Sequoia National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, charging a $35 entrance fee for private vehicles. The entrance stations do not accept cash, so you must bring a card.
Sequoia National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. While you can drive through the main gates at any time, heavy winter snow closes the high-elevation Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas from late fall through spring. Most visitor centers operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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| Day | Hours | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 24 hours | Visitor centers generally open 09:00–16:30. |
| Tuesday | 24 hours | Kings Canyon Visitor Center closed. Other centers open 09:00–16:30. |
| Wednesday–Sunday | 24 hours | Visitor centers generally open 09:00–16:30. |
The park never closes for national holidays, remaining accessible year-round. Seasonal weather dictates access to higher elevations, with snow shutting down the Mineral King and Cedar Grove roads entirely from December through March. Entry is free on several dates in 2026, including November 11 and July 3 through 5.
A standard private vehicle pass costs $35 and grants access to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon for up to seven days. Pedestrians and cyclists pay $20 per person, while children under 16 enter for free. Entrance stations only accept credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments.
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| Category | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Private Vehicle | $35.00 | Valid for 1-7 days; includes Kings Canyon National Park |
| Motorcycle | $30.00 | Covers up to two motorcycles and four passengers |
| Pedestrian / Cyclist (Age 16+) | $20.00 | Per person rate |
| Child (Under 16) | Free | |
| Non-US Resident Surcharge (Age 16+) | $100.00 | Per person fee unless holding a valid annual pass |
| Wilderness Permit | $15.00 | Base fee per permit plus $5 per person for overnight backcountry travel |
The park waives entrance fees on select days in 2026, including February 16, May 25, June 14, July 3-5, August 25, September 17, October 27, and November 11, and fourth-grade students get free annual entry for their families through the Every Kid Outdoors program.
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View All ToursJune through September is the best window for a trip because it guarantees access to all park areas and comfortable temperatures in the sequoia groves. Expect heavy crowds on the paved trails. For a quieter visit, aim for late September or October, though you risk seasonal closures at higher elevations like Mineral King and Cedar Grove.
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| Period | Crowd Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise (Before 09:00) | Low | Early risers should climb the 400 concrete steps of Moro Rock at sunrise for empty, 360-degree views of the Great Western Divide. |
| Morning (09:00–12:00) | Moderate | Cash-paying visitors must stop at the Foothills or Kings Canyon visitor centers right when doors open at 9 a.m. |
| Midday (12:00–16:00) | High | Parking near the General Sherman Tree becomes a slog, so don't drive—ride the free summer shuttle around the Giant Forest instead. |
| Late Afternoon (16:00–18:00) | Moderate | Day-trippers leave when visitor centers close around 4:30 p.m., leaving the two-mile Congress Trail loop wide open for hikers. |
| Evening (After 18:00) | Low | Wildlife watchers get Crescent Meadow almost entirely to themselves, but you must keep a distance of two city buses from any black bears. |
A single day is enough for self-guided walks through the Giant Forest and the 400-step climb up Moro Rock. Two or three days lets you add adjacent Kings Canyon and a 50-minute ranger-led tour of Crystal Cave. Backpacking the high Sierra requires multi-day wilderness permits. Buy those cave tour tickets in advance in Three Rivers.
Entrance stations do not accept cash. Bring a credit card, use digital payments, or buy your pass online before arriving. If you only have cash, stop at the Foothills or Kings Canyon Visitor Centers first.
Parking near the General Sherman Tree and Moro Rock becomes a slog on busy summer weekends. Leave your car at a larger lot and use the free shuttle system connecting the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas.
The park climbs from 1,370 feet in the foothills to high alpine sequoia groves. Temperatures drop sharply as you drive up the mountain. Bring layers and wear sun protection to handle the stronger high-altitude sun.
You will not find year-round gas stations inside Sequoia National Park. Fill your tank in Three Rivers or Dunlap before tackling the steep, hairpin turns of the Generals Highway.
Rangers do not sell tickets at Crystal Cave. Buy them in advance in Three Rivers before driving up. Keep in mind the cave requires a steep half-mile hike down from the parking lot.
A standard private vehicle pass costs $35 and covers everyone inside for up to seven days. Motorcycles cost $30, while pedestrians and cyclists pay $20 each. Kids under 16 enter for free.
No, the entrance stations are completely cashless and only accept credit, debit, or mobile payments like Apple Pay. If you only have cash, you must buy your pass beforehand at the Foothills or Kings Canyon visitor centers.
Sequoia National Park stays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Winter snowstorms frequently close higher-elevation roads until plows clear them. Visitor centers operate on seasonal schedules, generally opening from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You don't need a reservation just to drive in or day-hike. But if you plan to sleep in the backcountry, you must book a wilderness permit through recreation.gov for $15 plus $5 per person. Exploring Crystal Cave also requires advance tickets purchased in Three Rivers.
Go between June and September for full access to the park and comfortable temperatures in the sequoia groves. Heavy snow shuts down the Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas entirely from December through March. Spring and fall bring thinner crowds, but sudden storms can still force tire chain requirements on mountain roads.
Pets cannot go on any dirt trails in the park. You can bring them to campgrounds, parking lots, and paved roads, provided they stay on a leash no longer than six feet. Never leave an animal unattended in your vehicle.
You must store all food and scented items in the heavy metal bear boxes provided at parking lots and campsites. Black bears live throughout the park and routinely break into cars for a meal. Rangers issue fines for improper storage.
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