Alert: Mineral King Road Experiencing Construction Closures and Delays Except on Sundays

National Parks

Sequoia & Kings Canyon

A deep canyon with a forested floor and steep granite cliffs
The Glaciers carved the Kings Canyon's steep granite cliffs, leaving a wide U-shaped valley. NPS/Rick Cain

Overview

Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, and beauty here. Explore these pages to plan your visit or to learn about the plants and animals here and the threats they face. Ancient giant sequoias may seem invincible, but they, too are vulnerable.

State: CA5595653341

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle:  35.00

    This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling in a single vehicle for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.


  • Entrance - Per Person:  20.00

    This entry fee is for a single person traveling on foot or by bicycle. It is valid for 1-7 days in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.


  • Entrance - Motorcycle:  30.00

    This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling on a motorcycle, scooter, or similar motorized vehicle for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.


  • Entrance - Non-commercial Groups:  20.00

    Non-commercial groups traveling in vehicles that have a capacity of up to 15 passengers pay a $35 vehicle entrance fee or use a park pass. Groups traveling in a bus or vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged $20 per person, up to the maximums listed for commercial groups with comparable passenger capacity ($100 or $200). People 15 years old or younger, anyone with a pass that may be used for park entry, and drivers hired for transportation only are exempt from the per person fee.


  • Commercial Entrance - Van:  75.00

    This entrance fee is for commercial tours of vehicles with a seating capacity of 7-15 people that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle and not the actual number of passengers. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.


  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus:  100.00

    This entrance fee is for commercial tours of vehicles with a seating capacity of 16-25 people that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle and not the actual number of passengers. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.


  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach:  200.00

    This entrance fee is for commercial tours of vehicles with a seating capacity of 26 or more people that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle and not the actual number of passengers. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.


  • Commercial Entrance - Sedan:  25.00

    The charge for vehicles with a seating capacity of 1-6 passengers is $25, plus $20 per passenger, with a maximum total fee of $75. This entrance fee is for commercial tours of one or more people traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.


  • Commercial Entrance - Per Person:  20.00

    The per person fee for vehicles with a seating capacity of 1-6 passengers is $20, plus $25 per vehicle, with a maximum total fee of $75. This entrance fee is for commercial tours of one or more people traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.


Map

Things To Do

Category

6 Results
    A woman fishing in an alpine lake surrounded by granite walls.

    Monarch Lake

    Free

    Description

    Upper and Lower Monarch Lakes are gorgeous alpine lakes that lie at the base of Sawtooth Peak. You can hike this 10-mile route as a day hike or an as an overnight backpacking trip, but be aware that camping is only allowed several miles into your route. There is an elevation gain of 2,867 feet.

    More info
    A large lake surrounded by forest covered granite walls.

    Eagle and Mosquito Lakes

    Free

    Description

    Both Eagle and Mosquito lakes offer beautiful views of Mineral Kings alpine landscape. Eagle and Mosquito Lakes trails share the same route for the first 2 miles. The trail for both is 10 miles out and back with over 3,000 feet of elevation change.

    More info
    A sign reading "Cold Springs Campground" nestled between yellow plants.

    Cold Springs Nature Trail

    Free

    Description

    The Cold Springs Nature Trail is a great option for visitors looking for an easier trail and staying at the Cold Springs Campground. Many of the hikes in the Mineral King area are long and steep. This route is a gentle hike 3 mile (4.8 km) hike with a 500-foot elevation gain and offers a taste of the Mineral King area.

    More info
    A large waterfall pumps water out into a pool.

    Roaring River Falls

    Free

    Description

    This is a short, paved walk to a cool waterfall (literally and figuratively!) On a hot day, it’s a great place to stop because the powerful falling water creates its own wind! Watch the mist swirl through the treetops as you take a moment to relax and cool off.

    More info
    A ranger station next to a trail leading into a forest.

    Road's End

    Free

    Description

    Road's End is the last stop in the Cedar Grove area, at the literal end of Highway 180. This area is the jumping off point for many high Sierra hiking trails, but also is an access point for easy trails in the valley.

    More info
    A cascading waterfall with massive granite mountains in the background.

    Mist Falls

    Free

    Description

    An 8-mile round-trip walk to this spectacular cascade makes a great all-day walk. The first miles are relatively flat and open; in the last mile the wooded trail gains 600' in elevation. Be careful once there: Mist and spray make the surrounding rocks slippery and treacherous. Too often people have slipped and fallen in here.

    More info

More Images

A deep canyon with a forested floor and steep granite cliffs
A deep canyon with a forested floor and steep granite cliffs
A steep granite slope leads from forest to a bare alpine landscape
A steep granite slope leads from forest to a bare alpine landscape
A guardrail encircles people along a narrow walkway with wide views
A guardrail encircles people along a narrow walkway with wide views
A giant sequoia's reddish bark contrasts with the snow around it
A giant sequoia's reddish bark contrasts with the snow around it
A rustic building is surrounded by giant sequoias
A rustic building is surrounded by giant sequoias