Plan Your Visit

Trip Planning Basic Information Current Conditions Park Mobile App Things to Do Shuttles Bears and Food Storage Frequently Asked Questions Welcome to the Land of the Giants! A historic snowpack and flooding this past winter significantly impacted the parks and surrounding areas, but repair and recovery is ongoing and many areas have already re-opened. Be prepared for temporary road repairs, delayed openings of some facilities, and the possibility that some areas may not be able to open in 2023. Wherever you visit in the parks, you'll experience one of the finest and wildest areas of the Sierra Nevada mountain range! No reservations are required to enter the parks. Check our Current Conditions page for more information to help you plan your trip. General Trip Planning Information Current Conditions Need-to-knows before you visit the parks. Things to Do There are many ways to explore these parks. Find activities that are best for you! Places to Go There are five main areas of the parks to stay and explore. Find out which areas are best for your trip! Camping Learn about camping options throughout the parks. Campgrounds are reservation only and availability is extremely limited in summer months. Where to Eat & Sleep Learn about camping, hotels, cabins, and dining options. Find markets and gift shops. NPS Mobile App The official National Park Service app can guide you around the parks, no cell service needed. learn more about 2023 Camping Fees and Reservations Read the news release about the 2023 campground fee increase and reservation windows. Avoiding Traffic Congestion Weekends and holidays are busy! Learn how to minimize your wait at park entrance stations. Maps Look here for general park maps, interactive online maps, and regional maps to help you locate and plan a route to these parks. Park Highlights Explore Sequoia Groves Whether you see them from your car or hike to a remote grove, giant sequoias inspire awe and wonder. Watching Wildlife These parks host a diversity of life across a range of elevations. Learn more about what you can see and how to watch wildlife safely. Birds More than 200 species of birds nest, stopover during migration, or live year-round in these parks. Photo by Gary Lindquist. History & Culture Explore over a century of history in these parks, and learn about the people who lived here before the parks were established. Drives and Viewpoints Explore our mountain landscapes along the Generals Highway and the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. Rivers, Snow, and Hydrology Learn more about rivers and hydrology, and climate change impacts on snowpack and river and stream flow. Day Hikes and Backpacking Day Hikes From quick strolls to all-day adventures, there are day hikes for all levels of ability in the parks. Backpacking Learn more about backpacking in these parks. Wilderness awaits! Wilderness Permits Information about wilderness permits that are required for overnight hiking trips Protect Yourself, Keep Wildlife Wild General Safety Whether you trek into wilderness or stay close to your car, review tips on staying safe in these parks. River Safety Learn how to be safe when recreating near rivers. Trail Safety High-elevation hiking involves risks. Get safety information to prepare for your trip. Store Food to Protect Wildlife Bears are active day and night. When camping or picnicking, all food, trash, and any item with a scent must be stored in food-storage boxes. Wildlife Safety Some of our charismatic creatures, such as bears, can pose a danger to visitors. Safety in Burned Areas Want to safely visit the parks after a fire? Learn more about the warnings signs of potential dangers in burned areas.