Information for the Community and for the Community to Share with Guests and Visitors
[From Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks]
Dear Community Partners,
As the 4th of July holiday weekend approaches, we anticipate a significant increase in visitation to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. We kindly request your assistance in sharing the following important information with guests staying at your establishments or stopping by your businesses to assist them in having an enjoyable visit to the parks:
- Buy Entrance Pass Online: Purchasing a park pass in advance from Recreation.gov to access the fast pass lane at the entrance, reducing wait times.
- Arrive Early: To avoid long lines, arrive before 9am or after 3pm.
- Expect Delays: Increased traffic is expected, especially during peak hours. Be prepared for delays at park entrances, visitor centers, shuttle stops, and restrooms.
- Limited Parking: Parking spaces are limited, particularly in popular areas such as the Giant Forest. To avoid driving congestion take advantage of the free Sequoia Shuttle, which offers convenient transportation within the park, shuttle information can be found at www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/parktransit.htm and in the park newspaper you receive at the entrance gate.
- Plan Ahead: For comprehensive trip planning, visitors can visit the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks website atwww.nps.gov/seki/index.htm or download the National Park Service App. Downloading the app in advance is particularly useful as there is no cell phone service in most areas of the park.
- Fireworks Prohibited: Fireworks are strictly prohibited within the parks to protect the natural environment and ensure the safety of all visitors and the surrounding communities. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place; wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in all developed campgrounds and designated picnic areas located 3,000 ft and below in elevation.
- River Safety: We recently experienced a tragic death in the park and have responded to several swift water rescues. It is extremely important to stay out of the rivers and use extreme caution on slippery rocks near the water, as most incidents occur from accidental slips, and not intentional swimming. The rivers are extremely cold, swift, and dangerous.
Your help in sharing this information will greatly assist in managing the increased visitation and enhancing the visitor experience during this busy holiday weekend. Feel free to simply copy and paste into any informational email or text you might be sending to your guests!
I am also attaching three different posters for your use:
- Fast Track Your Visit – specific to avoiding delays at the entrance gate, purchase your pass in advance and arrive before 9am or after 3pm.
- Trip Planning Tips – Three tips, purchase pass in advance, download the NPS App, and download the SEKI summer trip planner to plan out your day.
- Access the Fast Lane! – The simplest of the three, strictly geared toward purchasing entrance pass in advance, larger QR code that can be scanned from a distance. Best one to use for roadside signage.
I would be happy to provide you and your communities with hard copies of these posters. Simply send me an email to request copies with your name and address. If you represent several businesses in your community, I’d be happy to coordinate a drop off.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership!
Sintia
