Kings Canyon

https://www.nps.gov/seki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_Canyon_National_Park Kings Canyon National Park is a national park in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of Fresno, California. The park was established in 1940 and covers 461,901 acres. It incorporated General Grant National Park, established in 1890 to protect the General Grant Grove of giant sequoias.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Summer 2024 Trip Planner Park Maps Available on Pages 4-5 Road Conditions: (559) 565-3341, (Press 1, Then 1) Welcome to the Land of Giants Rising from 1,300 feet (396 m) to 14,494 feet (4,418 m), the highest elevation in the lower 48 states, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect a spectacular elevational range. Dramatic shifts from hot foothills to cool forests to the cold High Sierra can be found here. The extremely varied conditions in the parks make it home to a wide diversity of plants and animals. The parks encompass steep roads, trails that climb mountains, and cold rivers that plunge down from epic heights. This is not one, but two national parks— Sequoia and Kings Canyon—managed by the National Park Service as one unit. Current Conditions Look for evidence of past fires and storms. The 2021 KNP Complex Fire burned along much of the Generals Highway. Record-breaking precipitation in winter 2022-2023 fell on burned slopes that had been cleared of vegetation. The resulting mudslides caused significant damage to park highways and roads. www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Important Information Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center Crews continue to work on repairs in 2024. Road construction may cause driving delays through the summer. In addition, some roads will remain closed. Please have patience as the parks work to safely maintain roads and continue recovery from past damage. EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 Emergency calls can be made on any cellular network, even if you do not have service for regular calls. Gasoline and Charging Stations Find a Visitor Center Visitor Center Park Area Through Sept 2 Sept 3 – Oct 14 Foothills Visitor Center Foothills 8 am to 5 pm 8 am to 5 pm Giant Forest Museum Giant Forest 9 am to 6 pm 9 am to 5 pm Lodgepole Visitor Center Lodgepole 8 am to 5 pm 8 am to 5 pm Closes September 29 Kings Canyon Visitor Center Grant Grove 8 am to 5 pm 8 am to 5 pm 9 am to 5 pm 9 am to 5 pm Closes September 23 There is no gas or charging station available in the parks. Gas may be available in Sequoia National Forest. Call ahead of time to check: Hume Lake (559) 305-7770 or Stony Creek Lodge (877) 828-1440. Road Closures (subject to change) Cedar Grove Visitor Center Cedar Grove • Crystal Cave Road • Redwood Mountain Road • Middle Fork Road Vehicle Emergencies and Towing The parks do not tow or repair vehicles. If you are blocking traffic, call 911 or contact the emergency communications center at (559) 565-3341, ext. 9. Getting Around the Parks River Safety Rivers are swift and cold. Rocks are slippery. Do not leave children alone near water. Drive Distances and Times Foothills Visitor Center Foothills Visitor Center Giant Forest Museum General Sherman Tree Lodgepole Village Grant Grove Village 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 20 mi (32 km) 80 minutes 46 mi (74 km) 120 minutes 3.8 mi (6.1 km) 10 minutes 4.5 mi (7.2 km) 15 minutes 30 mi (48 km) 65 minutes 3 mi (4.8 km) 10 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes Giant Forest Museum 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes General Sherman Tree 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 3.8 mi (6.1 km) 10 minutes Lodgepole Village 20 mi (32 km) 80 minutes 4.5 mi (7.2 km) 15 minutes 3 mi (4.8 km) 10 minutes Grant Grove Village 46 mi (74 km) 120 minutes 30 mi (48 km) 65 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes 26 mi (42 km) 45 minutes 26 mi (42 km) 45 minutes Vehicle Length Restrictions and Recommendations Road Length Limit Generals Highway: Foothills Visitor Center to Potwisha Campground 24 feet1 7.3 m Generals Highway: Potwisha Campground to Giant Forest 22 feet1 6.7 m Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road 22 feet2 6.7 m Recommendation, 2Restriction (longer vehicles not allowed) 1 Table of Contents Visitor Center Hours 1 Drive Times 1 Vehicle Length Restrictions Services and Facilities 2 1 Campgrounds 2 Experience Wilderness 3 Sequoia National Forest 3 Maps 4–5 Ranger Recommendations 4–5 Safety and Regulations 6 Accessibility in the Parks 6 Información en Español 7 Information in this newspaper can change at any time. Park Areas 8 Shuttles and Parking in Giant Forest 8 Sequoia Parks Conservancy 8 National Park Service Sequoia and Kings Canyon U.S. Department of the Interior National Parks ¡Bienvenido! Solicite información impresa en español. Foothills Giant Forest Foothills Visitor Center • Park store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Picnic area nearby Giant Forest Museum • Park store (SPC) • Shuttle stop Check visitor centers for schedules. Services are subject to change based on conditions. To check for lodging availability inside the parks, call (866) 807-3598 or visit www.visitsequoia.com/lodging Bienvenue! Demandez des informations imprimées en français. Mineral King Wilkommen! Fordern Sie gedruckte Informationen in deutscher Sprache an. Lodgepol

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Spring 2024 Trip Planner Park Maps Available on Pages 4-5 Road Conditions: (559) 565-3341, (Press 1, Then 1) Welcome to the Land of Giants Rising from 1,300 feet (396 m) to 14,494 feet (4,418 m), the highest elevation in the lower 48 states, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect a spectacular elevational range. Dramatic shifts from warm foothills to cool forests to the cold High Sierra can be found here. The extremely varied conditions in the parks make it home to a wide diversity of plants and animals. The parks encompass steep roads, trails that climb mountains, and cold rivers that plunge down from epic heights. This is not one, but two national parks— Sequoia and Kings Canyon—managed by the National Park Service as one unit. Current Conditions Look for evidence of past fires and storms. The 2021 KNP Complex Fire burned along much of the Generals Highway. Record-breaking precipitation in winter 2022-2023 fell on burned slopes that had been cleared of vegetation. The resulting mudslides caused significant damage to park highways and roads. www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Important Information Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center Crews continue to work on repairs in 2024. Road construction is likely to cause driving delays through the spring. In addition, some roads are still closed for the winter season. Please have patience as the parks work to safely maintain roads and continue recovery from past damage. EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 Emergency calls can be made on any cellular network, even if you do not have service for regular calls. Gasoline and Charging Stations There is no gas or charging station available in the parks. Gas may be available in Sequoia National Forest. Call ahead of time to check: Hume Lake (559) 305-7770 or Stony Creek Lodge (877) 828-1440. Find a Visitor Center Visitor Center Park Area Until May 24 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 Road Closures (subject to change) Getting Around the Parks • Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road is closed until snow melts off • Panoramic Point Road • Highway 180 into Cedar Grove • Mineral King Road • Redwood Mountain Road • Crystal Cave Road See page 8 for Generals Highway construction information. Vehicle Emergencies and Towing The parks do not tow or repair vehicles. If you are blocking traffic, call 911 or contact the emergency communications center at (559) 565-3341, ext. 9. Drive Distances and Times Foothills Visitor Center 26 mi (42 km) or 87 mi (139 km)* Foothills Visitor Center Grant Grove Village Grant Grove Village 50 min – 120 min 26 mi (42 km) or 87 mi (139 km)* 50 min – 120 min General Sherman Tree 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes Giant Forest Museum 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes 31 mi (49 km) 65 minutes General Sherman Tree Giant Forest Museum 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes 31 mi (49 km) 65 minutes 2 mi (3.5 km) 10 minutes 2 mi (3.5 km) 10 minutes Travel times can be longer than noted in this chart due to Generals Highway construction (see page 8) or when chain requirements are in effect due to snow or ice (see page 8). * Via Routes 180, 63, 216 and 198 when Generals Highway is closed due to construction (see page 8) or snow. 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 1 Services and Facilities 2 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 Highway Construction 8 Driving in Snow 8 Sequoia Parks Conservancy 8 Experience Wilderness National Park Service Sequoia and Kings Canyon U.S. DepParks artment of the Interior National NPS / NATHAN PEARSEY Welcome! Ask for printed Wilderness Safety NPS / TIMOTHY NG NPS / ERIC VICHICH National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior information in other languages. ¡Bienvenido! Solicite información impresa en español. Bienvenue! Demandez des informations imprimées en français. Wilkommen! Fordern Sie gedruckte Informationen in deutscher Sprache an. Services and Facilities Benvenuti! Richiedi informazioni stampate in italiano. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (559) 565-3341 Mailing Address Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs 47050 Generals Highw

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Winter 220 Win 0233-22024 Triip P Tr Pllanner 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 extremely varied conditions in the parks make it home to a wide diversity of plants and animals. The parks encompass steep roads, trails that climb mountains, and cold rivers that plunge down from epic heights. This is not one, but two national parks— Sequoia and Kings Canyon—managed by the National Park Service as one unit. Current Conditions Look for evidence of past fires and storms. The 2021 KNP Complex Fire burned along much of the Generals Highway. Last winter’s record-breaking precipitation fell on burned slopes that had been cleared of vegetation. The resulting mudslides caused significant damage to park highways and roads. www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Important Information Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center Crews are working on repairs. Road construction is likely to cause driving delays through the winter. In addition, many roads are regularly closed for the winter season. Please have patience as the parks work to safely maintain roads and continue recovery from past damage. EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 Emergency calls can be made on any cellular network, even if you do not have service for regular calls. Gasoline and Charging Stations There is no gas or charging station available in the parks. Gas may be available in Sequoia National Forest. Call ahead of time to check: Hume Lake (559) 305-7770 Find a Visitor Center Visitor Center Park Area Through January 1 January 2–March 29 Foothills Visitor Center Foothills 9 am to 4:30 pm 9 am to 4:30 pm Giant Forest Museum Giant Forest 9 am to 4:30 pm 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Kings Canyon Visitor Center Grant Grove 9 am to 4:30 pm 10 am to 4 pm Road Closures (subject to change) • Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road closes when snow accumulates • Generals Highway between the parks, early January to mid-March • Panoramic Point Road • Highway 180 into Cedar Grove • Mineral King Road • Crystal Cave Road Getting Around the Parks Vehicle Emergencies and Towing The parks do not tow or repair vehicles. If you are blocking traffic, call 911 or contact the emergency communications center at (559) 565-3341, ext. 9. Drive Distances and Times Foothills Visitor Center Foothills Visitor Center Grant Grove Village General Sherman Tree Giant Forest Museum 87 mi (139 km)* 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes 120 mi (194 km)* 3 hours 10 min 118 mi (189 km)* 3 hours 2 hours Grant Grove Village 87 mi (139 km)* General Sherman Tree 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 120 mi (194 km)* 3 hours 10 min Giant Forest Museum 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes 118 mi (189 km)* 3 hours 2 hours 2 mi (3.5 km) 10 minutes 2 mi (3.5 km) 10 minutes When chain requirements are in effect due to snow or ice (see page 8), speed limits are reduced to 25 mph. Travel times can be much longer than noted in the chart. * Via Routes 180, 63, 216 and 198 when Generals Highway is closed between the parks. Vehicle Length Restrictions and Recommendations Road Length Limit Generals Highway: Foothills Visitor Center to Potwisha Campground 24 feet1 7.3 m Generals Highway: Potwisha Campground to Giant Forest 22 feet1 6.7 m Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road 22 feet2 6.7 m Recommendation, 2Restriction (longer vehicles not allowed) 1 Table of Contents Visitor Center Hours 1 Drive Times 1 Vehicle Length Restrictions Services and Facilities 2 1 Campgrounds 2 Experience Wilderness 3 Sequoia National Forest 3 Maps 4–5 Ranger Recommendations 4–5 Safety and Regulations 6 Accessibility in the Parks 6 Información en Español 7 Information in this newspaper can change at any time. Parking in Giant Forest 8 Winter Driving 8 Holiday Shuttle 8 Sequoia Parks Conservancy 8 National Park Service Sequoia and Kings Canyon U.S. DepParks rtment of the Interior National National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Welcome! Ask for printed information in other languages. ¡Bienvenido! Solicite información impresa en español. Bienvenue! Demandez des informations imprimées en français. Wilkommen! Fordern Sie gedruckte Informationen in deutscher Sprache an. Services and Facilities Benvenuti! Richiedi informazioni stampate in italiano. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (559) 565-3341 Mailing Address Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs 47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA 93271 Sequoia National Park Kings Canyon National Park Foothills Lodgepole Village Grant Grove Village Foothills Visitor Center •

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Fall 2023 Trip Planner Planner Park Maps Available on Pages 4-5 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. Diverse plants and animals living in extremely varied conditions call the parks home. The parks encompass steep roads, trails that climb mountains, and cold rivers that plunge down from epic heights. This is not one, but two national parks—Sequoia and Kings Canyon— managed by the National Park Service as one unit. Current Conditions Look for evidence of past fires and storms. The 2021 KNP Complex Fire burned along much of the Generals Highway. Last winter’s record-breaking precipitation fell on burned slopes that had been cleared of vegetation. The resulting mudslides caused significant damage to park highways and roads. www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Important Information Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center Crews are working on repairs. Road construction is likely to cause driving delays into the fall. Roads leading to Cedar Grove and Mineral King will remain closed for general traffic until 2024. Please have patience as the parks work to safely restore access to the parks. EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 Emergency calls can be made on any cellular network, even if you do not have service for regular calls. Road Conditions (559) 565-3341, (press 1, then 1) Find a Visitor Center Gasoline Visitor Center Park Area September 5 to October 9 October 10 to January 1 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 CLOSED Kings Canyon Visitor Center Grant Grove 8 am to 5 pm 9 am to 4:30 pm Gas may be available in the Sequoia National Forest. • Hume Lake (559) 305-7770 • Stony Creek Village (559) 565-3909 Road Closures (subject to change) • Highway 180 into Cedar Grove • Mineral King Road • Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road closes when snow accumulates • Crystal Cave Road Getting Around the Parks Emergency Car Repairs The parks do not tow or repair vehicles. If you are blocking traffic, call 911 or contact the emergency communications center at (559) 565-3341, ext. 9. Drive Distances and Times Grant Grove Village Grant Grove Village Lodgepole Visitor Center General Sherman Tree Giant Forest Museum 26 mi (42 km) 50 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes 31 mi (49 km) 65 minutes 3 mi (5 km) 10 minutes 5 mi (7 km) 15 minutes Lodgepole Visitor Center 26 mi (42 km) 50 minutes General Sherman Tree 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes 3 mi (5 km) 10 minutes Giant Forest Museum 31 mi (49 km) 65 minutes 5 mi (7 km) 15 minutes 4 mi (6 km) 15 minutes Foothills Visitor Center Vehicle Length Restrictions and Recommendations 46 mi (74 km) Allow for 170 minutes due to construction 20 mi (32 km) Allow for 100 minutes due to construction 20 mi (32 km) Allow for 100 minutes due to construction 16 mi (26 km) Allow for 90 minutes due to 4 mi (6 km) 15 minutes construction 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 1 Facilities and Services 2 Campgrounds 2 Explore Wilderness 3 Sequoia National Forest Maps 4 and 5 3 Ranger Recommendations 4 and 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 Snowy Conditions 8 Holiday Shuttle 8 Sequoia Parks Conservancy 8 National Park Service Sequoia and Kings Canyon U.S. Department of the Interior National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Welcome! Ask for printed information in other languages. ¡Bienvenido! Solicite información impresa en español. Bienvenue! Demandez des informations imprimées en français. Wilkommen! Fordern Sie gedruckte Informationen in deutscher Sprache an. Services and Facilities Benvenuti! Richiedi informazioni stampate in italiano. Sequoia National Park Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (559) 565-3341 Mailing Address Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs 47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA 93271 NPS / BRITTANY BURNETT Kings Canyon National Park Foothills Lodgepole Village Grant Grove Village Foothills Visitor Center • Park Store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Picnic area nearby Lodgepole Visitor Center CLOSED after October 9 • Park

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Trip Planner Fall 2019 Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument Sequoia Parks Conservancy Our Changing Parks As you travel through the parks, you may notice standing dead trees, or recently cut tree stumps and logs. Many trees of difering species and sizes died during our recent drought. While droughts are a natural part of our climate, the recent drought was made worse by rising temperatures due in part to greenhouse gas emissions. Giant sequoias were also afected and sufered from unprecedented beetle attacks. We are working with USGS and other researchers to learn more about beetle infestations and other threats. Other, less noticeable changes are also occurring. For example, over 200 species of California birds now nest earlier each spring. Research suggests that these species are avoiding warming temperatures, which disrupts their natural (established) nesting patterns. These changes, both seen and unseen, surprise us, and make us In This Issue General Information............ 2 uneasy about what the future holds for our national parks. on sensitive species like sequoias and bighorn sheep. Recent studies suggest that our most treasured places, national parks, are also among the most vulnerable to warming temperatures. Because national parks protect large mountain ranges, expansive deserts, and other sensitive natural habitats, future temperature and rainfall changes in parks will have a greater impact than in other parts of the United States. Given the elevated risks to our parks, we are working with researchers to study possible impacts of climate change We are already seeing the efects of climate change in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and it concerns us. But it is not too late for each of us to make a positive diference. What are ways you can think of to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during your visit here, and when you return back home? Show your passion for these parks by joining us in the movement to protect them so that giant sequoias will be here for generations to come. FAQ ...................................... 2 Activities .............................. 3 Camping .......................... 4–5 Bear safety ........................... 5 Food Storage ....................... 5 Foothills................................ 6 Mineral King ........................ 6 Giant Forest & Lodgepole ... 7 Grant Grove ......................... 8 Cedar Grove ......................... 8 Wilderness Trips................... 9 U.S. Forest Service................ 9 Nature & Ecosystems ......... 11 Fire ..................................... 11 Getting Around ................. 12 Shuttles ................................ 7 Researchers monitor the response of mature giant sequoias to severe drought by measuring water content in the needles at the top of the tree. Photo © Wendy Baxter. Vehicle Length Limits ........ 12 2 General Information Contacts Frequently Asked Questions Accessibility Cell Service Pets Assistive Equipment & Technologies Cell service is extremely limited here, and mainly is available for some networks near entrance stations. Pets are not permitted on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times, or appropriately crated or caged. Pets cannot be left tied and unattended at any time. The leash must be less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. We are committed to a continuing effort to improve the accessibility of our trails and facilities so they can be enjoyed by all. If you have questions or suggestions about accessibility, please email us at SEKI_Information@nps.gov or call us at (559) 565-3341. EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 No coins are needed in payphones for 911 calls. Sequoia & Kings Canyon (NPS) 559-565-3341 (24 hour): Recorded information is available for road conditions, weather, current fires, camping, lodging, wilderness, and more. Drones Unmanned aircraft are not allowed in these parks. This includes drones and other remotely piloted vehicles. Marijuana GPS GPS programs often misdirect travellers here. Use maps and signs, or ask for directions. Web & Social Media www.nps.gov/seki @SequoiaKingsNPS @SequoiaKingsNPS @SequoiaKingsNPS Sequoia National Forest/Monument (USFS) 559-338-2251, fs.usda.gov/sequoia Yosemite National Park (NPS) 209-372-0200, nps.gov/yose Possession or use of marijuana and other controlled substances inside the national parks is prohibited. While California law provides for limited possession and use of marijuana, it remains an illegal drug under federal law, which is enforced within the parks. Firearms in these National Parks People who can legally possess firearms under federal, California, and local laws may possess firearms here. You are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable California, local, and federal firearms laws. Discharge of firearms in the parks is prohibited. Dr