Montecito Sequoia Lodge is located between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Montecito is about 5 hours from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, and is approximately 1.5 hours east of Fresno.

Please 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 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," then follow the directions below for Montecito Sequoia Lodge.

From the South:
Take Hwy 99 north to 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,” then follow the directions below for Montecito Sequoia Lodge.

Montecito Sequoia Lodge:
Turn right at "The Wye," onto the Generals Highway (Hwy 198) toward Sequoia National Park and Lodgepole Visitor's Center. Drive 7.5 miles, then turn right at the Montecito sign and three wooden bears. Drive 1/2 mile to the parking lot.
The Registration Desk is located in Sequoia Lodge.

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GPS Coordinates: 36° 41’ 42” N, 118° 52’ 22” W
 
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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 Annual Pass costs $30 and is good for one year from month of purchase. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass provides access to all national parks for $80. The Senior Pass is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 years or older. This pass provides access to all Federal recreation sites for a lifetime. U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities may obtain an Access Pass with documentation, which is free of charge and good for a lifetime.

 

Winter Travel
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. In the winter, always call the front desk before leaving home to see if an escort may be required.

During winter months, always call the front desk before leaving home for current road conditions at (800) 843-8677 or (559) 565-3388.

Gas
Gas is available year-round at Clingan’s Junction, halfway between Fresno and the Parks, on Hwy 180 (GPS Coordinates: 36° 45’ 17” N, 119° 10’ 19” W.) From May to October, gas is also available at Stony Creek Lodge (4 miles south of Montecito, GPS Coordinates: 36° 39’ 50” N, 118° 50’ 27” W.)