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The Grant Grove area was originally General Grant National Park, created in 1890 to protect giant sequoias from logging, including the world’s second largest tree by volume and the nations Christmas Tree – the General Grant Tree. Visitors to the area can hike through trails of both pristine and logged sequoia groves and contemplate the impact history on these timeless trees. At 6,600 feet (2,008 m) in elevation, the area is characterized by warm days and cool nights in summer, with deep snow and cold temperatures in winter.
The Big Stump Entrance can get icy in the winter.
Getting There
Those who are driving to the Grant Grove can access it via:
Big Stump Entrance Station (Highway 180 from Fresno)
Ash Mountain Entrance Station (Highway 198 via Visalia)
Note: This entrance station is in Sequoia National Park. Visitors entering here will need to drive an additional two hours (54 mi, 87 km) to access the Grant Grove area.
There are no gas or EV stations in the park. There are charging stations in the cities of Visalia and Fresno. There are also stations in the town of Three Rivers just outside the Sequoia park entrance. The nearest location to get gas from the Grant Grove area is:
Stony Creek Village (between Grant Grove and Wuksachi Lodge) – 13 miles (21 km), 30 minute drive
Closes in winter
Hume Lake Market (north of Grant Grove Village) – 10 miles (16 km), 20 minute drive
Dunlap (Highway 180 to Fresno) – 20 miles (32 km) away, 30 minute drive
For more information on how to visit Grant Grove, please visit our directions page.
RVs and Oversized Vehicles: The Big Stump Entrance is the preferred route for entering and exiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in an RV and oversized vehicle. If you plan on visiting the park via Highway 198 from Visalia, please note that the Generals Highway from the Foothills to the Giant Forest is a tight, twisting, and curvy road with steep elevation changes and many hairpin turns. If you are planning to visit the parks in an RV or oversized vehicle, it is not recommended to enter the park on this route. For more information on vehicle-length advisories, please visit our Driving with an RV page.
Visiting in Winter
The Grant Grove is still accessible in winter, but some facilities, trails, and roads may close seasonally due to snow accumulation. Typical closures and changes include:
The Cedar Grove Area
The Generals Highway between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Panoramic Point Road
Various trails depending on icy conditions.
Roads in and around the Grant Grove area may be icy. Tire chains may be required at any time, even for all-wheel and four-wheel drive. Picnic areas in Grant Grove often become snowplay areas when there is adequate snow.
For more information on the winter season in the parks, visit our Winter Activities page.
Visitor Centers
Kings Canyon Visitor Center
Three miles north of the Big Stump Entrance Station in Grant Grove Village, this visitor center has maps, information, books, gifts, water and restrooms.
Explore exhibits on giant sequoias, Kings Canyon, and the High Sierra, and watch a short park film available in English and Spanish. Join a ranger lead program through the largest sequoia groves in California.
There is no food located at this visitor center. Visitors can find food across the Grant Grove Village plaza at the Grant Grove Market.
Food and Restaurants
Grant Grove Market – A small supermarket that sells basic groceries, beer, wine, and camping supplies.
Grant Grove Restaurant – Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner while overlooking Bradley Meadow.
Lodging
John Muir Lodge - Open seasonally with 36 rooms, this lodge is located in Grant Grove Village.
Grant Grove Cabins- Explore the charm of Grant Grove Cabins, offering both timber and tent cabin styles for a rustic getaway in Grant Grove Village. Open seasonally.
Azalea campground is located at 6,500 feet (1,980 m) of elevation near Grant Grove Village and is located in a mixed conifer forest.
There are 110 sites. Each site contains a picnic table, a fire ring, and a food storage box. Flush toilets and potable water are available at the campground.
Late spring, summer and early fall the campground is on reservations. When it is not on reservations sites are first come first served and paid for by using the rec.gov scan and pay app.'
This campground is located 3 miles (5 km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance. It is located near Grant Grove Village at 6,500 feet (1,980 m) of elevation.
A park amphitheater is located here and occasionally offers park programs. A number of hiking trails begin within walking distance of the campground including the one mile trail to the General Grant Tree.
This campground is located 4 miles (6 km) from the Kings Canyon Park entrance in the Grant Grove area. The seasonal campground is situated under open stands of evergreen trees at an elevation of 6,500 feet (1,980 m).
There are 35 sites at Crystal Springs Campground. Each site contains a picnic table, a fire ring, and a food storage box. Flush toilets and potable water are available at the campground.
There are 14 midsize group sites available for reservation.
For more information on camping in the parks, please visit our Camping page.
Picnic Areas
Big Stump Picnic Area
The first resting spot after the park entrance station on Highway 180. Covered picnic tables offer shelter and parking is usually abundant. It includes extended picnic tables for travelers using wheelchairs, as well as raised barbecues, exhibits, water, and flush restrooms. This becomes a snowplay area in winter.
Columbine Picnic Area
This picnic spot is located near the Grant Grove campgrounds and Visitor Center. Parking, grills, vault restrooms, and picnic tables are available yearround. This becomes a snow-play area in winter.
Panoramic Point Picnic Area
This spot is close to the Panoramic Point trail, offering great views of the Kings Canyon, Hume Lake, and the mountains beyond. At the parking area are vault toilets, picnic tables, and foodstorage boxes. Be aware that the road to the trailhead is narrow; drive it slowly and carefully. Motor homes and trailers are not permitted.
Hiking in the Grant Grove area is a great way to explore the sequoia groves of the park. Some popular trails include:
General Grant Tree Trail
North Grove Trail
Big Stump Trail
Panoramic Point Trail
Big Baldy Ridge
Please note that the elevation in these areas range from 6,000-7,000 feet (1,828-2,134 m). Altitude sickness can occur, and trails may seem more strenuous at higher altitudes. Hydrate, take breaks, research trail information before you go, and acclimate before engaging in strenuous activities. For accessible trail information, please visit our Accessibility web series.
