by Alex Gugel , all rights reserved
Sequoia & Kings Canyon GuideWinter 2024/2025 |
Winter Visitor Guide to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NP) in California. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
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Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Winter 2024-2025
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 warm foothills
to cool forests to the cold High Sierra can be found here.
The park is home to a wide diversity of plants and
animals due to a highly varied set of conditions.
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
Visiting giant sequoia groves in winter can be a snowy,
beautiful experience. Notice that tall mature sequoias
have branches that are not very long. Why do you think
these tall trees have short branches? Hint: consider that
they live at elevations that receive several feet of snow in
winter.
www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Important
Information
Free Public Wi-Fi
Foothills Visitor Center
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
Look for evidence of past fires and storms. The 2021
KNP Complex Fire burned along much of the Generals
Highway. Record-breaking precipitation in the winter
of 2022-2023 fell on burned slopes that had been
cleared of vegetation. The resulting mudslides caused
significant damage to park highways and roads.
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
There is no gas or charging stations
available in the parks. Gas may be available
in Sequoia National Forest. Call ahead of
time to check: Hume Lake (559) 305-7770
Find a Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Park Area
Until January 2
January 2 – March 29
Foothills Visitor Center
Foothills
9 am to 4:30 pm
9 am to 4:30 pm
Giant Forest Museum
Giant Forest
9 am to 4:30 pm
9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
Grant Grove
9 am to 4:30 pm
9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Road Closures (subject to change)
• Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road
closed when snow accumulates
• Generals Highway between the parks
usually closed early January til mid-March
• Panoramic Point Road
• Highway 180 into Cedar Grove
• Mineral King Road
• Crystal Cave Road
Getting Around the Parks
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.
Drive Distances and Times
Foothills
Visitor Center
Foothills
Visitor Center
Giant Forest
Museum
General
Sherman Tree
Grant Grove
Village
16 mi (25 km)
60 minutes
18 mi (28 km)
70 minutes
2 hours
2 mi (3.5 km)
10 minutes
118 mi (189 km)*
3 hours
Giant Forest
Museum
16 mi (25 km)
60 minutes
General
Sherman Tree
18 mi (28 km)
70 minutes
2 mi (3.5 km)
10 minutes
Grant Grove
Village
87 mi (139 km)*
118 mi (189 km)*
3 hours
2 hours
87 mi (139 km)*
120 mi (194 km)*
3 hours 10 min
120 mi (194 km)*
3 hours 10 min
When chain
requirements
are in effect
due to snow or
ice (see page 8),
speed limits
are reduced to
25 mph. Travel
times can be
much longer
than noted in
the table.
* Via Routes 180, 63, 216 and 198 when Generals Highway is closed between the parks.
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.
Parking in Giant Forest 8
Winter Driving 8
Holiday Shuttle 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.
Bienvenue! Demandez des
informations imprimées en
français.
Wilkommen! Fordern Sie
gedruckte Informationen in
deutscher Sprache an.
Services and Facilities
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
Sequoia National Park
Kings Canyon
National Park
Foothills
Wuksachi
Grant Grove Village
Foothills Visitor Center
• Park Store (SPC)
• Free public Wi-Fi
• Picnic area nearby
Closed January 6—March 14
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
• Park Store (SPC)
• Free public Wi-Fi
• Self-issue wilderness permits
E-mail
seki_information@nps.gov
Wuksachi Lodge
Lobby open 24 hours
• Gift shop: 8 am to 5 pm
Snowshoe rentals when
snow allows: 9 am – 5 pm
Web
nps.gov/seki
Giant Forest
Free Public Wi-Fi
Foothills Visitor Center
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
Giant Forest Museum
• Park Store (SPC)
• Shuttle stop (holidays only)
• Self-issue wilderness permits
@sequoiakingsnps
Wuksachi Lodge’s
Peaks Restaurant & Pizza Kitchen
• Open to the public
• Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am
• Lunch: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm
• Dinner: 5 pm to 9 pm
• Bar open for lunch & dinner
Village Shops
• Market: 9 am to 5 pm
• Gift shop (some weekends):
hours vary
• Post office: weekdays,
9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm
Emergency - Dial 911
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
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)
Lifetime Military Pass ............ Free
(for Gold Star family members or veterans)
Access Pass .......................... Free
(for people with permanent disabilities)
www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Park Fees
Lodgepole Village
To check for lodging availability,
call (866) 807-3598 or visit
www.visitsequoia.com/lodging
Lodgepole services are CLOSED.
Tentatively scheduled to
open April 18.
Fare-free holiday
park shuttles
Available in the Giant Forest area
during winter holidays (see page 8).
Ranger-led
programs offered
regularly.
Check visitor centers for schedules.
SPC = Sequoia Parks Conservancy
Winter Camping
Reservations are required except for
Azalea Campground, which has 20
first-come, first-served sites. Campsites
hold up to six people and each site has
a picnic table, fire ring with a grill, and
a metal food storage box. Check-in and
checkout are at noon.
Campsite Fee
Make a reservation
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
Kings Canyon National Park
Campground Options
Campground
Status
Azalea
20 first-come,
first-served sites.
Campsites are not
cleared of snow.
www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2931
(877) 444-6777
(877) 833-6777 TDD
Customer Service: (888) 448-1474
Install the
Recreation.gov app
www.recreation.gov/mobile-app
$32 per night
Payment at Azalea Campground is
through the Recreation.gov app.
Download the app before arrival.
Payment can be made even when no
internet connection is available.
All other campgrounds are closed
Other Passes Honored
Golden Age, Golden Access,
Volunteer, and 4th Grade (Every Kid
Outdoors)
Services are subject
to change based on
conditions
Camping Information
Toilets
Open campgrounds have flush toilets.
Quiet Hours (No Generator Use)
Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am.
Dump Stations
Potwisha Campground only
Campfires
Campfires must be out cold before you
leave your campsite.
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
Potwisha
Open year-round
All other campgrounds are closed.
See map on pages 4-5 for
campground locations.
Campgrounds are subject to closure
due to weather or natural events.
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. 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. Get a wilderness permit and solitude is just a long hike away.
Wilderness Permits
During the winter and early
spring all overnight wilderness
permits are self-issued in-person
at a self-issue permit station.
Self-issue permits are available at
any time of day at the three self-issue
permit stations listed below. Hours
are listed if assistance is needed.
Self-issue Wilderness Permitting Stations for Overnight Travel
Permits are available any time at kiosks outside the stations below.
Open hours are listed if assistance is needed.
Areas
Open Hours
For Assistance
Permit Station
Wilderness Office
Foothills
Follow the path south of the visitor center to the
Mineral King Wilderness Office across the rear parking lot.
Variable from
8 am to 4 pm
Giant Forest/
Giant Forest Museum
Lodgepole
See visitor center
hours on page 1.
Grant Grove
Cedar Grove
See visitor center
hours on page 1.
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
Food
Storage
Storing all
food in an
animalresistant
storage
container
is highly
recommended. These containers
weigh less than 3 pounds (1.3
kg), hold up to 5 days of food,
and fit in a backpack. Rent
food 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 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 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 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
NPS / KIEL MADDOX
Sequoia National Forest,
Hume Lake District
Hume Lake Office
Open 8 am - 4:30 pm,
Monday through Friday
(559) 338-2251 or visit their website:
Montecito Sequoia Lodge
(559) 565-3388
Closed for the season.
When open, this lodge has cabins,
a restaurant, a hotel, and Wi-Fi.
National Parks vs National Forests
www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia
Hume Lake Village
(559) 305-7770
Gas pumps may be closed. Call
ahead before traveling here.
Campgrounds
Closed for the season.
Wilderness Camping
Contact the Sequoia National Forest
Hume Lake District Office listed above.
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
Stony Creek Lodge
(559) 565-3909
Closed for the season.
When open, this area has room
rentals, a market, and a gas station.
Boyden Cavern
Boyden Cavern is closed
during the winter.
Highway 180 East of Hume
Lake Road Junction
Walking, hiking, and
biking are not allowed on
closed California highways.
NPS/KIEL MADDOX
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 firearms laws before
entering the parks.
Only seasonally
with a license. Call
559-243-4005 or
learn more online:
Not allowed.
Get over-snow-vehicle (OSV)
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.
Snowmobiling
Cutting Wood
Dispersed Car
Camping
wildlife.ca.gov/hunting
3
Ranger Recommendations for Sequoia and Kings Can
Grant Grove Area
ry
th
ry T
rai l
th
Sou Boun
da
Grant Grove Village
Sunset
e Tr a
rk Ridg
il
Trail
ea
s Trail
Hi t c h
cock Meado
w
Bi
BIG STUMP
SEQUOIA
GROVE
Lo
op
180
Ge
Big Stump Park Entrance
rals
ne
Hi
g
To Sequoia
National Park
and Hwy 198
1
General Grant Tree
Trail
0.5 miles
0.8 km
Grant Tree
Parking Lot
2
North Grove Trail
(loop)
1.9 miles
3.1 km
Grant Tree
Parking Lot
3
Panoramic Point
Road
5.1 miles
8.2 km
Kings Canyon Visitor
Center Parking Lot
4
Columbine Snowplay
Area
Snowplay
Columbine Picnic Area
5
Big Stump Snowplay
Area
Snowplay
Big Stump Picnic Area
6
Redwood Mountain
Overlook
Viewpoint
Just west of
Redwood Mountain Road
7
Kings Canyon
Overlook
Viewpoint
Kings Canyon Overlook
Parking Area
Key
(year-round | seasonal)
Road subject to
winter closure
Winter recreation route
Cross-country ski and snowshoe
Book and souvenir shop
Winter recreation area
Wi-Fi
National Forest
Winter recreation area
Wheelchair accessible
Park boundary
Food service and drinks
Snowshoeing
Bar
Traction device on footwear
strongly recommended
Post office
National Park campground
Gas stations
National Forest campground
Scenic viewpoint
Parking lot
Point of interest
Restroom
Fire lookout
(year-round | seasonal)
Tu
R
Hiking
Picnic area
Market and snacks
Cross-country skiing
(year-round | seasonal)
Ranger recommendation
(year-round | closed)
Closed for th
Cross-country ski route markers
(year-round | seasonal)
Trail
winter
image?
Crystal
Trails can be snowy, icy, and slippery
in winter. Traction devices for
footwear is strongly recommended.
Ask a ranger for advice before your
hike.
Giant sequoias
Lodging
Secondary road
Stony Creek Lodge
MUIR
GROVE
Visitor center
Main road
(year-round | seasonal)
Monteci
Lodge
NPS
Starting Point
(year-round | seasonal)
ay
Snow
closure
gate
NATIONA L PARK
NATIONA L FOREST
Roundtrip
Distance
(closed for winter)
hw
h way
Ranger
Recommendation
U.S. Forest Service
6 Mountain
Overlook
Park Ridge
Lookout
Features
National Park Service
Kings Canyon
7 Overlook
g Stu
o
p Lo p
m
B
Stum p
ig
Quail Flat
Snowplay
g
North end of
Generals
Highway
Not plowed
in winter
Hi
5
Tenmile
Redwood
Big Stump
Entrance
Big
Stump
Landslide
5
180
To
Fresno
4
4
Sequoia
Grant Grove Village
Columbine
Snowplay
N at i onal
Fore s t/
G i ant Se quoia
N Big
at i Stump
ona l
Snowplay
erals
Monume nt
Gen
Pa
al
Az
3
General
Grant
Tree
ra
il
(Closed)
et Trail
Suns
1
2
T
Roa d
1
3
nita Trail
anza
S E Q U
N A T I O
F O R E
Cherry Gap
Snowplay
it a
an
Fire
M
CLOSED to vehicles
after snow accumulates
on roadway
Hume Lake
Chicago
Stump
Man z
Azalea
oramic
Pan
No r
Su
n se Trail
t
Columbine
Park Ridge Trail
(Closed)
1
Road
Point
Princess
CONVERSE
BASIN
GROVE
ail
Tr
Crystal
Springs
4
Highway 180 to Cedar Grove
is closed for the winter season.
Boun
da
l Trail
rra
p
180
Panoramic
Point
NAT ION AL FOR EST
NAT ION AL PAR K
rt h
No
GRANT
GROVE
General
Grant
Tree
Boole Tree
To Hume Lake
9 mi (14.4 km)
Co
Loo
2
180
Holiday shuttle stop (see pg 8)
Ash Mountain
Entrance
Interpretive exhibit
Public telephone
ATM
Drinking water
198
Waterfall
NPS / SCOTT TAYLOR
Three Rivers
To Three Rivers
nyon National Parks
Ranger
Recommendation
Roundtrip
Distance
Starting Point
8
General Sherman
Tree Trail
0.5 miles
0.8 km
Winter Sherman Tree
Parking, or Shuttle Stop
9
Big Trees Trail (loop)
1.5 miles
2.4 km
Giant Forest Museum
Parking Lot
10
5.2 miles
Crescent Meadow
Road (to end of road) 8.3 km
Giant Forest Museum
Parking Lot
11
Moro Rock Loop
Road
3.3 miles
5.3 km
Giant Forest Museum
Parking Lot
12
Amphitheater Point
Overlook
Viewpoint
Parking area along
Generals Highway
13
Paradise Creek Trail
(to creek crossing)
3.6 miles
2.9 km
Hospital Rock Picnic Area
14
Hospital Rock
Cultural site
Hospital Rock Picnic Area
15
Marble Falls Trail
6.4 miles
10.3 km
Potwisha Campground,
near site #14
16
Tunnel Rock
0.1 mile
0.2 km
Parking area along
Generals Highway
B yw a y
Sc e n i c
O I A
O N A L
E S T
Big Meadows
To Wolverton
Snowplay
Area
Giant Forest Area
For parking and holiday
shuttle information
see page 8
h
General
Sherman Tree
Trail
ls
off
Sunset Rock
ss
Rimrock
rton
Cut
era
Gen
l
Trail
rai
aT
Tra
Alt
il o
Wo
lve
ft
Co
he
ng
L
Trail
Bear
il
Tra
l Tra
il
er
Loop
r Hil
ff
ad ow
Me
Crescent Meadow
Parking Lot
ut o
Log C
ra
gT
Lo
ps
Loop
Th a r
w
ado
High
Me
Sierra Log
il
Low
er
Rimrock
ee
Tr
n
ashi gton
W
H
Crescent
Meadow
Huckleberry
Meadow
Bea
Tharps
Cresc ent
Roa
d
Tunnel
s Tr Log
ai
Trail
il
Tra
er
ra
Si
High
r
ga
Su
Moro
Ro
Loop
ck
Ro
a
11
Pine
l
i
Tra
Trail
Bobca
t
t
in
Po
il
Tra
Sugar Pine
Hanging Rock
d
14
Trail
11
Moro Rock
Parking Lot
(Closed)
Hospital
Rock
Circle Mea
ow
berry
l
ay
ad
Tra i l
Huckle
Giant Forest Museum
CLOSED to
vehicles
once snow
accumulates.
as
Me
Tr
Road
So l d i
To Three Rivers
and Visalia.
Amphitheater
Point
Overlook
13
ig
hw
on
ow
il
Tra
in
Me a
nt
d
l
Old
a il
ne
C
Ge
H
ill
oi
oo
p
Crescent
Meadow Road
and Moro
Rock Loop
Buckeye Flat
Potwisha
s
10
re
sc
e
gt
Moro Rock
15
l
ra
Tr
Rock
Moro
Tunnel Log
12
16
8
er 2023)
GIANT
FOREST
Marble Falls
um
m
9
Congress Trail
Giant Forest Museum
Crystal Cave Road is
closed for the winter.
10
s
Big
Trees
Trail
ed
os
Parking for
Sherman Tree Trail
General Sherman
Tree
Sherman Tree
Parking and
Trail and
Shuttle Stop
qu
do w
B
ee
rai
aT
Wolverton
e Roa d (C l
l Cave
Wa
sh
Hazelwood
Nature Loop
Beetle Rock
al
Cryst Cav
Snow
closure
gate
Big Trees
Trail
ck
Alt
Tokopah
Falls
Ro
weah Tra
il
Ka
Trail
Lodgepole Village
Circle Meadow
Circle
Closed January 6
through March 14
(Closed)
Be
ars
ub
ht
at
Dorst
Creek
Alt
9
Sunset
Wuksachi Village
l
rai
aT
Se
Loo
p
res
s
Tra
il
Log M
ead
ow
LOST
GROVE
Co
ay
hw
Alt
ng
a Tr
res
s
ail
Tra
i
l
8
Hig
he winter.
unnel
Rock
CLOSED when
snow accumulates.
Trail
e
Main Sherman
Tree Parking
Winter Sherman Tree
Parking and Trail
Con
gr
e
Stony Creek
Upper Stony Creek
Cove Group
Fir Group
To Wolverton
Road
Lod
gep
ol e
-to
-S
KINGS
CANYON
NATIONAL
PARK
Generals Highway is
usually closed between
Giant Forest and Grant
Grove from early January
to mid-March, depending
on conditions. The
highway can also close
temporarily during large
storm events in December
or in the spring.
Wolverton Road,
access to
General Sherman
Parking Lot
erm an Tree Trail
Horse
Camp
ito Sequoia
n
e
10
as
yo n
oi
Can
eq
u
s
eS
K
in
g
Trailof th
Features
Climbing Moro Rock
is very dangerous
in winter.
Do not climb if ice
or snow is present
Moro Rock on the stairs.
SEQUOIA
NATIONAL
PARK
North
Foothills Visitor Center
0
0
1
2 Kilometers
1
2 Miles
Mineral King
Ranger Station
Mineral King Road is closed
at the park boundary for
the winter.
NPS
Lookout Point
Entrance
5
Keep Yourself and the Parks Safe
Snow Play Safety
Changing Weather
When sledding:
• Slide feet first
• Consider wearing a helmet
• Don’t slide near rocks, trees,
branches, or people
• After sliding, move out of the path
of others coming after you
• Avoid hard-packed snow or
ice. Speed and direction can
become out of control.
Check weather forecasts
before coming to the parks
and keep an eye on the sky
while here. Weather conditions can
change quickly and unexpectedly. If
clouds are rolling in or precipitation
starts falling, consider returning to the
trailhead earlier than planned.
River Safety
Be Mountain Ready
When away from your
!!
vehicle, it is especially
important to be prepared.
Carry multiple layers of clothing, a
warm hat, warm gloves, a rainjacket,
and warm and waterproof footwear.
Manage your clothing to avoid getting
hot and sweaty while also not getting
too cold. Wet clothes will not keep you
warm–they often make you colder.
Drones
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.
Firearms
Launching, landing, or
operating remotely piloted
aircraft (such as model
airplanes, quadcopters, or drones) is
prohibited.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Assistive Listening Devices
At Kings Canyon Visitor
Center in Grant Grove,
assistive listening
devices and audio description are
available for the park film. Ask at the
information desk for a receiver.
www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm
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
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 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
Visitar los bosques de secuoyas
gigantes en invierno puede ser una
experiencia hermosa. Observe que
las secuoyas altas y maduras tienen
ramas que no son muy largas. Por que
crees que estos arboles altos tienen
ramas cortas? Una pista: Considere
que viven en elevaciones que reciben
varios pies de nieve en invierno.
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 en 2021 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.
Manténgase usted mismo y el parque a salvo
Jugando en la Nieve
Venga Preparado
Cuando estas en el trineo:
• Deslizar pies primero
• Considere usar un casco
• No deslizar cerca de piedras,
arboles, ramas, o gente
• Después de deslizar, por favor
despejar el camino para evitar
los que siguen detrás.
• Evite nieve compacta o hielo.
Puede perder control de su
velocidad y dirección.
Cuando esta alejado de
su vehículo es importante
estar preparado. Lleve
varias capas de ropa, un gorro abrigado,
guantes abrigados, una chaqueta
impermeable y calzado abrigado
e impermeable. Maneja tu ropa
apropiadamente para evitar el calor y
el sudor y al mismo tiempo no pasar
demasiado frío. Ropa mojada no te
mantenera caliente, te hacen sentir frío.
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.
!!
Cambios de Clima
Por favor de revisar el
clima antes de venir a los
parques y estar atento a
cambios en el clima cuando estes en el
parque. El clima puede cambiar rápido
e inesperadamente. Si se nubla o si
empieza a llover, considere regresar
al comienzo del sendero antes de lo
planeado.
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 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.
Observación de la fauna y seguridad
Observar la fauna
Observar la fauna es una
oportunidad maravillosa que implica
responsabilidades