• Giant Sequoia Trees

    Sequoia & Kings Canyon

    National Parks California

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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.

Featured Volunteers

Foothills volunteer Jim Dempsey

Foothills Visitor Center Assistant Jim Dempsey

NPS Photo

Jim Dempsey, Foothills Visitor Center Assistant
After a 32 year career in the National Park Service, Jim Dempsey continues his service as a volunteer at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. His experiences in trail maintenance, forestry, safety, interpretation and visitor protection in parks throughout the country make Jim an invaluable reference for visitors and park employees alike. Jim and his wife chose Three Rivers for their retirement home where they have lived for the past 20 years – the longest they've lived in any one place.

For the last 13 years Jim has been at the Foothills Visitor Center assisting visitors and sharing his experiences and expertise in the parks. Jim says he continues to volunteer because he enjoys working with people and being a part of the park service family. His favorite part of the parks is Cedar Grove which he feels is less visited than other areas. After a working there one summer he enjoys returning to the area to enjoy the beauty of the Kings Canyon and camping it offers.

Did You Know?

Sequoia bark.

Of the 75 or so sequoia groves in the world, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect 29 of them. More...