• Giant Sequoia Trees

    Sequoia & Kings Canyon

    National Parks California

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Parks Institute Stage 1 Fire Restrictions June 1, 2013

    Due to high fire danger, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are instituting fire restrictions inside the parks. More »

  • Road Construction Delays (if Entering/Exiting Hwy. 198)

    Expect minimal construction delays on main road through parks (Generals Hwy) through June 2013 on weekdays generally from 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 »

  • Some Opening/Closing Dates for Services and Facilities May Change – Check Back for Updates

    Some opening/closing dates for facilities and visitor services in the parks may change due to weather or other circumstances. Call 559-565-3341 or send us an email using the "Contact Us" link below the main menu (bottom left, this page).

  • 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.

Rivers

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

 
The South Fork of the Kings River flows peacefully by Zumwalt Meadow while a group of hikers stroll by
The South Fork of the Kings River in the Kings Canyon.
 

Wading & swimming
All rivers in Sequoia and Kings Canyon are potentially dangerous and require great care. The most dangerous times are during spring and early summer when melting snow from the mountains makes river waters swift, icy cold, and extremely hazardous.

Drowning is the number-one cause of death in the parks. Many victims were not intending to swim, but fell in. River rocks are slippery. Cold water quickly saps your strength. Amazingly strong currents make it hard to stay on your feet. Once you have fallen in a river, it may be nearly impossible to get back out.

Fishing
Fishing is permitted during the season; a California fishing license is required for ages 16 & up. Get copies of park-specific regulations at any visitor center or see (PDF, JPEG).

River closures
The South Fork of the Kings River is closed to all watercraft from the confluence of Bubbs Creek to the Kings Canyon National Park border.

River travel
Boating the rivers in these parks is extremely hazardous. Kayaking is popular on some rivers in the parks, but involves high risk and requires advanced skills. There are no beginner kayaking rivers in the parks. Motorized crafts are not permitted.

The Kaweah River offers a number of challenging runs. The Middle Fork of the Kaweah River has Class IV conditions, appropriate only for expert kayakers.

Getting to some stretches of river in the parks involves difficult wilderness travel. All those using rivers in the parks are subject to park regulations governing wilderness travel (see below).

Be sure to have sufficient information, expertise, and appropriate, reliable equipment before venturing forth on these beautiful, very wild rivers.

If your river trip includes an overnight stay
Wilderness permits are always required for all overnight travel. From Memorial Day weekend to late September, quotas limit the number of people allowed to begin trips each day on each trail. A $15 wilderness-camping fee must be paid with each permit during this time. Reservations are recommended. Click for more information about wilderness permits.

  • Wilderness Information Wilderness Information

    Plan a trip into the parks' spectacular wilderness. Read More

  • Park Newspaper Park Newspaper

    View the latest issue for lots of helpful planning information. Read More

  • Your Safety Your Safety

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

  • Current Conditions Current Conditions

    Details on current conditions Read More

Did You Know?

Black bear.

Not all American black bears are black! Colors also include chocolate, brown, cinnamon, and even blonde. When you see a brown-colored bear in Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks, you are seeing a black bear, not a grizzly. Although a grizzly is on the state flag, none remain in the wilds of California.