Getting to Sequoia and Kings Canyon takes planning. The parks sit in the southern Sierra Nevada, several hours from the coast, and the roads inside are slow. Knowing what the entrance costs, which airports and highways serve the area and which vehicles are restricted will save you time and money.
Entrance fees and passes
The parks charge a vehicle entrance fee that covers seven days in both parks. The current NPS fee structure includes a per-vehicle charge for all visitors and an additional per-person charge for non-resident visitors aged sixteen and over, so international travelers should budget for it. Annual passes are available for US residents and non-residents, and the America the Beautiful interagency pass covers entry for pass holders. Senior, military and access passes offer discounts or free entry for eligible visitors. Fees change, so check the park website before you travel. Entrance is paid at the gate, and a photo ID is needed if you use a pass.
Driving from Fresno
Fresno has the nearest major airport. From there, Highway 180 runs east for about an hour and a half to the Big Stump entrance and Grant Grove in Kings Canyon. This is the shortest route to the northern part of the parks, and the starting point for guided day tours from the city. From Grant Grove, the Generals Highway leads south to the Giant Forest in about an hour.
Driving from Visalia and Three Rivers
Highway 198 runs east from Visalia through Lemon Cove and Three Rivers to the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia, about an hour from Visalia. From there, the Generals Highway climbs about sixteen miles to the Giant Forest, an hour on winding road.
From Los Angeles and the Bay Area
Allow about four hours from Los Angeles and roughly four to five hours from the Bay Area, depending on traffic. Guided day tours from these cities exist but make for very long days, so most visitors prefer to stay overnight near the parks. If you are traveling between California cities, Sequoia fits neatly into a loop that also includes Yosemite to the north, though the drive between parks is long.
Vehicle limits
Large vehicles face restrictions. The Generals Highway has recommended length limits, and roads to Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow do not allow vehicles over 22 feet. Mineral King Road is narrow and not recommended for large vehicles or trailers. Consider leaving trailers in Three Rivers or Grant Grove campgrounds before heading to the Giant Forest. Check the park road conditions page before you go, because storms can close sections of the Generals Highway.
Shuttles
In busy periods a free park shuttle serves the Giant Forest area, connecting the museum, the General Sherman Tree and other stops, and the Crescent Meadow Road may be closed to private vehicles while shuttles run. Check the park website for current schedules. Shuttle service does not run all year, and in the off season you will drive yourself or use a guided tour.
Tours and self-guided options
If you do not want to drive the mountain roads, guided tours operate from Three Rivers, Tulare, Fresno and the park lodges, offering small-group and semi-private options with a guide. A self-guided audio driving tour is an inexpensive alternative for those with a car. Compare costs against car rental, fuel and entrance fees to decide which makes sense for your group.
Practical tips
Fill your tank in Three Rivers, Visalia or Fresno before heading into the mountains, because fuel is scarce inside the parks. Download offline maps, carry cash or cards for the gate, and bring snacks and water. Check opening dates for the Cedar Grove road, the Crystal Cave tours and the visitor centers. Start early in summer to find parking and avoid afternoon storms, and allow extra time for any mountain drive.
Timing your trip
Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and early mornings beat afternoons for parking and light. Holiday weekends and the height of summer see the longest entrance lines, so build in slack. If you must visit on a busy weekend, arrive before nine, picnic in a quiet grove and leave the popular viewpoints for late afternoon. Weather is another factor: afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so plan high-exposure stops such as Moro Rock for the morning.
