Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park.
Q:Where is Sequoia National Park /Kings Canyon located?
A:Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are located adjacent to each other in the central part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
Q:What is special about Sequoia and Kings Canyon caves?
A:The caves in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are marble caves. Most caves, such as Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, are limestone caves. So far, over 200 caves have been discovered in the parks. Some contain creatures found nowhere else on earth.
Q:What is the weather like in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks?
A:Precipitation in the Sierran foothills usually occurs from January to mid-May (56-80 Degrees Fahrenheit); rain in the summer is rare. Summer in the middle elevations is characterized by warm days and cool evenings (80-97 Degrees Fahrenheit). These elevations receive an average of 40-45" of precipitation annually. Much of this falls during the winter (58-67 Degrees Fahrenheit), resulting in a deep blanket of snow from December to May. Sub-zero temperatures, however, are rare. In the summer, occasional afternoon thundershowers may occur.
Q:Can I go hiking at Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park?
A:There are more than 800 miles of marked trails. Eighty percent of the park is accessible only by foot trails.
Q:What are some popular sites to check out at Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park?
A:Many wonders abound in these National Parks. Among the most popular is Crescent Meadow; the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on earth; Moro Rock; and Giant Forest, a magnificent sequoia grove.
Q:What is the recommended stay duration at Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park?
A:Minimalist (3 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 1 – 1 ½ days
Hiking/Exploring: 1 day
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: ½ day – 1 day
Adventurist (5 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 2 days
Hiking/Exploring: 2 days
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 1 day
Notes: With two incredible national parks right next door to one another, you will find it impossible to really experience and appreciate this beautiful area in only a day or two. We recommend planning at least 3 days in the parks in order to take it all in! There are many incredible scenic drives that will take you past several amazing Sequoia groves and jaw-dropping mountain vistas and scenic overlooks. The Generals Highway is one of the most popular routes, and provides access to many of the parks popular attractions, hikes and scenic viewpoints. With so many things to see and do along the impressive Generals Highway, you should allow for at least half a day to explore this scenic drive. Other popular scenic routes in the area include: The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and the Mineral King Road. While driving the parks’ scenic roads and byways gives you a great overlook of the parks beauty and grandeur, you really can’t get a true experience of what these amazing parks have to offer unless you step off the pavement and into the backcountry. There are many great day hikes throughout the park. You could easily spend a full day just exploring the trails in the Giant Forest and Grant Grove areas of the park. Giant Forest is the home of the General Sherman tree – the world’s largest tree! Hiking trails in the Giant Forest area will take you through giant sequoia groves, cool conifer forests, sun-splashed meadows, and exhilarating vistas. The Grant Grove area is where you will find the popular and impressive General Grant tree and the Giant Forest Museum. There are several easy trails in this area and even opportunities for finding solitude amongst the impressive sequoias. The Cedar Grove area is a good place to find some mostly level hiking trails that showcase majestic granite walls, impressive vistas, quiet rivers, and beautiful waterfalls. The Mineral King area provides more rugged and steep mountain trails with some dramatic scenery including some beautiful lakes! In addition to the hiking and sightseeing opportunities in the parks, there are some great guided tours and activities to take part in. There are many ranger-led programs throughout the park, as well as opportunities for horseback riding and tours of Crystal Cave. You should plan to set aside a minimum of half a day for enjoying Sequoia and Kings Canyons’ many tours and guided activities.
Q:What are the entrance fees at Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park?
A:
Vehicle = $35.00 for 7 Days
Valid for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and the Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest / Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Individual = $20.00 for 7 Days
Per person fee for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, or for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group. Non-transferable. Valid for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and the Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest / Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Motorcycle = $30.00 for 7 Days
Per motorcycle. Non-transferable. Valid for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and the Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest / Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Q:Is there cellular and WiFi service?
A:
Cellular service is very limited inside of the park. The best areas available for service are the Sequoia Park entrance and the Grant Grove area, but it is dependent on weather conditions and the number of people. Public WiFis is available at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove Village and the Foothills Visitor Center near the Sequoia park entrance. Most park lodges offer WiFi to guests.
Q:Are pets allowed inside of the park?
A:
Pets are not allowed on any of the trails inside of either park, paved or unpaved, this includes trails, such as Big Trees Trail, General Sherman Tree Trail, and Grant Tree Trail. Pets are only allowed in parking lots, paved roads, campgrounds, and picnic areas. You can not leave your pet unattended or tied up to an object. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.
