Sequoia & Kings Canyon Guide

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Spring 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. Visiting giant sequoia groves in winter and spring can be a snowy, beautiful experience. 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 and spring. After April 25 (subject to change) (subject to change) Foothills 9:30 am to 4 pm Closed Mon - Tues 9 am to 4:30 pm Open days TBD Giant Forest Museum Giant Forest 9:30 am to 4 pm Closed Wed - Thurs 9 am to 4:30 pm Open days TBD Kings Canyon Visitor Center Grant Grove 9:30 am to 4 pm Closed Mon - Wed 9 am to 4:30 pm Open days TBD Park Area Foothills Visitor Center 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 fres 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 signifcant damage to park highways and roads. Through April 25 Visitor Center Current Conditions 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 Road Closures (subject to change) • Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road closed until snow melts off roadway • Panoramic Point Road • Highway 180 into Cedar Grove • Mineral King Road • Crystal Cave Road • Generals Highway between the parks, usually reopens mid-March Getting Around the Parks Vehicle Emergencies and Towing The parks do not tow or repair vehicles. If you are blocking traffc, 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 Giant Forest Museum General Sherman Tree Grant Grove Village 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 46 mi (74 km) 120 minutes 3.8 mi (6.1 km) 10 minutes 30 mi (48 km) 65 minutes 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes General Sherman Tree 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 3.8 mi (6.1 km) 10 minutes Grant Grove Village 46 mi (74 km) 120 minutes 30 mi (48 km) 65 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes Travel times can be much longer than noted in the table: • When chain requirements are in effect due to snow or ice (see page 8), speed limits are reduced to 25 mph. • If Generals Highway between the parks is closed, add 2 hours to drive time between Grant Grove and locations in Giant Forest*. * Use 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. DepParks artment of the Interior National National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Welcome! Ask for printed information in other languages. NPS / BRITTANY BURNETT ¡Bienvenido! Solicite información impresa en español. Bienvenue! Demandez des informations imprimées en français. Services and Facilities Wilkommen! Fordern Sie gedruckte Informationen in deutscher Sprache an. Benvenuti! Richiedi informazioni stampate in italiano. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (559) 565-3341 Mailing Address Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs 47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA 93271 Sequoia National Park Kings Canyon National Park Foothills Wuksachi Grant Grove Village Foothills Visitor Center • See Visitor Center hours on page 1 • Park Store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Picnic area nearby Wuksachi Lodge Lobby open 24 hours • Gift shop: 8 am – 8 pm Kings Canyon Visitor Center • See Visitor Center hours on page 1 • Park Store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Self-issue wilderness permits Snowshoe rentals when snow allows: 9 am – 5 pm E-mail seki_information@nps.gov Web nps.gov/seki Giant Forest Giant Forest Museum • See Visitor Center hours on page 1 • Park Store (SPC) • Self-issue wilderness permits Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center 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 5 pm – 10 pm Village Shops • Market: 9 am to 5 pm • Gift shop (some weekends): hours vary • Post ofce: weekdays, 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm – 4 pm @sequoiakingsnps Lodgepole Village 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 & permanent residents aged 62+) Annual Senior Pass............... $20 (for US citizens & permanent residents aged 62+) www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.htm Park Fees Expected To Open March 22 Village Market & Grill • Market: 9 am – 7 pm • Lodgepole Grill: 9 am – 7 pm Grant Grove Restaurant • Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am • Lunch: 11:30 am – 3 pm • Dinner: 4 pm – 8 pm All services are subject to change based on conditions Check Visitor Centers for Ranger-led programs John Muir Lodge Lobby open 24 hours To check for lodging availability, call (866) 807-3598 or visit www.visitsequoia.com/lodging Reservations are required except for Azalea Campground, which has 20 frst-come, frst-served sites. Campsites hold up to six people and each site has a picnic table, fre ring with a grill, and a metal food storage box. Check-in and checkout are at noon. (for active-duty military and dependents) Campsite Fee Lifetime Military Pass............ Free $32 per night 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 www.recreation.gov/mobile-app Other Passes Honored 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 Camping Information Toilets Open campgrounds have fush toilets. Quiet Hours (No Generator Use) Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am. Dump Stations Potwisha Campground only Campfres Campfres must be out cold before you leave your campsite. Propane and Fuel Canisters Please recycle fuel canisters at home. Kings Canyon National Park Campground Options Campground Azalea Status Through May 7: 20 frst-come, frst-served sites. Campsites are not cleared of snow. Starting May 8: Reservations only Access Pass .......................... Free (for people with permanent disabilities) SPC = Sequoia Parks Conservancy Camping Annual Military Pass............. Free (for Gold Star family members or veterans) Expected To Open April 18 Roadside Camping Roadside camping is not permitted in the parks. Camp only in designated campground sites. No Shows Sites that remain vacant by noon on the second day of a reservation may be released for new reservations. See map on pages 4-5 for campground locations. Campgrounds are subject to closure due to weather or natural events. 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. Sentinel Open May 9 All other campgrounds are closed. Sequoia National Park Campground Options Potwisha Open year-round All other campgrounds are closed. Experience Wilderness Wilderness Safety NPS / NATHAN PEARSEY NPS / TIMOTHY NG NPS / ERIC VICHICH Wilderness is untrammeled, natural, and undeveloped, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are 97% designated Wilderness. Magnifcent glacial canyons, broad lake basins, lush meadows, and sheer granite peaks—hallmarks of the most rugged portion of the High Sierra—form the core of the largest expanse of contiguous wilderness in California, which is visited and valued by people from around the world. Get a wilderness permit and solitude is just a long hike away. Wilderness Permits During winter and 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 Offce Foothills Follow the path south of the visitor center to the Mineral King Wilderness Offce across the rear parking lot. Variable from 8 am to 4 pm Giant Forest Lodgepole Giant Forest Museum See visitor center hours on page 1. Grant Grove Cedar Grove Kings Canyon Visitor Center See visitor center hours on page 1. 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 ft 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 flter or treat water before drinking. Hypothermia Hypothermia can occur yearround. Stay warm and eat snacks. Symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech, and fumbling hands. If symptoms appear, drink warm sugary drinks, and get into dry clothes, sleeping bags, or shelter. Hiking at Altitude Most trails 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 ofers 52 developed campgrounds, more than 1,147 miles (1,846 km) of trails, over 314,448 acres (1,273 sq km) of wilderness, 222 miles (357 km) of Wild and Scenic Rivers, 2,617 rivers and streams, world-class whitewater rapids, 158 ponds and lakes, boating, fshing, biking, horseback riding, and more. Services and Facilities Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake District Hume Lake Ofce Open 8 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (559) 338-2251 or visit their website: www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia Montecito Sequoia Lodge (559) 565-3388 Closed for the season. When open, this lodge has cabins, a restaurant, a hotel, and Wi-Fi. Campgrounds Closed through May 15. • • • • • Big Meadows Hume Lake Landslide Princess Tenmile • • • • Stony Creek Upper Stony Creek Fir Group Cove Group Wilderness Camping Contact the Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake District Ofce listed above. Dispersed Camping Dispersed camping is available, but restrictions apply. Contact the Hume Lake Ofce of Sequoia National Forest for more information. Permits for portable stoves or fres are required and are available online at: permit.preventwildfresca.org Hume Lake Village (559) 305-7770 Gas pumps may be closed. Call ahead before traveling here. Stony Creek Lodge (559) 565-3909 Closed through May 7. When open, this area has room rentals, a market, and a gas station. Boyden Cavern Boyden Cavern is closed until April 26. Highway 180 East of Hume Lake Road Junction Walking, hiking, and biking are not allowed on closed California highways. This section of highway is scheduled to open April 25. NPS / KIEL MADDOX NPS/KIEL MADDOX National Parks vs National Forests Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Sequoia National Forest Pets Pets are not allowed on trails. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m) are allowed in parking lots, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Pets are allowed in developed areas and on trails. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m). Collect Resources Collecting objects is not allowed in parks. This includes natural objects, such as pine cones, rocks, plants, animals, and cultural artifacts such as arrowheads, beads, or pottery shards. You may keep a few cones or rocks for personal use. Collecting artifacts such as arrowheads, beads, or pottery shards is prohibited. Hunting Not in the parks. You are responsible for understanding & complying with all applicable state, local, and federal frearms laws before entering the parks. Only seasonally with a license. Call 559-243-4005 or learn more online: Not allowed. Get over-snow-vehicle (OSV) route information at USFS Hume Lake Offce in Dunlap. Wood cutting is prohibited, though campers may gather downed wood when not in sequoia groves. Allowed. Please contact the nearest Forest Service offce for guidance and a permit. Not allowed within the parks. Restrictions apply. Snowmobiling Cutting Wood Dispersed Car Camping wildlife.ca.gov/hunting 3 Grant Grove Area GRANT GROVE th ry T rai l oramic Pan No r zanita Trail Man Grant Grove Village Sunset 1 2 T ra il (Closed) 3 4 e Tr a rk Ridg rail aT a le Grant Grove Village il s Trail Quail Flat 1 North end of Generals Highway Bi Lo Park Ridge Lookout g Stu op o p Lo p m Stum p g Bi 180 180 Ge Big Stump Park Entrance 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 5 Roaring River Falls 0.3 miles 0.5 km Trailhead on Highway 180 6 Zumwalt Meadow 0.8 miles 1.3 km Trailhead on Highway 180. Distance is to meadow view. 7 Kanawyer Loop 4.5 miles (with stream crossing) 7.2 km Road’s End in Cedar Grove 8 Kings Canyon Overlook Viewpoint Kings Canyon Overlook Parking Area Giant sequoias 9 Lost Grove Viewpoint Rest area along the Generals Highway (year-round | seasonal) 3.4 miles 5.5 km Trailhead across road bridge from Lodgepole Campground parking lot Trail Stony Creek Lodge Park boundary Closed through May 7 National Park Service US Forest Service 1 Ranger recommendation GROVE (year-round | closed) National forest campground Showers (seasonal) Parking lot Laundry (seasonal) Restroom Accessible parking only Market and snacks Entrance fee station (closed for winter) (year-round | seasonal) (year-round | seasonal) (year-round | seasonal) Hiking Lodging Interpretive exhibit Book and souvenir shop ATM Wi-Fi Cross-country ski route markers Wheelchair accessible Winter recreation area Food service and drinks National Forest Winter recreation area (year-round | seasonal) 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 12 General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Sherman Tree Accessible Parking Lot, or Shuttle Stop 13 Big Trees Trail (loop) 1.2 miles 1.9 km Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot 14 Tunnel Log On roadway Along Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road Picnic area 0.5 miles 0.8 km Along Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road (year-round | seasonal) Parking area along Generals Highway Point of interest Waterfall Hospital Rock Cultural site Hospital Rock Picnic Area 18 Paradise Creek Trail (to creek crossing) 3.6 miles 2.9 km Hospital Rock Picnic Area 19 Marble Falls Trail 6.4 miles 10.3 km Potwisha Campground, near site #14 Tunnel Rock 0.1 mile 0.2 km Parking area along Generals Highway Horseback riding Visitor center Tokopah Falls Trail 17 KINGS CANYON NATIONAL MUIR PARK National park campground 10 Viewpoint Montecit Lodge Cross-country ski and snowshoe Roundtrip Distance Amphitheater Point Overlook ay Road subject to winter closure Winter recreation route Ranger Recommendation 16 Buena Vista Trail Main road | Secondary road Features 15 hw Key NATIONA L PARK NATIONA L FOREST Do not attempt when Moro Rock Trail icy or snowy (when conditions allow) Redwood Mountain Overlook g Big Stump Canyon 8 Kings Overlook Hi Hi t c h cock Meado w Ten Mile erals Gen BIG STUMP SEQUOIA GROVE 4 Landslide General Grant Tree Pa Az 20 S E Q U N A T I O F O R E Cherry Gap et Trail Suns To Fresno Hume Lake Hume Lake Village Chicago Stump it a an th Sou Boun da CLOSED to vehicles until snow melts off roadway Princess CONVERSE BASIN GROVE Man z Azalea Road Point Park Ridge Trail n se Trail t Road CLOSED at this point until at least April 25 4 ail Tr (Closed) Columbine Su Boole Tree ry l Trail rra Roa d Area Maps and Ranger R 180 Boun da Crystal Springs 2 Fire 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 (year-round | seasonal) (year-round | seasonal) Bar Post offce Gas station Tun R Scenic viewpoint Ash Mountain Entrance Station Public telephone Snowshoeing Traction device on footwear strongly recommended 198 To Three Rivers Recommended Activities K in g 5 s Can Boyden Caverns yo n B yw a y Sc e n i c 6 KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK 7 Road CLOSED to this area until at least April 25 Grizzly Falls Cedar Grove Visitor Center and Village Closed K I N G S Roads End Permit Station N C A N Y O O I A O N A L E S T Cedar Grove Pack Station Sentinel Closed through May 8 South R River Creek 7 eek h l Tra il Tra i Alt a res s ng Trail off Con gr e Cut rton Wo lve Se qu oi as Me Tr ee ad ow Tra i l L oo p berry Trail Crescent Meadow Huckleberry Meadow r Hil l Tra il er Loop Bea Crescent Meadow Parking Lot ff ra gT Lo ps Th a r w Loop ado High Me Sierra Log il 14 ut o Log C ad ow Me Roa d CLOSED to vehicles for the season. Open to skiing, snowshoes, and walking. Tharps Cresc ent Trailof Huckle Giant Forest Museum Log M ead ow Bear il Tra ow ee Tr n ashi gton W d Road Crescent Meadow Road and Moro Rock Loop To Three Rivers and Visalia. Loo p Circle Mea Trail on Tunnel s Tr Log ai Trail il ra l Tra Si High er ay Circle in gt l rai aT Alt ill So l d i ig hw he do w B il Tra Wa sh Circle Meadow H Me a nt s Old a il G e en l ra H re sc e C 20 SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK ft B Tr Rock Moro (Closed) 18 Big Trees Trail ck Beetle Rock Buckeye Flat Hospital Rock Be ars Hazelwood Nature Loop Amphitheater Point Overlook 17 Alt 13 Ro weah Tra il Ka rai aT il Tra ill rH ea Moro Rock il o l 13 15 Tunnel Log Tra res s Tra il 12 14 rail aT Alt ng Trail GIANT FOREST ss Trail ub ht at Giant Forest Museum CLOSED when snow accumulates Co Sunset Congress Trail Rimrock Rimrock General Sherman Tree ay ls Gen 11 Low er Main Parking for Sherman Tree Trail Main Sherman Tree Parking era Sunset Rock Potwisha 11 Lod gep ol e -to -S Closed for winter 19 reek General Sherman Tree hw Hig Wolverton 16 sC To Wolverton Road erm an Tree Trail Cr She ep Crystal Cave Marble Falls op To Wolverton Snowplay Area Lodgepole Big Trees Trail ng Sherman Tree 12 Accessible Parking and Trail Tokopah Falls 10 Crystal Cave Road is closed for winter. r Lo Wolverton Road, access to General Sherman Parking Lot (Closed) Sherman Tree Accessible Parking oop Ki bb Lodgepole Village Wuksachi Village rail Paradi s e Valley T per C op wy e Closed through April 17 Dorst Creek rL Giant Forest Area 9 North Hanging Rock 0 2 Kilometers 1 2 Miles Moro Ro Loop ck Ro a d Foothills Visitor Center 0 r ga Su Pine l i Tra Trail Bobca t t n oi P il Tra Sugar Pine nnel Rock Ka na 5 . ring R oa Stony Creek Upper Stony Creek Cove Group Fir Group LOST GROVE Zumwalt 6 Meadow Ka na w ye Roaring River Falls Moraine (open date TBD) (open date TBD) Generals Highway can temporarily close between Giant Forest and Grant Grove during large storm events. Muir Rock Bu Canyon View CLOSED Fork Knapp’s Cabin Viewpoint Roads End Permit Station Co KINGS (open date TBD) to Sequoia O N Y C A N K I N G S Sheep Creek Horse Camp Creek Trail ek is Mist Falls s w C o p pe r Tr Cr e ek Cre Le wi s CANYON Le Cedar Grove Visitor Center and Village CLOSED Cr e e k 180 re Granite Big Meadows Hote l C ek PA R K N AT I O N A L Cedar Grove Area Moro Rock 15 Parking Lot Climbing Moro Rock is very dangerous when icy. Do not climb if ice or snow is present Moro Rock on the stairs. 5 Keep Yourself and the Parks Safe Snow Play Safety Changing Weather When sledding: • Slide feet frst • 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 frearm 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, fght 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 favored 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 flm. Ask at the information desk for a receiver. www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm Braille Park Map Borrow a Braille version of the ofcial park map at park visitor centers. Outdoor exhibits along the Grant Tree Trail have Braille text and tactile features. Kings Canyon Visitor Center and Hospital Rock Picnic Area have tactile interpretive exhibits. Borrow a Wheelchair Borrow a manual wheelchair at Kings Canyon Visitor Center or at Giant Forest Museum. Be prepared to provide your address and phone number. Wheelchairs are for wheelchair accessible areas and trails 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 fnd a new one by searching for the location that is right for you. Exploring in the Digital Age We have an app for that! Download these apps to help plan your visit, fnd the perfect hike, or reserve a campsite. Need Wi-Fi to download? Find free public Wi-Fi at Foothills and Kings Canyon Visitor Centers. 6 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 ofine 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 monta ñas 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 da ños signifcativos 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 edifcio 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 cuand