Current Conditions

Alerts

Caution

• Generals Highway may be closed due to winter storm hazards

  Alert 1 , Severity ,caution ,, Generals Highway may be closed due to winter storm hazards The Generals Highway may be closed from Hospital Rock Picnic Area to the Giant Forest, limiting access to sequoia groves for vehicles entering via Highway 198. For current road conditions, call 559-565-3341. More rain and snow are in the forecast.
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• Tire chains may be required

  Alert 2 , Severity ,caution ,, Tire chains may be required When chain restrictions are in effect, tire chains are required for all vehicles in control areas, including vehicles with snow tires, 4WD vehicles, and AWD vehicles.
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Recent winter storms have brought large amounts of snow and rain to these parks. Tire chains may be required for travel.

Road conditions in the Giant Forest and Grant Grove areas are snow-packed and may be icy. Watch for falling branches weighted by heavy snow. Sidewalks and walkways are icy at the elevation of the sequoia groves and we recommend traction devices for shoes.

Snow depths range from 3-7 feet deep in the Giant Forest, Wolverton, and Grant Grove areas. If you visit a snowplay area, stay safe, as there are many sledding injuries here each year. The parks' snowplay areas are accessible by road, but foot access at Wolverton is limited by deep snow.

If you travel here, check weather forecasts before you come, and please drive safely!

Weather is cool and wet in the Foothills area. Recent rains may make creek crossing dangerous. If you're unsure if it's safe to cross, turn back.

Recreation.gov is available to those looking to make campground reservations for the coming months.

Cedar Grove and Mineral King are closed for the season.

 

Weather

It's always a good idea to check forecasts before your visit.

Because of the extreme elevation range in these parks, weather conditions vary widely between areas. In summer, the sequoia groves have comfortable temperatures and the foothills are hot and dry. Snow lingers on high-mountain passes well into summer. In fall, some areas close or reduce their hours. Winter brings snow to sequoia groves and rain to the foothills. Be prepared for tire chain requirements. Spring is a great time to hike in the foothills and snow begins to melt at higher elevations.

 

Tire Chains and Winter Driving

Snow and ice may be on park roads any time from early fall through late spring. It varies from year to year, but it's important to be prepared. Due to constantly changing conditions, please call 559-565-3341 (press 1, 1) for current, 24-hour road status and advisories.

Before you visit, check our winter driving information, which includes a list of locations near park entrances where tire chains can be rented or purchased.

 

 

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  Snow Chains and Cables

  This video demonstrates how and when to install tire chains and/or cables on vehicles when visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA. (MPEG/mp4)

  Duration:

  5 minutes, 35 seconds

 

Visitor Guide

Campgrounds

Current Fire Information

Winter Driving & Tire Chains