Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks—protected under a single management—are home to some of the world’s largest trees, deep glacially carved canyons, alpine wilderness, and stunning Sierra Nevada landscapes. Visitors explore giant sequoia groves, towering peaks, rushing rivers, and scenic backcountry trails year-round to experience these iconic California parks.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect centuries-old giant sequoias, dramatic Sierra Nevada peaks, and deep wilderness canyons. Plan your visit to explore giant trees, day hikes, camping, and backcountry adventures!

Overview

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are managed as one unit by the National Park Service but retain distinct regions with signature features.

Sequoia National Park is known for the Giant Forest, home of the General Sherman Tree—the largest tree on Earth by volume—along with Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow, and the Mineral King subalpine valley.
Kings Canyon National Park features Grant Grove with the General Grant Tree, one of the “Magnificent Seven” sequoias, and the rugged wilderness around Cedar Grove and the deep Kings Canyon itself, including Zumwalt Meadow and backcountry high Sierra terrain .

The parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, though some higher elevation roads and areas close in winter due to snow. No reservation is required to enter the parks, but entrance passes can be purchased online in advance to save time【3:2】 .

Plan Your Visit

Grant Grove & General Grant Tree

Grant Grove is home to the General Grant Tree—dubbed the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” and one of the most massive trees in history. The area also offers scenic trails, including the Grant Tree Trail and Panoramic Point Trail.

The General Grant Tree is accessible by a short, paved trail.
Nearby trails lead to stunning sequoia groves and offer views of the Kings River and Sierra crest .

Giant Forest & General Sherman Tree

The Giant Forest features the General Sherman Tree and dozens of other giant sequoias along trails like the Congress Trail and Big Trees Trail.

The General Sherman Tree Trail is wheelchair accessible with a paved path leading to the tree.
Moro Rock offers a dramatic granite dome with a steep stairway to panoramic summit views of the Sierra Nevada .

Cedar Grove & Kings Canyon

Cedar Grove is a seasonal hub (open late spring to fall) deep in Kings Canyon, featuring riverside trails, Zumwalt Meadow, and access to wilderness regions.

Zumwalt Meadow Trail is a flat, interpretive loop showcasing lush meadows and towering granite cliffs.
The Kings River offers opportunities for fishing, relaxing, and exploring along scenic riverbanks .

Scenic Drives & Ranger Stations

The Generals Highway connects the two parks, passing through iconic groves and high mountain scenery.
Visitor centers at Foothills, Grant Grove, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, and Cedar Grove provide maps, exhibits, and ranger assistance .

Activities & Adventures

Hiking & Ranger Programs

The parks offer day hikes for all abilities and ranger-led programs year-round.

Popular hikes include the Big Trees Trail, General Grant Tree Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop, and Zumwalt Meadow Loop.
Ranger programs include walks, talks, and campfire presentations for all ages .

Camping & Lodging

Campgrounds are reservation-only with limited summer availability. Lodging is available year-round in Grant Grove, Giant Forest, and Wuksachi, with seasonal options in Cedar Grove and Mineral King.

Notable campgrounds include Potwisha, Lodgepole, Dorst Creek, Azalea, Sunset, and Cedar Grove.
Lodges and restaurants offer meals and accommodations for families and adventurers alike .

Wilderness & Backcountry

Wilderness permits are required for overnight backcountry camping. The parks provide access to high Sierra trails, including the John Muir Trail, Mount Whitney, and remote sequoia groves.

Explore Kings Canyon’s deep wilderness, alpine lakes, and remote giant sequoia groves.
Permits and trip planning guidance are available at visitor centers .

Management

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect vast Sierra Nevada ecosystems, ancient giant sequoias, and glacially carved canyons.

The NPS manages fire, wildlife, and habitat restoration to preserve sequoia groves and mountain ecosystems.
Rangers enforce park regulations for safety, bear management, and environmental stewardship.
The parks work with the Sequoia Parks Conservancy on education, trail maintenance, and resource protection .

Safety & Regulations

Rivers are hazardous, especially in spring and early summer due to swift, icy waters. Exercise caution near riverbanks and rocks.
Black bears inhabit the parks; proper food storage is mandatory to protect wildlife and visitors.
Firearms and weapons (including bows, slingshots, bear spray, and air guns) are prohibited within the parks except as legally carried in vehicles. Discharge of any weapon is forbidden.
Pets have limited access and are not allowed on trails. Service dogs may accompany handlers in facilities.
Always check current conditions for road closures, fire restrictions, and weather updates before traveling .

Maps & Orientation

The parks offer a variety of maps, including general area maps, hiking maps, and detailed backcountry maps.

The Sequoia & Kings Canyon Park Atlas is an interactive tool to explore visitor facilities, trails, and wilderness boundaries.
Official park maps are available at entrance stations, visitor centers, and online in multiple languages.
Campground maps and seasonally updated trail closure maps help with navigation and trip planning .

Additional Resources

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer unforgettable experiences in giant sequoia groves, majestic mountain scenery, and pristine wilderness. Prepare for your adventure and explore these iconic Sierra Nevada landscapes today!【3:2】

Next Up: Lassen Volcanic National Park

Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025