By some measures, this is the deepest canyon in the United States by over a mile and a half. With its distinctive rock outcroppings, skyscraping trees and deep valleys, this is the place where John Muir once called "a rival to Yosemite." Located right next to Sequoia National Park, this park has rivers to play in, long hikes in the Sierra Nevadas, and caves to explore, along with a touch of Sequoia trees to boot!
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
The parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Some park roads and roads that access more remote parts of the parks close in the winter due to snow accumulation. Rarely, extreme weather conditions may cause roads into the parks to be closed.
Entrance Fees
- $35 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $20 – Entrance - Per Person
- $30 – Entrance - Motorcycle
- $100 – Nonresident
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.
Things to Do
Paradise Creek
Explore Paradise Canyon in the Foothills of Sequoia National Park. This gentle trail parallels Paradise Creek, taking you past waterfalls and pools.
Wolverton Winter Trail
This short trail connects the Old Lodgepole Road with the Wolverton Parking area. This steep hillside route requires considerable control for downhill travel when skiing away from Wolverton.
Visit the Foothills Visitor Center
This visitor center is one mile past the Ash Mountain entrance station along the Generals Highway. Stop here for information, maps, books, gifts, and restrooms. Browse exhibits about the ecology and human history of the foothills, and join a free ranger-led program.
Explore Hidden Sequoias at Muir Grove
Take a hike to a sequoia grove that is tucked away from the road. Muir Grove provides a quiet experience among these giant trees. If you find other sequoia groves to be a bit crowded, take a walk to experience Muir Grove.
See the General Sherman Tree in Snow
Enjoy an up-close experience walking around the big trees, including the largest tree on Earth.
Visit the Kings Canyon Visitor Center
At the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, learn about three regions in Kings Canyon National Park: giant sequoia groves, Kings Canyon, and the High Sierra. Watch a 15-minute movie (English/Spanish). A park store sells books, maps, and educational materials.
Getting There
Address: 47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers CA 93271
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 driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Potwisha Campground
42 sites · $32/night
Open year-round except when weather or safety conditions require a closure. Reservations can be made up to four months in advance. All sites are reservation on…
Azalea Campground
110 sites · $32/night
The campground is open year-round but has seasonal restrictions during the winter. May through October: Reservations can be made up to four months in advance. …
Cold Springs Campground
40 sites · $32/night
The campground is typically open May through October. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. All sites are reservation only. Nestled among aspen …
Atwell Mill Campground
21 sites · $32/night
The campground is typically open May through October. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. All sites are reservation only. The campground is si…
Buckeye Flat Campground
27 sites · $32/night
Not currently taking reservations due to past winter storm damage. Open year-round except when weather or safety conditions require a closure. Reservations can…
Sunset Campground
158 sites · $32/night
The campground is typically open May through August. Individual site reservations can be made up to one month in advance. Group sites are available up to four …
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Kings Canyon National Park?
The entrance fee for Kings Canyon National Park is $35. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Kings Canyon National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Kings Canyon National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Kings Canyon National Park open?
The parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Some park roads and roads that access more remote parts of the parks close in the winter due to snow accumulation. Rarely, extreme weather conditions may cause roads into the parks to be closed.
What are the best things to do in Kings Canyon National Park?
Popular things to do in Kings Canyon National Park include Paradise Creek, Wolverton Winter Trail, Visit the Foothills Visitor Center, Explore Hidden Sequoias at Muir Grove. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Kings Canyon National Park?
Yes — Kings Canyon National Park has 15 campgrounds, including Potwisha Campground, Azalea Campground, Cold Springs Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.