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GETTING HERE AND AROUND

Sequoia is 36 mi east of Visalia on Route 198; Kings Canyon is 53 mi east of Fresno on Route 180. There is no automobile entrance on the eastern side of the Sierra. Routes 180 and 198 are connected by Generals Highway, a paved two-lane road that sometimes sees delays at peak times due to ongoing improvements. The road is extremely narrow and steep from Route 198 to Giant Forest, so keep an eye on your engine temperature gauge, as the incline and congestion can cause vehicles to overheat; to avoid overheated brakes, use low gears on downgrades.

If you are traveling in an RV or with a trailer, study the restrictions on these vehicles. Do not travel beyond Potwisha Campground with an RV longer than 22 feet on Route 198; take straighter, easier Route 180 instead. Maximum vehicle length on Generals Highway is 40 feet, or 50 feet combined length for vehicles with trailers.

Generals Highway between Lodgepole and Grant Grove is sometimes closed by snow. The Mineral King Road from Route 198 into southern Sequoia National Park is closed 2 mi below Atwell Mill either on November 1 or after the first heavy snow. The Buckeye Flat–Middle Fork Trailhead Road is closed mid-October–mid-April when the Buckeye Flat Campground closes. The lower Crystal Cave Road is closed when the cave closes in November. Its upper 2 mi, as well as the Panoramic Point and Moro Rock–Crescent Meadow roads, are closed with the first heavy snow. Because of the danger of rockfall, the portion of Kings Canyon Scenic Byway east of Grant Grove closes in winter. For current conditions, call | 559/565–3341 Ext. 4.

Tip → Snowstorms are common late October through April. Unless you have four-wheel drive with snow tires, carry chains and know how to apply them to the tires on the drive axle.

PARK PUBLICATION

The Guide: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is a free newspaper available at park entrance gates or by contacting the parks directly; | www.nps.gov/seki has current and back issues. For information on planning a backcountry hiking trip, download Backcountry Basics at | www.nps.gov/seki.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

December

Annual Trek to the Tree.

On the second Sunday, thousands of Christmas carolers gather at the base of General Grant Tree, the nation’s official Christmas tree. | 559/565–4307.

March

Blossom Days Festival.

The first Saturday of March, communities along Fresno County’s Blossom Trail celebrate the flowering the area’s many orchards, citrus groves, and vineyards. | 559/262–4271 | www.gofresnocounty.com.

April

Jazzaffair.

Held just south of the parks, a festival of mostly swing jazz takes place at several locations. The festival is usually the second weekend of the month. | 559/561–4592 or 559/561–3105 | www.jazzaffair.info.

May

Woodlake Rodeo.

A weekend-long event thrown by the Woodlake Lions, this rodeo draws large crowds to Woodlake on Mother’s Day weekend. | 559/564–8555 | www.woodlakelionsrodeo.com.

September

Celebrate Sequoias Festival.

On the second Saturday of the month, rangers guide field trips to the lesser known groves of Sequoia National Park. | 559/565–4307 Grant Grove Visitor Center.

October

Big Fresno Fair.

The Fresno Fairgrounds come alive with an old-fashioned county fair. | 559/650–3247.

PARK ESSENTIALS

ACCESSIBILITY

All of the visitor centers, the Giant Forest Museum, and Big Trees Trail are wheelchair-accessible, as are some short ranger-led walks and talks. General Sherman Tree can be reached via a paved, level trail near a parking area. None of the caves is accessible and wilderness areas must be reached by horseback or on foot. Some picnic tables are extended to accommodate wheelchairs. Many of the major sites are in the 6,000-foot range and thin air at high elevations can cause respiratory distress for people with breathing difficulties. Carry oxygen if necessary. Contact the park’s main number for more information.

ADMISSION FEES AND PERMITS

The admission fee is $20 per vehicle and $10 for those who enter by bus, on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or horse; it is valid for