Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Fodor's) - Fodor's [29]
If you plan to camp in the backcountry, you need a permit, which costs $15 for hikers or $30 for stock users (e.g., horseback riders). One permit covers the group. Availability of permits depends upon trailhead quotas. Advance reservations are accepted by mail, fax, or e-mail for a $15 processing fee, beginning March 1, and must be made at least three weeks in advance (HCR 89, P.O. Box 60, Three Rivers, CA 93271 | 559/575–3766 | 559/565–4239). Without a reservation, you may still get a permit on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 1 PM the day before you plan to hike. For more information on backcountry camping or travel with pack animals (horses, mules, burros, or llamas), contact the Wilderness Permit Office (530/565–3761).
ADMISSION HOURS
The parks are open 24/7 year-round. They are in the Pacific time zone
ATMS/BANKS
There are ATMs at the Grant Grove Gift Shop and the Lodgepole Market. The nearest banks are in Visalia and Three Rivers.
AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATIONS
There is no gasoline in either park. If you’re traveling in Kings Canyon, you can find gas at Hume Lake; if traveling in Sequoia, fuel up in Three Rivers. Cans of emergency gasoline are available at Lodgepole Market and Grant Grove Market for $8 a gallon. For emergency repairs, towing, lock-outs, or jump starts, your best bet is to call AAA or a service station in a neighboring town.
CELL-PHONE RECEPTION
Cell-phone reception is poor to nonexistent in the higher elevations, and spotty even on portions of Generals Highway, where you can (on rare clear days) see the Central Valley. Public telephones may be found at the park entrance stations, visitor centers, ranger stations, some trailheads, and at all restaurants and lodging facilities in the park.
EMERGENCIES
Call 911 from any telephone within the park in an emergency. Rangers at the Cedar Grove, Foothills, Grant Grove, and Lodgepole visitor centers and the Mineral King ranger station are trained in first aid. National Park rangers have legal jurisdiction within park boundaries: contact a ranger station or visitor center for police matters. For nonemergencies, call the parks’ main number, 559/565–3341.
PARK CONTACT INFORMATION
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
47050 Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), Three Rivers, CA 93271–9651 | 559/565–3341 or 559/565–3134 | www.nps.gov/seki.
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EXPLORING SEQUOIA
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SCENIC DRIVES
Generals Highway.
One of the most scenic drives in a state replete with them is this 43-mi road, the main asphalt artery between Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Named after the landmark Grant and Sherman trees that leave so many visitors awestruck, it runs from the Foothills Visitor Center north to Grant Grove Village. Along the way, it passes the turnoff to Crystal Cave, the Giant Forest Museum, Lodgepole Village, and Sequoia National Park’s other most popular attractions. The lower portion, from Hospital Rock to the Giant Forest, is especially steep and windy. If your vehicle is 22 feet or longer, avoid that stretch by entering the parks via Route 180 (from Fresno) rather than Route 198 (from Visalia). And take your time on this road—there’s a lot to see, and wildlife can scamper across at any time.
Mineral King Road.
Vehicles longer than 22 feet are prohibited on this side road into southern Sequoia National Park, and for good reason: It contains 589 twists and turns, according to one reputable source. Anticipating an average speed of 20 MPH is optimistic, considering all the potholes, blind curves, and narrow stretches. The scenery is splendid as you climb nearly 6,000 feet from Three Rivers to the Mineral King area…but be sure to focus on the road if you’re driving. If you can, trade off with your spouse or companion on the return trip. Allow 90 minutes each way. Make sure you start off with a