Booking choice: The private Sequoia and Kings Canyon day, from $952 per group (up to 6). Check dates Tour details
Sequoia and Kings Canyon are two national parks with one administration, one set of entrance stations and one fee. Pay at the Big Stump Entrance on Highway 180 from Fresno, or at Ash Mountain on Highway 198, and the pass is good in both parks for seven days.
The fee itself is simple. The extra charge for visitors who live outside the United States needs reading carefully. If you are heading to the other Kings Canyon, the sandstone gorge in Australia's Northern Territory, you need a different pass: see the NT Parks Pass post.
The quick answer
A private vehicle costs US$35, a motorcycle US$30 and a person on foot or bike US$20, each valid for 7 days in both parks. On top of that, the National Park Service says each non-US resident aged 16 and older pays a US$100 nonresident fee, unless entering with an annual or America the Beautiful pass. No reservation is needed to drive in.
How much does it cost to enter Sequoia and Kings Canyon in 2026?
US$35 for a private vehicle, US$30 for a motorcycle and US$20 per person on foot or by bike, valid for 7 days.
The vehicle pass covers everyone in one car, which makes it the best deal for a family or a group of friends. The per-person fee is for walkers and cyclists aged 16 and over. Every one of these passes also covers the Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest, national forest land along much of Highway 180.
Seven days is plenty for most trips. Grant Grove to the General Sherman Tree is about 28 miles (45 km), around an hour by car, so you can see the two big trees in one day and come back for Cedar Grove on another. Our Sequoia vs Kings Canyon guide has a one-day route.
| 2026 entrance pass (7 days, both parks) | Price | Who it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | US$35 | Everyone in one non-commercial car |
| Motorcycle | US$30 | Up to 2 private motorcycles |
| Per person | US$20 | One person on foot or by bike, aged 16+ |
| Nonresident fee | US$100 extra | Each non-US resident aged 16+, unless holding an annual or America the Beautiful pass |
What is the US$100 nonresident fee?
A per-person charge for non-US residents aged 16 and older, added to the standard entrance fee.
The wording matters, so here it is as the National Park Service gives it on its fees page (updated 17 April 2026): each non-US resident aged 16 and older pays a US$100 nonresident fee on top of the standard entrance fee, unless entering with an annual or America the Beautiful pass. The Park Service adds that this includes people on commercial tours.
Here is how it adds up. A non-US resident driving alone pays US$35 for the car plus US$100, a total of US$135. Two adults from overseas in one car pay US$35 plus US$200, a total of US$235. Children under 16 do not pay the nonresident fee.
The way around it is a pass. The Park Service says an annual or America the Beautiful pass admits you without the nonresident fee, and the Non-Resident Annual pass costs US$250. Do the sums for your group and your whole trip before you leave home.
Which annual passes cover Sequoia and Kings Canyon?
The park's own annual pass at US$70, and the America the Beautiful passes from US$20 for seniors to US$250 for non-residents.
The Sequoia and Kings Canyon annual pass is for US citizens and residents only and is valid for a year from the month you buy it. America the Beautiful passes work at national parks across the country. Seniors aged 62 and over who are US citizens or residents pay US$20 a year, or US$80 for life.
Two fee-free days are left in 2026, on 27 October and 11 November. They apply to US citizens and residents only, and overseas visitors still pay on those dates.
| Pass (2026) | Price | Who can buy it |
|---|---|---|
| Sequoia & Kings Canyon annual pass | US$70 | US citizens and residents |
| America the Beautiful, Resident Annual | US$80 | US citizens and residents |
| America the Beautiful, Non-Resident Annual | US$250 | Non-US residents |
| Senior Annual | US$20 | US citizens and residents aged 62+ |
| Senior Lifetime | US$80 | US citizens and residents aged 62+ |
| Military, Access, 4th Grade, Volunteer | Free | Those who qualify |
Leave the car, the fees and the route to a driver: a private day from Los Angeles with all fees and taxes included, per the listing.
Check dates for the private Sequoia and Kings Canyon day from LAHow do you pay at the entrance station?
By card or digital payment only. The entrance stations are cashless, and you can buy a pass online before you go.
The parks do not take cash at the gate. If you only carry cash, the Park Service says the stores at the Foothills and Kings Canyon visitor centers accept it, but that does not help you at the entrance station itself. Buying online in advance is the simplest option.
Expect a queue in summer. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, weekends and holidays bring long lines at the entrances, sometimes over an hour on the busiest days. A pass bought online ahead means you have it ready at the window.
What do you need to book, and what not?
Entry needs no reservation. Campsites, summer wilderness permits and Crystal Cave tours do.
The National Park Service is clear that entrance reservations are "not accepted or required". The parks are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year; winter storms can close roads, as the Highway 180 post explains.
Nearly every campground needs a reservation on Recreation.gov, at US$32 a night for a standard site of up to six people. Overnight backpackers need a wilderness permit: in the 2026 quota season, 22 May to 26 September, it cost US$15 a trip plus US$5 a person. From 27 September 2026 to 20 May 2027 permits are free and self-issued. Crystal Cave is ticketed in advance and runs through 1 November 2026.
| What | Booking needed? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Driving into the parks | No | Pay the entrance fee at the gate or online |
| Campgrounds | Yes, nearly all | Recreation.gov, US$32 a night (standard site) |
| Wilderness permit, 22 May to 26 Sept 2026 | Yes | US$15 a trip + US$5 a person |
| Wilderness permit, 27 Sept 2026 to 20 May 2027 | Self-issue | Free |
| Crystal Cave tours | Yes, tickets in advance | Through 1 November 2026 |
The General Sherman Tree and the Congress Trail with a wildlife biologist, in a group of up to 14.
Check dates for the General Sherman Tree walkWhich tours in California include the park entrance fee?
The two private day tours include it, per their listings. The General Sherman walk does not.
The Sequoia and Kings Canyon private day tour lists "Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park entrance fees" among its inclusions, with pickup where you choose and stops at the General Grant Tree, the General Sherman Tree, Tunnel Log and Moro Rock. It is a private SUV for up to six people. It is a new listing, with only 4 reviews so far, all 5-star.
The private day tour from Los Angeles includes "All Fees and Taxes", per the listing, for up to five people, with the General Grant Tree, the General Sherman Tree and sunset at Moro Rock. It is a long day, and guests say it is worth it.
The General Sherman Tree and Congress Trail walk meets at the Sherman Tree parking area, so you drive yourself in and pay the entrance fee at the gate. If you live outside the US and book a tour that includes fees, ask the operator whether that covers the US$100 nonresident fee, since the Park Service applies it to tour guests too.
| Tour | Park entrance fee | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Private 1-day tour, pickup at your location | Included (per the listing) | Private, up to 6 |
| Private day tour from Los Angeles | Included: "All Fees and Taxes" | Private, up to 5 |
| General Sherman Tree walk | Not included | Up to 14 |
Both parks in one private day, with the General Grant and General Sherman trees and the park entrance fees included.
Explore the private Sequoia and Kings Canyon day Tour detailsFrequently asked questions
How much is the entrance fee for Kings Canyon National Park in California?
In 2026 it is US$35 per private vehicle, US$30 per motorcycle or US$20 per person on foot or bike, valid for 7 days in both Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Non-US residents aged 16 and older also pay a US$100 nonresident fee unless entering with an annual or America the Beautiful pass.
Is one pass valid for both Sequoia and Kings Canyon?
Yes. The two parks share one entrance fee, and the pass also covers the Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest.
Do you need a reservation to enter Sequoia and Kings Canyon?
No. The National Park Service says entrance reservations are not accepted or required. Campgrounds, summer wilderness permits and Crystal Cave tours are booked in advance.
Can you pay cash at the Sequoia and Kings Canyon entrance?
No. The entrance stations take cards and digital payments only. You can also buy your pass online before you go.
Ready to book
Choose your tour
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon Private 1-Day Tour
Both parks without driving (only 4 reviews so far)
Sequoia and Kings Canyon Private Day Tour from LA
- Private transport from Los Angeles in a 4WD or car
- General Grant Tree, General Sherman Tree and the Tunnel Log
- Sunset at Moro Rock
General Sherman Tree and Congress Trail Walk
The big trees on foot with a wildlife biologist
