Your Guide to Three Rivers &
Sequoia National Park
from the hosts of sierra skyline
Welcome to Three Rivers
Three Rivers gets its name from the three forks of the Kaweah River that converge here at the foot of the Sierra Nevada — the southern gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. A town of around 2,000 people, it's small, unhurried, and genuinely warm. No tourist traps, no chain restaurants. Just local diners, a general store, oak-covered hillsides, and the constant sound of moving water. At 1,000 feet elevation, it sits in the sweet spot between the Central Valley heat and the cool alpine park interior.
Dining & Drinks
Sierra Subs & Salad
Small cafe with artisanal hot/cold sandwiches & sides, with vegetarian options & a patio.
Pizza Factory
Order-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.
Pupusas La Sabrosa Three Rivers
Pupusas and other El Salvadoran comfort foods, plus beer, served in a laid-back setting with a patio.
Tony's Taverna
Tony's Taverna brings you on an extraordinary journey into Greek cuisine with an exquisite selection of wines and beers
Three Rivers Brewing Co
A brewery for the community - featuring over twenty craft beers, all brewed on location.
Sequoia Coffee & Kitchen
Local cafe serving coffee and smoothies, plus takeaway bagels, donuts and sandwiches.
Groceries & Supplies
Totem Market & Gifts
Market and deli selling baked goods, beer, wine and BBQ in a rustic, informal space.
Village Market
Your best option for stocking up on any essentials you forgot to pack. Small but well-stocked for a trip to the mountains.
Shell Gas Station
The local gas stop — grab fuel before heading into the park. There's no gas inside Sequoia or Kings Canyon, so fill up here if you didn't top off in Visalia.
Stock Up Before Your Stay
We strongly recommend grocery shopping in Visalia or Fresno before arriving — you'll have far better selection and avoid mountain-town markups. Visalia has Target, Trader Joe's, Costco, and Whole Foods, about 45 minutes from the property. Once in Three Rivers, Village Market covers any essentials you forgot, and the Shell Gas Station is your last stop for fuel before the park — there's no gas inside Sequoia or Kings Canyon.
Right at Your Doorstep
Case Mountain Recreation Area
Most guests don't even know this exists — which makes it all the better. Step out the back gate onto Skyline, turn left, and within minutes you're on trail.
Case Mountain is a storybook trail system with:
- Miles of foot, mountain bike, and equestrian trails through oak woodland, chaparral, and scenic Sierra ridgelines
- Abundant wildlife: deer, wild turkey, quail, and occasional black bears
- Near-zero crowds (locals' secret)
Case Mountain is also part of the only BLM-managed Giant Sequoia grove complex in existence. The upper groves are a serious full-day hike from the trailhead, but the lower trail network alone is worth every step.
To get to the trail entrance from Sierra Skyline, walk back onto Skyline Drive and turn left and continue walking 5-7 minutes downhill until you see a parking lot. The Salt Creek trail entrance is located at the end of the lot.
Kaweah River Swimming Holes
The Kaweah River runs right through Three Rivers and offers several calm swimming and wading spots, especially beautiful in late spring and early summer when snowmelt is flowing. Popular local spots include Hospital Rock area inside the park.
Lake Kaweah
A reservoir about 15 minutes from the property — good for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Warm in summer.
Natural Swimming & Outdoor Recreation
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Sierra Skyline is a 12 minute drive to the southern entrance of Sequoia National Park.
General Sherman Tree
The largest tree on Earth by volume — 274 feet tall, over 36 feet in diameter at the base, and approximately 2,200 years old. Words don't do it justice.
Giant Forest
The heart of Sequoia National Park. Home to five of the world's ten largest trees. Walk the Congress Trail loop and you'll understand why people return to Sequoia National Park year after year.
Tunnel Log
In 1937 a sequoia fell across the road. Rather than clear it, they cut a tunnel through the trunk. The park has been letting cars drive through ever since.
A granite dome with 360° panoramic views of the park and the Great Western Divide, and visible right from Sierra Skyline's deck on a clear day. A 350-step staircase leads to the top — worthwhile at any fitness level.
Dark skies are one of the perks of staying in Three Rivers. Far from city lights, the Sierra Nevada puts on a show every clear night — no equipment needed.
A fallen Sequoia you can actually drive your car through. Classic California.
Moro Rock
350 steps up a granite dome with exposure on both sides and the Sierra Nevada spread out in every direction. One of those hikes where the last few steps feel theatrical.
Crystal Cave
A stunning marble cavern formed by an ancient underground river. Tours run seasonally — book ahead, they sell out.
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
One of the most dramatic drives in California. Kings Canyon itself is deeper than the Grand Canyon.
PRACTICAL VISITOR TIPS
before you arrive
Park Entrance Fees
$35/vehicle. America the Beautiful Annual Pass is valid here — worth it if you're visiting multiple parks.
Best Time to Visit
May–October for full access. Winter storms can close roads into the park.
Gas
Fill up in Three Rivers or Visalia — there's no gas inside Sequoia or Kings Canyon.
Groceries
Stock up in Visalia (Target, Trader Joe's, Costco, Whole Foods) before arriving. Far better selection than in town.
Water
No filtered drinking water at the property. Bring your own or plan to buy.
on the ground
Cell Service
Spotty in Three Rivers, nearly none in the park. Download offline maps before your trip.
Wildlife
Bears are real. Secure food in the bear box provided. Keep car windows up in the park.
Wildfire Season
Peak fire risk is July–October. Check CalFire and NPS alerts before arriving. No open fires on the property — propane fire pit is safe to use.
Weather
Summers are hot in the foothills (80–100°F). The park at elevation runs 10–20°F cooler. Pack layers for evening. Check NPS for accurate weather conditions.
Road Conditions
Snow chains are typically required to enter the park in winter. Always check current conditions at nps.gov/seki before heading up.
reference links
Stay at Sierra Skyline
Your home base for all of it. 12 minutes from the park entrace — book direct for the best rate.
Getting Here
From Los Angeles
4 hours via I-5 North → CA-99 North → CA-198 East to Three Rivers
From San Francisco/Bay Area
3.5 hours via I-580 East → I-5 South → CA-198 East
From Fresno
1 hour via CA-180 East → CA-198 South to Three Rivers
From Las Vegas
5.5 hours via I-15 North → US-395 North → CA-178 West
Coming by Electric Vehicle?
Los Angeles → Three Rivers: Plenty of fast chargers in Bakersfield and Visalia (Electrify America, Tesla Supercharger) before the final mountain stretch
Bay Area → Three Rivers: Charge in Fresno or Visalia — both have multiple fast charger locations
Note: There is no public EV charging inside Sequoia National Park or in Three Rivers itself. Charge at Sierra Skyline each night and you won't need to think about it during the day.
Sierra Skyline has a 220V Wallbox Level 2 EV charger on-site, inclusive for all guests staying on the property. Charge overnight and wake up with a full battery.
check availability and book direct
Ready to Book?
Experience everything Three Rivers and Sequoia has to offer.
