Located on 1,353 square miles within California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountain range region, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks preserve a densely-forested region containing notable sequoia trees and natural landmarks and offer a variety of visitor experiences, including lodges, restaurants, visitor centers and museums, and outdoor activities.

  • What is the history of Sequoia National Park?
    • Sequoia National Park was the second national park created in the United States, established with legislation signed in September of 1890 by President Benjamin Harrison. It was designed to protect the giant sequoia trees of the Sierra Nevada range from devastation by the logging industry.
    • United States Cavalry Army troops oversaw protection of the park between 1891 and 1913, after which the park’s first civilian administrator was appointed. In 1916, the park was transferred to the care of the National Park Service.
    • Early access to the park was limited to primitive roads, but in 1926, the construction of the Generals Highway made it more accessible to visitors.
  • When was Kings Canyon National Park created?
    • In 1940, Kings Canyon National Park was created through legislation signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The nearby General Grant National Park was incorporated into the new park’s territory.
    • The park was designated to preserve the Kings Canyon region of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which includes some of the steepest vertical relief in North America, with peaks reaching 14,000 feet in some areas.
    • After World War II, administration of Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park was designated to be jointly managed by the National Park Service.
  • What are the main attractions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks?
    • The parks cover more than 1,353 square miles in California’s southern Sierra Nevada region. More than 97% of the parks are designated as wilderness areas.
    • The parks' elevation varies from 1,370 feet to 14,494 feet, with landscapes ranging from mountains, foothills, canyons, and caverns to forests.
    • Notable attractions include:
      • The General Sherman Tree, the largest-known tree in the world, standing over 275 feet tall.
      • The Crystal Cave, featuring underground rock formations.
      • The Moro Rock granite dome, offering panoramic views.
      • The Tunnel Tree, a fallen sequoia tree carved for a road.
  • What visitor centers and museums are in the park?
    • Foothills Visitor Center – Located near the Kaweah River, featuring outdoor exhibits and trailheads for hiking.
    • Giant Forest Museum – Located within the Giant Forest unit, showcasing giant sequoia trees with exhibits and trails.
    • Lodgepole Visitor Center – Features the daily orientation film Bears of the Sierra.
    • Kings Canyon Visitor Center – Includes a bookstore and film showings.
    • Cedar Grove Visitor Center – Serves the Cedar Grove unit, home to rock formations like North Dome and Grand Sentinel.
    • Mineral King Ranger Station – Features museum exhibits on the region’s natural and cultural history.
  • What hiking and outdoor activities are available?
    • Day hiking and backpacking opportunities include:
      • The Big Trees Trail.
      • The Moro Rock-Crescent Meadow Road.
      • The Grant Tree Trail in the Grant Grove unit.
      • The Panoramic Point Trail.
    • Outdoor activities include:
      • Rock climbing.
      • Skiing and snowshoeing.
      • Horseback riding, with guided expeditions from Grant Grove Stables.
      • Daily ranger-led excursions and educational programs.
  • What accommodations and dining options are available?
    • Lodging options include:
      • Wuksachi, Cedar Grove, and John Muir Lodges.
      • Grant Grove Cabins.
      • Bearpaw High Sierra Camp and Pear Lake Winter Hut for wilderness stays.
    • Campgrounds: 14 campgrounds are available, including three year-round facilities.
    • Dining options include:
      • Grant Grove and Peaks Restaurants.
      • Lodgepole Deli and Market.
      • Cedar Grove Snack Bar.
      • Additional dining at lodges near the park.
    • Picnic areas are available throughout the park’s units.
  • Are there educational programs for children?
    • A Junior Ranger program allows young visitors to earn participation badges by completing activities.
    • The park also offers curriculum-based field trips and distance learning programs.
  • Where is Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks located?
    • 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, Phone: 559-565-3341

Plan Your Trip