Sequoia & Kings Cyn

On the bright side, the scenery sure is nice. There will be traffic control on the Generals Highway near Redwood Mountain Overlook in Kings Canyon from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on March 30–31 with up to 20-minute delays. Please drive safely and thank you for your patience! NPS photo Alt text: a traffic control device staged on the Generals Highway for a project that happened earlier this year.

Updated visitor center hours for the spring season! Beginning March 28, the Foothills Visitor Center, Kings Canyon Visitor Center, and Giant Forest Museum will all be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stop by to talk to a friendly park ranger or learn more online at nps.gov/seki/planyourv…. NPS photo Alt text: purple-colored lupine flowers in bloom outside of the Foothills Visitor Center on a spring day.

The National Park Service plans to begin a 482-acre prescribed burn in Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park on Thursday, October 30, weather and air quality permitting. Visitors should expect smoke and temporary closures near the General Grant Tree.

Be aware that there may be closures or delays on Highway 198 due to an ongoing wildfire near Three Rivers. To avoid this area, we recommend traveling on Highway 180 through the Big Stump entrance of Kings Canyon. For the latest updates, please monitor fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025….

Visiting Kings Canyon today? Drive slowly & watch out for fire crews on park roads. Expect smoke & small fires along the road—this is normal. Yesterday, NPS completed 96 acres on the Big Stump East Prescribed Burn. Crews will continue today & are expected to finish this evening.

Visiting Kings Canyon? This morning, NPS fire management ignited a prescribed fire East of Hwy 180 to Generals Hwy. Visitors still have access to General Grant tree, Big Stump Picnic Area, & campgrounds. Drive carefully & observe posted speed limits. #FireYear2025

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks enter Stage 1 fire restrictions at 6 a.m. on June 11. No wood/charcoal fires below 3,000 ft including campgrounds and picnic areas. Gas/propane stoves allowed. Stay safe and check fire safety tips! 🔥 More info: nps.gov/seki/learn/nat….

Mineral King Road opens today! Please be aware that road construction is happening. Details of road closures and delays can be found at nps.gov/seki/planyourv…. These closures and delays will not affect visitors going through the main Sequoia National Park entrance.

Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer at Sequoia & Kings Canyon! Read our tips for a safe and enjoyable visit: nps.gov/seki/learn/new… TLDR: Buy your pass in advance, arrive early, bring essentials, and be ready for congestion. Campgrounds require reservation. Stay safe!

Crystal Cave will reopen for guided tours on May 23 after four years of closure due to consecutive natural disasters in Sequoia National Park! Learn more at sequoiaparksconservancy.org/crystal-cave.

Watch for wildlife, part II! Rattlesnakes are common in the Sequoia foothills and in Kings Canyon at low elevation. If you see a rattlesnake, do not harass or kill them; this is when most bites occur. If bitten, don’t panic and call 911.

Beginning May 21, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will transition to a fully cashless fee system. Mobile payments, credit cards, or debit cards will be required to pay entrance fees. Cash accepted at participating local vendors. Learn more at nps.gov/seki/planyourv….

A note from the yuccas: it's time to bloom.

Watch for wildlife! The Generals Highway is a scenic drive. Take it slow and watch for wildlife.

In case you missed it! The Giant Forest was absolutely gorgeous after receiving snow this weekend. Don't forget to check the weather before visiting the parks: nps.gov/seki/planyourv….

🚧 Mineral King Road Update 🚧 Major construction on Mineral King Road runs from April 2025 to fall 2027. Most visitors won't be affected; the turnoff is 2 miles from the main entrance. Find delay/closure schedule and details at nps.gov/seki/planyourv…

Cedar Grove reopening for day use on April 25 at 7 a.m. after winter closure! Power restoration is underway; only vault toilets will be available. Bring water and supplies. Sentinel Campground opens May 9, Market & Lodge on May 10. More updates at nps.gov/seki/planyourv…

Save the date! On Saturday, April 19, in celebration of National Park Week, the National Park Service will offer free admission so everyone can explore our country's vast history and beauty.

❄️ Snow surveys measured the following for April 1: Kaweah River basin at 79% of average, Kings River basin at 79%, and Kern River basin at 78%. These peak measurements guide water management for agriculture, hydroelectricity, and recreation in California.