Park Essentials

Park Fees and Permits

The admission fee is $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, and $20 per person for those who enter by bus, on foot, bicycle, horse, or any other mode of transportation; it is valid for seven days in both parks. U.S. residents over the age of 62 pay $80 for a lifetime pass, and permanently disabled U.S. residents are admitted free.

If you plan to camp in the backcountry, you need a permit, which costs $15 for hikers or $30 for stock users (e.g., horseback riders). One permit covers the group. Availability of permits depends upon trailhead quotas. Reservations are accepted by mail or email for a $15 processing fee, beginning March 1, and must be made at least 14 days in advance (559/565–3766). Without a reservation, you may still get a permit on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 1 pm the day before you plan to hike. For more information on backcountry camping or travel with pack animals (horses, mules, burros, or llamas), contact the Wilderness Permit Office (530/565–3766).

Park Hours

The parks are open 24/7 year-round. They are in the Pacific time zone.

Emergencies

Call 911 from any telephone within the park in an emergency. Rangers at the Cedar Grove, Foothills, Grant Grove, and Lodgepole visitor centers, the Giant Forest Museum, and the Mineral King ranger station are trained in first aid. National park rangers have legal jurisdiction within park boundaries: contact a ranger station or visitor center for police matters. For less urgent matters, call the parks' main number, 559/565–3341 (you can also choose an emergency option on this line).

Public restrooms may be found at all visitor centers and campgrounds. Additional locations include Big Stump, Columbine, Grizzly Falls, Hospital Rock, Wolverton, Crescent Meadow, Giant Forest Museum, and Crystal Cave.