News Release

Plan ahead for busy 2025 Fourth of July weekend

Date: July 1, 2025
Contact: Holly Streit

Fourth of July weekend is anticipated to be another busy weekend at the parks. During the recent four-day Memorial Day weekend, we welcomed over 21,000 visitors. Trip planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. Below are some considerations to help you prepare for your visit and share space responsibly with fellow park-goers.  

• Purchase a park pass in advance to take advantage of the pre-paid pass lane and get everyone into the parks faster! Cash is no longer accepted at entrance stations, visit a nearby vendor to purchase a pass with cash, details at www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.htm.  
• Traffic congestion is part of the weekend experience at these parks. Expect long lines and full parking lots. The free Sequoia Shuttle is an excellent way to experience popular sites in the Giant Forest area. 
• Campgrounds require advanced reservations through www.recreation.gov.  
• Rivers and lakes in the parks are dangerous this time of year. Attempting to swim or even recreating at the edge of rivers and lakes can result in life-or-death situations. Please maintain space from the edge and be especially mindful of children in your group.    
• Fire safety is imperative. Fireworks are never allowed in the parks. The parks are currently under Stage 1 fire restrictions, learn more at www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/fire-restrictions.htm.  
• Food is available for purchase at the Lodgepole Market, Wuksachi Lodge, Grant Grove Market, and Cedar Grove Market. For more information about food, retail, and lodging, visit www.visitsequoia.com/. 
• For the safety of bears and people, it is very important to store food properly and do not approach bears of any size. Bears can grab unattended food or easily break into cars that have food in them. All food and anything with a scent must be stored and out of sight, and trash must be disposed of in bear-resistant cans and dumpsters throughout the parks. 
• Overnight wilderness permits are now required for all routes and are limited to quota restrictions by area. Permits can be secured on www.recreation.gov for open trailheads. Walk-in permits may be available the day before or day of trips.  
• The free official National Park Service app provides tools to explore more than 400 national parks nationwide, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Find interactive maps, tours of park places, and on-the-ground accessibility information. Park specific information, including trail maps, can be downloaded in advance so that it will be available when you are offline. Learn more at go.nps.gov/skcapp.   

For extensive park information and to know exactly what is open or closed, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/seki. When you are in the parks, you can refer to the map and newspaper that you receive at the entrance station for a wealth of trip-planning information.   

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks wish you a fun and safe holiday weekend!