It's a great time to visit these parks. Weather is comfortable in the Foothills and is becoming chilly at higher elevations. Solitude and quiet are abundant, even in the popular Giant Forest and Grant Grove areas. At the highest wilderness elevations, nearly all of last winter's snow has melted, but new snow may be in the forecast.
A road construction project between the Foothills and the Giant Forest is causing driving delays and limits on long vehicles. Get details on the delays and advice on timing your drive to minimize them. Because of construction, vehicles over 22 feet in length are prohibited on the highway between the foothills and Giant Forest. If you drive a longer vehicle, use the northern entrance at Kings Canyon National Park via Highway 180.
Nearby fires are impacting air quality, but the situation is steadily improving as most fires reach containment. Depending on weather patterns, air can smoky in the morning but is usullay clearer by the afternooon. Daily updates are available on Twitter.
Park rivers are still at dangerous levels. Rocks near the rivers are extremely slippery and the current is strong and cold. If you fall in, it can be very difficult to get out.
In Giant Forest, Lodgepole, and Grant Grove, temperatures are comfortable during the day and lows are in dropping into the 40s.
In the Foothills, weather is hot and conditions are dry. Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect, meaning no wood fires will be allowed in foothills campgrounds or picnic areas (the lower elevations in Sequoia National Park).
In Mineral King, marmots are no longer very active. Creek crossings are easy. Franklin, Sawtooth, Black Rock and Farewell Gap are passable with little or no snow.
Current Conditions
Alerts
Danger
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Rivers and creeks are dangerous. Keep your distance!
Four people have drowned and several have barely survived. Currents are faster and more powerful than they appear. If you slip and fall in, getting out can be almost impossible. Please: Use extreme caution around water. Return safely to your family.
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Caution
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Fire Restrictions (Stage 2) are in effect and fireworks are never permitted in these parks
Campfires are restricted in campgrounds and picnic areas at lower park elevations. Similar restrictions are in place on neighboring national forest lands.
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Information
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Road Work Causing Delays & Vehicle-length Limits in Sequoia NP (via Hwy 198)
Expect delays up to one hour on the main park road between the foothills and Giant Forest, and night closures on Monday-Thursday nights, with one pass through at 11:30pm. Vehicles over 22 feet are prohibited in the construction zone.
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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.
Trail ConditionsCheck recent updates for park wilderness trails 
Road InformationSee scheduled opening and closing dates for park roads 
Fire RestrictionsCampfires may be prohibited when fire danger is extreme. |
Last updated: September 18, 2017