News Release

Crowds Expected in Limited Open Areas of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Date: November 24, 2021
Contact: Rebecca Paterson, 559 -702-3400

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. November 24, 2021– Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are preparing for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Despite the fact that many areas of the parks are closed, either due to the KNP Complex Fire or regular seasonal closures, park staff is expecting high visitation for the duration of the holiday weekend. Trip planning will allow visitors to have better experiences in the parks.

Kings Canyon National Park
Visitors that want to see giant sequoias can do so in Kings Canyon National Park, via the Kings Canyon National Park Entrance Station on Highway 180. The majority of the Grant Grove area is open, including the Grant Grove Market. In Azalea Campground, 20 sites are available for first-come, first-served camping. While there is currently no snow in Grant Grove, sub-freezing temperatures should be expected overnight.

Highway 180 into Cedar Grove is closed for the season at the junction with the Hume Lake Road. The Generals Highway leading south towards Sequoia National Park is closed at the intersection with Highway 180. It is not currently possible to drive between the parks.

Sequoia National Park
Certain areas of the foothills of Sequoia National Park are open. Access to the Giant Forest, Lodgepole, and the General Sherman Tree remains closed. Visitors that want to see giant sequoias should NOT visit the parks via the Sequoia National Park Entrance Station in Three Rivers.  

The Generals Highway is open between the Sequoia National Park Entrance Station and the Hospital Rock Picnic Area, approximately six miles inside the park boundary. Many foothills-area trails and river access points remain closed due to fire-related risks and damage. The Middle Fork Trail is open. Potwisha Campground is open for first-come, first-served camping. Open areas of the foothills have limited parking. Delays or temporary closures should be expected.

For more detailed information about which areas and facilities are open, visit https://go.nps.gov/SEKIconditions.

While there is currently no snow or rain predicted for the holiday weekend, conditions can change and visitors to the parks at this time of year should always check the weather forecast. Especially in light of fire effects along large sections of roadways, any inclement weather will likely lead to area closures.

The parks will continue to work towards reopening other areas and services. Fire recovery efforts are ongoing and include hazard tree removal along roads, buildings, and parking lots, soil stabilization along the Generals Highway, and other infrastructure and wastewater system work that is critical for a safe return of residents and visitors.

The KNP Complex remains an active incident in the parks. The fire is currently 80% contained. The uncontained sections of the fire are located in wilderness areas, and are exhibiting very little activity based on reports from aerial reconnaissance.

Active fire from the KNP Complex currently poses no threats to life and property, and is not present in areas of the parks currently open to the public. However, visitors to the parks may see burned areas, and should exercise caution in case of ground instability, rolling rocks or vegetation, fire-damaged or killed trees, etc. Please be mindful of all signage and directions from park staff.