Fall 2025

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Fall 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 14,505 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. When visiting the giant sequoia groves, you may 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. The parks are home to many different plants and animals because of their wide variety of conditions. There are steep roads, mountainous trails, and cold rivers that plunge down from great heights. This is two national parks—Sequoia and Kings Canyon—managed by the National Park Service as one unit. Look for evidence of past fires and storms. The 2021 KNP Complex Fire burned much of the area along 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. Current Conditions www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Important Information Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 Emergency calls can be made on any cellular network, even if you do not have service for regular calls. Find a Visitor Center Gasoline and Charging Stations Visitor Center Park Area Through Oct 13 After Oct 14 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 28 CLOSED Kings Canyon Visitor Center Grant Grove 8 am to 5 pm 9 am to 4:30 pm Cedar Grove Visitor Center Cedar Grove 9 am to 5 pm Open through September 28 CLOSED There are 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 or Stony Creek Lodge (877) 828-1440. Road Closures (subject to change) • 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 4 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 4 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 Crescent Meadow Road, including Moro Rock Loop 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 Giant Forest Foothills Visitor Center • Park store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Picnic area nearby Giant Forest Museum • Park store (SPC) • Self-issue wilderness permits Bienvenue! Demandez des informations imprimées en français. Mineral King Wilkommen! Fordern Sie gedruckte Informationen in deutscher Sprache an. Wuksachi Benvenuti! Richiedi informazioni stampate in italiano. Wuksachi Lodge Lobby open 24 hours • Gift shop: 8 am–8 pm No regular hours after Sept 29 CLOSES for the season Oct 29 • Self-issue wilderness permits after Sept 27 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 Silver City Mountain Resort (PRIVATELY OWNED) (559) 242-3510 • Monday to Thursday: 8 am–7 pm • Friday to Sunday: 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 E-mail seki_information@nps.gov SPC = Sequoia Parks Conservancy Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center 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 Village Shops • Market: 9 am–5 pm • Gift shop: 10 am–5 pm CLOSED beginning Nov 2 • Post office: weekdays, 9 am–12 pm and 1 pm–4 pm Golden Age, Golden Access, Volunteer, and 4th Grade (Every Kid Outdoors) 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 Ranger-led programs offered regularly. To check for lodging availability inside the parks, call (866) 807-3598 or visit www.visitsequoia.com/lodging Lobby open 24 hours Camping Campsite Fee (Reservation Required) Make a Reservation www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2931 (877) 444-6777 (877) 833-6777 TDD Customer Service: (888) 448-1474 Install the Recreation.gov App $32 per night 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 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. CLOSES for the season October 27 • Lodge lobby & Market: 7 am–9 pm • Grill/snack bar: Lunch: 11:30 am –2 pm, Dinner: 4 pm–8 pm • Showers & laundry: 8 am–8 pm Lodge CLOSED beginning Nov 2 Cabins CLOSED beginning Oct 27 CLOSED beginning Nov 2 • Breakfast: 7 am–10 am • Lunch/Dinner: 11:30 am–8 pm 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. Cedar Grove Lodge, Market, and Grill John Muir Lodge and Cabins Grant Grove Restaurant (for people with permanent disabilities) Other Passes Honored Services are subject to change based on conditions. Cedar Grove Village Kings Canyon Visitor Center • Park store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Self-issue wilderness permits www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.htm Single Vehicle....................... $35 Motorcycle........................... $30 Individual ............................. $20 Listing of Silver City Resort does not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. Grant Grove Village Emergency - Dial 911 7-day Passes Village Market and Grill • Before Oct 15: Market 8 am–9 pm, Grill 8 am–7 pm. • Oct 15–Nov 2: Market and Grill 9 am–7 pm • After Nov 2: Market hours TBD. Grill closed. Kings Canyon National Park @sequoiakingsnps Pay your entrance fee at park entrance stations. Annual and lifetime passes cover this fee. Pass and photo ID are required for access. Lodgepole Visitor Center CLOSED for the season Sept 29 • Park store (SPC) • Wilderness permits Check visitor centers for schedules. Web nps.gov/seki Park Fees Mineral King Ranger Station Lodgepole Village Campground status can change based on conditions 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. Cedar Grove Pack Station 10 am–3 pm. Call ahead. CLOSED beginning Oct 1 (559) 565-3360 Kings Canyon National Park Campground Options Campground Status Azalea Reservation-only through October 31. First-come, firstserved after Nov. 1. Crystal Springs OPEN through September 14 Sentinel OPEN through October 26 Sheep Creek OPEN through September 16 Sequoia National Park Campground Options Campground Status Atwell Mill OPEN through October 14 Cold Springs OPEN through October 14 Lodgepole OPEN through December 2 Potwisha OPEN All other campgrounds are closed for the season. 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 23 to September 27, 2025, 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 After Sept 27: Self-issue permitting Follow the path south of the visitor center to the Wilderness Office across the rear parking lot. Giant Forest/ Through Sept. 27: Lodgepole Visitor Center Lodgepole After Sept 27: 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 27: Self-issue permitting Mineral King Ranger Station 7:30 am to 4 pm After Sept 27 Self-issue permitting Road’s End Permit Station, through Sept 27 7 am to 3:30 pm Sept 28 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 28 • 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 CLOSED beginning October 13 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 th ry T rai l Azalea zanita Trail 1 2 3 4 T ra il (closed) Pa e Tr a rk Ridg North end of Generals Highway 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 7 Kanawyer Loop 8 hw Buena Vista Trail ay Montecit Lodge CLOSES in mid 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 Buck Rock Lookout Hi 1 Big Ranger Recommendation Features Tenmile General Grant Sequoia N at i onal Fore sTree t/ G i ant Se quoia Grant Grove Village N at i ona l Monume nt s Trail il rail aT a le Sequoia National Fore close for the season on erals Gen Big 180 Landslide it a an Grant Grove Village Az BIG STUMP SEQUOIA GROVE S E Q U N A T I O F O R E Cherry Gap Man Sunset Stump 180 Hume Lake Hume Lake Village Chicago Stump Man z th Sou Boun da oramic Pan No r n se Trail t Columbine Princess CONVERSE BASIN GROVE Park Ridge Trail Su Highway 180 closes for the season at this point in late October. Road Point et Trail Suns To Fresno Junction View Overlook ail Tr Roa d Boole Tree ry l Trail rra Fire Area Maps and Ranger R 4 Boun da Crystal Springs (closed for season) 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 mid Oct KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK MUIR GROVE National park campground CLOSED National forest campground Showers Parking lot Laundry Restroom Holiday shuttle bus stop Trailhead on Highway 180. Distance is to meadow view. Market and snacks Accessible parking only 4.5 miles 7.2 km Road’s End in Cedar Grove Giant sequoias Entrance fee station Kings Canyon Overlook Viewpoint Kings Canyon Overlook Parking Area Visitor center Horseback riding 8 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 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 Picnic area 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 Emergency telephone 17 Hospital Rock Cultural site Hospital Rock Picnic Area Tunnel Rock 0.1 mile 0.2 km Parking area along Generals Highway 18 (see page 8) Food service and drinks Bar 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 Cr e ek s ek wi Le Cedar Grove Visitor Center and Village Cre 180 Hote l C ek PA R K CANYON Big Meadows w is Cedar Grove Pack Station (Open through Sept 16) Viewpoint South Canyon CANYON Moraine View Ka na w ye Ka na rL wy e 7 Roaring River Falls NATIONAL PARK oop Ki Mist Falls ng r Lo op bb 5 sC reek Road o rt n . ring R oa Stony Creek Upper Stony Creek Cove Group Fir Group Zumwalt 6 Meadow R (closed) (closed) Muir Rock Bu d Oct Sentinel KINGS Roads End Permit Station Fork Knapp’s Cabin (call ahead) KINGS to Sequoia O N Y C A N K I N G S Sheep Creek Horse Camp 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 28. N C A N Y O River O I A O N A L E S T Roads End Permit Station rail Paradi s e Valley T K I N G S s 7 Creek Grizzly Falls 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 er eS eq uo ia s ff Trailof th Crescent Meadow Trail and Parking Lot ut o Log C Loop il ra gT Lo ps Th a r w Loop o d a High Me Sierra Log il 14 Tunnel s Tr Log ai Trail il Tra Bear ra Si er 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 Crescent Meadow l Crescent Meadow and Moro Rock Loop Roads may sometimes be closed for maintenance. l Tra So l d i r Hil Tharps Cresc ent ad ow Me d oa Bea Hanging Rock 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 the season Crystal Cave Road is closed for the season. 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 29. 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, Lodgepole 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 visi