Special Events in Kings Canyon National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are open 24 hours a day, year round. Visitation in 1997 was 1.539 million for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks combined. Visitation is heaviest in the summer, with August being the busiest month (263,500 people in 1997). Visitation is lightest in the winter (January, 1997 - 31,000 people).
Sequoia is the second-oldest national park in the United States. It was established in 1890 to protect the Big Trees in Giant Forest, including the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest living thing. Sequoia also contains the Mineral King Valley and Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the U.S. outside of Alaska.
A small portion of what is now Kings Canyon was originally set aside in 1890 as General Grant National Park. In 1940, General Grant was absorbed into the new and larger Kings Canyon National Park which eventually grew to include the South Fork of the Kings River and 456,552 acres of backcountry wilderness. Managed as one park, together Sequoia and Kings Canyon total over 863,700 acres.
Viewing the giant sequoias; hiking; backpacking; horseback riding; fishing; cross-country skiing and snowshoe walks; ranger walks, talks and campfire programs.
Ranger led walks, talks, and evening programs are offered throughout the year. During the summer, concessioner-operated bus tours and horseback rides are also available.
Kids of any age can participate in this program!
To get started, purchase a Junior Ranger booklet at any visitor center. Follow the instructions and have fun!
Children ages 5 to 12 can earn a patch while discovering the resources in the park and learning to protect them. This program deepens understanding and appreciation of our limited resources. It adds depth and excitement to your visit to the park. The activities take some time to complete. The requirements are based on age and everyone helps by picking up litter.
Children ages 9 to 12 work toward the Raven Award, children ages 5 to 8 work on the Jay Award.
Are you 13-103? You can earn the Senior Patch.
In summer, there are ranger-led field trips for the entire family, special walks just for kids, and, at Lodgepole, a Kid's Campfire.