Current Conditions

-Updated October 5, 2020-

Condiciones actuales en español

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Open, Area Closures Remain

Sequoia National Park recently reopened after closures associated with the SQF Complex fires. Both entrance stations, the Generals Highway, and Highway 180 are open. The Mineral King area, South Fork area, and some wilderness areas in Sequoia remain closed due to wildfire concerns. Some additional facilities remain closed due to the pandemic.

Sequoia National Forest remains partially closed.

For additional information on the SQF Fire Complex, please visit the fire incident webpage.

Regional Wildfires and Air Quality

Due to increased particulate matter from widespread wildfires, air quality is variable in the parks. For specific information on park air quality and current forecasts, visit our Air Quality Information webpage. You may also get current info on Twitter from @SequoiaKingsAir and by checking park and local webcams for visibility updates.

When air quality advisories indicate "Unhealthy for All levels" or "Hazardous," all individuals are at health risk through exposure, especially under exertion.

When park air quality is rated as Unhealthy for All, park visitor centers that provide information outdoors, as well as outdoor dining facilities, may suspend operations due to human health concerns. If you decide to visit, be prepared to be self-reliant and expect limited visibility and the potential for additional closures.

Tussock Moths

Biologists are beginning to notice an increase in tussock moth caterpillars in the parks. Learn more about tussock moths and why we should avoid contact with them.

Access in Parks

In accordance with guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks has opened access to the following facilities, services, and features:

Big Stump Entrance Station, some park roads, and parking lots. Please park only in designated parking spaces. If a parking lot is full, refer to the park newspaper for other options.
Some trails, with the exception of those closed by fires. If a trail is congested, please visit another location with less people.
Outside the quota season (September 20, 2020 – May 28, 2021), Wilderness permits are free, self-issued, and are not limited to daily entry quotas. Self-issue wilderness permits are available at the nearest permit-issuing station.
Restrooms and picnic areas. Please practice proper food storage. We recommend you bring hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes.
Limited camping and lodging.
Markets, dining facilities, and gift shops. These facilities are run by Delaware North and Sequoia Parks Conservancy.

Some Park Facilities Remain Closed

At this time, visitor centers are not open. Ranger stations are also closed. Bear canister rentals may not be available in the parks but continue to be required in many areas.

Facilities and Services Unavailable in 2020

Lodgepole Visitor Center (closed for renovations), Sequoia Shuttle,Crystal Cave, Delaware North Company: Bearpaw High Sierra Camp, Cedar Grove Lodge, Cedar Grove Restaurant, Cedar Grove Market & Gift Shop, Lodgepole Showers and Laundry, and the Sherman Tree Food Cart will not open in 2020.

Your Safety is Our Number One Priority

The health and safety of staff and visitors alike is critical to us. We are working with the NPS Office of Public Health and the US Public Health Service to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Please follow COVID-19 safety procedures.

Information on Neighboring Public Lands

Traveling to Yosemite National Park? Obtain entrance reservation information here.

For information on the status of the Sequoia National Forest or Giant Sequoia National Monument (managed by the US Forest Service), visit the Sequoia National Forest website.

For information on Lake Kaweah (managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), visit their website.