No. Kings Canyon National Park, managed together with Sequoia National Park, prohibits launching, landing or operating drones. That covers Grant Grove and the General Grant Tree, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway inside the park, Cedar Grove, Zumwalt Meadow and Roads End. The rule applies to every drone, including sub-250 g models.
Why drones are banned
The National Park Service has prohibited drones in park units since 2014 under 36 CFR 1.5. The parks' laws and policies page says unmanned aircraft, including drones and other remotely piloted vehicles, are not allowed in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. The reasons include:
- Wildlife. Black bears, mule deer, raptors and bighorn sheep live in the canyons and high country.
- Wilderness. Most of both parks is designated wilderness, valued for natural quiet.
- Fire and rescue aircraft. Helicopters fight fires and run rescues here every summer, and a drone can ground them.
Violations are federal misdemeanors with up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Where you may be able to fly nearby
Much of the land around the parks is national forest:
- Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument, including the Hume Lake area between Grant Grove and Cedar Grove.
- Sierra National Forest to the north.
National forests generally allow recreational drones outside designated wilderness and temporary flight restrictions. Large wilderness areas border the park, such as the John Muir, Monarch and Jennie Lakes wildernesses, where drone takeoff and landing are not allowed. Use a forest map or ask the ranger district to confirm the boundary. See drones in national forests.
Wildfire season
The southern Sierra burns often. Wildfire TFRs cover large areas in summer and fall, and flying into one is illegal and dangerous. Check B4UFLY or Aloft before every flight and never fly near smoke.
Looking for Kings Canyon in Australia?
Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory is in Watarrka National Park. Northern Territory parks require a permit to fly a drone, and Australia's CASA rules apply on top. See drone laws in Australia and check with NT Parks and Wildlife before you go.
Before you fly in California
- Pass the free TRUST test.
- Register drones of 250 g or more and broadcast Remote ID.
- Confirm you're outside the park and outside wilderness.
- Stay at or below 400 ft and keep the drone in sight.
For forest flights on a Sierra trip, the 249 g DJI Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4 Pro need no recreational registration. The DJI Neo is fine for campsite selfies where flying is allowed. Visiting other Sierra parks? Read can you fly a drone in Yosemite.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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