Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks


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 learn about the plants and animals here and the threats they face. Our ancient giant sequoias may seem invincible, but they, too are vulnerable.

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 these parks east to west.

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
  • Group Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Caving
  • Climbing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
  • Food
  • Dining
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Hands-On
  • Citizen Science
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snow Play
  • Snowshoeing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

  • African American Heritage
  • Arts
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Poetry and Literature
  • Transportation
  • Roads, Routes and Highways
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Caves, Caverns and Karst
  • Canyons and Canyonlands
  • Climate Change
  • Fire
  • Foothills, Plains and Valleys
  • Forests and Woodlands
  • Coniferous Forests
  • Geology
  • Grasslands
  • Meadows
  • Lakes
  • Mountains
  • Natural Sounds
  • Night Sky
  • Astronomy
  • River and Riparian
  • Rock Landscapes and Features
  • Scenic Views
  • Trails
  • Unique Species
  • Rare
  • Endangered
  • Watersheds
  • Headwaters
  • Wilderness

Kings Canyon

A deep canyon with a forested floor and steep granite cliffs

The Glaciers carved the Kings Canyon's steep granite cliffs, leaving a wide U-shaped valley.

The Tablelands

A steep granite slope leads from forest to a bare alpine landscape

Just above Lodgepole Valley, the trail to the Watchtower offers views above the treeline.

Moro Rock

A guardrail encircles people along a narrow walkway with wide views

A historic stairway leads to the top of Moro Rock, offering views from foothills to peaks

Giant Sequoia in Winter

A giant sequoia's reddish bark contrasts with the snow around it

For those who don't mind icy roads, winter offers stunning views of sequoias in snow.

Giant Forest Museum

A rustic building is surrounded by giant sequoias

Giant Forest Museum offers exhibits, park information, and a bookstore.