News Release

2019 Memorial Day Weekend in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Campsite in Lodgepole Campground

News Release Date: May 23, 2019

Contact: Sintia Kawasaki-Yee, 559-565-3131

Memorial Day weekend is considered to be the summer kick-off for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, but this year visitors can expect snow, rain and chilly temperatures in some areas of the parks. Campground availability will also be extremely limited due to hazard tree removal and late snow, with only about 42% of campsites typically open this time of year. Trip planning prior to visiting is highly recommended for a safe and enjoyable visit.

Campgrounds
Most campgrounds require advance reservations through www.Recreation.gov. Please be advised that campsites are limited and will fill up quickly, typically by Friday before Memorial Day. The only place to check whether walk-up sites are still available is the Campground Information Boards located near the entrance of each campground. There you will find a list of any available sites along with registration procedures.

Sequoia National Park
Open Campgrounds:
Buckeye Flat Campground, Potwisha Campground, Lodgepole Campground Sites 61-68 and 151-214 (all reservations only)

Closed Campgrounds:
Dorst Creek Campground, Atwell Mill Campground, Cold Springs Campground

Kings Canyon National Park
Open Campgrounds:
Crystal Springs Campground, Canyon View Campground (reservations only), Sentinel Campground (reservations only), Moraine Campground

Closed Campgrounds:
Azalea Campground, Sunset Campground, Sheep Creek Campground

Some campgrounds listed as currently closed will be opening in the next few weeks, but are delayed due to hazard tree mitigation and unsafe winter conditions. To check what campgrounds will be open during your travel dates, visit www.nps.gov/seki/campground-opening-schedule.htm.

Winter Storm Conditions
Weather forecasts for this holiday weekend call for heavy snow and temperatures as low as 34 degrees at around 6,700 feet in elevation. Visitors entering the Sequoia entrance on Hwy 198 might experience cloudy 70-degree weather, but just 45 minutes up the road be required to have tire chains for winter storm conditions. Roads and facilities that are typically open this time of year may be closed due to unsafe conditions. Conditions can change frequently throughout the day, and we encourage everyone to check current conditions online at www.nps.gov/seki or call the main park line 559-565-3341 (dial 1, then 1 again) for the most current weather and road conditions.

Traffic Congestion
Starting Memorial Day weekend and through the summer, long lines of cars have extended from the entrance stations. On the busiest days cars have waited in line for over an hour to get through. Parking in most areas of the parks has also become crowded. To avoid long waiting periods it is recommended to arrive prior to 10am or after 3pm and have your method of payment ready when you arrive at the gate. Having snacks, water, and a full tank of gas is also recommended.

The Sequoia Shuttle is a great way to have a more enjoyable park experience. The Sequoia Shuttle runs from Visalia to the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park (via Hwy 198). The $20 reservation cost includes your entrance fee. For information and reservations visit www.sequoiashuttle.com or call 877-287-4453.

Once in the park, free shuttles will take you from the Giant Forest area to Lodgepole, Wuksachi and back. Driving your own vehicle from site to site increases traffic congestion and pollution. Shuttles are free and most operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please check the park newspaper or website for up-to-date shuttle information and times.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase their park pass online prior to visiting. This will save time at the entrance gate. Visit www.recreation.gov/pass.

On weekends and holidays, and during winter storms, Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road is closed to personal vehicles. Access that area by shuttle, bicycle, or on foot.

River Safety
Visitors are urged to enjoy areas of the park that are away from rivers. Getting in the river or going near it could create a life or death situation. Snow melt is causing creeks and rivers to rise, and rocks along the edges can be slick and slippery. Even the best swimmers can find themselves in a difficult situation under the current cold, swift, and dangerous water conditions.

Wilderness Travel
The wilderness permit quota season starts Friday, May 24. Only a limited number of people may begin overnight trips on each trail each day. Wilderness visitors without reservations who hope to obtain a walk-up permit should be flexible with their trip plans, especially for popular destinations.
 
The snow pack in the parks remains significant. This means wilderness travelers should be prepared for snow and ice hazards on all high elevation trails including the High Sierra Trail, John Muir Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Mount Whitney Trails. Losing footing on snow and ice can result in falls causing serious injury or death. 

Bears
It is very important that visitors not approach bears of any size and store food properly. Bears can grab unattended food or easily break into cars that have food in them. They become bold and sometimes aggressive in attempts to get more. All food or anything with a scent must be stored and out of sight, and trash must be disposed of in bear-resistant cans and dumpsters.  

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks wish you a fun and safe holiday weekend. 

For more trip planning information and the latest updates please visit our website, www.nps.gov/seki.

-NPS-

About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
These two parks, which lie-side-by-side in the southern Sierra Nevada in Central California, serve as a prime example of nature’s size, beauty, and diversity. Over 2 million visitors from across the U.S. and the world visit these parks for the world’s largest trees (by volume), grand mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, the highest point in the lower 48 states, and more. Learn more at http://www.nps.gov/seki or 559-565-3341.