The Glaciers carved the Kings Canyon's steep granite cliffs, leaving a wide U-shaped valley.
Photo: NPS/Rick Cain
About
Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, and beauty here. Explore these pages to plan your visit or to learn about the plants and animals here and the threats they face. Ancient giant sequoias may seem invincible, but they, too are vulnerable.
Activities
Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV CampingCavingClimbingRock ClimbingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingFood
Directions
Two highways enter the parks. Hwy 180 from Fresno leads east to Kings Canyon National Park, then continues 30 miles east to Cedar Grove. Hwy 198 from Visalia leads east to Sequoia National Park via Three Rivers. Inside the parks, Highway 198 becomes the Generals Highway, which connects 198 to 180. Vehicles over 22-feet long should enter the parks via Highway 180. In winter, the Generals Highway between the parks often closes. Chains may be required on park roads. No roads cross the parks east to west.
Get directions →Weather
Because of the extreme elevation range in the parks, weather conditions vary widely between areas. In summer, the sequoia groves have comfortable temperatures and the foothills are hot and dry. Snow lingers on high-mountain passes well into summer. In fall, conditions can range from summer-like to winter-like. Winter brings snow to sequoia groves and rain to the foothills. Be prepared for tire chain requirements. Spring is a great time to hike in the foothills and snow begins to melt at higher elevations.
News
Aug 25, 2026
Dark Sky Festival brings science, stargazing and awe to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Sequoia Parks Conservancy will host the 13th annual Dark Sky Festival from Sept. 11-13, 2026. The festival invites visitors to explore astronomy, wildlife science and the human experience of wonder beneath some of California's darkest night skies. It will feature programming throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and, for the first time, in the gateway community of Three Rivers. Expanding to Three Rivers increases opportunities for people from nearby communities and the Central Valley to participate in astronomy and dark-sky science programs.
Aug 23, 2026
U.S. Wildland Fire Service Wildland Firefighters are Working to Contain Arrow Creek Fire in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
U.S. Wildland Fire Service wildland firefighters are responding to the Arrow Creek Fire, which was reported on Aug. 22 at 3:26 p.m.
