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Just inside the entrance to Sequoia National Park is a diverse landscape ruled by the seasons. The Foothills consist of the lower elevations of Sequoia National Park, where the grassy valley floor gives way to granite peaks. At 1,700 feet (518 m) of elevation, visitors won’t find sequoia trees here. But in the spring and winter, visitors can enjoy moderate temperatures and distant snowcapped mountains as they hike amongst a paradise of green hills through rainbows of wildflowers. Oaks, chaparral, and river canyons are plentiful here in an area with more biological diversity than the conifer forests and High Sierra combined. Wildlife is frequently seen in the area, including the American Black Bear, mule deer, and bobcats, as well as numerous bird species.
Getting There
Those who are driving to the Foothills area can access it from:
Ash Mountain Entrance Station (Highway 198 via Visalia)
There are no gas or EV stations in the park. There are charging stations in the town of Three Rivers just outside the Sequoia park entrance and in the cities of Visalia and Fresno. The nearest location to get gas from the Foothills area is:
Three Rivers (outside of the park) - 5 miles (8 km), 15 minute drive
Stony Creek Village (between Wuksachi Lodge and Grant Grove) - 36 miles (58 km), 1 hour 30 minute drive
Hume Lake Market (north of Grant Grove Village) - 65 miles (105 km), 2 hour drive
Shuttle Services
In summer, a paid shuttle service is available starting from the city of Visalia and can take visitors to the Foothills and Giant Forest areas of Sequoia National Park. From there, visitors can take free local shuttles to major features of the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas. Shuttle services are not available for Kings Canyon National Park.
For more information on how to visit the foothills, please visit our directions page.
Visitor Centers
Foothills Visitor Center
The only visitor center in the Foothills district and the last major building visitors can stop at before heading up to the Giant Forest area.
Take a moment to use the restrooms and get information about the road ahead. Pick up some maps, books, and gifts at the gift store. Browse exhibits about the ecology and human history of the foothills. Stroll through a native plant garden full of wildflowers in the spring. Join a free ranger-led program if one's on the schedule.
Please note that there isno food available at this visitor center. The nearest location to eat is back in the town of Three Rivers or an hours drive to the Lodgepole Market and Grill.
Potwisha is located within a 45 minute drive from the Giant Forest, home to the largest trees on Earth.
Just 4 miles (6.4 km) from the park entrance and a 45 minute drive from the Giant Forest, this campground sits at 2,100 feet (640 m) elevation along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River under an open stand of oaks.
Hot and dry weather in the foothills often means fire restrictions for this campground in the summer. In the winter, the campground is usually snow-free.
Open year-round.
For more information on camping in the parks, please visit our Camping page.
Hospital Rock Picnic Area in the Spring.
Picnic Areas
Picnic areas in the foothills are at a lower elevation of 1,700-2,800 feet (500-850 m) and are usually impacted by fire restrictions in the summer due to extreme heat.
Foothills Visitor Center Picnic Area
Located across the street from Foothills Visitor Center. Public restrooms, water, and other services are available at the visitor center.
Hospital Rock Picnic Area
Located at Hospital Rock, numerous picnic areas offer both sunny and shady spots to eat and relax. Water, grills, and flush toilets are available. Browse outdoor exhibits that tell the story of Native Americans who lived and traveled in this area, and continue to visit today.
Hiking in the Foothills area is a great way to explore the lower, diverse elevations of the park. Some popular trails include:
Paradise Creek Trail
Hospital Rock River Trail
Marble Falls Trail
Warning: There are multiple hazards to consider when hiking in the Foothills. Please review the safety information below before going on a trail.
Enjoy the Foothills Safely
The Foothills area is beautiful but presents challenges and hazards to the ill-prepared. The best, safest, and most enjoyable trips to the Foothills are all grounded in good planning and preparation. As your trip gets near, use this guide to help prepare, learn what to expect, and consider how you will take responsibility for your safety.
Severe drowning danger in rivers.
Every year, especially in the spring and early summer when water levels are high, multiple drownings occur in the parks. The rivers here are swift and cold, and slippery rocks around the water cause visitors to fall in if they aren’t careful. Even the most professional swimmer can be swept away. Do not enter the water during the spring. If you do swim, please follow our river safety information to keep yourself safe.
Prepare for hot temperatures.
Summer in the Foothills area can be hot and occasionally humid, with temperatures ranging from 80° - 115° Farenheit. Visitors stopping in the area during this time should be prepared for hot weather and very little shade on trails. Please bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and proper clothing if you plan on visiting the Foothills in the summer.
Listen for a rattle.
Rattlesnakes are common in the Foothills. When on a trail, bring hiking sticks. Avoid hiking in tall grass, brush, and around rocky areas. Listen for the warning rattle call and do not approach if you see a rattlesnake.
Check your clothing for ticks.
Ticks are present throughout the foothills area, especially in early spring to late summer. Wear long pants tucked into your hiking boots. After a hike, check your clothes for clinging bugs and avoid walking through tall grasses.
Leaves of three, leave them be.
Poison oak is plentiful in the Foothills. Hike with long pants and know what the plant looks like ahead of time to avoid exposure. If you touch any part of it, wash skin and clothes with soap and warm water right away.
