sherman Tree Accessible Parking ub ht at Kings Canyon Overlook Giant sequoias Closed for 2024. Pinewood Picnic Area Si er Road’s End in Cedar Grove Accessible parking only Wolverton Sunset 8 4.5 miles 7.2 km Market and snacks Crystal Cave Moro Rock Trail and Parking Lot Pine l i Tra Trail Bobca t t in Po il Tra Sugar Pine 8 Kanawyer Loop Trailhead on Highway 180. Distance is to meadow view. ay hw Hig Trail 7 0.8 miles 1.3 km Lodgepole Rimrock 6 Zumwalt Meadow 10 General Sherman Tree Trail (Parking Placard Required) Bear 0.3 miles 0.5 km ay 5 Roaring River Falls ig hw Park Ridge Trail Sherman Tree Shuttle Stop 12 Accessible Parking and Trail Tokopah Falls s Parking lot Trailhead on Highway 180 4 4.7 miles 7.6 km 11 ia Showers (Closed) uo Panoramic Point Parking Lot National forest campground Wuksachi Village eq National park campground CLOSED eS Panoramic Point Parking Lot Lodgepole Visitor Center and Village ail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Dorst Creek GROVE a Tr 4 Panoramic Point Trail National park campground Main Sherman Tree Parking Lot and Trail Alt Grant Tree Bus Parking Lot To Wolverton Road Cut off 1.8 miles 2.9 km Wolverton Road provides access to General Sherman Parking Lot il 3 North Grove Trail (loop) 1 Ranger recommendation 9 rton Grant Tree Parking Lot Wo lve 0.5 miles 0.8 km KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK MUIR Loo p General Grant Tree Trail US Forest Service Giant Forest Area erm an Tree Trail 2 National Park Service e Wol v h Big Stump Picnic Area LOST GROVE ng 1.5 mile 2.4 km rt n o Co Big Stump Loop reek Circle Mea 1 Stony Creek Lodge Lod gep ol e -to -S Starting Point Trail Roundtrip Distance Con gr e Ranger Recommendation Low er Park boundary Features sC Trailof th Secondary road per Tr Canyon CANYONMoraine View Stony Creek Upper Stony Creek Cove Group Fir Group C op ek Hote l C South (open date TBD) (open date TBD) Main road NATIONA L PARK NATIONA L FOREST Sentinel KINGS Fork Knapp’s Cabin Viewpoint Road’s End Permit Station Log M ead ow h way Key K I N G S (open date TBD) Montecito Sequoia Lodge O N Y C A N Mist Falls s s Trail Big Stump Entrance Station To Sequoia National Park and Hwy 198 Buena Vista Trail ay is Bu 1 Hi g hw w . ring R oa p Lo op rals ne Ge Big Stump Entrance Station Redwood Mountain Overlook Cedar Grove Visitor Center and Village Sheep Creek Horse Camp g Park Ridge Lookout g Stu o p Lo p m St um 180 Canyon 8 Kings Overlook Le re Creek Trail Big Meadows 180 North end of Generals Highway Bi GS ek KIN N C A N Y O Cedar Grove Area Cr e ek 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 Road’s End Permit Station C o p pe r Tenmile Hi Hi t c h cock Meado w Landslide s 4 erals Gen Big 180 S E Q U O I A N A T I O N A L F O R E S T Cre il Trail ea Opening dates for some Cedar Grove area campgrounds are unkown at press time. All campgrounds may not be open during your visit. wi 3 K I N G S Cr e e k e Tr a rk Ridg al Az 2 Cedar Grove Visitor Center and Village Granite Pa 7 Le T ra il Sc e n i c KINGS ry T rai l 1 KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK 6 B yw a y PA R K Grant Grove Village yo n Hume Lake Village Chicago Stump it a an th Sou Boun da zanita Trail Can Hume Lake Cherry Gap Man Sunset Princess CONVERSE BASIN GROVE Man z Azalea s CANYON oramic Pan No r n se Trail t Su Road Point 5 Boyden Caverns Park Ridge Trail th Crystal Springs Columbine Big Stump in g 4 Boun da et Trail Suns BIG STUMP To Fresno SEQUOIA GROVE 180 ail Tr Roa d Boole Tree ry l Trail rra Fire NAT ION AL FOR EST NAT ION AL PAR K Co 2 Panoramic Point Area Maps and Ranger Recommended Activities K GRANT GROVE General Grant Tree p To Hume Lake 9 mi (14.4 km) rt h No 3 Loo 180 N AT I O N A L Grant Grove Area Mineral King Ranger Station Moro Rock 5 Three Rivers 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. Bienvenido al país de los gigantes 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. 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. NPS 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. 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. 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. 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 cualquier edificio federal. Es ilegal cazar y atrapar animales en los parques. Drones Está prohibido lanzar, aterrizar y operar aeronaves de piloto remoto, como modelos de avión, cuadricópteros y drones. 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. Observación de la fauna y seguridad NPS 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. Manténgase usted mismo y el parque a salvo 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 refinado 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 sacrificados. Un oso alimentado es un oso muerto. Guardar los alimentos es la clave para proteger a humanos y osos. 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. 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. Conserve la fauna silvestre 50 yards (46 m) 25 yards (23 m) is about two bus-lengths A una altitud de 1,300 pies (396 m) a 14,494 pies (4,418 m), la mayor elevación en los