Question 1

How much does it cost to get into Sequoia National Park?

Accepted Answer

A standard private vehicle pass costs $35 and covers everyone inside for up to seven days. The entrance stations do not accept cash. Bring a credit or debit card, or buy your pass online beforehand.

Question 2

What time does Sequoia National Park open and close?

Accepted Answer

The park stays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Visitor centers like Foothills and Giant Forest Museum usually run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Winter storms do occasionally force sudden road closures, so check conditions before driving up.

Question 3

How far is the drive from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park?

Accepted Answer

Expect a four-hour drive covering 225 miles to reach the Ash Mountain Entrance. You take I-5 North to CA-99 North, then hop on CA-198 East straight to the park. Avoid bringing large RVs this way, as the Generals Highway has tight hairpin turns.

Question 4

Can I see the General Sherman Tree in a wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A paved, 500-foot trail leads directly to the tree and features accessible exhibits. You can also borrow a free manual wheelchair on a first-come, first-served basis from the Giant Forest Museum or Lodgepole Visitor Center.

Question 5

What do I need to do about bears and food storage?

Accepted Answer

All food and scented items must go into provided bear-proof metal boxes or canisters. Black bears frequently roam the park and will break into cars for unsecured food. If you spot one, stay back at least the length of two city buses.

Question 6

When is the best time to visit Sequoia?

Accepted Answer

June through September provides the most reliable access to the whole park, including the sequoia groves. Winter brings heavy snow that completely shuts down higher-elevation spots like Mineral King and Cedar Grove. April, May, and October offer quieter trails, but you risk sudden snowstorms and closed facilities.

Question 7

Do I need a permit to backpack or camp in the wilderness?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all overnight backcountry travel requires a wilderness permit. You book these on recreation.gov in advance or grab a walk-up permit at a trailhead ranger station. They cost $15 per permit plus $5 per person.

Question 8

How do I get tickets for Crystal Cave?

Accepted Answer

You must buy tickets in advance in the town of Three Rivers. They do not sell them at the cave entrance. The ranger-led tour takes about 50 minutes and explores a 48-degree underground cavern, but getting there requires a steep 0.5-mile walk down from the parking lot.

Sequoia National Park Guides

Sequoia National Park in Winter: What's Open, What to Do and What to Know

San Francisco to Sequoia National Park: Best Routes, Drive Time, Stops and Where to Stay

Sequoia National Park Itinerary: How to Spend 1 to 3 Perfect Days

Kings Canyon vs. Sequoia National Park: Which Park to Visit (and How to Split Your Time)

Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park: Tours, Tickets, Prices & What to Expect

Yosemite to Sequoia National Park: Distance, Best Route & How to Plan the Drive

The Best Hikes in Sequoia National Park: From Giant Forest Boardwalks to Sierra Summits

Fresno to Sequoia National Park: Best Routes, Drive Times, Costs & Car-Free Options

Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park: Best Route, Drive Times, Stops & Day-Trip Plan

Las Vegas to Sequoia National Park: Best Route, Drive Time & Stops

Death Valley to Sequoia National Park: Best Routes, Drive Times, and Where to Stop Along the Way

Best Time to Visit Sequoia National Park: Season-by-Season Guide to Weather, Crowds, and Prices

Sequoia National Park vs Yosemite: Which Park Should You Visit?

Sequoia National Park vs Redwood National Park: Which Should You Visit?

Things to Do in Sequoia National Park: The Complete Guide

Sequoia National Park Animals: What You'll See, Where to Spot Them, and How to Stay Safe

Ready to visit Sequoia National Park?