Routes at a glance
| From | How | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Car | 3.5–4 hours | Via Highway 99 and 198 to the Ash Mountain entrance |
| Fresno | Car | 1–1.5 hours | Via Highway 180 to the Big Stump entrance and Grant Grove |
| Visalia | Car | About 1 hour | To Ash Mountain; a seasonal shuttle has also run from Visalia |
| San Francisco | Car | 4.5–5 hours | Via Fresno and Highway 180 |
| Yosemite Valley | Car | 3.5–4 hours | Via Fresno to Grant Grove |
| Ash Mountain entrance to Giant Forest | Car | About 1 hour | A steep climb of roughly 27 km (17 miles) of bends |
| Giant Forest to Grant Grove | Car | About 1 hour | Along the Generals Highway |
Which entrance?
From Los Angeles and the south, Highway 198 through Three Rivers leads to the Ash Mountain entrance and then winds steeply up to the Giant Forest. Vehicles over 6.7 m (22 ft) are advised not to use this section. From Fresno, San Francisco and Yosemite, Highway 180 is a gentler, faster road to the Big Stump entrance at Grant Grove. A loop — in one way, out the other — is the best plan.
The entrance fee covers both parks for seven days; the America the Beautiful pass is accepted.
Seasonal closures and winter
The Generals Highway between the two parks may close after snowstorms, and you are often required to carry tyre chains between about November and April. The road into Kings Canyon beyond Grant Grove, and the Crescent Meadow and Mineral King roads, close completely for winter. Wildfires and storm damage have also closed roads and groves for long periods in recent years; check the National Park Service’s conditions page before you set out.
Getting around locally
- In summer, free shuttles link the Giant Forest Museum, the Sherman Tree, Moro Rock and Lodgepole; use them to avoid parking problems.
- There is no fuel inside Sequoia or Kings Canyon national parks. Fill up in Three Rivers, Fresno or at the stations in the adjoining national forest.
- Mobile coverage is minimal. Download offline maps and the National Park Service app.
- Roadworks cause delays on the Generals Highway most summers; build in extra time.
- Store all food in the metal bear lockers at car parks and campsites — bears break into cars here.
