Montecito Sequoia Lodge is located between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The parks are a 4 ½ hour drive from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, and are approximately one hour east of Fresno.

NOTE: Although some computer programs list Hwy 245 as the “shorter route”, we DO NOT recommend taking Hwy 245. It is 31 miles of twisting mountain road with speed limits of 15 mph. Hwy 180 is a significantly easier road to drive, with speed limits of 45-55 mph. Since many GPS systems do not have the correct coordinates for these remote areas, we recommend that you follow these directions.

From the North:
Take Hwy 99 south to Fresno, then take Hwy 180 East (Kings Canyon Hwy, EXIT 133).
Follow the signs to Kings Canyon Road (Hwy 180 East).
Turn left at the "T" intersection.
Continue up Hwy 180 for 35 miles to the Big Stump park entrance.
Once you've paid your entry fee to the parks, continue 1 mile until you reach "The Wye."

From the South:
Take Hwy 99 and merge onto CA-198 East (EXIT 96) toward Visalia / Sequoia Park.
After 6.3 miles, take CA-63 N / Central Visalia (EXIT 107A).
Go 0.2 miles and stay straight to go onto CA-63 N.
Turn left onto CA-63 N / Court Street N.
Continue to follow CA-63 N for 20.8 miles. Turn left onto CA-63 / Avenue 460 and go 0.9 miles.
Turn right onto CA-63 / S Hills Valley Rd. for 8.3 miles.
Turn right onto CA-180 and go 15 miles to the Big Stump park entrance.
Once you’ve paid your entry fee to the parks, continue 1 mile until you reach “The Wye.”

Montecito Sequoia Lodge:
Turn right at "The Wye" onto the Generals Highway (Hwy 198) towards Sequoia National Park.
Go 7.5 miles and turn right where you see the Montecito Sequoia sign and the three wooden bears.
Drive 1/2 mile to the parking lot.
The Registration Desk is located in Sequoia Lodge.
GPS Coordinates: 36° 41’ 42” N, 118° 52’ 22” W
 
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Gas
Gas is available year-round at Clingan’s Junction approximately halfway between Fresno and the Parks:
GPS Coordinates: 36° 45’ 17” N, 119° 10’ 19” W
and between May and October at Stony Creek Lodge (4 miles past Montecito Sequoia Lodge):
GPS Coordinates: 36° 39’ 50” N, 118° 50’ 27” W

Entrance Fees
Visitors pay only one entrance fee to visit both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Entrance to the parks is $20 per vehicle, and $10 per person for pedestrians or cyclists. The entrance fee allows access to the parks for seven days. A fee for commercial vehicles is based on vehicle capacity.

A Sequoia/Kings Canyon Park Pass costs $30 and is good for one calendar year. The National Park Pass provides access to all national parks and costs $50. The 12-month Golden Eagle Passport, good in national parks and federal recreation areas, is available for $65. The Golden Age Passport is available to U.S. citizens or residents 62 years of age and older for a one-time $10 fee. The Golden Access Passport, free to U.S. citizens or residents with lifetime disabilities, is available at visitor centers; all others are available at park entrance stations.

Special Winter Driving Notes
The National Park Service requires that all vehicles carry tire chains from October through May. Plastic chains are NOT permitted. Check to make sure that your chains fit your tires before you need to use them. Also, make sure that the antifreeze in your vehicle is effective to -10° F. Have a shovel, gloves, and a plastic tarp in your vehicle.