General Information

 Climate

Summer
Summer generally runs from late June to early September. Activities and temperatures peak in this season. All park areas, roads, and facilities are usually open (subject to current conditions). Ranger-led nature programs.

Fall
Fall here generally lasts from mid-September through November. Autumn is a great, uncrowded time to visit the parks. The weather may bring sudden storms and deliver snow as low as the sequoia groves. A few facilities start to close but many remain open.

Winter
Winter here generally lasts from November until mid-April. This is a great time to explore lower elevations in the parks and the sequoia groves are covered in snow. A few campgrounds are open. The roads to Cedar Grove and Mineral King are closed. The General's Highway is open but subject to brief closures after winter storms for plowing. Keep tire chains, a sleeping bag, water and emergency food with you in your car.

Spring
Spring is a moveable feast here, beginning in late January or early February in the lower Foothills and lasting until July in the High Sierra. By May, the Foothills are rapidly moving into summer but stay out of the dangerous, cold and swift waters of the high running rivers. Deep snow makes trails in the High Sierra a challenge best left to the experienced. The road to Cedar Grove usually opens in mid-April and the Mineral King Road by Memorial Day—weather permitting.

National Park Fees and Permits

Park entrance fees are $20 for private vehicles and $10 for individuals on foot, bike and motorcycle. All entrance fees are valid for seven days. The Yosemite Annual Pass is available for $40, allowing park entry for one year. Alternatively, the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass can be purchased for $80, allowing free entry to all National Park areas for one year.

Pets

For you and your neighbors to see and appreciate wildlife, please note that pets are not permitted on any of the trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

In campgrounds and picnic areas, pets must be kept on a leash at all times. The leash must be less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. For your pet's safety, please don't leave pets in hot cars. Pets cannot be left tied and unattended at any time.

In the National Forest, pets are allowed on trails. But the leash must be less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. See map below for locations of national forest areas adjoining Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Giant Sequoia National Monument is administered by the U.S. Forest Service.