• Giant Sequoia Trees

    Sequoia & Kings Canyon

    National Parks California

  • Road Construction Delays in Sequoia NP through Mid-Aug. (if entering/exiting via Hwy. 198)

    Expect 20-minute to 1-hour delays on weekdays and 20-minute delays on weekends along main road through parks. Weeknight closures with one pass through the construction zone at 11:30 p.m. See link to schedule and map or call 559-565-3341 (press 1, 1, 1,). More »

  • 22-foot Vehicle Length Limit in Sequoia National Park

    Planning to see the "Big Trees" in Sequoia National Park? If you enter/exit via Hwy. 198, all vehicles must be less than 22 feet in length. Even vehicles towing trailers must be less than 22 feet in combined length. Longer vehicles must enter at Hwy. 180. More »

  • Road Conditions in the Parks

    For the latest road and weather conditions, call 559-565-3341 (press 1, 1, 1) More »

Driving Mountain Roads

Highway 180 to Kings Canyon
Highway 180 to Kings Canyon Lodge
NPS Photo
 

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

Plan for road construction delays in Sequoia National Park. See construction schedule and map of location.

Driving Within the Parks
Elevations within the Parks range from 1,370 feet to 14,494 feet. Extreme elevation changes over short distances means park roads are steep, narrow, and winding. Winter conditions may exist at higher elevations between November and June; roads may close for plowing and chains may be required at any time.

 

 
Downshift

Downshift
When going downhill, put the gearshift in 1, 2, or L. The engine gets louder as it slows you down, but it will save your brakes from burning out. Frequent braking can overheat brakes, causing them to fail.

 
Use turnouts

Use turnouts
If you are driving slowly or are stopping to view the scenery, drive into the paved turnout areas and let vehicles pass. The delay of five or more vehicles is prohibited by California state law. Be sure to use paved turnouts only as hot brakes and mufflers can start fires in dry grass.

 
Deer crossing

Watch for wildlife
In the parks, wildlife has the right of way. Curves and switchbacks can mean surprise wildlife encounters. Please drive slowly and cautiously and use paved turnouts to view wildlife.

 
No gasoline

No gas in the Parks
Gasoline is not sold within park boundaries. Gasoline is available at three locations within the surrounding Sequoia National Forest at Hume Lake, Stony Creek and Kings Canyon Lodge.

Did You Know?

Map of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

When first set aside, what is now Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks were less than one-ninth of their present size. Over the last century, Congress has made seven major additions to the parks — the last being the Mineral King area in 1978.