SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, CALIFORNIA –Escape to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks soon for fall colors and/or snow. Feel like an ant in a land of giants next to the "Big Trees." Take a hike! Or, spend a relaxing day cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. For a fun and safe adventure, keep these tips in mind:
General Tips ″Safety: Come prepared! Check weather forecasts before your arrival. Snow chains or cables may be required during your visit. Visit www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/currentcond.htm.
Dates below are subject-to-change due to winter severity and staffing considerations: Visit www.nps.gov/seki or call 559-565-3341 (weekdays from 8:15 a.m. through 4:15 p.m.) for updates.
In Sequoia National Park
Visitor Centers:
The Foothills Visitor Center, located 1 mile inside the park (near Hwy. 198), is open daily from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. with information, exhibits, bookstore, and restrooms.
The Giant Forest Museum, located near the "Big Trees," is currently open from 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. daily, weather-permitting. The museum offers visitor information, exhibits, a bookstore, and restrooms.
The Lodgepole Visitor Center and adjacent snack bar and gift shop have closed for the season. -continued on page 2- -continued from page
Campgrounds:
Potwisha Campground –open year-round
South Fork Campground –open year-round, currently no water available
Lodgepole Campground –closed for the season on October 21, 2014.
Crystal Cave is expected to remain open for tours through November 30, from Thursdays through Sundays only, weather-permitting.
On Thursdays and Fridays, tours will be held at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
On Saturdays and Sundays, tours will be held at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Tours are by flashlight only, with flashlights provided.
Purchase tickets at least 1-1/2 hours in advance on the day of your tour at either the Foothills Visitor Center or the Giant Forest Museum. Info: www.sequoiahistory.org.
Roads and Parking:
Mineral King is closed for the season.
Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road will close when impassable due to weather.
Crystal Cave Road is expected to close on November 30, weather-permitting.
The large parking lot for the General Sherman Tree will close when impassable due to weather. After this lot closes, visitors should park in the small General Sherman Tree parking lot along the Generals Highway.
Shuttles:
Free shuttles will operate in Sequoia National Park during the holidays, from November 27-30, 2014, and December 26, 2014 - January 4, 2015. Shuttles will travel between the Giant Forest Museum, Sherman Tree parking area, Wolverton, and Wuksachi Lodge. Info: www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/parktransit.htm
Snowplay:
The Wolverton Road and parking area is expected to be open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, weather-permitting, to accommodate access to winter recreation activities.
Stop by a park visitor center or museum for maps of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.
In Kings Canyon National Park
Visitor Center:
Through November 2: The Kings Canyon Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily.
Starting on November 3: The Kings Canyon Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. daily. o The visitor center provides information, exhibits, a bookstore, and restrooms.
Campgrounds:
Azalea Campground –open year-round. One loop of 20 campsites is open during winter/spring. All are first-come, first-serve.
Sentinel Campground –48 campsites available through November 12, at noon, when CalTrans closes gate access along Hwy. 180. All are first-come, first-serve.
