Extreme elevation changes over short distances mean park roads are steep, narrow, and winding — but filled with breathtaking vistas. So take your time! A few rules of the road greatly increase your chances of a safe and enjoyable drive.

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.

LET OTHERS PASS — Slower vehicles MUST use paved turnouts to let traffic pass.

PREVENT CAR FIRES — Hot brakes and mufflers start fires in dry grass. Don't stop in grassy areas. Use paved turnouts only.

MAXIMUM VEHICLE LENGTH LIMIT — The 16 miles of road from Ash Mountain in Sequoia National Park to the Giant Forest includes 130 curves and 12 switchbacks. In Sequoia National Park, the Generals Highway from Hospital Rock Picnic Area to Giant Forest Museum is closed to vehicles longer than 22 feet (6.7 m) through May 2012 due to a steep, narrow, one-lane construction zone. For vehicles towing trailers - the combined length must be less than 22 feet. If you are towing a smaller vehicle, consider camping in the foothills and using the smaller car to explore the parks.

AN ALTERNATE ROUTE: For vehicles longer than 22 feet -  take Highway 180 from Fresno to the Big Stump Entrance in Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park. Turn south on the Generals Highway to visit Sequoia National Park. Be sure to turn around at the Giant Forest Museum and exit the park at Hwy 180 to avoid the 22 foot vehicle length limit in the construction zone.

Find road construction updates on our News Releases page. Use this information to plan your visit carefully to maximize your fun and minimize your waiting time.

MOTORCYCLES — Slow down and drive carefully through construction zones where loose materials can be slippery and hazardous. Avoid the oil buildup in the middle of uphill lanes.

STAY ON PAVEMENT — Park and travel on pavement only.

GAS UP OUTSIDE THE PARKS — Gasoline is not sold within park boundaries. Be sure to fill up in one of the towns near the park entrance OR at one of three locations in the national forest bordering part of the park: year-round at Hume Lake (near Grant Grove), and late spring into fall at Stony Creek (between Giant Forest and Grant Grove) or Kings Canyon Lodge (between Grant Grove and Cedar Grove).

BICYCLES — Ride only on roads (not trails), single file with traffic, and wear light colors after dark. People under 18 must wear a helmet.

CELL PHONES — Service is poor to non-existent because of the great distance to cell towers and the rugged terrain. Note where pay phones are available or ask a ranger.

MORE INFORMATION — Call the park for the latest on road conditions: 1-559-565-3341, then press 9 and then 4.