Know Before You Go, Kings Canyon National Park

Start Planning!

You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Kings Canyon National Park! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• The tour has three starting points: Generals Highway, from Sequoia National Park, near Montecito Sequoia Lodge; Highway 180, heading towards the Big Stump Entrance; and Highway 245, heading towards the Big Stump Entrance.
• The park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. However, the park’s facilities have varying hours of operation. Check out Budgeting & Hours of Operation below for more information. 
• $35 entrance fee per vehicle, good for 7 days and for both Kings Canyon and Sequoia.
• Kings Canyon Visitor Center is open daily, weather permitting. Hours change seasonally. 
• Wi-Fi is available at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. 
• Entrance to Boyden Caverns is $8-23 per person.
• There are a variety of elevation changes in the park. Check the weather forecast ahead of time and dress accordingly - pack layers if needed.
• There are no gas stations within the park - fill up before arriving. 

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs. 

• Entrance to the park is $35 per vehicle. 
• Entrance to Boyden Caverns is $8-23 per person.
• Optional food, drinks, and souvenirs.

Hours of Operation 

Although the park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the park’s facilities have varying hours of operation, and many roads are closed in the winter months. We highly recommend you visit the park’s website for seasonal road closures. 

Here are the hours of operation for the visitor centers and facilities in the park: 

• Kings Canyon Visitor Center and Village: Open year-round, unless closed due to weather or safety conditions. Open 8 am-5 pm during the summer, and 9 am-4:40 pm during the off-season.
• Boyden Caverns: Open as Highway 180 opens, typically late April to mid-November.
• Cedar Grove Visitor Center: Memorial Day to mid-September 9 am-5 pm.

Get Packing!

Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.

• Sneakers
• Hiking Clothes
• Layers
• Water Bottle
• Food and Snacks
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and/or hat
• Snacks
• Cash
• Car charger *Very Important*
• Phone Mount

Best Time to Visit

Summer or early fall is the best time to visit. Winter can bring heavy snowfall, which closes some of the roads. Rain and snowmelt in the spring can bring flooding.

Be mindful that summer is also wildfire season, which could close roads leading to the park or the park itself.

Safety Information

• This tour includes driving on some narrow, twisty mountain roads. Be alert while driving on these roads. Follow the speed limit, and watch for wildlife.
• Black bears are found throughout the park. Follow proper food storage rules, including discarding food in the park’s bear-proof waste bins.

Leave No Trace 

While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders.

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.