Flood damage to the Generals Highway between the Ash Mountain Entrance Station and the Foothills Visitor Center. This is one of many sections of road impacted by flooding that began on March 10, 2023. With more storms in the forecast, more flood damage is expected.
NPS photo
Entrances to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed due to impacts from flooding during recent and ongoing winter storms.
Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park is expected to remain closed to public access through March. Based on damage reports outside the park, public access into the park is not expected before the end of the month.
Sequoia National Park
There will be no reopening prior to April 15, and likely much later than that date. Another winter storm is on the way during the week of March 19. Park staff are still assessing the unprecedented amount of damage already affecting road access to the Foothills, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, and Wuksachi areas of Sequoia National Park. We expect to provide more detailed information about the damage and storm recovery plans as conditions allow next week for these areas as well as the Mineral King area.
Winter Safety
When conditions improve for you to visit, be prepared with traction devices for your shoes, layered clothing, and extra food and water for emergencies and keep an eye on weather forecasts.
Check park alerts and the sections below for conditions in the area you are considering visiting.
General and Area-Specific Conditions
Due to impacts from flooding during recent and ongoing winter storms, entrances to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed.
Kings Canyon National Park is expected to remain closed to public access through March, and possibly later. Sequoia National Park is expected to remain closed through at least April 15, and likely much later than this date.
Sequoia groves and snowplay areas are located at higher elevations, often with extremely icy, snowy, and slick conditions. The speed limit in chain control areas is always 25 mph. Learn more about staying safe while driving in winter. The National Park Service does not tow or repair vehicles. During active winter storms tow trucks do not generally enter the park and towing bills can be very expensive. Vehicles that are incapacitated or stuck in the snow may not get out for a day or more.
Tire Chain Restrictions May Be in Effect at Any Time
There are many places to rent or purchase tire chains or cables in Three Rivers, if you are entering Sequoia National Park along Highway 198. If you are traveling into Kings Canyon National Park via Highway 180, options to rent tire chains are more limited, with the nearest rental location in Dunlap (14 miles outside the park). The nearest location to purchase tire chains is located in Yokuts Valley (21 miles outside the park, formerly named Sq___ Valley). Rental prices for chains or cables typically range from $40-$65 per day, and purchases from $50-$200.
For current road conditons, call (559) 565-3341 (press 1, then 1).
Seasonal Road Closures
The Generals Highway is closed between the parks. Additional closures will be in effect after storms.
The road to the main Sherman Tree parking area is closed for the season due to snow accumulation. Winter parking along the Generals Highway is open but often fills. Consider visiting early in the day or trying another hike if parking is full.
Highway 180 to Cedar Grove is closed for the season at the Hume gate.
Mineral King Road is closed for the season.
Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road is closed to vehicles due to snow accumulation but open for skiing and snowshoeing.
Panoramic Drive in the Grant Grove area is closed to vehicles due to snow accumulation but open for skiing and snowshoeing.
Middle Fork Road is closed for the season. To hike on this trail, park at Hospital Rock Picnic Area and walk along the road toward Buckeye Flat Campground. When you reach the junction with the dirt road to Middle Fork Trailhead, walk uphill. This foothills hike is usually snow-free. Watch for the stream crossing at the start of the trail.
Crystal Cave Road (Sequoia National Park) is closed for the season.
Redwood Mountain Road (Kings Canyon National Park) is currently closed due to hazardous conditions from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
Entrances to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed.
Due to extensive damage to Generals Highway and other park infrastructure from winter storms, there is no highway access to the Giant Forest.
At this time there is no expected re-opening to the Giant Forest prior to April 15, and likely much later than that date. More detailed information about the damage and storm recovery plans are not expected until after the end of the winter storms entering the area on March 19.
When the road is open, tire chains or cables will be mandatory for all vehicles to carry. The speed limit in chain control areas is always 25 mph. Be prepared for icy and slick wintry roads. For current road conditions, call (559) 565-3341 (press 1,1). Personal traction devices for your shoes may help you avoid slips or falls in areas that are icy or snowy. At this time of year, dress in layers and keep an eye on weather forecasts.
Trails
Personal traction devices, such as microspikes or snowshoes, are recommended for all trails because of the snow and ice.
The path from the Accessible Sherman Tree parking lot to the Sherman Tree is cleared of snow, but you still may encounter slippery or icy conditions.
Snow shoes are recommended for Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road.
Moro Rock is covered in substantial snow and ice. The stairs are fully covered. Stay safe by finding an alternative hike.
Snowshoes are strongly encouraged on Big Trees Trail, Congress Trail, and Sunset Rock.
If hiking the Congress Trail, start at the end of the trail, located just west of the Twin Sequoias in the southwestern section of the Sherman Tree area. Doing the trail counterclockwise has safer water crossings and a more direct route to the McKinley Tree, the House and the Senate. Follow the Crescent Meadow ski trail markers.
On the Tokopah Falls trail, snowshoes are strongly recommended. Passing the heavy tree line after the Watchtower is not advised as this area is prone to avalanches.
Roads
Roads are icy and slippery. Come prepared for winter driving.
The Main Sherman Tree parking area is closed for the season due to snow accumulation.
Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road is closed to vehicles due to snow accumulation. This road is not plowed in the winter. It will re-open when the road can be safely cleared in the late spring, depending on snow conditions. You can still hike along the road, but we highly recommend gear such as spikes or snowshoes to navigate the snowy trails.
The Generals Highway is closed between the parks.
Wolverton Snowplay Area - All vehicles must carry tire chains when driving to Wolverton Snowplay area.
Wolverton currently has hard-packed icy snow that is not recommended for snowplay. Expect limited parking. Restrooms in this area may not be open. Sledding can be extrememly dangerous when conditions are icy. Instead, enjoy a walk through the snowy trees of the Giant Forest or check out the winter activities page for additional ideas on how to spend your time in Sequoia National Park.
Attend a Ranger Talk
Ranger talks may be available in the Giant Forest as weather allows and when highways are open. For a complete list of ranger talks, programs, and guided hikes, visit our events calendar.
Highway access has been restored to Lodgepole and Wuksachi Lodge.
Wuksachi Lodge is open for overnight stays. Food service and the gift shop are also open. Parking may be limited while accumulated snow is still being cleared in the lodge area. Plan to bring tire chains for your vehicle and traction devices for your footwear. For more information and reservation updates, visit their website or call 866-807-3598. The Lodgepole Market is not open through the winter and spring due to ongoing renovations.
Highways 180 and 245 are closed outside the park due to significant road damage and unsafe conditions caused by recent winter storms. At this time it is not possible to access Grants Grove.
Due to impacts from flooding during recent and ongoing winter storms, entrances to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed.
At this time there is no expected re-opening to the Grant Grove area before the end of March, and possibly later than that date. More detailed information about the damage and storm recovery plans are not expected until after the end of the winter storms entering the area on March 19.
When the area reopens, expect tire chain requirements to be in effect. In chain control areas, it is mandatory for all vehicles to carry tire chains or cables, including 4WD and AWD vehicles. The speed limit in chain control areas is always 25 mph. Be prepared for icy and slick wintry roads. For current road conditions, call (559) 565-3341 (press 1,1).
Trails
When the weather clears, we will assess the condition of trails in the Grant Grove area.
Grant Tree Trail is often clear of snow. If there's deep snow along the trail, snowshoes or skis may be the only way to visit the General Grant Tree. When the trail is cleared, personal traction devices, such as microspikes or snowshoes, are strongly recommended for the Grant Tree Trail and all other trails in the area. Grant Tree Road may close during storms.
Panoramic Drive, which closes to vehicles in winter, is open for hiking or snowshoeing. This strenuous 5-mile (8 km) round trip to Panoramic Point climbs almost 1,000 feet (300 m) in elevation. Snowshoes or traction devices are recommended.
Trails in the Redwood Canyon area are closed following damage from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire and will not reopen until conditions are safe. Some trees in the area are still burning and some smoke can be visible from the highway.
Roads
Due to the volume of snow and rain that have fallen, expect all roads to be sicy, snowy, or wet. When roads are able to be cleard they can be icy at night and even throughout the day.
Hume Lake Road: Please call the Hume Lake Ranger District for the most current road conditions. (559) 338-2251.
The Generals Highway is closed between the parks.
Camping
Due to deep snow accumulation from recent storms, Azalea Campground is closed. When it re-opens, Azalea Campground has 20 first-come, first-served campsites. The campground may close at any time if it's not possible to keep roads clear into the area. Sunset and Crystal Springs Campgrounds are closed for the season.
Snowplay Columbine Snowplay area is currently open. However, a large snow berm is between the parking lot and the snowplay area. Snowplay is only allowed in designated snowplay areas: Big Stump and Columbine picnic areas, and Cherry Flat in Sequoia National Forest. Check out the winter activities page for additional ideas on how to spend your time in Kings Canyon National Park.
Snowshoe with a Ranger All previously scheduled ranger programs are canceled until further notice. Ranger-guided snowshoe programs may be available on weekends as weather allows. Snowshoes are provided for this program with a 20-person limit that can vary in distance, time, and difficulty. Go to the Kings Canyon Visitor Center for more information or to sign up in advance. For a complete list of ranger talks and programs visit our events calendar.
Highway 180 to Cedar Grove Seasonal Closure
The highway is now closed for the season. The gate for the closure is just north/east of the junction of Highway 180 and Hume Lake Road.
Entrances to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed.
Due to extensive damage to Generals Highway and other park infrastructure from winter storms, there is no highway access to the Foothills area.
At this time there is no expected re-opening prior to April 15, and likely much later than that date. More detailed information about the damage and storm recovery plans are not expected until after the winter storms entering the area on March 19.
Impacts from flooding and heavy snow during recent winter storms continues to impact roads throughout the parks.
Hospital Rock Pictographs
By working with local Native Americans, we’ve learned the pictographs at Hospital Rock are sacred to their communities. They are as important as any place of worship. Do not touch or mark on the pictographs or rocks here. If you see someone vandalizing this area, please let a park ranger know right away.
Explore Marble Falls
This trail climbs 3.9 miles (6 km) through chaparral to a lovely cascade. Park near site #14 at Potwisha Campground. Follow the dirt road across the concrete ditch. The trail starts along the steep bank to the right. As the weather gets warmer, wildflowers will be abundant along the lower portions of this trail.
Stay Safe in the Foothills
Because of recent flooding, creek crossings along trails may be difficult. Water levels can rise through the day as snow melts in the mountains or as rain falls at upper elevations. Localized flooding is likely during storms. Since soils are saturated from recent storms, be cautious on trails that traverse across steep slopes because the trail bed may be soft along trail edges on the downhill side. Please check the weather forecasts before heading into the parks.
Many areas in the foothills are within the 2021 KNP Fire's footprint, where heavy rains on top of burned soil may lead to rockslides or mudslides. The safest option will be to avoid any trail that includes a creek crossing. If you feel uncomfortable crossing or are worried that levels may rise before your return trip, consider turning back. Check our Foothills Trails page for ideas to help you plan your trip.
Closed Trails:
Ladybug Trail and Garfield Grove Trail: The portion of South Fork Road within the park boundary that provides access to the trailheads for Ladybug Trail and Garfield Grove Trail suffered severe damage from flooding and landslides during winter storms. The road is impassable to vehicles. The trails have not been evaluated following the storms, but significant damage and challenging or hazardous sections are likely. Anyone wanting to travel on these trails should be self-reliant, as road damage -- as well as any trail damage -- makes any rescue effort challenging and subject to delays.
Camping:
Potwisha Campground is closed until further notice. When open, the campground has sites that are usually snow-free and reservations are required. Visit Recreation.gov to reserve your campsite.
South Fork Campground is currently inaccessibleand closed due to damage from flooding and landslides from winter storms. Damage to the campground and the access road are being assessed. At this time, it is unknown when the campground will re-open.
Pets
Pets, including those riding in backpacks, are prohibited on all trails. This includes paved trails, such as the General Sherman Tree Trail, Big Trees Trail, and Grant Tree Trail. In the nearby national forest lands that surround these parks, leashed pets are allowed on trails. Leashes must be less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. Learn more about traveling with pets.
Traffic Congestion
During weekends and holidays, our entrance stations become congested. Check out these tips to avoid congestion or the inconveniences it may cause. To save time, buy your entrance pass online before you arrive.
Recent Wildfire Activity
In September of 2021, the lightning-caused KNP Complex Fire burned through a significant portion of the park. You will see evidence of recent wildfire along the Generals Highway and on trails. Check our tips for safety in burned areas if you plan to hike in an area affected by fire. Our closure map shows trails (in red) that are closed.
NPS Mobile App
Download the NPS Mobile app to get started on your next national park adventure. The NPS App can connect you to all 420+ national parks from one single app.
Want to improve your visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon? Get information on popular features, visitor centers, campgrounds, fees and passes, park alerts, passport stamp locations, and more. When you install the app, check the option to download offline content. Cell service is extremely limited at the parks and this option will allow you to use the app in areas with no coverage.
WiFi and Cellular Service
WiFi is available at Kings Canyon and Foothills visitor centers. However, if you use the NPS Mobile app, download the app and data before you arrive. Cell phone service may be available in the Grant Grove developed area for Verizon customers, and outside the Foothills Visitor Center for AT&T customers. However, cellular service is not reliable at these locations.
For information on the status of the Sequoia National Forest or Giant Sequoia National Monument (managed by the US Forest Service), visit the Sequoia National Forest website.
For information on Lake Kaweah (managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), visit their website.
Due to impacts from flooding during recent and ongoing winter storms, entrances to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed.
Kings Canyon National Park is expected to remain closed to public access through March, and possibly later. Sequoia National Park is expected to remain closed through at least April 15, and likely much later than this date.
Day Hiking: No permits are needed for day hiking. See the Day Hiking Page for more information about trails in different areas of the parks. During the winter months, personal traction devices, such as spikes for footware, are recommended for ice and icy snow.
Wilderness Permits and Overnight Backpacking, Outside of Quota Season
Through May 25, 2023
Self-issue wilderness permits are available for overnight backpacking at Foothills and Kings Canyon visitor centers and at Giant Forest Museum.
Wilderness Permits during the Quota Season
Beginning May 26, 2023
Wilderness permit reservations are available on Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance of your trip, and are released daily at 7:00 AM Pacific Standard Time.
During the quota season, the number of people beginning trips each day is limited by entry point and a recreation fee is required. Reservations are available for most, but not all entry points.
Permit pick up will be available at the station closest to your desired trailhead: Mineral King Ranger Station, Foothills Visitor Center, Giant Forest Museum, Kings Canyon Visitor Center, or Road's End Permit Station-Cedar Grove.
Due to impacts from flooding during recent and ongoing winter storms, entrances to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed.
Kings Canyon National Park is expected to remain closed to public access through March, and possibly later. Sequoia National Park is expected to remain closed through at least April 15, and likely much later than this date.
Potwisha and Azalea Campgrounds are closed until further notice due to ongoing winter storms. Once storms have ended, damage will be assessed and campgrounds will be re-opened when it is safe to do so.
Most campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have closed for the season, except Azalea and Potwisha Campgrounds.
South Fork Campground is currently unusable and closed, and the road has suffered severe damage and is impassable. We strongly discourage hikers or day users from attempting to explore this area.
2023 Reservations
Reservation booking windows for 2023 will vary by campground. We recommend that you make reservations as far in advance of your stay as possible. Make reservations or get more information on opening dates and booking windows directly on our camping web pages or at Recreation.gov.
First-come, First-served for Winter
This winter, camping is available on a first-come, first serve basis at Azalea Campground. We recommend that you pay for only one night at a time. Campgrounds may close at any time due to weather, road conditions, or other causes and refunds cannot be issued. Snow removal can take up to 24 hours after a heavy winter storm. Consider checking out prior to a major storm, or prepare for an extended park stay if you are unable to leave due to impassable roads.
