• Giant Sequoia Trees

    Sequoia & Kings Canyon

    National Parks California

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • Changes to Some Opening/Closing Dates for Services and Facilities – Check Back for Updates

    Some of the opening/closing dates for facilities and visitor services in the parks have changed due to weather and/or other circumstances. See link for details and match to locations on the park map (under "Park Tools," bottom left, this page). More »

  • Road Conditions (Entire Park) and Road Construction Delays (if Entering/Exiting Hwy. 198)

    Expect 20-minute to 1-hour construction delays on main road through parks (Generals Hwy) until Memorial Day weekend (7 a.m.-6 p.m.). See link for schedule. Call for 24-hour road conditions info: 559-565-3341 (press 1, 1, 1). More »

  • Vehicle Length Limits Have Changed in Sequoia NP (if Entering/Exiting Hwy 198)

    Planning to see the "Big Trees" in Sequoia National Park? If you enter/exit via Hwy. 198, please pay close attention to new vehicle length advisories for your safety and the safety of others. More »

  • You May Have Trouble Calling Us. Use the "Contact Us" Link (Bottom Left) to Send an E-mail.

    We are experiencing technical problems receiving some incoming phone calls at the parks. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please keep trying to reach us or check this website for frequently-asked questions. The search box (top, right) may be helpful.

Bears and Food Storage

Please read important park alerts by clicking the red tab above before you come to the parks.

Bear Habitat means Food Storage is Required!

What must be stored?
All food and anything with a scent (even if you don't consider it food) must be stored. This includes garbage, recyclables, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, first-aid kits, baby wipes, lotion, hairspray, scented tissue, air freshener, pet food, insect repellent, tobacco products, baby car-seats, and window cleaner. Bears recognize ice chests, cans, bottles, and grocery bags, so store them also.

How to Store Items Properly

Use the metal storage boxes provided in much of the park.

  • Shop and pack for your visit so that everything will fit in the boxes (most are 44-3/4"x34"x27-3/4") and is easy to store upon arrival.
  • All items should be put in the box before setting up camp.
  • Seal foods in containers to minimize smells.
  • Remove baby carseats from vehicles when parked overnight.
  • When storage boxes are not available, put all food and related supplies, including ice chests, in vehicle trunk with food sealed in air-tight containers.
  • In vehicles without trunks, all food and related supplies, including ice chests, must be stored out of sight. Cover them completely to hide them from view.

In Picnic Areas
Store all food and related supplies properly, including ice chests. Never leave food unattended. Dispose of all garbage properly.

In Campgrounds
Store all food and related supplies in the metal storage boxes. Only when camping where there are no metal boxes, store food and related supplies out of sight inside a vehicle.

Never leave camp unattended if food is not stored. Store food day and night. Take infant carseats out of vehicles when parked overnight. Bears may enter campsites during the day, even if people are there. Keep a clean camp. Put trash in bear-resistant cans and dumpsters regularly.

While Day-Hiking
Properly store all food and related supplies left at the trailhead, including ice chests. Don't leave your backpack and walk off to take a photograph. Bears know packs are a source of food.

When Backpacking
What should I do with my food when out overnight? more...

Lodging
Store all food and related supplies indoors. Put all garbage in bear-resistant cans and dumpsters. Take infant carseats out of vehicles when parked overnight.

When You See a Bear
Never approach any bear, regardless of its size. Click here to learn more about what to do if you encounter a bear.

Report incidents and sightings to a ranger. Note: These regulations and precautions help decrease the chance of personal injury or property damage. However, bear damage and confrontations are still possible, even when all guidelines are followed.

  • Nature and Science Nature and Science

    Learn more about the parks' unique treasures. Read More

  • Wildlife Watching Wildlife Watching

    Discover the abundant and diverse wildlife of these parks! Read More

  • Junior Ranger Program Junior Ranger Program

    Kids of any age can participate. Read More

  • Your Safety Your Safety

    Know park hazards and what to do if you encounter them. Read More

Did You Know?

Yellow Star thistle

The yellow star thistle is one of many invasive and damaging non-native plants threatening the parks. It quickly takes over areas, displacing native plants and the native animals that rely on them. Please avoid bringing seeds and non-native plant materials into the parks. More...