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Throughout the next few months, lower elevations will be sunny and warm while higher elevations can be cool and cloudy. Prepare for both before you visit the parks!
NPS Photo / Rebecca Stievater
Winter in the Sequoia Groves
Winter weather has settled into the high country of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. If you plan to visit the sequoias, be prepared for snowy conditions on trails and roads, and bring clothing for cold weather. The lower-elevation foothills are warmer but can still be quite chilly in the mornings. The coldest winter storms can bring some snow in the foothills also. All seasonal campgrounds, roads, and areas are closed for the season.
To stay updated on the many changes occurring during this period of transition, read through our tips and tricks below!
Weather
Check the weather forecast before you head out! Winter is a wonderful time to visit giant sequoias, but only when you are prepared for the conditions. During winter storms, some roads may temporarily close. Plan ahead by packing multiple layers of clothing so that you can adjust to warmer or cooler conditions.
Air Quality
The dial below represents the current Air Quality Index (AQI) for the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' reporting area near the Foothills Visitor Center. Local conditions within the parks can vary to be worse or better than what is indicated. In summer months, ozone concentrations often exceed federal health standards. Ozone can have negative health effects. Learn more about air quality and how it can impact your trip.
Sequoia National Park Web Cam
The Giant Forest webcam looks west from the edge of the Giant Forest. In summer, a gray layer of polluted air can be seen forming over the valley. Rarely can you see both the San Joaquin Valley and the Coast Range beyond that. With increasing air pollution blowing up into the Sierra Nevada from the Bay Area and the Valley, very clear days are becoming ever more rare.
Note: This is a static image that may not represent the current conditions in the park. For an updated view of the Giant Forest, please click the link below.
Many roads and some park areas are closed for the winter season. Please check our road conditions page before you head into the parks. Also double check operating hours before arriving.
For information about roads outside the park, visit the Caltrans website or call (800) 427-7623.
Area Specific Conditions
Weather
Days are cool in the Foothills, and it can be below freezing at night and in early morning. Pack for all weather conditions when visiting the parks. Dress appropriately and always bring plenty of water.
River Safety
Stay safe in the foothills. View the rivers from a distance. The water is very cold and swift. The soil near and along the rivers can be unstable. It can collapse unexpectedly under the weight of people, including children, and result in falls into the river. Learn more about river safety
Trails
Check our Foothills Trails page for ideas to help you plan your trip.
Buckeye Flat Campground is closed for 2025 due to damage from repeated winter storms in early 2023.
South Fork Campground is currently closed due to damage from flooding and landslides from past winter storms. Repairs to the campground and the access road are being assessed. At this time, it is unknown when or if the campground will re-open.
Free Ranger Programs
A schedule of ranger-led programs is available on our events calendar. *Ranger programs are posted online at least one week in advance.
Check weather forecasts. Temperatures in the sequoia groves and the mountains are significantly colder than temperatures in the Central Valley and the Sierra foothills. Temperatures are especially cold in the mornings and evenings. Storms in the area produce cold rain and snow. Bring extra layers of clothing to be prepared for all weather conditions. As always, make sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Overnight lodging and food service offered. See visitsequoia.com for more information.
Parking
Expect parking at the Giant Forest Museum and General Sherman Tree to fill early on weekends and holidays.
Trails
Trails within the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas are open.
Camping
Lodgepole Campground is closed for the winter. Lodgepole is the most popular campground in the parks and site availability may be extremely limited, especially on weekends and holidays. Reservations must be made in advance through recreation.gov.
Dorst Creek Campground is closed for the season.
Lodgepole Concessions
Lodgepole Market and Grill are open for the season. The market has a large selection of supplies and services, including clothing, groceries, grab-and-go food, and an ATM. Lodgepole Grill offers casual food including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Showers and laundry facilities are also available here.
Market: OPEN
Lodgepole Grill: CLOSED
Showers, Laundromat: OPEN
Free Ranger Programs
A schedule of ranger-led programs is available on our events calendar. *Ranger programs are posted online at least one week in advance.
Mineral King Road inside the park is closed for the season.
There will be construction on Mineral King Road in 2026. Expect traffic delays and full road closures on weekdays. A schedule of traffic impacts will be posted on our Road Construction page.
Wilderness Permits
Mineral King wilderness permits are available at the Wilderness Office behind the Foothills Visitor Center on Generals Highway (this location is NOT found on Mineral King Road). To reach the Foothills Visitor Center and Wilderness Office, enter the park at the entrance station on Highway 198 and travel approximately one mile into the park. Wilderness permits are also available at the Mineral King Ranger Station.
Facilities
All facilities are closed for the season.
Campgrounds
All campgrounds are reservation only. See the Campgrounds page for more details.
Weather
Between 7,500 to 14,000 feet elevation, Mineral King is characterized by mild daytime temperatures and cold nighttime and morning temperatures. Check weather forecasts.
Weather
Check weather forecasts. Temperatures in the sequoia groves and the mountains are cooler than California's Central Valley and the Sierra foothillls. Temperatures are cold in the mornings and evenings. Storms in the area bring cold rain and some can still produce wet snow. Bring extra layers of clothing to be prepared for all weather conditions. As always, make sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Trails within the Grant Grove area are open. Check at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center for the most up-to-date trail conditions.
Trails in the Redwood Canyon area are closed following damage from the 2021 KNP Complex Fire and will reopen when conditions are safe.
Camping
Azalea Campground is partially open, and is first-come, first-served during the winter. During spring, summer, and fall, camping is by reservation only.
Crystal Springs Campground is closed for the season. Crystal Springs Group Campground is closed for the season.
Sunset Campground is closed for the season.
During the spring, summer, and fall, most campgrounds fill well in advance of weekends and holidays. Reservation windows vary between campgrounds, see each individual campground page or recreation.gov for more information.
Free Ranger Programs
A schedule of ranger-led programs is available on our events calendar. *Ranger programs are posted online at least one week in advance.
Road access to Cedar Grove is closed for the season. It typically reopens in May.
Information below is provided for planning future trips.
Cedar Grove is typically open from May through early to mid-November. Opening and closing dates may change depending on weather and conditions.
Check weather forecasts. As always, pack for a range of weather conditions. Be prepared for cool evening and morning temparatures and warm summer temperatures. As always, make sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Trails
Trails within the Cedar Grove area are open, although no services in Cedar Grove are open. Be prepared to be self-sufficient.
During the backcountry permit quota period that begins on May 23, wilderness permits are available at the Roads End Ranger Station.
Visitor Center
Cedar Grove Visitor Center is open during the summer.
Camping
All camping is by reservation only.
During the spring, summer, and fall, most campgrounds fill well in advance of weekends and holidays. Reservation windows vary between campgrounds, see each individual campground page or recreation.gov for more information.
Cedar Grove Concessions
Cedar Grove Market has a large selection of supplies and services, including clothing, groceries, and grab-and-go food. Cedar Grove Grill offers casual food including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Showers and laundry facilities are also available here.
Market and Grill: CLOSED
Showers, Laundromat: CLOSED
Free Ranger Programs
When the Cedar Grove Visitor Center is open, Ranger-led programs are often available. When programs are offered, the schedule of ranger talks and programs are posted on our events calendar. *Ranger programs are posted online at least one week in advance.
Map of Trail and Area Closures at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Click on a line or point for the name of the closed location.
Trail closures are shown in red.
Individual point closures are shown with black pins.
Area closures are shown in yellow.
Closures can change at any time and may differ from what is shown on this map. For detailed information on road closures, please visit the Road Conditions page.
