Generals Highway (Part 1)

The Generals Highway runs from the Ash Mountain Entrance in the south part of Sequoia to the Kings Canyon Scenic Drive in Kings Canyon, passing through Sequoia National Forest on the way. We cover this road in three sections. The first part, from the Ash Mountain Entrance to Crystal Cave Road, is covered below. For the next section, from Crystal Cave Road to the national forest boundary, see Generals Highway Part 2.

Mile 0 – Entrance Station

The road passes through the Ash Mountain Entrance Station. The park entrance fee must be paid or a valid pass shown.

Mile 0.1 – Park Entrance

The uniquely designed entrance sign welcomes you to Sequoia National Park.

Mile 0.9 – Foothills Visitor Center

The Foothills Visitor Center is on the right. Besides being the first stop for information, this is also the first and only place to buy Crystal Cave tour tickets before the side road to the cave. If you do not get them here, you will have to go on to the Lodgepole Visitor Center, 6.5 miles beyond the road to the cave.

Mile 2.3 – Tunnel Rock

On the left is the rock formation known as Tunnel Rock. A small parking area on the right allows you to cross the street and walk underneath it.

Mile 3.7 – Potwisha Campground

The road passes by the Potwisha Campground entrance. For more information see Sequoia & Kings Canyon Camping.

Mile 6.0 – Hospital Rock Picnic Area

The Hospital Rock Picnic Area is on the left. This is the last real opportunity for a break before the long and curvy climb to the Giant Forest area.

Mile 6.1 – Buckeye Flat Campground

The side road to the Buckeye Flat Campground is on the right. This road is extremely narrow at times and caution should be used. No large vehicles should be attempted.

Mile 14.4 – Giant Forest begins

A sign signals the road’s entrance into the Giant Forest. Sequoias almost immediately come into view.

Mile 14.5 – Crystal Cave Road

The side road to Crystal Cave is on the left. The tour requires tickets, and they cannot be bought at the cave. They must be purchased at the Foothills Visitor Center or the Lodgepole Visitor Center.

The Generals Highway Continues On

For the next section, from Crystal Cave Road to the national forest boundary, see Generals Highway Part 2.