Want to avoid congested roads and crowded parking areas? Learn about the benefits of riding the park shuttle in our Tips for a Better Visit section below.
Park visitors using the shuttle service in the Giant Forest/NPS Photo
Planning a trip to the parks?
No entry reservation is required. Check here for current information on roads, facilities, conditions from the field, with links to more in-depth information.
Algae containing toxins are naturally present in rivers and lakes, but in the summer they can create large mats and become a health concern. Visual surveys and testing are underway inside the parks to determine if there are risks from toxic algae. If signs are posted warning about harmful algae, or you see an algal bloom, do not disturb the algae and do not enter or drink the water near the algae. Do not allow pets to drink or enter the water. For more information, visit California's Water Quality Monitoring Council's website.
Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road is closed to the public on weekends and holidays to allow for shuttle bus traffic. Please use the free shuttles to reach Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, and Crescent Meadow.
Crystal Cave Road (Sequoia National Park) is closed for the season due to impacts from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
Redwood Mountain Road (Kings Canyon National Park) is currently closed due to hazardous conditions from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
Summer 2022 Construction Projects
This summer, two construction projects are underway to improve park roads and utilities.
A large-scale road preservation project is underway in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This work will affect many roadways within the parks, please be prepared for up to 30 minutes in total delays if driving through the parks.
Work is being completed along the road corridor in Cedar Grove, where sections of underground electrical lines will be replaced. Expect average delays of 15 minutes, with traffic control. Work will not occur on weekends, on holidays, or on Fridays prior to holiday weekends.
Please be patient during delays that will affect both directions of traffic, this construction is required to maintain the roadway and provide visitors safe access to the parks. Learn more on the Road Construction page.
Please check weather forecasts during your visit, as weather can change unexpectedly, and differs greatly by elevation. For detailed weather conditions, please see forecasts by area.
Air Quality
As temperatures begin to rise during summer months, air quality in the parks is impacted by increased concentrations of ozone, an invisible pollutant. We also may experience an increase in high particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, which is largely derived from local or regional wildfire smoke. Unlike ozone, particulate matter pollution will impact visibility and can alter the visual landscape. Before you visit, learn more about air quality here and access a link to local forecasts.
Prescribed Fire and Trail Closures: A prescribed burn in the Giant Forest sequoia grove that began June 9 has concluded. Smoke and active fire may still be visible from some areas. All trail closures in this area have been lifted, though off-trail areas in the fire's footprint are still closed.
Roads:
All roads in the Giant Forest are open, with the exception of Crystal Cave Road, which is closed for the season due to impacts from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road is closed to vehicles on weekends and holidays to allow for shuttle traffic.
A road preservation project is now underway and affects many roads within the parks. Please be patient during delays that may last up to 30 minutes and will affect both directions of traffic. Learn more on the Road Construction page.
Parking:
All parking areas are now open. Lots fill quickly so arrive early. In the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas, plan to take the free Sequoia Shuttle between features.
The Big Trees Trail and Sherman Tree Accessible Trailhead parking areas along the Generals Highway are designated accessible parking lots only.
The Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Picnic Area parking areas are closed to vehicles on weekends but you can access this area by riding the park shuttle. If you are planning an overnight wilderness trip or have an accessible parking placard, please contact park staff at the gate for access.
Camping:
Lodgepole Campgrounds is open by reservation only.
Dorst Creek Campground is closed for the season due to impacts from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
Bears are active in the Lodgepole area. To avoid a break-in, secure all food and scented items in the latched storage boxes when you're not using them. Store any scented items like soap, toiletries, or candles in food-storage boxes, not in your car. Also, make sure you know what to do if you encounter a bear.
Services:
Giant Forest Museum is open daily.
Wuksachi Lodge, Restaurants, and Gift Shop are open. For lodging reservations, go to visitsequoia.com or call (866) 807-3598.
Lodgepole Market is open daily for grocery items, clothing and gifts, camping supplies, and more.
Lodgepole Visitor Center is closed for the season for renovations.
Trails:
Due to continued fire activity from a prescribed burn, the Huckleberry Trail from Squatters Cabin to the Alta Trail is closed.
The Colony Mill Trail is now open from North Fork to Admiration Point, but closed from Admiration Point to Crystal Cave Road.
If you're planning a backpacking trip, check our wilderness trail conditions web page and ask for updates when you pick up your wilderness permit.
All roads in the Grant Grove area are currently open, with the exception of the Redwood Canyon Mountain Road.
Trails and roads in the Redwood Canyon area were damaged in the KNP Complex Fire and will not reopen until conditions are safe.
Current road construction on State Route 245 near the junction with Hwy 180 to the west of the Big Stump Entrance to Kings Canyon National Park. One-lane closed, 15 minute delays, Monday through Friday, estimated to be completed end of September.
Camping:
All Grant Grove area campgrounds are open by reservation only.
Road construction will be taking place in Crystal Springs Campground the week of 8/15-8/19, and 8/22-8/26. This work may involve occasional loud machinery during the day and some sites may be closed. Expect short delays between the hours of 8am and 6pm on campground roadways while work is being done.
Please be aware of potential bear activity in the Grant Grove area. To avoid a break-in, secure all food and scented items in the latched storage boxes when not in use. Do not store any scented items like soap or candles in your car. Also, make sure you know what to do if you encounter a bear.
Services:
Kings Canyon Visitor Center is open daily, including the information desk, exhibits, theater, and Sequoia Parks Conservancy park store.
Trails in the Redwood Canyon area were damaged in the KNP Complex Fire and will not reopen until conditions are safe. Some smoking trees are visible in this area.
Fire Update: A small fire was discovered burning 1 mile south of the Cedar Grove valley floor / Zumwalt Meadow area. Smoke may be visible from Cedar Grove, there are no threats to visitors or trail closures at this time
Road Construction: Work is currently ongoing along the road corridor in Cedar Grove, where sections of underground electrical lines will be replaced along road corridors. Expect average delays of 15 minutes, with traffic control. Work will not occur on weekends, on holidays, or on Fridays prior to holiday weekends. Learn more on our Road Construction page.
Popular Hikes: Consider a hike to Roaring River Falls (a 0.3 miles one way) or Zumwalt Meadow (just under a mile to first view of the meadow and back). Other attractions include Grizzly Falls and Junction View Overlook, both located along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 180).
Camping:
All Cedar Grovecampgrounds are currently open for reservations.
Please be aware there has been increased bear activity reported in the Cedar Grove area. To avoid a break-in, secure all food and scented items in the latched storage boxes when not in use. Do not store any scented items like soap or candles in your car. Also, make sure you know what to do if you encounter a bear.
Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place due to dry conditions and extreme fire danger. Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited in ALL areas below 6,000 feet. This includes the river areas, South Fork, Potwisha, and Buckeye Flat campgrounds, and Hospital Rock and Foothills picnic areas. No smoking is permitted outside of vehicles. Some additional restrictions apply for wilderness areas.
Road Construction: A pavement preservation project is underway in Sequoia National Park. Please be patient during delays that may last up to 30 minutes and will affect both directions of traffic. Learn more on the Road Construction page.
Fire restrictions are currently in effect at all foothills locations.
Please be aware of potential bear activity in the Foothills area. To avoid a break-in, secure all food and scented items in the latched storage boxes when not in use. Do not store any scented items like soap or candles in your car. Also, make sure you know what to do if you encounter a bear.
Other area features include Tunnel Rock, Hospital Rock and Hospital Rock Picnic Area, and several hiking trails.
Trails:
The Foothills area of the park offers excellent hiking opportunities; Marble Falls Trail and Paradise Creek Trail are now open.
At lower elevations, hikers may encounter high temperatures, often above 100° F (38°C), during the summer and early fall months.
Please carry and drink plenty of water. Bring hats, sunscreen, and light-colored clothing to protect you from the sun, which is especially strong at higher altitudes.
Avoid traffic congestion and soaring gas costs by riding the Sequoia Shuttle. For only $20 you get round-trip transportation to and from Sequoia National Park from Visalia, California. This fare includes your park entrance fee. To reserve, call (877) 287-4453. Alternatively, drive into Sequoia National Park and park at one of the many Giant Forest/Lodgepole area parking lots, and ride the FREE local shuttle throughout the area. For more information, please visit the Park Shuttles web page.
COVID-19 Safety
Masks are currently required in NPS buildings and optional on public transportation. The NPS has updated its masking guidance based on the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels tool, which helps communities decide what prevention steps to take.
For the health and safety of others, please choose another time to visit a park if:
You are experiencing COVID-like symptoms such as a dry cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and/or loss of taste or smell.
You had close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
You are self-isolating or self-quarantining because you may have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 or are worried that you may be sick with COVID-19.
Recent Wildfire Activity
In September of 2021, the lightning-caused KNP Complex Fire burned through a significant portion of the park. You will see evidence of recent wildfire along the Generals Highway and on trails. Check our tips for safety in burned areas if you plan to hike in an area affected by fire. Our closure map shows trails (in red) that are closed.
Traffic Congestion
During weekends and holidays, our entrance stations become congested, especially at the Sequoia National Park entrance near Three Rivers, California. Check out these tips to avoid congestion or the inconveniences it may cause. We always recommend that you buy your entrance pass online before you arrive.
NPS Mobile App
Download the NPS Mobile app to get started on your next national park adventure. The NPS App can connect you to all 420+ national parks from one single app.
Want to improve your visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon? Get information on popular features, visitor centers, campgrounds, fees and passes, park alerts, passport stamp locations, and more. When you install the app, check the option to download offline content. Cell service is extremely limited at the parks and this option will allow you to use the app in areas with no coverage.
WiFi and Cellular Service
WiFi is available at Kings Canyon and Foothills visitor centers. However, if you use the NPS Mobile app, please try to download the app and data before you arrive. Cell phone service may be available in the Grant Grove developed area for Verizon customers, and outside the Foothills Visitor Center for AT&T customers. However, cellular service is not reliable at these locations.
For information on the status of the Sequoia National Forest or Giant Sequoia National Monument (managed by the US Forest Service), visit the Sequoia National Forest website.
For information on Lake Kaweah (managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), visit their website.
Day Hiking: No permits are needed for day hiking. See the Day Hiking Page for more information about trails in different areas of the parks.
Trail Closures: Some trails are closed due to impacts from the KNP Complex Fire and the recent prescribed burn that took place in June within the Giant Forest area.
Wilderness Permits during the Quota Season
May 27, 2022 - September 17, 2022
Wilderness permit reservations are available on Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance of your trip, and are released daily at 7:00 AM Pacific Standard Time.
During the quota season, the number of people beginning trips each day is limited by entry point and a recreation fee is required. Reservations are available for most, but not all entry points.
Permit pick up will be available at the station closest to your desired trailhead: Mineral King Ranger Station, Foothills Visitor Center, Giant Forest Museum, Kings Canyon Visitor Center, or Road's End Permit Station-Cedar Grove.
Wilderness Permits and Overnight Backpacking, Outside of Quota Season
September 18, 2022 - May 25, 2023
Self-issue wilderness permits are available for overnight backpacking at Foothills and Kings Canyon visitor centers and at Giant Forest Museum.
Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in the Foothills area of Sequoia National Park. Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited at South Fork, Potwisha, and Buckeye Flat campgrounds. No smoking outside of vehicles. For more details, see the Fire Restrictions page.
Most campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are currently open, except Dorst Campground, which is closed for the season. This year, most campgrounds in the parks require a reservation in advance of your stay. Reservations will be available one month in advance of your stay, but can also be made on the same day of your visit. We recommend that you make reservations as far in advance of your stay as possible, up to 30 days. Reservations can be made directly on each campground's NPS web page, or at Recreation.gov.
Showers: There are no shower or laundry facilities available in the parks this year.
Bears: Please be aware of potential bear activity in park campgrounds. To avoid a break-in, secure all food and scented items in the latched storage boxes when not in use. Do not store any scented items like soap or candles in your car. Also, make sure you know what to do if you encounter a bear.
For more information on camping in developed campgrounds in the park, visit our Camping web page.
