Current Conditions

Alerts

Caution

• Increased Congestion

  Alert 1 , Severity ,caution ,, Increased Congestion We are experiencing much higher visitation than is typical during the summer peak season due to fire activity and several area closures in Yosemite National Park. Campgrounds and lodging are full, and air quality is impacted.

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Due to continued high temperatures and extremely dry conditions, the parks will be increasing the level of fire restriction to Stage 2, effective Wednesday August 15.

Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited in South Fork, Potwisha, and Buckeye Flat Campgrounds, as well as Hospital Rock and Ash Mountain Picnic Areas, and designated wilderness. Smoking is prohibited outside of designated areas. Learn more about fire restrictions here.

All closures related to the Horse Creek Fire in the Mineral King area have been lifted. Wilderness permits are now available for Mineral King trails.

A road construction project between the Sequoia park entrance and the Giant Forest will is underway. There are delays and vehicle length limits. If your vehicle is longer than 22 feet, it is prohibited on the Generals Highway between Hospital Rock Picnic Area and Giant Forest Museum. Consider using the northern entrance to Kings Canyon National Park on Highway 180 instead of the southern entrance to Sequoia National Park on Highway 198.

If you travel here, check forecasts before you come, and drive safely! If you plan to hike in park wilderness, check trail conditions before your trip.

Bears are active throughout the park. Please read our information on proper food storage before your visit.

Information on Particular Areas of the Parks

Parking is limited in Lodgepole and Giant Forest. While camping at Lodgepole, we recommend leaving your car at your campsite and riding the free park shuttle.

In the Grant Grove area, Big Stump Picnic Area is currently closed on weekdays. It will be open on weekends with portable toilets available.

If you visit Mineral King, marmots are active, and we recommend taking steps to prevent vehicle damage. Be prepared for mosquitoes; we recommend bringing repellant or nets.

It's summer in the Foothills, which means that temperatures may soar into the triple digits. If you're planning a foothills hike, bring plenty of water and know how to recognize heat illnesses. Be extremely careful around rivers.

 

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