NPS Archive Photo General InformationMany roads and facilities in the parks were badly damaged during the winter of 2022-2023 by repeated major storms that began with a weather event in early January 2023 and followed by a succession of weather events in March 2023. Damage also occurred outside the parks on roads that provide access to some park areas. Many repairs were completed during 2023, but some significant repairs and recovery efforts by Tulare County, Caltrans, and the parks will continue in 2024. Access will re-open as work can be successfully completed. In areas where road work is on-going or there are only temporary repairs, travel slowly and obey reduced speed limits and any traffic management, such as temporary traffic lights or flaggers. See the Road Conditions page for current road information. Roads undergoing construction in 2024:Generals HighwayOne site on Generals Highway, between Hospital Rock and Giant Forest Museum, requires extensive drilling and rebuilding in order to complete repairs. In order to complete the work before the peak of the summer season, crews are scheduled to continue working through approximately late-June. Vehicle traffic between the community of Three Rivers and Giant Forest, including Sherman Tree, will experience some delays of up to 30 minutes on weekdays.
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| Day of the Week | 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | Before 8:00 am and after 6:00 pm |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Short traffic signal delays | Short traffic signal delays |
| Monday - Friday* | Up to 30 minute delays | Short traffic signal delays |
| Saturday | Short traffic signal delays | Short traffic signal delays |
*On Memorial Day weekend, from Friday, May 24, through Monday, May 27, there will only be short traffic signal delays.
Highway 180 to Cedar Grove and Roads End
Highway 180 between Hume Lake Road and Roads End was extensively damaged and was closed throughout all of 2023 and early 2024. Caltrans recently completed repairs outside the park, west of Cedar Grove, and reopened that portion of the highway on May 10, 2024.
The Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park remains closed. This area is anticipated to reopen sometime in mid-to-late-June once water and utilities are restored to the area.
Mineral King Road
The Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park will reopen for day use and wilderness access on Friday, May 24. This area was closed for all of 2023 due to severe road damage sustained during early 2023 winter storms. Road construction continues in 2024, but no work or delays are expected for the memorial day holiday weekend. Visitors to this area should be self-reliant and expect rustic conditions. Emergency services will be limited, and due to late-season snow, there is still no potable water available, and campgrounds remain closed.
The Mineral King Ranger Station is not able to issue wilderness permits at this time. All permits for Mineral King trailheads must be secured in-person at the Ash Mountain Wilderness Office. Visit the Wilderness Permits & Reservations page for more information.
After the Memorial Day weekend, it is expected that there will be 30 minute traffic delays until repairs are complete.
Crystal Cave Road
This road will remain closed for repairs and recovery in 2024.
Last updated: May 25, 2024