Three Rivers: Sequoia Entry Fees Waived October 27, but Giant Forest Roads Still Have Construction Delays

THREE RIVERS, Tulare County — October 26, 2026. Tuesday, October 27, will be a fee-free entrance day at Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks for qualifying U.S. citizens and residents. But Three Rivers visitors should plan around roadway and seasonal conditions that are unrelated to the admission charge.

Expect construction along Generals Highway

National Park Service road information updated October 23 lists sections of Generals Highway near Giant Forest subject to weekday delays of up to approximately 30 minutes. Crews have been removing hazardous trees along portions of the route; some upper sections of highway remain subject to changing weather and traction restrictions.

Those driving into Sequoia from Highway 198 at the Ash Mountain entrance should consider these reported delays before planning a short afternoon trip. NPS warns that snow or ice can require properly sized traction devices, sometimes with little advance notice. The agency’s road-condition recording is 559-565-3341 (press 1, then 1).

Separate fees and remote road conditions

The October 27 federal observance waives standard entrance fees for qualifying visitors, not camping, cave tours, permits or other separate charges. NPS also lists the Mineral King Road season ending October 28, with construction restrictions through that period; Mineral King is a separate road from the park’s main Highway 198 entrance.

Primary sources: Sequoia and Kings Canyon entrance fees; current NPS road conditions; Mineral King work calendar. Coverage by Three Rivers News.

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