The area around Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park has a story you can feel with every step on the trail. Long before these parks existed, Indigenous communities like the Mono (Monache) Tribe and Yokuts Tribe moved through these mountains seasonally, living in rhythm with the land and caring for it in ways that helped the forests thrive. In the 1800s, the California Gold Rush brought new activity to nearby foothills, and logging began to threaten the giant sequoias. Thankfully, efforts to protect these landscapes followed, leading to the creation of the parks and the surrounding Sequoia National Forest. Today, whether you’re hiking through towering trees or climbing toward a mountain view, you’re walking through layers of history that make the experience feel even more meaningful.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: History and Visitor Guide

A Brief History

If you’ve ever stood beneath the towering trees of Sequoia National Park, you already know this place feels ancient in the best possible way. Established in 1890 to protect the giant sequoias from logging, it’s one of the oldest national parks in the country. It’s also home to the famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume, and yes, it’s just as awe-inspiring as you’d imagine.

Just to the north, Kings Canyon National Park was established in 1940, preserving a deep glacial canyon carved by the Kings River. Think dramatic granite walls, rushing water, and wide-open wilderness, often compared to Yosemite but with far fewer crowds.

Today, the two parks are managed together, which means you can easily explore both in one trip, moving from massive sequoia groves to rugged canyon landscapes without ever feeling like you’ve left.

Visitor Information

Entrance Fees

One of the best parts? You only pay once. A single entrance fee covers both parks for 7 days.

• Private vehicle: $35
• Motorcycle: $30
• Per person (walk-in/bike): $20
• Annual pass: $70
• NEW: Each non-U.S. resident aged 16 and over will be charged a $100 nonresident fee. This is a per-person fee. U.S. residents will need to show proof of residency (such as a U.S. Passport, State ID/Driver’s License, or Green Card) to bypass this specific fee.

If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you’re all set for entry. These passes cover access to national parks and federal recreation lands across the country.

America the Beautiful Pass Options

• Annual Pass – $80
  Available to anyone and valid for one year from the month of purchase.
• Senior Annual Pass – $20
  For U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older.
• Senior Lifetime Pass – $80
  Lifetime access for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 and older.
• Access Pass – Free
  A free lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. It also offers discounts on some expanded amenity fees like camping.
• Military Annual Pass – Free
  Available for current U.S. military members and their dependents.
• Military Lifetime Pass – Free
  Available for veterans and Gold Star Families.
• Every Kid Outdoors Pass (4th Grade Pass) – Free
  Available for U.S. fourth-grade students and their families for one full year.
• Volunteer Pass – Free
  Available for volunteers who complete 250 service hours on federal public lands.

Getting There

There are a few main ways to enter, depending on where you’re coming from:

• Ash Mountain Entrance (Highway 198)
  This is your gateway into Sequoia. It’s scenic, winding, and a bit of an adventure in itself.
• Big Stump Entrance (Highway 180)
  The easiest access point for Kings Canyon and a great starting spot if you want to see both parks.
• Mineral King Entrance
  A quieter, more remote route that leads to a peaceful alpine area if you’re looking to get off the beaten path.

Park Hours

The parks are open 24 hours a day, year-round, which is great if you’re chasing sunrise hikes or stargazing nights. Just keep in mind that some roads, especially deeper into Kings Canyon, can close in winter due to snow.

Visitor Centers and Lodging

In Sequoia National Park

• Foothills Visitor Center
  A great first stop right after entering the park. Pick up maps, check conditions, and get your bearings.
• Giant Forest Museum
  Right in the heart of the sequoias, this is where you can learn more about these incredible trees before heading out on nearby trails.
• Wuksachi Lodge
  If you want to stay inside the park, this is the main lodge option. Comfortable, convenient, and close to many of Sequoia’s highlights.
• Campgrounds
  Sequoia has several beautiful campgrounds ranging from forested sites near the giant sequoias to quieter foothill settings. Popular options include Lodgepole Campground, Dorst Creek Campground, and Buckeye Flat Campground. Some are seasonal, and reservations are highly recommended during summer and holiday weekends.

In Kings Canyon National Park

• Grant Grove Visitor Center
  A central hub near the General Grant Tree, perfect for getting trail ideas, maps, and a feel for the area before heading out.
• Cedar Grove Visitor Center
  Located deeper in the canyon (when the road is open), offering insight into the dramatic geology and wilderness that define Kings Canyon.
• John Muir Lodge
  Cozy and conveniently located near Grant Grove, making it a great base for exploring.
• Cedar Grove Lodge
  A seasonal stay tucked deep in the canyon, surrounded by cliffs and the sound of the river, an unforgettable setting if you can catch it open.
• Wilsonia Vacation Rentals
  If you’re looking for something more private and a bit off the beaten path, Wilsonia is a hidden gem near Grant Grove. This historic cabin community is made up of privately owned homes, many available as vacation rentals, offering a peaceful, forested setting with a mix of rustic charm and modern comfort.
• Campgrounds
  Kings Canyon also offers fantastic camping, especially for those wanting to stay close to the canyon floor or among the sequoias. Azalea Campground near Grant Grove and Sentinel Campground in Cedar Grove are two popular choices. Camping here is a wonderful way to fully experience the quiet beauty of the park, especially under the stars.

Best Times to Visit

If you’re planning your trip around hiking, timing matters:

• Late spring to early fall (May–October): Best overall access and trail conditions
• Summer: Everything is open, but it’s also the busiest
• Fall: Fewer crowds and cooler temps, a favorite for many hikers
• Winter: Quiet and beautiful, but with limited access and snow-covered trails