Generals Highway
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Curving through the western flanks of Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks (and Sequoia National Forest), Generals Highway is among California's most dazzling mountain drives. Countless overlooks, the Giant Forest, the Giant Sequoia National Monument, and other groves of staggering beauty lie along the highway, making it the ideal starting point for road trips through the twin parks.
The basics
From south to north, Generals Highway begins roughly at the Indian Head River Trailhead near the entrance station to Sequoia National Park and runs north through the very western end of Kings Canyon before linking with Highway 180. Since it bookends two main park entrances, the highway is almost impossible to miss. Any tour or road trip through the park(s) runs along the scenic road, and admission to one park grants access to the other.
Things to know before you go
The highway is named for connecting two of the park’s most famous trees—General Grant and General Sherman.
The road is steep, winding, and narrow at places, so prepare for tight turns.
Vehicles longer than 22 feet (7 meters) may be restricted on narrow sections—check with the Park Service for details.
The roughly 50-mile (80-kilometer) highway has winding roads and scenic stops, so plan extra time for the journey.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, including black bears, deer, and other animals crossing the road.
Cell phone reception can be sparse—plan ahead with offline maps.
There are no gas or charging stations within the national parks.
Always check national park websites for road conditions before your visit.
How to get there
Generals Highway is in central California, connecting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The southern entrance lies about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Visalia along Highway 198, which leads into Sequoia National Park. The northern entrance within Kings Canyon lies about 50 miles west of Fresno—from Los Angeles, it's about a 3.5–4-hour drive via Highway 99, 65, and 198.
When to get there
Visit in the fall for cooler temps and fewer crowds, and in the spring for temperate weather and seasonal wildflowers. Both national parks can become immensely crowded during the summer, with heavy traffic, and while winter brings snowy landscapes, there may be condition-dependent road closures from snowstorms. Winter driving typically requires tire chains.
Shuttle service in Sequoia National Park
After exploring Generals Highway, you might want to ditch the car and see Sequoia National Park without driving. During the summer, shuttles run four main routes, roughly from the Giant Forest Museum and Crescent Meadow to the Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant—and a paid fifth route from Visalia and Three Rivers. In the fall and winter, shuttles run on a handful of limited dates from the end of November to mid February. There’s no shuttle service for Kings Canyon.
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