The Glaciers carved the Kings Canyon's steep granite cliffs, leaving a wide U-shaped valley.
Just above Lodgepole Valley, the trail to the Watchtower offers views above the treeline.
A historic stairway leads to the top of Moro Rock, offering views from foothills to peaks
For those who don't mind icy roads, winter offers stunning views of sequoias in snow.

About

Deep glacier-carved canyons and massive giant sequoia groves define this stretch of the southern Sierra Nevada. You can spend your days hiking through high mountain meadows or navigating the steep granite peaks that rise above the river valleys.

nps.govrecreation.gov

Quick Facts

Notable for: Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees

Founded: 1890

Park Details

Designation: National Parks

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.

Entrance Fees

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle$35.00

    This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling in a single vehicle for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.

  • Entrance - Per Person$20.00

    This entry fee is for a single person traveling on foot or by bicycle. It is valid for 1-7 days in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.

  • Entrance - Motorcycle$30.00

    Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles, scooters, or similar motorized vehicles with up to 4 total passengers to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)

Topics

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Sources

  • NPS - National Park Service
  • National Park Service - Data and descriptions courtesy of the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Department of the Interior. Public domain.
  • Recreation.gov (RIDB) - Recreation Information Database (RIDB)
  • Wikidata - Wikidata / Wikimedia Commons
  • Wikipedia - Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Trips featuring Kings Canyon National Park

Route map for Ultimate National Parks Road Trip

Ultimate National Parks Road Trip

Grand Canyon National Park → Death Valley National Park

47 stopsView trip →