Throughout the next few months, lower elevations will be sunny and warm while higher elevations will be cold and cloudy. Prepare for both before you visit the parks!
NPS Photo / Emily Fedorko
Time of Transition
This time of year, change is ushered into the Giant Forest and Sierra Nevada. Some days remain hot throughout the parks, while others start to experience a chill in the air. Before you visit, check out these tips to enhance your trip!
Weather
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit giant sequoias. Weather can be variable this time of year. Heat waves continue to impact the area, but cool weather is on our doorstep. Plan ahead by packing layers of clothing to change into should the weather cool off. Check the weather forecast before you head out!
Driving Mountain Roads
Throughout the next few months, autumn will bring snow to higher elevations and rain to the foothills. Be prepared to drive winding roads with poor visibility and reduced traction. Tire chains or cables are often required on park roads from fall through spring, but they might be needed at any time of the year if snow falls. During fall through spring, we recommend that you carry chains or cables in your car, regardless of conditions. Check out our current road conditions and learn about driving mountain roads before arriving.
Upcoming Seasonal Closures
As the parks transition into fall, there will be multiple seasonal closures of areas, campgrounds, visitor centers. Please double check operating hours before arriving!
Rivers
It can be tempting to cool off in the rivers, but it is very dangerous. Drowning is the leading cause of death in the parks. Melting snow from the mountains makes river waters swift, icy cold, and extremely hazardous. Learn more about river safety.
A smoke-filled vista as seen from the Giant Forest webcam on August 18, 2024.
Air Quality
Multiple fires are burning in the parks. Smoke impacts are expected at night and in the morning, especially in the Foothills and Giant Forest areas, including the Sherman Tree. Be prepared. It is advised to bring masks to reduce inhaling smoke particulates.
Both the Foothills (Sequoia) and Big Stump (Kings Canyon) entrances are open. Consider entering the parks at the Big Stump Entrance on Highway 180 to avoid fire vehicle traffic and experience less concentrated smoke conditions.
Check out the Giant Forest Webcam to see what the air is looking like today.
For smoke impacts, check out the EPA's online national Fire and Smoke Map.
While fire is a very important process for maintaining healthy forest conditions in the Sierra Nevada, there is a challenging side effect: smoke. Fine particles from fire emissions are respiratory irritants and exposure to high concentrations of these fine particulates can cause persistent cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
The dial below represents the current Air Quality Index (AQI) for the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' reporting area. Local conditions within the parks can vary to be worse or better than what is indicated. In summer months, ozone concentrations often exceed federal health standards. Ozone can have negative health effects. Learn more about air quality and how it can impact your trip.
Area Specific Conditions
Lodgepole Concessions
Lodgepole Market is open seasonally from May to October. Here you can find a large selection of supplies and services, including clothing, groceries, grab-and-go food, an ATM, and a payphone. Lodgepole Grill offers casual food including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Showers and laundry facilities are also available here.
Market, Showers, Laundromat: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Lodgepole Grill: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant
Overnight lodging and food service offered. See visitsequoia.com for more information.
Weather
Check weather forecasts. Temperatures in the sequoia groves and the mountains are variable in the fall. The higher in elevation you go, the cooler temperatures become, especially in the mornings and evenings. Bring extra layers of clothing to be prepared for all weather conditions. As always, make sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Expect parking at the Giant Forest Museum and General Sherman Tree to fill early on weekends and holidays.
2024-2025 Winter Holiday Shuttle Dates
November 28 - December 1
December 24 - January 1
January 18 - 19
February 15 - 16
The free shuttle operates within the Giant Forest. Visit the shuttle webpage for more information about shuttle routes and stops.
Trails
Trails within the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas are open.
Camping
Lodgepole Campground is now open. It is the most popular campground in the parks and site availability may be extremely limited, especially on weekends and holidays. Reservations must be made in advance through recreation.gov.
Dorst Creek Campground is closed for 2024.
Free Ranger Programs
Ranger-led programs are available. Visit the Giant Forest Museum or Lodgepole Visitor Center for more information. For the schedule of ranger talks and programs, see our events calendar. *Ranger programs are posted online about one week in advance.
Weather
Check weather forecasts. Temperatures in the sequoia groves and the mountains are variable in the fall. The higher in elevation you go, the cooler temperatures become, especially in the mornings and evenings. Bring extra layers of clothing to be prepared for all weather conditions. As always, make sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Trails within the Grant Grove area are open. Check at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center for the most up-to-date trail conditions.
Trails in the Redwood Canyon area are closed following damage from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire and will not reopen until conditions are safe.
Camping
Azalea Campground is open.
During the spring, summer, and fall, most campgrounds fill well in advance of weekends and holidays. Reservation windows vary between campgrounds, see each individual campground page or recreation.gov for more information.
Free Ranger Programs
Ranger-led programs are available. Visit the Kings Canyon Visitor Center for more information. For the schedule of ranger talks and programs, see our events calendar. *Ranger programs are posted online about one week in advance.
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 180) is open into Cedar Grove.
The Cedar Grove Visitor Center is closed for the season as of September 23, 2024.
Concession Hours:
Continental Breakfast: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Lunch: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Dinner: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Market & Gift Shop: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Showers: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Closed for cleaning 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM)
Laundry: Closed until further notice
Concessions in Cedar Grove close for the season mid-October. For updates on services at the market, lodge, grill, showers, and laundry facilities, go to visitsequoia.com.
Camping
The Sentinel Campground is open. The campground will close for the season on October 28th.
Weather
Check weather forecasts. Be prepared for cooler temperatures as fall settles in to the canyon, with hot days still expected. This time of year, it is especially important to pack for all weather conditions. Be prepared for cold temparatures and winter weather as you hike into the high country of the Sierra Nevada. Pack layers. As always, make sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
For short hikes, consider the Roaring River Falls Trail (paved), and the Zumwalt Meadow Trail, which offers elevated views of the meadow from the talus slope above.
Free Ranger Programs
Ranger-led programs are available. Visit the Cedar Grove Visitor Center for more information. For the schedule of ranger talks and programs, see our events calendar. *Ranger programs are posted online about one week in advance.
Weather
While fall weather brings milder days to the Foothills, heat waves are expected to impact the area for weeks to come. Pack for all weather conditions when visiting the parks. Dress appropriately and always bring plenty of water.
Stay safe in the foothills. View the rivers from a distance. The water is very cold and swift. The soil near and along the rivers can be unstable. It can collapse unexpectedly under the weight of people, including children, and result in falls into the river. Learn more about river safety
Trails
Check our Foothills Trails page for ideas to help you plan your trip.
Buckeye Flat Campground is closed until further notice due to damage from repeated winter storms in early 2023.
South Fork Campground is currently inaccessible and 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.
Free Ranger Programs
Ranger-led walks and talks are available. Visit the Foothills Visitor Center for more information. For the schedule of ranger talks and programs, see our events calendar. *Ranger programs are posted online about one week in advance.
Fire Restrictions in Summer
Stage 1 fire restrictions have been placed on the Foothills area. See our fire restrictions page for details.
Roads
As of September 21st, Mineral King Road and its recreation areas are now open. Due to the Coffee Pot Fire, fire crews and engines will continue to be present on Mineral King Road and in the Horse Creek area. Drivers are reminded to use caution and be attentive and are also encouraged to use vehicle pullouts along the road when sightseeing.
Air Quality
Due to the nearby Coffee Pot Fire, expect smoke-related air quality impacts in the Mineral King area. Check the air quality map for the most up-to-date information.
Wilderness Permits
Mineral King wilderness permits are now available again, as self-issue permits obtained in front of the Mineral King Ranger Station. Check with a ranger with any questions about safety in regards to the nearby Coffee Pot fire and it's effects.
Camping
Atwell Mill Campground will be open from Sept. 21 through Oct. 15, 2024. Reservations are available on Recreation.gov.
Cold Springs Campground will not reopen this season due to a high volume of hazard trees.
Facilities
Visitors to this area should be self reliant and expect rustic conditions.
Mineral King Ranger Station is generally open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Hours vary.
Weather
Between 7,500 to 14,000 feet elevation, Mineral King is characterized by warm days and chilly nights in summer. In spring and fall, be prepared for freezing temperatures and the possibility of snow. Check weather forecasts.
