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Foothills Visitor Center: Gateway to Sequoia's Wonders

Your first stop in Sequoia National Park: Discover exhibits, maps, and ranger info at the Foothills Visitor Center.

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Located just inside Sequoia National Park's southern entrance, the Foothills Visitor Center is your first stop for exploring the park's diverse landscape. Discover exhibits about the foothills ecology and human history, get hiking information, and purchase tickets for Crystal Cave.

A brief summary to Foothills Visitor Center

  • Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds and secure Crystal Cave tickets.
  • Check the operating hours, as they vary seasonally.
  • Bring water and sun protection, especially if you plan to hike in the foothills.
  • Pets are permitted in the parking area but not on trails or inside the visitor center.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Three Rivers, CA, head north on Generals Highway/CA-198. The Foothills Visitor Center is located approximately 5 miles from Three Rivers, just inside the Sequoia National Park boundary. After entering the park at the Ash Mountain Entrance, the visitor center will be one mile ahead on your right. Keep in mind that a park entrance fee of $20-$35 per vehicle is required. Parking is available at the visitor center.

  • Public Transport

    There is no public transportation that goes directly to the Foothills Visitor Center. The closest public transportation is in Visalia, CA, about an hour and a half away. From there, you would need to take a taxi or rideshare to the visitor center, which would cost approximately $100-$150.

Unlock the Best of Foothills Visitor Center

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Discover more about Foothills Visitor Center

The Foothills Visitor Center serves as the primary gateway for visitors entering Sequoia National Park from the south. Situated one mile east of the Ash Mountain Entrance along the Generals Highway, the center provides essential services and information for exploring the park. Inside, exhibits delve into the unique ecology of the foothills region, showcasing the plants, animals, and human history that have shaped this area. You can learn about the indigenous people who first inhabited the land and the more recent history of conservation efforts in the park. The visitor center is also the place to get your questions answered by park rangers, obtain maps and books, and purchase souvenirs. During the summer months, tickets for the popular Crystal Cave tours are available here. Restrooms and a water bottle-filling station are also available for visitors. Outside, a native plant garden offers a tranquil space to appreciate the local flora. The Foothills area itself is ideal for hiking, with trails following the Kaweah River and its tributaries. Keep in mind that the foothills experience hot and dry conditions during the summer. The Foothills Visitor Center has roots tracing back to the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked in the area. Originally part of a CCC camp, the structure reflects rustic craftsmanship and played a key role in early park development, including trail building and conservation efforts.

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