![]() ~Page last updated January 21, 2021~ Current Road and Weather ConditionsA storm is forecasted to bring snow to the parks' higher elevations this weekend, with significant snow coming later this week. If you plan to travel to the parks, expect tire chain requirements to be in effect. Grant Grove Area ConditionsWarm conditions in the Grant area are quickly melting snow, though more snow is on the way. Accumulation is very patchy—where snow is found, it is about 3 inches in depth or less. Big Stump and Columbine Picnic/Snowplay Areas do not have enough snow for winter sports. All Grant Grove area trails can be accessed on foot, but some may be more difficult to follow. Well-used trails like the North Grove Loop and Big Stump Trail are easier to follow. Trails have a mix of bare ground or packed snow/ice, so be sure to bring traction devices or cleats for your shoes/boots. Waterproof boots are recommended. Panoramic Point Road is closed to vehicles, but feel free to hike along the road (5 miles round trip) to the overlook. Giant Forest/Lodgepole Area ConditionsGiant Forest and Lodgepole has only a few inches of packed snow, though more snow is in the farecast for this weekend. Most trails are covered with packed snow and boots are recommended. Currently, there is not enough snow to ski or snowshoe. Foothills Area ConditionsCurrently, the warm weather in foothills offers excellent dayhiking opportunities. Explore the changing colors on the trails, which may be wet from recent rains. Marble Falls currently has flowing water for those who enjoy waterfall hikes. If you hike on Foothills trails after a storm, be ready for stream crossings. Turn back if you don't feel comfortable crossing. Picnic Areas/Snowplay AreasOur picnic areas, some of which are snowplay areas in winter, are open. Wolverton, Big Stump, and Columbine Picnic and Snowplay areas will be open for gathering and recreating. Currently, there is just a small amount of very melting, icy snow covering the ground, exposing rocks, tree's, and stumps and making it unsafe to sled. Please use caution in these areas as hazards (rocks, logs) beneath shallow snow depths lead to injuries each year. Trash receptacles will be available for food waste and ash—please dispose of garbage and properly store your food from wildlife such as ravens and bears. Wildfire-Related Closures and Restrictions in Sequoia National ParkThe South Fork area and some wilderness areas in Sequoia are closed due to the SQF Complex fires. Closures of Campgrounds, Lodges, and Most Commercial ServicesDue to a regional stay-at-home order issued by the State of California for the San Joaquin Valley region, all park campgrounds are closed through at least February 9, 2021. Park lodges and restaurants are currently closed until further notice. COVID-19 SafetyThe National Park Service encourages you to follow CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
Visitor Centers and Access to Trip-Planning InformationIn 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 have closed access to some facilities due to the pandemic. Three visitor centers may provide outdoor information services: Foothills Visitor Center, Giant Forest Museum, and Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove, though these services may be limited or closed at any time due to staffing, weather, or other conditions. Park stores at each visitor center offer sales of books, trail maps, and other educational items. Exhibit halls and theaters are closed. 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 LandsTraveling to Yosemite National Park? Reservations are no longer required to enter the park, though they're strongly recommended for camping and lodging. |
Last updated: January 21, 2021