Last Updated: June 18, 2026
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks were a few hours’ drive from Paso Robles, California. We knew there would be limited access to both parks because it was February, but a few days of brilliant blue skies following a major winter storm gave us exactly what we were hoping for — snow-draped giant sequoias, frost-encrusted trees, and a winter solitude that summer visitors never see. The General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on earth by volume, was magnificent even from a distance. This is Sequoia and Kings Canyon in winter: raw, cold, and extraordinary.
Visitor Information
Address: Foothills Visitor Center, 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271. Hours: Both parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, though winter storms may temporarily close roads. Admission: $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days), $30 per motorcycle, $20 per person on foot or bicycle; the America the Beautiful Annual Pass is accepted and covers all national parks. Note that entrance stations are cashless — credit, debit, and digital payment only. Cash payments for entrance passes can be made in advance at the Foothills Visitor Center store or the Kings Canyon Visitor Center store. Phone: 559-565-3341. Website: nps.gov/seki.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon sit in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, where peaks rise above 14,000 feet — including Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. Together the parks protect more than 865,000 acres of wilderness, from sun-baked foothills to high alpine terrain. We entered through the Ash Mountain entrance on Highway 198, climbing quickly from oak-covered foothills into the snow.
At the lower elevations near the Foothills Visitor Center and Hospital Rock, the roads were dry and wildlife was active. We spotted Red-tailed hawks soaring overhead and mule deer grazing along the roadside. Hospital Rock is an important cultural site — the Monachee (Western Mono) people lived here for thousands of years, and the large boulders are covered in grinding holes where they processed acorns, as well as ancient pictographs painted on the rock face.
Our first day, the road to the Wuksachi Lodge was closed — more than four feet of snow still needed to be cleared — so we were turned around at Hospital Rock. The roads to Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, and the Giant Forest were also closed. We had to be patient and wait for the snowplows to do their work.
Eventually the roads opened and we were treated to a winter wonderland. The giant sequoias draped in snow under deep blue skies were among the most beautiful things we have ever seen. There is something deeply humbling about standing next to a tree that has lived for over 3,000 years.
Snowplows and snowblowers were still clearing roads and parking areas when we arrived. We learned that during heavy snowfall, the plows sometimes inadvertently bury covered cars, signs, and bike racks — so the park recommends not leaving anything unattended near roads being plowed.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles were required to carry chains. Because we had four-wheel drive with mud and snow tires, we were in good shape — though we kept chains on board just in case. The park road to the Giant Forest and General Sherman Tree climbs steeply, so be prepared for challenging winter driving conditions.
Giant sequoias are the world’s largest trees by volume and can live for more than 3,000 years. These giants thrive at elevations between 5,000 and 8,000 feet, and fire plays a crucial role in their life cycle — heat from wildfires opens their cones and releases seeds, while the cleared forest floor allows seedlings to take hold. The General Sherman Tree, located in the Giant Forest, stands 274 feet tall with a base circumference of 102 feet. It is the single largest living tree on earth.
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park was originally established as General Grant National Park in 1890 — one of the earliest national parks in the country — and renamed Kings Canyon National Park in 1940. It is contiguous with Sequoia National Park to the south. The Kings Canyon itself is one of the deepest canyons in North America, carved by glaciers to a depth of over a mile.
The battle to protect Kings Canyon was long and contentious. Conservationists including John Muir fought for decades against loggers and developers who had already felled some of the largest sequoias ever recorded in the 1800s. Full protection of the park boundaries was not secured until 1965. The General Grant Tree in the Grant Grove section is the second-largest tree on earth and has been designated the Nation’s Christmas Tree since 1926.
Much of the park was closed for winter. Many hiking trails had no snowshoe or cross-country ski tracks at all — pure untracked snow. The closure signs made the consequences very clear: going around the barriers meant towing fines of $700 to $1,000.
Beyond the sequoias, the trees throughout Kings Canyon were covered in a stunning coating of snow, ice, and hoarfrost. Some areas were closed due to falling ice hazard. The frost formations on smaller trees were extraordinary — every branch and twig encrusted in white crystals, sparkling in the winter sun. It was unlike anything we had ever photographed.
Three Rivers
Three Rivers is a small town in the Sierra Nevada foothills, named for the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Kaweah River that meet here. It serves as the primary gateway to Sequoia National Park via Highway 198. The town has been known as an artists’ colony since the 1960s, with a funky, welcoming character — local restaurants, galleries, and roadside curiosities make for an enjoyable base between park visits.
We enjoyed several meals at the small local restaurants, which offered great food in a relaxed atmosphere. Many have lovely views of the Kaweah River. Jake loved exploring the riverbank — the Kaweah was running clear and cold in February, and Jake was completely in his element.
Sequoia RV Ranch
We stayed at Sequoia RV Ranch, right along the North Fork of the Kaweah River in Three Rivers. The park offered 50-amp service, good water pressure, and full hookups with sewer, though the wifi was poor. We were able to pull in facing the river, which made for a peaceful and scenic setting. The town’s quirky artistic character extended to the surroundings — vintage vehicles, folk art, and whimsical sculptures were around every corner.
A pair of donkeys in a nearby pasture provided endless entertainment. They played and wrestled and chased each other around the field, and Jake was completely captivated watching from the RV. Sandy captured the whole performance — it was one of those spontaneous road trip moments that sticks with you long after you have moved on.
Practical Tips for Visiting Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Check road conditions before every visit. Winter is beautiful in the parks but unpredictable. Roads can close with little notice after snowfall. Current conditions are posted at nps.gov/seki and the park road information line is regularly updated. Always check the morning of your visit before heading up the mountain.
Carry chains even with four-wheel drive. Chain control requirements apply to all vehicles in the parks, including those with 4WD and AWD. Rangers can turn you around if you do not have chains when conditions require them. Buy them before you arrive — options near the park are limited and prices at the last stop can be high.
Entrance stations are cashless. As of 2026, Sequoia and Kings Canyon only accept credit, debit, and digital payments at entrance stations. If you prefer cash, purchase an entrance pass in advance at the Foothills Visitor Center store (Three Rivers) or the Kings Canyon Visitor Center store before entering the park.
The America the Beautiful Pass is excellent value. At $80 per year, it covers entrance fees at all national parks and federal recreation areas for one vehicle. If you visit more than two or three parks in a year, it pays for itself quickly. Seniors 62 and older can get it for $20 annually or $80 for a lifetime pass — one of the best deals in travel.
Stay in Three Rivers for flexibility. The town is charming, the restaurants are good, and basing yourself here gives you easy access to both parks without committing to in-park lodging. The Wuksachi Lodge inside Sequoia is the only in-park accommodation option and books up well in advance even in winter.
Stop at Hospital Rock. This site near the Foothills Visitor Center is easy to drive past and absolutely worth stopping for. The Monachee people’s grinding holes and pictographs on the boulders are fascinating, and the large rocks make for an interesting stop even in winter when upper roads are closed.
Wildlife is more active at lower elevations in winter. Mule deer and raptors like Red-tailed hawks are commonly seen near the Foothills Visitor Center and along the lower park roads in the winter months, when summer crowds are absent. Bring binoculars and a good telephoto lens.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks? Summer (June through August) offers the most access, with all roads open and full park services available. However, winter visits — with proper preparation — offer solitude, spectacular snow-draped sequoias, and an entirely different experience. Spring brings wildflowers at lower elevations and rushing snowmelt waterfalls. Fall offers mild weather and uncrowded trails.
Can you see the General Sherman Tree in winter? Yes, when roads are open. The road to the Giant Forest and General Sherman Tree closes after heavy snowfall and must be plowed before reopening. Check conditions before your visit. When open, the trail to General Sherman is typically packed down and accessible with appropriate winter footwear or microspikes.
Are Sequoia and Kings Canyon the same park? They are two separate national parks managed jointly by the National Park Service. They share a border and are administered together, so a single entrance fee covers both. Sequoia National Park (established 1890) is to the south; Kings Canyon National Park (renamed from General Grant National Park in 1940) is to the north.
What is the difference between a giant sequoia and a coast redwood? Giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) are the world’s largest trees by volume and grow only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are the world’s tallest trees and grow along the California and Oregon coast. Both are magnificent, but they are distinct species in different habitats. The trees at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are giant sequoias, not coast redwoods.
Do I need four-wheel drive to visit Sequoia National Park in winter? Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is strongly recommended for winter visits, particularly for reaching the Giant Forest and upper elevations. Chains are required when posted, regardless of drivetrain. Two-wheel-drive vehicles must carry and install chains when required. Always check the park’s chain control status before heading up the mountain road.
What is there to do in Three Rivers, California? Three Rivers is a charming gateway town with local restaurants, small shops, and galleries at the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Named for the three forks of the Kaweah River that meet here, it has been an artists’ community since the 1960s and makes an excellent base for visiting both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Sequoia RV Ranch, located along the North Fork of the Kaweah River, is a popular RV park right in town.
