Attendance at California’s national parks has reached new highs in 2024 and the first half of 2025, with Sequoia National Park recording its highest ever visitor numbers. Official statistics show that Sequoia hosted over 1.3 million visitors in 2024, an increase of more than 300,000 from the previous year. This marks a substantial recovery from pandemic lows, when the park saw just under 800,000 tourists.
Visitor spending at national parks plays a major role in local economies. It generates significant revenue and supports many jobs, which is particularly important for gateway communities such as Visalia and Three Rivers near Sequoia’s entrances.
Earlier this year, Visit California predicted a possible drop in tourism statewide for 2024 due to factors like tariffs and fewer international travelers, especially from Canada. Los Angeles International Airport reported a decrease in visitor traffic by more than three percent through July.
Despite these concerns, Sequoia National Park has continued to see strong growth into mid-2025. Recreational visits are up nearly eight percent compared to last year. The number of RV visitors increased by twenty-four percent, while overnight stays at Wuksachi Lodge rose by over eighteen percent. Tent camping also grew by more than seven percent and backcountry visits jumped twenty-eight percent so far this year.
One factor contributing to this rise is economic uncertainty nationwide; many travelers are choosing destinations closer to home that offer lower-cost options for families.
According to Visit Visalia, tourism spending in Tulare County reached $626 million in 2024—up six percent from the previous year—and hotel bed tax revenues continue to grow steadily for the city’s general fund.
Kings Canyon National Park also experienced higher attendance: recreational visitors increased by ten-and-a-half percent this year. Lodging at Grant Grove village rose twelve percent and Cedar Grove bookings surged one hundred twenty-six percent compared to last year. RV stays were up eighty percent as families sought affordable vacations amid tighter budgets.
Yosemite National Park saw its highest visitation since 2019 with monthly increases during most of 2025 compared to the same period last year. So far this year Yosemite has welcomed approximately two-point-four million visitors—a seven-percent increase—with July and August remaining peak months for park tourism.
Across all California national parks combined, total visitation surpassed twelve million people in 2024—a seven-percent gain over the prior year—reflecting broader record-setting trends throughout the U.S. National Park System.
