Things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Welcome to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
The world’s largest trees; one of the deepest canyons on the continent; glacier-carved landscapes that rival Yosemite—there are lots of things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Most visitors will want a few days to explore the giant sequoias, including General Sherman and General Grant, hike between the granite walls of Cedar Grove, rock climb, and leisurely wander the Giant Forest Museum area. In winter, lower elevations remain open (chains suggested) and you'll find the parks’ beloved sequoias covered in a layer of marshmallow white.
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All about Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
When to visit
Most visitors see Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks June through August—there’s excellent weather, visitor services and roads are reliably open, and ranger programming is at its height. The season winds down in September, and roads into Kings Canyon (Mineral Road, Highway 180 from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove, etc.) start closing in October and November, opening back up around March. If you do visit November–March, you’ll see fewer destinations more thoroughly—and share them with fewer travelers.
Getting around
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have a small shuttle system that runs around the General Sherman Tree and Giant Forest Museum areas in summer and briefly in winter over the holidays. To get elsewhere, you’ll likely want a car. In winter, chains are often required through most—but not all—areas of the park. Be sure you know how to use them.
Traveler tips
In winter—especially during or after a snowfall—it’s entirely possible to get some of the park’s iconic experiences to yourself. Grab an off-season discounted room at one of the in-park lodges, and get out there when Jack Frost lights up those giant trees. Even if you don’t have chains for your car, some lower-elevation areas of the park will be open.