News Release
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Contact: Holly Streit
Memorial Day weekend is considered the summer “kick-off” for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Park visitation exceeded a record 2 million visitors in 2024, which means the parks are busier than ever before. Trip planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit. Here are some things to keep in mind as you plan your holiday weekend trip.Purchase Park Passes in Advance
Take advantage of pass-only lanes at entrance stations by purchasing your entrance pass online before visiting at www.recreation.gov/pass. Cash will no longer be accepted at entrance stations beginning May 21, but visitors who would like to use cash can purchase a pass from a nearby vendor. For a list of vendors and more information visit www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.
Traffic and Shuttles
Expect long lines and extended waits at the parks’ entrance stations every day over the weekend. To avoid long wait times, consider arriving at the parks before 9 a.m., or after 3 p.m., and have your park pass or method of payment ready when you reach the gate. Arrive with snacks, water, and a full tank of gas. The free Sequoia Shuttle will begin operating in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park for the summer season on May 23. These shuttles are an excellent way to experience popular sites without needing to drive around looking for parking. All parking areas throughout the parks are expected to fill early this holiday weekend.
Campgrounds and Services
All campgrounds require advanced reservations. Do not plan to camp in the parks if you do not have a reservation upon arrival. RVs and trailers longer than 22 feet should enter through the Big Stump Entrance Station in Kings Canyon National Park, as they are not recommended on the Generals Highway between Hospital Rock and Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park due to the winding, narrow roads.
To make reservations, explore campsite availability, or modify an existing reservation, search for “Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks” on www.recreation.gov, or call using the numbers listed under their “Contact Us” section. For more information about campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, visit https://go.nps.gov/SEKIcampgrounds.
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/.
Crystal Cave Opens May 23
Crystal Cave is reopening for the 2025 season! Cave tours are offered by our official park partner Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and tickets must be purchased online in advance at https://sequoiaparksconservancy.org/crystal-cave. Tickets are not available at the cave.
River and Lake Safety
Great caution should be exercised near rivers and lakes in the parks, especially this time of year. Snow melt causes rivers to be swift, cold, and dangerous. Attempting to swim or even recreating at the edge of rivers and lakes can result in life-or-death situations. Rocks along the edge can be extremely slippery, and banks above flows can collapse. Most people who have ended up in water-related emergencies were not attempting to swim. Please maintain space from the edge and be especially mindful of children in your group.
Fire
The parks need your help to prevent unwanted wildfires. All campground fires are required to be in contained, pre-existing rings. Gather only dead and down wood, and do not cut limbs from trees. Campfires must be thoroughly extinguished by dousing with water and stirring before you leave them or go to sleep. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave. For more information on fire in the parks, visit go.nps.gov/sekifire
Wilderness Safety
Late season snow and warming temperatures are creating hazardous conditions for those intending to explore the vast Sierra Nevada wilderness. Overnight wilderness permits are now required for all routes and are limited to quota restrictions by area. Hikers should come prepared for rushing high creek crossings that may be impassable in some areas. Route finding may also be a challenge for trails that are still covered in snow at higher elevations.
Overnight wilderness permits can now be secured on www.recreation.gov for trailheads that are open. Walk-in permits may be available the day before or day of trips.
Bears
It is very important that visitors store food properly and not approach bears of any size. Bears can grab unattended food or easily break into cars that have food in them. They become bold and sometimes aggressive in attempts to get more. 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.
NPS App and Trip Planning Tools
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, on-the-ground accessibility information, and much more to plan your adventures before and during your trip. Specific park 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.
Last updated: May 19, 2025