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Fire Danger is HIGH in the Parks - Observe Current Fire Restrictions
On Saturday, July 14, 2012, fire restrictions began and will continue until further notice. Follow link to read the full news release for info on wood, BBQ, & propane fires, and smoking in campgrounds, picnic, & wilderness areas below 6,000 ft. More »
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Road Construction Delays in Sequoia NP thru end of November 2012 (if entering/exiting Hwy 198)
Expect 20-minute to 1-hour delays on weekdays and 20-minute delays on weekends along main road through parks. Weeknight closures with one pass through the construction zone at 11:30 p.m. See link to schedule and map or call 559-565-3341 (press 1, 1, 1,). More »
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22-foot Vehicle Length Limit in Sequoia NP thru end of November 2012 (if entering/exiting Hwy 198)
Planning to see the "Big Trees" in Sequoia National Park? If you enter/exit via Hwy. 198, all vehicles must be less than 22 feet in length. Even vehicles towing trailers must be less than 22 feet in combined length. Longer vehicles must enter at Hwy. 180. More »
Traffic & Travel Tips
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Please read important park alerts by clicking the red tab above before you come to the parks. DOWNSHIFT - When going downhill, put the gearshift in 1, 2, or L. The engine gets louder as it slows you down, but it will save your brakes from burning out. LET OTHERS PASS - Slower vehicles MUST use paved turnouts to let traffic pass. PREVENT CAR FIRES - Hot brakes and mufflers start fires in dry grass. Don't stop in grassy areas. Use paved turnouts only. MAXIMUM VEHICLE LENGTH LIMIT - The 16 miles of road from the south entrance in Sequoia National Park to the Giant Forest sequoia grove includes 130 curves and 12 switchbacks. In Sequoia National Park, the Generals Highway from Hospital Rock Picnic Area to Giant Forest Museum is closed to vehicles longer than 22 feet (6.7 m) through the end of November 2012 due to a steep, narrow, one-lane construction zone. For vehicles towing trailers - the combined length must be less than 22 feet. If you are towing a smaller vehicle, consider camping in the foothills and using the smaller car to explore the parks. AN ALTERNATE ROUTE: For vehicles longer than 22 feet - take Highway 180 from Fresno to the Big Stump Entrance in Kings Canyon National Park. Turn south on the Generals Highway to visit Sequoia National Park. Be sure to turn around at the Giant Forest Museum and exit the park at Hwy 180 to avoid the 22-foot vehicle length limit in the construction zone. Find road construction updates on our News Releases page. Use this information to plan your visit carefully to maximize your fun and minimize your waiting time. MOTORCYCLES - Slow down and drive carefully through construction zones where loose materials can be slippery and hazardous. Avoid the oil buildup in the middle of uphill lanes. STAY ON PAVEMENT - Park and travel on pavement only. GAS UP OUTSIDE THE PARKS - Gasoline is not sold within park boundaries. Be sure to fill up in one of the towns near the park entrance OR at one of three locations in the national forest bordering part of the park: year-round at Hume Lake (near Grant Grove), and late spring into fall at Stony Creek (between Giant Forest and Grant Grove) or Kings Canyon Lodge (between Grant Grove and Cedar Grove). BICYCLES - Ride only on roads (not trails), single file with traffic, and wear light colors after dark. People under 18 must wear a helmet. CELL PHONES - Service is poor to non-existent because of the great distance to cell towers and the rugged terrain. Note where pay phones are available or ask a ranger. MORE INFORMATION - Call the park for the latest on road conditions: 1-559-565-3341, then press 1,1, 1. 
Snow can fall suddenly at any time of year on the Generals Highway. Be prepared
with tire chains, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, water, and emergency food in case you need to wait for the road to be plowed. |
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Did You Know?
Of the 75 or so sequoia groves in the world, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect 29 of them. More...