The roads are closed to vehicle traffic for the winter season, but remain open to winter recreation such as hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Roads will reopen once they have been cleared and made safe for vehicle traffic.
Highway 180 Access To Cedar Grove Area of Kings Canyon National Park Closed For the Season
Highway 180 is closed east of Hume Lake Road for the winter season. Cedar Grove is not accessible. This section of road typically reopens in late April.
The portion of Mineral King Road inside Sequoia National Park is closed for the winter season to the general public. The road typically reopens in May on the Wednesday before Memorial Day, but could be later depending on conditions.
Several Small Roads Closed Due to Roadway Damage Or Snow Accumulation
These roads are closed due to roadway damage during past storm events or due to snow accumulation: Crystal Cave Rd, Middle Fork Rd, Redwood Canyon Rd, South Fork Rd, Panoramic Point Rd, lower parking lot at Giant Forest Museum More
Trails in the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas are often snowy and icy in the winter. But with the right gear and preparation, adventurous explorers can still take in the unique beauty of sequoias in the snow. Visitors can either hike on plowed trails, or cross-country ski and snowshoe on established routes.
Cross-country ski routes in the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas are designated by colored markers. Route markers and other information for specific trails can be found in the Winter Trails section below. For a complete map of winter trails, check out our Park Newspaper.
The General Sherman Trail is often cleared of snow, but traction devices on footwear are still strongly recommended.
NPS / Alison Taggart Barone
Want to Ski or Snowshoe?
If you'd like to cover more distance, give skis or snowshoes a try. You don't need to go far or fast, and snowshoes are easy to use. It is a great way to enjoy the sequoia forest in a very different style! Check at visitor centers for information on where you can rent equipment. When the Wuksachi Lodge is open, snowshoes and trekking poles are typically available for rent, and snowplay gear is for sale. At the Giant Forest Museum, you can also purchase a ski trail map and stock up on warm clothes and water there before heading out on your adventure.
Ranger-led snowshoe walks (not available in 2025) around the Giant Forest area are usually available beginning mid-January, depending on how much snow the parks get. Snowshoes are provided during the program. For more information on winter ranger programs, check out our event calendar.
Wherever You Go, Be Safe!
Whether you are skiing a groomed trail in a developed area or venturing into the backcountry, please remember that you are traveling in wilderness with all its risks: unpredictable wildlife, changing weather conditions, deep snow, and open streams. Have fun, but be prepared for any situation and know the limits of your ability. Carry a map, warm clothes, sunglasses, and water. Orient yourself before heading out and tell someone where you are going. You are on you own in the winter woods.
Trail Etiquette
Please do not snowshoe or walk directly on ski tracks. The tread of snowshoes (or boots) can create divots and ruin carefully laid ski tracks, creating hazards for skiers.
Fill in depressions in the snow after falling to reduce hazards to others.
If you find the trail too difficult, turn back.
Please do not take your skis off to walk up or down hills as the holes you will leave are very dangerous for other skiers. If you decide to continue, turn sideways, dig ski edges into the slope and sidestep either up or down the hill.
Keep an eye out for signs of wildlife, such as bear tracks in the snow.
NPS Photo
A Snowy Forest
This forest is used to snow. Most trees are cone-shaped, minimizing the amount of snow that catches on them. The branches are flexible, so that they bend to dump what snow does stick when it get too heavy. Be cautious when walking underneath snow covered trees.
Look for tracks in the snow. Bear, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, martens, weasels, coyotes, and squirrels may be active throughout the winter. Winter birds may greet you from the trees: ravens, juncos, chickadees, red-breasted nuthatches and brown creepers to name a few. Look for the sweep of wings in the snow where an owl caught a rodent for dinner.
The Alta Trail descends nearly 1,000 feet from Wolverton to Giant Forest and connects with several other trails. This is a difficult ski with steep terrain and many trees.
The trail follows the old Bear Hill Road and travels under the shade of giant sequoias and mixed conifers. Bear Hill Road is wide and easy to follow with a moderate grade.
The most popular of the Giant Forest’s ski trails, Crescent Meadow Road begins at the west end of the Giant Forest Museum Plaza. The entire route is an unplowed road with gentle to moderate grades and lots of giant sequoias.
Location:McKinley Tree Junction (On the Congress Trail)
The trail connects the General Sherman Tree with the end of Crescent Meadow Road (see Crescent Meadow Road Trail). The trail passes through the heart of the Giant Forest. The skiing is mostly easy, but has several short grades that require turning through the thick forest.
This old road connects the Lodgepole Visitor Center with the General Sherman Tree. The skiing is easy, except for a steep grade as the trail approaches the General Sherman Tree.
Taking its name from Panther Gap (8,600 feet), the Panther Trail is part of a difficult loop for experienced skiers. Steep grades and dense forests guard the great views from Panther Gap.
The Pear Lake Trail is the most challenging of the marked ski trails in Sequoia National Park. The trail climbs steeply through dense fir forest, then ends at the Pear Lake Winter Hut.
This easy trail leads through a mixed-conifer forest of red firs, Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, and incense cedars to a large granite dome. Once there, take a seat on the dome and enjoy the sweeping views of a deep canyon that was carved by the Kaweah River. If you're there for sunset, sit back and enjoy the colorful show! When finished, return on the same trail back to the Giant Forest Museum.
