Driving Directions

You can visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks all year; two highways enter the parks.

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Driving Directions Details

Access to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is facilitated by two main highways that serve as gateways to the vast natural beauty within. These parks, open to motor vehicles year-round, offer visitors a chance to explore the majestic landscapes through the convenience of their vehicles, with some considerations and restrictions in place to ensure both visitor safety and the preservation of the park environment. Highway 180 and Highway 198 Entry Points: * Highway 180 (east from Fresno) enters Kings Canyon National Park in the Grant Grove area and continues for about 30 miles to the Cedar Grove area. This route is preferred for those looking to explore Kings Canyon and the northern aspects of these interconnected parks. * Highway 198 enters Sequoia National Park from the southwest via Three Rivers. It is the main route for visitors aiming to explore the southern sections of Sequoia National Park, including landmarks like the Giant Forest and Moro Rock. Vehicle Length Restrictions: * Vehicles longer than 22 feet, which includes vehicles towing trailers where the total length exceeds 22 feet, face restrictions on certain roads within the parks. The narrow, winding nature of these roads, particularly in areas leading to the Big Trees (General Sherman Tree/Giant Forest), Moro Rock, Crystal Cave, and Lodgepole/Wuksachi Lodge, makes navigation difficult for longer vehicles. * Visitors with vehicles exceeding this length limit are advised to enter and exit the parks through the Kings Canyon entrance off Highway 180. This precaution ensures that all visitors, regardless of the vehicle size, can enjoy the parks while maintaining the integrity of the natural landscape and road safety. * For those entering via Highway 198 with longer vehicles, a turnaround is required after 6.1 miles to prevent navigation challenges and potential safety hazards on the narrower sections of the road. Generals Highway and Weather Considerations: * The Generals Highway, which connects Highway 180 and Highway 198 within the park, is known as "the road between the parks." It facilitates access between Sequoia and Kings Canyon, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of both parks. * During adverse weather conditions, the Generals Highway may close between the parks, necessitating the use of alternate routes such as Highway 63. Visitors are encouraged to check current road conditions and weather forecasts before their visit to plan accordingly and ensure a smooth travel experience within the parks. These guidelines and restrictions are in place to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks safely and responsibly. Whether you're exploring the towering sequoias, the rugged landscapes of Kings Canyon, or the serene beauty of the foothills, understanding the access routes and vehicle restrictions is key to planning a successful visit to these iconic national parks.

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