Can I fly a drone at Sequoia National Park?
Home to General Sherman, the world's largest tree by volume, and the namesake giant sequoia groves. NPS drone ban protects both the trees and the visitor experience.
Why drone pilots want to shoot here
General Sherman Tree. Moro Rock summit. Crystal Cave. Tunnel Log. Giant Forest groves.
Where you CAN fly nearby
Adjacent USFS, BLM, and state-managed land that typically permits drone use with appropriate rules.
Sequoia National Forest (USFS)
Adjacent USFS land. Has its own giant sequoia groves outside the NPS boundary. Drones allowed in non-Wilderness areas.
Inyo National Forest (eastern Sierra)
East of the parks. Drone-friendly USFS land outside Wilderness.
BLM holdings in central California
Limited but some Class G drone access.
FAQ — Sequoia National Park
Can I fly drones near General Sherman?
No. Sequoia NP is under the NPS-wide drone ban. The Giant Forest, Moro Rock, and General Sherman areas are heavily patrolled.
What about Sequoia National Forest?
Sequoia NF is a separate unit (USFS) and permits drones in non-Wilderness areas with rules. It also contains giant sequoia groves outside the NPS boundary.
Is Kings Canyon different?
Kings Canyon NP is jointly administered with Sequoia NP. Same drone ban applies.
Where can I shoot giant sequoias with a drone?
Sequoia National Forest non-Wilderness sections — including the Giant Sequoia National Monument managed by USFS — allow drone use with rules.
Other national parks
Park boundaries can be irregular. Verify the boundary of any alternative location before flying — adjacent USFS / BLM Wilderness areas have their own drone ban under different statute. Altoa is not the FAA or NPS.