Spring 2026

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior NPS / ALISON TAGGART-BARONE Spring 2026 Trip Planner Park Maps Available on Pages 4-5 Road Conditions: (559) 565-3341, (Press 1, Then 1) Important Information Current Conditions go.nps.gov/SEKIconditions Free Public Wi-Fi Road Closures (subject to change) River Safety Foothills Visitor Center Lodgepole Market Kings Canyon Visitor Center Drowning is the primary cause of death in the parks. Rocks near rivers are slippery. River waters are cold and currents are swift. Do not leave children unattended anywhere near rivers. Emergency calls can be made on any cellular network, even if you do not have service for regular calls. • Crescent Meadow / Moro Rock Roads • Crystal Cave Road • Highway 180 to Cedar Grove (opens late April) • Middle Fork Road • Mineral King Road • Panoramic Point Road • Redwood Canyon Road Gasoline and Charging Stations Vehicle Emergencies and Towing There are no gas or charging stations available in the parks. Gas may be available in Sequoia National Forest. Call ahead to check the current status: Hume Lake (559) 305-7770. 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. When chain requirements are in effect due to snow or ice, speed limits are reduced to 25 mph (see page 8). If Generals Highway between the parks is closed, add 2 hours to drive times between Grant Grove and locations in Giant Forest. EMERGENCY—DIAL 911 Welcome to the Land of Giants Find a Visitor Center Visitor Center Park Area Open Hours Foothills Visitor Center Foothills 9 am to 4:30 pm Giant Forest Museum Giant Forest 9 am to 4:30 pm Kings Canyon Visitor Center Grant Grove 9 am to 4:30 pm Getting Around the Parks Drive Distances and Times Foothills Visitor Center Foothills Visitor Center Giant Forest Museum General Sherman Tree Grant Grove Village Cedar Grove Village 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 48 mi (74 km) 120 minute 75 mi (120 km) 180 minutes 3.8 mi (6.1 km) 10 minutes 30 mi (48 km) 65 minutes 60 mi (97 km) 120 minutes 28 mi (45 km) 60 minute 57 mi (92 km) 115 minutes Giant Forest Museum 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes General Sherman Tree 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 3.8 mi (6.1 km) 10 minutes Grant Grove Village 48 mi (74 km) 120 minutes 30 mi (48 km) 65 minutes 28 mi (45 km) 60 minutes Cedar Grove Village 75 mi (120 km) 180 minutes 60 mi (97 km) 120 minutes 57 mi (92 km) 115 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes Vehicle Length Restrictions and Recommendations Road Length Limit Generals Highway: Foothills Visitor Center to Potwisha Campground 24 feet1 (7.3 m) Generals Highway: Potwisha Campground to Giant Forest 22 feet1 (6.7 m) Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road Mountain Storms Can Lead to Longer Travel Times 22 feet2 (6.7 m) This is not one, but two national parks— Sequoia and Kings Canyon—managed by the National Park Service as one unit. 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 range of elevations. The parks encompass steep roads, trails that climb mountains, and cold rivers that plunge down from epic heights. There are dramatic shifts from warm foothills to cool forests to the cold High Sierra. This large variety of habitats leads to the wide diversity of plants and animals that live here. Visiting giant sequoia groves in spring can be a snowy experience or a warm adventure. 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. Look for evidence of past fires and storms. The 2021 KNP Complex Fire burned along much of the Generals Highway. Recordbreaking precipitation in the winter of 20222023 fell on burned slopes that had been cleared of vegetation. The resulting mudslides caused significant damage to park highways and roads. Together, these impacts how fire and climate continue to shape this landscape. 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 Driving In Snow 8 Map of Park Areas 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! Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Information (559) 565-3341 Mailing Address Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs 47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA 93271 Services and Facilities Sequoia National Park Foothills Wuksachi Lodgepole 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 Village Market & Grill • Market Through May 8: 9 am–6 pm After May 8: 8 am–9 pm • Lodgepole Grill (expected to open by May 9): 8 am–7 pm • Laundry & showers Through May 8: 9 am–6 pm After May 8: 8 am–9 pm E-mail seki_information@nps.gov Giant Forest Web nps.gov/seki Giant Forest Museum • See visitor center hours on page 1 • Park Store (SPC) • Self-issue wilderness permits Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Lodgepole Village Market Kings Canyon Visitor Center @sequoiakingsnps Wuksachi Lodge’s Peaks Restaurant & Pizza Kitchen • Open to the public • Breakfast: 7 am–10 am • Pizza Deck: 11 am–8 pm • Lunch: 11:30 am–5 pm • Dinner: 5 pm–10 pm • Bar open for lunch & dinner Check Visitor Centers for Ranger-led Programs To check for lodging availability, call (866) 807-3598 or visit www.visitsequoia.com/lodging Emergency—Dial 911 All services are subject to change based on conditions SPC = Sequoia Parks Conservancy 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 7-day Passes For US Residents Single Vehicle....................... $35 Motorcycle (covers 1 or 2 cycles) .... $30 Individual ............................. $20 Kings Canyon National Park Cedar Grove Village Grant Grove Village Kings Canyon Visitor Center • See Visitor Center hours on page 1 • Park Store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Self-issue wilderness permits Grant Grove Restaurant • Breakfast: 7 am–10 am • Lunch: 11:30 am–3 pm • Dinner: 4 pm–8 pm John Muir Lodge Lobby open 24 hours Village Shops • Market: 9 am–5 pm • Gift shop: hours vary Beginning May 8: 10 am–7 pm • Post office: weekdays, 9 am–12 noon and 1 pm–4 pm Cabin Rentals Available after April 10. Call (866) 807-3598 or check at John Muir Lodge for availability (access only to Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs) US Resident 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 Reservations are required except for Azalea Campground, which through May 5 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 Other US Resident Passes Honored $32 per night Golden Age, Golden Access, Volunteer, and 4th Grade (Every Kid Outdoors) Camping Information Single Vehicle: $35 +$100/non-resident Motorcycle: $30 +$100/non-resident Individual: $100/non-resident (per person fee is charged for each non-resident visitor 16 years or older) Non-Resident Annual Pass Annual Pass ....................... $250 (for any non-resident 16 years or older) 2 Camping (for US residents with permanent disabilities) Non-Resident 7-day Passes and Per-person Fees CLOSED through at least May 20 Cedar Grove Lodge, Market, and Grill • Lodge lobby & Market: 7 am–9 pm • Grill/snack bar: Breakfast: 7 am–10 am Lunch: 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner: 4 pm–9 pm • Laundry & showers: 7 am–8 pm To check for lodging availability, call (866) 807-3598 or visit www.visitsequoia.com/lodging SPC = Sequoia Parks Conservancy Sequoia and Kings Canyon Pass (US Residents Only) Annual Pass ......................... $70 Cedar Grove Visitor Center Expected to open May 15 Pay your entrance fee at park entrance stations. Annual and lifetime passes cover this fee.Pass and photo ID are required for access. go.nps.gov/sekifees Park Fees and Passes Kings Canyon National Park Campground Options Campground 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 Propane and Fuel Canisters Please recycle fuel canisters at home. Quiet Hours Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am. Generator use is further restricted based on each campground’s rules. Roadside Camping Roadside camping is not permitted in the parks. Camp only in designated campground sites. Dump Stations Potwisha Campground only No Shows Sites that remain vacant by noon on the second day of a reservation may be released for new reservations. Through May 5: 20 first-come, first-served sites. Campsites are not cleared of snow. Starting May 6: Reservation only 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. Sheep Creek Toilets Open campgrounds have flush toilets. Campfires Campfires must be out cold before you leave your campsite. Azalea Status Open May 6 All other campgrounds are closed. 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 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 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 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 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 Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake District Hume Lake Office Open 8 am–4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (559) 338-2251 or visit Montecito Sequoia Lodge (559) 565-3388 Closed through May 22 When open, this lodge has cabins, a restaurant, a hotel, and Wi-Fi. www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia Hume Lake Village (559) 305-7770 Gas pumps may be closed. Call ahead before traveling here. Campgrounds Closed through May 7 • • • • • 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 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 through May 6 When open, this area has room rentals, a market, and a gas station. Boyden Cavern Closed through at least April 24 Boyden Cavern is operated as a National Forest concession. Tours of Boyden Cavern are only available for a fee. Advance reservations recommended at: 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 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: 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 boydencavern.com Cutting Wood Dispersed Car Camping wildlife.ca.gov/hunting 3 Area Maps and Ranger Grant Grove Area GRANT GROVE Grant Grove Village and Kings Canyon Visitor Center ra il Pa 180 Canyon 8 Kings Overlook ry T rai l O C AL I F R N IA 180 North end of Generals Highway 1 Bi Big Stump Entrance Station g Stu LLoo oopp o p Lo p m Big S tu mp Park Ridge Lookout O C AL I F R N IA n Ge Big Stump Park Entrance 180 ls Highw era a Redwood Mountain Overlook hw g Big Stump Hi Hi t c h cock Meado w Quail Flat erals Gen BIG STUMP To Fresno SEQUOIA GROVE Buena Vista Trail Cross-country ski and snowshoe Starting Point Trail 1 Big Stump Loop 1.6 mile 2.6 km Big Stump Picnic Area Park boundary 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 Overflow Parking Lot Panoramic Point Trail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Panoramic Point Parking Lot 5 Roaring River Falls 0.4 miles 0.6 km Trailhead on Highway 180 National forest campground 6 Zumwalt Meadow 0.8 miles 1.3 km Trailhead on Highway 180. Distance is to meadow view. Parking lot 7 Sheep Creek Cascade 2.0 miles 3.2 km Cedar Grove Visitor Center Parking Lot (year-round | seasonal) 8 Kings Canyon Overlook Viewpoint Kings Canyon Overlook Parking Area 9 Lost Grove Viewpoint Rest area along Generals Highway 10 Tokopah Falls Trail 3.8 miles 6.1 km Trailhead across road bridge from Lodgepole Campground parking lot National Park Service US Forest Service 1 Ranger recommendation KINGS CANYON NATIONAL MUIR PARK GROVE (closed through May 7) Restroom Wilderness permit stati Market and snacks Showers (seasonal) Giant sequoias Laundry (seasonal) Visitor center Accessible parking only Lodging Entrance station (fee) Book and souvenir shop Hiking Wi-Fi Interpretive exhibit Wheelchair accessible ATM Food service and drinks (year-round | seasonal) Cross-country ski route markers Bar Winter recreation area Post office National Forest Winter recreation area (year-round | seasonal) (year-round | seasonal) (year-round | seasonal) (year-round | seasonal) 2.7 miles 4.3 km Sherman Tree Parking Lot or Shuttle Stop 11 General Sherman Tree Trail 1.0 miles 1.6 km Sherman Tree Parking Lot or Shuttle Stop 12 General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail 0.4 miles 0.6 km Sherman Tree Accessible Parking Lot, or Shuttle Stop Big Trees Trail (loop) 1.1 miles 1.8 km Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot Tunnel Log 3.2 miles 5.2 km Giant Forest Museum Picnic area 0.4 miles* 0.6 km Giant Forest Museum *plus 3.2mi (5.2km) road walk Gas station 16 Amphitheater Point Overlook Viewpoint Parking area along Generals Highway 17 Hospital Rock Cultural site Hospital Rock Picnic Area Waterfall 18 Paradise Creek Trail (to creek crossing) 3.6 miles 2.9 km Hospital Rock Picnic Area, trail starts near Buckeye Flat site 18 Public payphone/Emergency phone 19 Marble Falls Trail 6.2 miles 10.0 km Potwisha Campground, near site #14 Snowshoeing 20 Tunnel Rock 0.1 mile 0.2 km Parking area along Generals Highway 15 Closed through May 6 (year-round | closed) Congress Trail (loop) Do not attempt when Moro Rock Trail icy or snowy Stony Creek Lodge National park campground 11 (requires road walk) Closed th Road subject to winter closure Winter recreation route NATIONA L PARK NATIONA L FOREST Roundtrip Distance 14 Monteci Main road | Secondary road Ranger Recommendation 13 ay Key y To Sequoia National Park and Hwy 198 Features Area not accessible until April 25 at earliest National Forest campgrounds are closed for the winter season until May 8. General Grant S e qu o i a Na tiona l F o r es tTree / Gia nt Seq u o i a Grant Grove Village Na tio n al M onumen t s Trail Trail ea il al Az Ten Mile e Tr a rk Ridg et Trail Suns 4 S E Q U N A T I O F O R Landslide T th Sou Boun da Hume Lake Village Cherry Gap zanita Trail Man (Closed) Hume Lake it a an Roa d CLOSED to vehicles until snow melts off roadway Princess Man z Fire Azalea Road Point oramic Pan th Nor Columbine Su n se Trail t (Closed) CONVERSE BASIN Chicago GROVE Stump Park Ridge Trail Crystal Springs Sunset Road CLOSED at this point until at least April 24 ail Tr 2 O C AL I F R N IA 180 ry 180 l Trail rra p Boole Tree 4 Boun da O C AL I F R N IA Co General Grant Tree Panoramic Point NAT ION AL FOR EST NAT ION AL PAR K rt h No 3 Loo To Hume Lake 9 mi (14.4 km) (year-round | seasonal) Tun R Scenic viewpoint Point of interest Ash Mountain Entrance Station O C ALI F R N IA 198 Traction device on footwear strongly recommended To Three Rivers 4 198 Three Rivers Cedar Grove Recommended Activities is Sentinel River Creek Zumwalt wy e erm an Tree Trail h Trail Rimrock Tra il Alt a Trail off Cut rton Wo lve oi Loo p as f Me Tr ad ow Tra i l oo p L Bear Roa d Crescent Meadow l Tra il er ff ra gT Lo ps Th a r w Loop o d a High Me Sierra Log Tunnel s Tr Log ai Trail il High Si er ra l Tra r ga Su 15 Parking Lot Moro Rock Bobca t t in Po il Tra Sugar Pine d Moro Loop ck Ro a Ro Pine l i Tra Trail Climbing Moro Rock is very dangerous when icy. Do not climb if ice or snow Mineral King is present on the stairs. Ranger Station Moro Rock 5 Se as oi qu il 14 r Hil Crescent Meadow Road and Moro Rock Loop Crescent Meadow Parking Lot ut o Log C Loop Bea Tharps Cresc ent e Trail Trailof th berry Log M ead ow Huckle Giant Forest Museum ad ow Me ow il Tra d ee Tr n ashi gton W ay qu o on ee Huckleberry Meadow To Visalia and Three Rivers Se Tra i l il Tra Circle ub ht at in gt l ig hw he do w B Road So l d i 2 Miles rai aT Alt ill Me a nt a il 1 Circle Meadow il Tra ill rH ea Old re sc e C er 2023) 0 2 Kilometers il Tra H Hanging Rock Foothills Visitor Center 0 Wa sh CLOSED to vehicles for the season. Open to skiing, snowshoes, and walking. North ft B Tr Rock Moro um m s r ed os ne Beetle Rock e Roa d (C l Ge s al H il o Circle Mea Be ars Big Trees Trail ck Trail Low er Sunset Ro weah Tra il Ka a Alt 13 tal C av 20 SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK 18 Tra res s Tra il Hazelwood Nature Loop (Closed) Hospital Rock rail aT Alt ng Buckeye Flat 17 Trail General Sherman Tree Potwisha ss Co Congress Trail GIANT FOREST P l Tra i res s ng Rimrock Crys 19 16 ls Gen Main Parking for Sherman Tree Trail Amphitheater Point Overlook CLOSES temporarily if snow accumulates era Sunset Rock Giant Forest Museum Marble Falls ay hw Hig Wolverton Tunnel Log Moro Rock Main Sherman Tree Parking General Sherman Tree Con gr e Crystal Cave reek 11 Lod gep ol e -to -S 12 Tokopah Falls Closed for winter Crystal Cave Road is closed for the season sC To Wolverton Road Accessible Sherman Tree Parking and Trail Lodgepole Big Trees Trail op To Wolverton Snowplay Area Wolverton Road, access to General Sherman Parking Lot 10 y r Lo Giant Forest Area (Closed) Sherman Tree Accessible Parking ng 5 Lodgepole Village Wuksachi Village oop Ki bb She ep Dorst Creek rL Roaring River Falls R Cr 9 Ka na 6 Meadow eek LOST GROVE Ka na w ye Muir Rock Bu Generals Highway can temporarily close between Giant Forest and Grant Grove during large storm events. South . ring R oa Stony Creek Upper Stony Creek Cove Group Fir Group e Viewpoint CLOSED Fork Knapp’s Cabin KINGS CANYON Canyon il Tra C ecil View Don Sheep NATIONAL Moraine 7 Creek Cascade PARK Road’s End Permit Station Co KINGS Opens May 6 hrough May 22 O N Y C A N K I N G S Mist Falls rail Paradi s e Valley T ek Cre w per Hote l C Tr Cr e ek s Le Cedar Grove Village Opens May 15 Sheep Creek ito Sequoia Lodge nnel Rock ek PA R K 180 Horse Camp ion CANYON O C AL I F R N IA re Cr e e k 180 Big Meadows Cedar Grove Area Granite S NG Road’s End Permit Station Opens May 15 K I N G N S C A N Y O N AT I O N A L U O I A O N A L E S T KI Cedar Grove Village s Grizzly Falls C op B yw a y Sc e n i c Creek Trail yo n PARK Boyden Cavern KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK C o p pe r Can wi s Le K in g see Cedar Grove Area inset map 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 rain jacket, 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. Rocks near rivers are slippery. Most drowning victims did not intend to swim. Currents are strong, fast, and very cold. Do not leave children unattended anywhere near a river edge. 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. go.nps.gov/SEKI-accessibility 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 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 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 altura