When you visit this area, you pass through lands that may have different rules, because they are managed by two different agencies - the National Park Service (NPS) and the US Forest Service (USFS). Driving between Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park and Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park, you pass through Sequoia National Forest. The same is true when you drive from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove.

Some activities may be illegal in the Park but legal in the Forest, so keep track of where you are. See a map and check the following guidelines. WHERE CAN I...

• WALK A PET? In Parks: Not on trails but it’s ok in developed areas ( picnic areas, campgrounds, roads). In National Forest: Pets can go on trails. In both areas: Pets must be on a leash less than 6 feet (1.8m) long. Don’t leave pets in hot cars.

• COLLECT THINGS? Not in Parks: Leave everything to play its natural role in the ecosystem. In National Forest: Gathering a few cones or rocks for personal use is permitted. In both areas: Archeological sites & artifacts are protected by law.

• HAVE A FIRE? In Parks: Only in fire grills in campgrounds & some picnic areas. In National Forest: Fire permits are required outside picnic area grills & campgrounds. Get one at Grant Grove Visitor Center or the USFS Hume Lake office in Dunlap on Hwy 180 (559-338-2251).

• GO FISHING? In both areas: Permitted during the season; a California fishing license is required for ages 16 & up. Get copies of park-specific regulations at any visitor center.

• FEED WILDLIFE? Not in either area! Animals become unnaturally dependent. Some can be dangerous and may have to be killed. Some can carry disease. Roadside beggars get hit by cars.

• CUT WOOD? Not in the Parks. In National Forest: Call Hume Lake Ranger District for permit & guidelines: 559-338-2251.

• RIDE A BICYCLE? In Parks: Keep bikes on roads only, not on any trail. In National Forest: Ask a ranger which trails permit bicycles. In both areas: Be careful & courteous near pedestrians & horses. People under 18 must wear a helmet.

• GO PICNICKING? There are designated picnics areas at multiple locations. See picnic symbols on the park map (use the "see a map" link above or the back page of the park newspaper.
Never leave food unattended! Please help keep bears wild by picking up all trash.
Most sites have tables, restrooms & fire grills, except: No fire grills at Foothills & Sandy Cove. No fires permitted at Lodgepole & Crescent Meadow (check bulletin boards for seasonal fire restrictions). No water at Grizzly Falls, Halstead, & Powdercan.

Note: Big Stump Picnic Area in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park is temporarily closed while it serves as the park entrance station. The original station had to be moved due to a dangerously leaning sequoia. Ask at visitor centers for details.

•DRIVE OFF-ROAD? Not in either area. Stay on roads.

• GO CAMPING? In Parks: Only in numbered sites in designated campgrounds. In National Forest: In campgrounds or, unless posted otherwise, near roadsides. Pull safely off the road & no further.

• RIDE HORSEBACK? Rides by-the-hour, backcountry spot trips, & guides at:

Cedar Grove 1-559-565-3464 summer; 1-559-337-2314 off season

Grant Grove 1-559-335-9292 summer; 1-559-337-2314 off season

Horse Corral (off Big Meadows Road in Sequoia National Forest south of Grant Grove) 1-559-565-3404 summer; 1-559-564-6429 off season; 1-559-679-3573 cell