Frequently Asked Questions
What are the costs associated with the loop?
The Loop is a series of suggested itineraries that help to guide visitors to 3 of California's National Parks: Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite.
Currently, there are several ways to do the Loop:
1. By Plane
Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest airport to all 3 Parks, has direct flights from major airport hubs, and is very guest-friendly. You can fly in and rent a car and explore the Parks at your leisure. FlyFresno.com
2. By Car
Whether you drive from your starting destination in your own car or rent a car, you can visit the Majestic Mountain Loop at your own pace. Stay for three days, a week, or more. You can follow the suggested itinerary for each day or make up your own.
3. Existing Guided Tours
Depart from the town of Visalia (south of Sequoia) and the Oakhurst area (south of Yosemite). Links to all tours can be found at MajesticMountainLoop.com/other-transportation.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia Shuttle runs daily (May to October) from Visalia (a very cute downtown; we recommend getting a hotel there and starting your journey early in the morning). The $20 round trip includes park entry. Use the in-park shuttle to see all the top sites in Sequoia National Park.
Sequoia Sightseeing Tours runs all year with tours of Sequoia. The cost is about $88 per adult. You can pick up this tour in Three Rivers by driving or taking the Sequoia Shuttle. They also have other pick-up locations in Sequoia and at Wuksachi Lodge.
Kings Canyon
There are no tours that you can buy at this time – this is self-guided.
Yosemite National Park
Several all-day Yosemite tours pick up from Oakhurst, Bass Lake & Fish Camp (south gate to Yosemite) for an average rate of $112 per adult (some include lunch) (it's a little less in the winter).
There are also several tours inside Yosemite National Park where you can park your car and tour Yosemite Valley or Glacier Point.
National Park Service Entry Fees:
Single-Entry - Good for seven days (per car):
Sequoia/Kings $35
Yosemite $35
Annual Pass - Good for 1 Year
Yosemite $70
Sequoia/Kings $60
All National Parks $80
Senior Pass - $80 (62 and older, lifetime, must be US citizen)
Access Pass - $0.00 (Disabled, lifetime, must provide doctor's proof of disability)
Military Pass - $0.00 (Active military only, must provide proof)
Lodging Rates
Depend on what level of accommodations you are interested in and in what season:
Seasonal Camping (Runs $20 per day or less)
Hotels in the Summer (Average $159 per night (plus tax)
Hotels in the Spring/Fall (Average $119 per night (plus tax)....
Hotels in the Winter (Average $99 per night (plus tax)
Check individual properties for rates & availability - MajesticMountainLoop.com/where-to-stay
Do I need a Vehicle Reservation to Enter Yosemite National Park?
Yes, on some dates in 2024, a separate vehicle reservation is required to enter the park during peak hours. This system aims to improve visitor flow during peak periods, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable visit.
On the dates noted below, reservations are necessary to enter the park during peak hours from 5 am to 4 pm.
Peak hour reservations are required on Saturdays and Sundays from April 13 to June 30 and on May 27 and June 19 holidays.
From July 1 to August 15, peak hour reservations are required daily.
Peak hour reservations are required on Saturdays and Sundays from August 16 to October 27 and on September 2 and October 14 holidays.
Resources are available to assist in securing reservations or exploring alternative access options. Learn more by clicking here.
What are the National Park Operating Hours?
Sequoia, Kings Canyon & Yosemite are all open 24 hours a day.
Services such as gift shops and visitor center hours are available on the NPS websites.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - www.visitvisalia.com/Sequoia-National-Park
Yosemite National Park - www.yosemitethisyear.com/yosemite
How do I find out about winter road conditions?
Road Conditions go to www.dot.ca.gov or call 1-800-427-7623
Yosemite Road Conditions call 1-209-372-0200 then press 1, 1
Sequoia/Kings Canyon Road Conditions – 1-559-565-3341, then press 1, 4, 1
When are the best times to see the parks?
The best times to see the Parks depend on your interests, as each of the four seasons is unique in its own way. Please note that seasons often overlap and change due to weather patterns.
Spring is the time to see the waterfalls and dogwood trees in bloom (April to mid-June)
Summer is warm, and everything is open, so if you like hiking, camping, water rafting, horseback riding, and exploring the wilderness - this is the best time to go. (June thru September)
Fall has so many colors in the trees - awe-inspiring! (September thru November)
Winter – is truly Majestic! While some services may be closed, there's still plenty to enjoy—from snowy vistas and cross-country skiing to downhill adventures at Badger Pass in Yosemite. Try snowshoeing among giant sequoias, ice skating, and exploring local shops and museums. (December thru March)
