Beyond Ranger Lake, a final push leads to one of the quietest and most memorable mornings in Sequoia National Park. The Decision at Ranger Lake I was still standing in Ranger Lake, letting the cold do its thing, when I looked back up toward Silliman Pass. Middle of the day now. Sun sitting right on … Read more
Overview: A High Sierra Route Guide for Sequoia National Park That Rewards Those Who Go a Little Farther There are routes in the Sierra that check all the boxes—alpine lakes, high passes, wildflowers, and solitude—and then there are routes that quietly exceed expectations. The Silliman Pass route out of Lodgepole is one of those. At … Read more
When snow blankets the Sierra Nevada, adventure need not hibernate. Those seeking winter wonder without the crowds and traffic of Lake Tahoe can find an attractive alternative at Kings Canyon National Park. The park’s Grant Grove area provides striking scenery, moderate terrain and rewarding day trips for beginning and advanced cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Grant … Read more
Sierra Rec Now Podcast Interview: An Insiders view of the Opening of Crystal Cave and how it shapes your visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine | June 2025 After four years of closure due to wildfire damage, floods, and landslides, Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine – National Parks Travel Update | Sequoia & Kings Canyon As the gateway weekends of summer approach, here’s a timely heads-up for anyone planning a road trip to Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Parks: Beginning May 21, 2025, both parks will officially transition to a fully cashless fee system. That’s right—no … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine One of the most critical links for thru-hikers in the Sierra Nevada has officially been restored just in time for summer. After suffering catastrophic damage during the severe winter storms of 2022–2023, the San Joaquin Bridge — a vital crossing point for Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail … Read more
An Underground Wonder Returns for the 2025 Season | By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine After four long years of silence, the echoing chambers of Crystal Cave are finally ready to welcome adventurers once again. Tucked deep within the granite heart of Sequoia National Park, this marble masterpiece is set to reopen its gates to … Read more
Springtime in Visalia: A Bloom-Filled Southern Sierra Adventure Spring in the Visalia region is nothing short of magical. As winter fades, the orchards of Tulare County explode with color, creating one of California’s most unique and stunning springtime experiences. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive through pink and white blossoms near Visalia, a gateway … Read more
Stargazing is one of the most awe-inspiring ways to connect with the natural world, and America’s national parks provide some of the darkest skies and clearest views of the cosmos. A recent study by Lake.com identified the best national parks for stargazing, highlighting places where light pollution is minimal, and the stars shine brightly. On … Read more
Discover Hidden Gems in the Sierra: Your Ultimate Guide to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Are you ready to trade your indoor routine for towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and jaw-dropping vistas? Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are calling, and these underrated gems promise adventure, serenity, and the chance to immerse yourself in nature … Read more
This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with David Ciccarelli, the creator of Lake.com, a revolutionary platform that simplifies finding lake vacation rentals. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, David’s passion for National Parks has led to fascinating research on park rankings and experiences. David and I dive into the … Read more
In the summer of 2023 my wife and I took an epic journey around the Southern tip of the Sierra. Home of the Kern river and the Kaweah river basins. After a day of river rafting the Kern river we headed up the Great Western divide and over into Three Rivers California and the base … Read more
As winter approaches, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are preparing for seasonal closures in some of their most popular areas. Cedar Grove, known for its dramatic cliffs and riverside tranquility, closed to the public on October 28th, with access cut off just east of Boyden Cavern on Highway 180. Tomorrow, October 30th, Mineral King—famous … Read more
Capturing the Sierra’s Beauty and Tragedy Through the Lens of Joy Pan Amateur photographer Joy Pan has captured the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sierra Nevada while also documenting the harsh realities of the region’s wildfire season on a recent family vacation trip to Sequoia National Park.. Her images highlight both the stunning natural scenery and … Read more
SEQUOIA PARKS CONSERVANCY AND SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS INVITE YOU TO “DISCOVER THE DARK” AT THE 11TH ANNUAL DARK SKY FESTIVAL THREE RIVERS, CA – Sequoia Parks Conservancy, in partnership with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Dark Sky Festival to Sequoia and … Read more
The giant forest in Sequoia National Park is a special place in the Sierra Nevada. It was discovered in 1858 by local Hale Tharp, guided by a native Indian search party. Later named the Giant Forest by John Muir is not only the largest display of Giant Sequoia in the Sierra but is most recognized … Read more
As a seasoned backpacker, I find myself drawn to the vast Wilderness of California’s Sierra Nevada each summer. This past June, I embarked on a five-day adventure through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, a journey that left me awestruck by the sheer scale of nature’s beauty and the resilience of the human spirit. While … Read more
Cedar Grove Roars Back to Life in Kings Canyon National Park! Calling all Sierra adventurers! Mark your calendars for June 10th, 2024, because Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon National Park is finally reopening its doors to the public! After a long closure due to significant road damage from winter storms in 2022-2023, this beloved wilderness … Read more
Snowshoeing beneath the giant sequoias is one of those Sierra experiences that stays with you long after your boots dry out. There’s something grounding about standing in deep snow at the base of these cinnamon-colored giants, where winter doesn’t diminish their presence—it amplifies it. On a cold, quiet day in Sequoia National Park, ice crystals … Read more
Calling all backpacking enthusiasts! The moment we’ve been eagerly waiting for is finally here. Well possibly! As the virtual doors swing wide open on permit quota season today, the breathtaking landscapes of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park extend an enthusiastic invitation to all adventurers. Picture yourself traversing untamed trails, scaling peaks, and discovering hidden … Read more
Welcome to the winter wonderland of Sequoia National Park, where serenity and snow blend in perfect harmony. As the temperature drops and the crowds disperse, this natural oasis transforms into a tranquil retreat for those seeking adventure and solitude in the snowy embrace of nature. With its majestic, towering sequoia trees and pristine wilderness, Sequoia … Read more
Could a Government Shut Down Monday Close Yosemite and Other Sierra National Parks for visitors? Friday September 29. 2023 – 3:30 pm – Updates- House Fails to Pass Bill – government Shut down looming Monday. The Department of the Interior is committed to upholding the highest standards of public access to and maintenance of America’s … Read more
A Day Hike Experience in the Giant forest of Sequoia including the Largest Trees in the Park Sequoia National Park: Our first visit to Sequoia National Park was anything but ordinary. In the early summer of 2023, the Park only had one entry point from the Kings Canyon gates north of the Park, and the weather … Read more
Sequoia-and-Kings-Canyon-National-Parks-Seek-Public-Feedback-on-Proposal-to-Re-Establish-Sequoia-Seedlings SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. –Â Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (the parks) is inviting public review and comment on an environmental assessment (EA) evaluating alternatives to restore giant sequoia groves and adjacent fisher habitat in areas severely impacted by the 2020 Castle and 2021 KNP Complex wildfires, and where adequate regeneration … Read more
We Asked Chat GPT to Rank the Nine California National Parks and It gave us some surprising Results California is blessed with an abundance of natural wonders, and its national parks are a testament to the state’s diverse landscapes and breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, or adventure seeker, these nine national … Read more
First Long Summer Weekend that Kick-starts Outdoor Adventure in sequoia National Park Visalia, Calif (June 29, 2023) This Independence Day holiday weekend kick-offs peak summer vacation time. Those looking for a national park getaway will be thrilled that beginning July 1, the Giant Forest area, which includes the General Sherman Tree, will be accessible from both … Read more
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. June 18, 2023 – Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will enter stage 2 fire restrictions at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit campfires and charcoal fires in the hot, dry, low-elevation areas of the parks, including Potwisha Campground and Hospital Rock and … Read more
Giant Forest / Wolverton Snowplay Area / Lodgepole / Wuksachi / Moro Rock Areas –Â OPEN Sequoia National Park – June 2, 2023 – Good news today from Sequoia National Park ahead of the weekend. they have now opened the Northern Entrance into Seqouia National Park up to the Giant Forest Museum. Giant Forest / Wolverton … Read more
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Visitors in Spring / Summer 2023 Will Have Limited Access to Visitor Favorites Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park – June2, 2023 Update: The Generals Highway on the Kings Canyon Side (North Route0 is now open til the Giant Forest Museum. Access to Giant Forest / Wolverton Snowplay Area … Read more
Seqouia National Park – April 18. 2023 – Effective Friday, April 14, public access to the foothills of Sequoia National Park will be restored following massive flooding that caused major road damage last month. Access into the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park reopened last Friday, April 7. The area to be reopened … Read more
Leadership from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, in partnership with Tulare County and Caltrans, hosted a public meeting in Three Rivers, CA last night, at which the parks shared their current estimated time frames for reopening various areas to the public. Roads and facilities in the parks have been badly damaged by the recent … Read more
Entrances to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed due to impacts from flooding during recent and ongoing winter storms. Kings Canyon National ParkKings Canyon National Park is expected to remain closed to public access through March. Based on damage reports outside the park, public access into the park is not expected before the … Read more
Park managers are now planning to close the Kings Canyon National Park entrance today, Thursday March 9, at 6 p.m. PST, in addition to the previously announced planned closure of the Sequoia National Park entrance at the same time. This is due to the forecasted atmospheric river storm, which is predicted to bring extremely heavy rain beginning tomorrow evening.  These closures are being put … Read more
A new winter storm will cause highway closures this week Sequoia National Park – February 21, 2023 – The Generals Highway is open to the Giant Forest and to Wuksachi Lodge. However, A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Sierra Nevada and adjacent foothills from 4 PM PST Tuesday afternoon until 4 AM … Read more
Martin Luther King Day on Monday is 2023 First Free Entrance Day in National Parks National Parks- January13, 2023 – In honor of the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., national parks will waive entrance fees for everyone on Monday, January 16, 2023, as the first fee free day of the year. It is also a … Read more
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. January 12, 2023 –Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks has seen an extraordinary amount of precipitation this winter, with the last storm causing serious drainage failures, undermining the road at three different sections of the Generals Highway between Hospital Rock and Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. Road crews are currently working to … Read more
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. December 27, 2022 – The end of the year is upon us, and the week between Christmas and the new year is a popular time to visit the parks. Seasonal closures and the possibility of winter weather add complexity to this busy holiday period, and trip planning is … Read more
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. December 21, 2022 – On January 1, 2023, campground fee increases will take effect for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This is the first of two increases, with the second set to take effect in 2024. This phased increase brings Sequoia ancd Kings Canyon National Parks’ campground … Read more
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. November 22, 2022 – Thanksgiving weekend is a busy time in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, at a time of year when some services and attractions are closed for the winter. Planning will help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Winter ConditionsAt elevations where giant sequoias … Read more
Climb the Park’s steepest, highest winding road to its peak elevation of 7,800 feet (2,377 m). National Park Travel Guides: Are you one of those travelers who love to get to the nooks and crannies of the parks that many will not venture? Do you like complicated travel for a great experience? Well, Mineral King Road … Read more
