News Release

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Hosted 1.2 Million Visitors in 2020 35% Decrease Compared to 2019

Two children wearing masks sit on the General Sherman Tree sign.

NPS

News Release Date: March 3, 2021

Contact: Sintia Kawasaki-Yee, [phone]

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, California March 3, 2021– Outdoor experiences provided refuge from the pandemic for 1.2 million visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in 2020. The number represents a 35% decrease from the previous year due to temporary park closures and restrictions implemented in response to the coronavirus pandemic and late season fires.

Although overall visitation dropped, the parks have been experiencing record visitation numbers since November, with holiday weekends reaching more than twice the visitation from previous years. Trails, overlooks and open spaces have been providing safe ways for visitors to recreate responsibly, get some fresh air and stay active.

“The record numbers we’ve been seeing the last few months lead us to believe that visitation this year will bounce back and possibly exceed previous years,” said Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Superintendent Clay Jordan. “It demonstrates people’s desire to get outdoors and experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada. With more regional travel in the last year, we hope visitors from our local communities have been able to enjoy these parks which are just a drive away.”

The coronavirus pandemic has affected nearly every National Park Service operation, and we continue to work with public health officials to navigate changing conditions.

To protect the health of those who live, work and visit America’s national parks, face masks are required in all NPS buildings and facilities. Masks are also required on federally managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, overlooks, and parking lots. Additional public health measures remain in effect, and visitors should check www.nps.gov/seki for details on operations before visiting.

For an in-depth look at 2020 visitation statistics, please visit the National Park Service Social Science website. For national summaries and individual park figures, please visit the National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics website.