News Release

Snow and Rain Affecting Access in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks During Holiday Week

Date: December 23, 2021
Contact: Rebecca Paterson, 559 702 3400

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. December 23, 2021 – National Park Service personnel are preparing for what is typically one of the busiest holiday weeks of the year amid the latest in a series of recent significant precipitation events. With heavy rain at the parks’ lower elevations and heavy snow higher in the mountains, the current weather is expected to continue for several days. Those planning trips to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are advised that road and area closures and restrictions are possible, with or without advance notice.

At this time, a decision has been made to keep the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park closed on Friday, December 24. This includes the General Sherman Tree. The Generals Highway is currently closed above the Foothill Visitor Center (one mile inside the Sequoia entrance station on Highway 198), due to concerns about slope instability related to fire effects from the KNP Complex. This includes the closure of Potwisha Campground.

The parks will assess the possibility of opening these areas on a daily basis throughout the coming days. The most current information about openings and closures can be found throughout the week at go.nps.gov/sekiconditions, or by calling the parks’ recorded road conditions phone line at [phone] (1,1).

In the event that the Giant Forest is open, the Sequoia Shuttle will be running over the coming weekend through January 2, 2022. Masks are required inside the shuttles, and inside all park buildings, regardless of the visitor’s vaccination status. There is no potable water or food available for purchase in the Giant Forest area.

Grant Grove is scheduled to remain open to the public over the holiday weekend. Visitors should expect tire chain restrictions to be in place, and the possibility of road closures should weather conditions intensify. Grant Grove Market and the Kings Canyon Visitor Center are open, and Azalea Campground is partially open on a first-come, first-served basis, for those prepared to camp in several feet of snow.

In January of 2022, the parks plan to continue to open Giant Forest for public use four days per week, Friday – Monday, weather and conditions permitting.

“While snow and rain in the mountains is a welcome sight, especially after such a devastating fire season, we know that it has been difficult for those who wish to explore their public lands this winter to make plans,” said Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Superintendent Clay Jordan. “Roads crews are working long hours to provide as much access to the parks as we possibly can. We’re very grateful to the public for their flexibility and support. We wish you and your families a wonderful new year, and we’re looking forward to seeing you in the parks soon.”