The Kings Canyon Visitor Center is open daily from 8am to 5pm year-round. In winter, hours may reduce to 9am to 4pm, starting late October.
Entrance fees at Kings Canyon National Park are $35 for a private vehicle, $30 for a motorcycle, and $20 per person, all valid for 7 consecutive days. An annual pass for both Kings Canyon and Sequoia is $70.
Drive from Fresno via Highway 180; nearest airport is Fresno Yosemite Intl (FAT). From Sequoia NP, use Generals Highway. Buses to Fresno or Visalia connect to rental cars or tours.
At Kings Canyon National Park, parking is available in designated lots like Lodgepole and Giant Forest Museum. Vehicles over 22 feet are restricted in some areas. No overnight parking in lots; no parking fees. RVs up to 24 feet can park in certain areas. Motorcycles use regular parking spaces.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Spanning over 461,901 acres in California’s Sierra Nevada, Kings Canyon National Park is a sanctuary of granite cliffs, roaring waterfalls, deep canyons, and ancient sequoias. Visitors can hike scenic trails, marvel at the massive General Grant Tree, and explore glacial valleys shaped by ancient ice flows. A paradise for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
- Area (mi²)
- 722
- Annual visitors
- 415 077
- Established year
- 1890
Top 3 Facts about Kings Canyon National Park
The high country was sculpted by glaciations over 2.5 million years, with valley glaciers extending up to 71 kilometers down the South and Middle Forks of the Kings River, carving out deep U-shaped valleys with flat floors and exposed granite cliffs many thousands of feet high.
Home to the General Grant Tree—the second-largest tree on Earth and a living national shrine.
Shaped by Ice Age glaciers, the park features U-shaped valleys, alpine lakes, and granite peaks.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Family Camping & Overnight
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Check alerts, closures, and trail conditions online. Reserve lodging early in peak months.
Pack Appropriately
Bring layers, hiking boots, sun protection, water, and food. High elevation means chilly nights.
Respect Wildlife
Store food securely and stay bear-aware. Never feed or approach wildlife.
Stay Informed
Acclimate to elevation slowly. Watch for signs of altitude sickness; stay hydrated and rest often.
Seasons
Spring (Mar–May) features waterfalls, wildflowers, and mild temps (50–70°F). Trails open as snow melts.
Summer (Jun–Aug) is peak season with warm weather (70–90°F), perfect for hiking, lakes, and picnics. Crowds common—arrive early.
Fall (Sep–Nov) brings golden foliage, fewer visitors, cool hikes, and ideal wildlife viewing.
Winter (Dec–Feb) sees snow, frozen waterfalls, and quiet trails for skiing, snowshoeing, and solitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Kings Canyon National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest town is Three Rivers, a small village about 37.5 miles and an hour from the park’s entrance. It offers several places to stay and is nestled along the Kaweah River. Three Rivers is the most convenient settlement for accessing the park.
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The Zumwalt Meadow Trail is a great option for kids, as it is an easy 0.8-mile loop trail that is perfect for any skill level and rewards hikers with scenic views. Another good choice is the Sheep Creek Cascade, a 2-mile hike with a small elevation change, offering 360 views of the redwood canyon and the Monarch Divide. Both trails are suitable for families and all skill levels.
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Dogs are not allowed on any trails within the park. However, they can be taken on trails in the surrounding national forest areas if they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
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You can park an RV, but vehicles longer than 24 feet are not advised on many park roads due to narrow and winding conditions. Smaller camper vans, trailers, and motorhomes are more suitable. Larger luxury RVs and Class A motorhomes may face difficulties, especially on roads like the Generals Highway and Mineral King Road.
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The top attraction is the General Grant Tree, also known as the nation’s Christmas tree, located in the Grant Grove area. This tree is the second-largest tree in the world and has been a protected site since General Grant National Park was established in 1890 to safeguard these giant sequoias from logging.