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From the North
1. Take I-5 South to Stateroad 180 West to the park.
2. Take Stateroad 99 South to Stateroad 180 West to the park.
From the East
1. There is no access to the park from the east.
From the South
1. Take I-5 North to Stateroad 198 East to the park.
2. Take Stateroad 99 North to Stateroad 198 East to the park.
From the West
1. Take I-5 North or South to Stateroad 180 East or Stateroad 198 East to the park.
2. Take Stateroad 99 North or South to Stateroad 180 East or Stateroad 198 East to the park.
Additional Directions and Information
There are no roads into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks from the east side. Highway 180 leads to Kings Canyon National Park from Fresno, California. Highway 198 leads to Sequoia from the town of Visalia. The Generals Highway connects the two, making loop trips possible. Construction is underway to repair this historic road. Efforts will be made to minimize the impact this project will have on your visit, but be advised that you may encounter delays of up to 20 minutes as you enter Sequoia from Highway 198.
The 16-mile stretch of road from Ash Mountain to Giant Forest contains 130 curves and 12 switchbacks. This road is not recommended for vehicles over 22 feet in length. Larger vehicles wishing to visit the Giant Forest, please take Highway 180 to Grant Grove and proceed south on the Generals Highway. If you are coming from the south and wish to enter the park via Highway 180, it is recommended that you take Highway 63 from Highway 198 in Visalia. Highway 245, which joins 180 and 198 near the town of Lemon Cove, is a narrow, winding road, and will not save time compared to Highway 63.
Cedar Grove is located in the canyon of the South Fork of the Kings River. To reach Cedar Grove, continue east on Highway 180 from Grant Grove. Allow 1 hour to drive the 30 miles from Grant to Cedar Grove. Highway 180 ends 7 miles east of Cedar Grove at Road's End. There are no roads across the Sierras to Highway 395 through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Cedar Grove is closed in the winter.
Mineral King is accessible only by a long, slow road which branches off of Highway 198 east of the town of Three Rivers. This 25-mile long road contains 698 curves. Allow 2 hours to reach Mineral King from Highway 198. This road is not recommended for trailers and Rest. Mineral King is closed in the winter.
Access to both parks is along steep mountain roads with sharp drop-offs on one side. For your safety, please use turn-outs to allow faster-moving vehicles to pass. Downshift to prevent a burned-out transmission when going uphill and burned out brakes on the downgrade. In automatic cars, put the gear shift on 1 or 2. The engine will get louder as it works to slow you down, but it will save the brakes.
Winter Access to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
If you are planning on visiting the parks between November and May, please read the additional information about winter access to Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
Snow may close the Generals Highway between Lodgepole and Grant Grove for weeks at a time. Other sections may close briefly during or after storms. For current weather and road conditions, phone the park's 24-hour information line at 559-565-3341. This recording is updated between 9:00 and 9:30 am daily.
For information on road conditions throughout California, call CALTRANS at 1-800-427-7623.
Check your car before venturing into the mountains in the winter. Make sure that your vehicle's electrical system and battery are up to par, that you have adequate anti-freeze to protect your car to -25° F (-32° C), and that your wiper blades are in good condition.
Snow tires or tire chains may be required on park roads. Always carry chains that fit your tires. Watch for Chains Required signs along the road. Snow tires are labeled M/S, M+s (mud and snow), or display a snowflake on the sidewall. Chains are available for sale or rent in Three Rivers and at local businesses along Highway 180.
Roads above the 4,000 feet elevation are often icy, especially in shady places. Drive carefully! Allow 6 seconds of distance between you and car ahead. Gently feather your brakes when slowing down. Avoid sudden acceleration, turns or stops which may cause your vehicle to lose traction.
Snowplows may appear at any time, moving with or against traffic. If you encounter a plow, slow down and proceed with extreme caution.
Remove snow from car roofs. Tragic accidents have been caused by snow sliding over the windshield and blocking the driver's vision.
The following roads are closed late fall through spring. Check bulletin board for the current status:
Highway 180 east from Hume Lake Junction to Cedar Grove.
The Mineral King Road starting 18 miles from Highway 198.
The Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road in Giant Forest.
The Panoramic Point Road in Grant Grove.
The Crystal Cave Road, located off the Generals Highway between Ash Mountain and Giant Forest.
The Redwood Mountain Road in Kings Canyon.
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