Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks boast several visitors centers and rangers stations. When you enter the park, you’ll be given both the glossy pamphlet and the up-to-date National Park Guide for Sequoia and Kings Canyon. These will provide you with all the in-park information you need to have a great time and keep up on any activities and events.

In Sequoia, the Foothills Visitor Center (559/565-3135, daily) is located on Generals Highway, one mile from the park entrance. Crystal Cave tour tickets are sold here until 3:45 p.m. and wilderness permits are issued here as well.

Lodgepole Visitor Center (Lodgepole Rd., 559/565-4436, spring–fall), off Generals Highway, is 21 miles from the Sequoia entrance. Crystal Cave tour tickets are sold until 3:30 p.m. and wilderness permits are issued here.

The Mineral King Ranger Station (Mineral King Rd., 559/565-3768, May–Sept.) is located up a narrow road and offers basic seasonal services.

In Kings Canyon, there is the Kings Canyon Visitor Center (Grant Grove, 559/565-4307, Apr.–Oct. daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Nov.–Mar. daily 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) three miles east of the Highway 180 entrance and Cedar Grove Visitor Center (559/565-3793, mid Apr–mid–Nov.) in Cedar Grove Village.