News Release

Kings Canyon National Park to Close Due to Significant Smoke Impacts and Hazardous Air Quality

Date: September 17, 2020
Contact: Sintia Kawasaki-Yee, 559-679-2866

Kings Canyon National Park announces that the park will close to all visitors due to significant smoke impacts and hazardous air quality throughout the park. The park entrance station, facilities and parking lots will close beginning at 5:00 p.m. tonight, Thursday, September 17, 2020. Sequoia National Park closed on Tuesday, September 15.

With air quality projected to be in the unhealthy to hazardous range over the next several days, the park anticipates the closure to be in effect at least through the weekend. The park will continue to assess the smoke impacts, air quality index, and fire activity throughout the region. Kings Canyon National Park will reopen to visitors when conditions improve, and it is safe for visitors and employees.

Kings Canyon National Park's closure is in alignment with the closure of Yosemite National Park and the surrounding national forests.

For detailed information on current conditions, campgrounds, air quality, and smoke impacts, please visit https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, please call 559-565-3341, press 1 and press 1 again. Updated information is also available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/seki.
 

-NPS-