Snowplay

Two children build a snowman.

NPS Photo

"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold." -Aristotle


Prior to visiting, check road conditions. Tire chains may be required on park roads at any time during winter.

Designated Snowplay Areas

There are three designated snowplay areas, one in Sequoia National Park and two in Kings Canyon National Park. For your safety and the safety of others, please use these areas for sledding and tubing. Sledding, tubing, skiing, snowboarding is prohibited in residential areas, the Grant Tree Trail area, the Sherman Tree Road, and other areas as signed. You may ski and snowshoe on park trails. Check with a local visitor center for condition information or to obtain a map.

Wolverton (Sequoia National Park)

The Wolverton Snowplay Area is located at the end of the Wolverton Road at an elevation of 7,250 feet (2,160 meters). It is located two miles (3.2 km) north of the General Sherman Tree. Check the weather forecast prior to your visit to make sure you are ready for the conditions. After storms, it may take hours to open this road as plows must clear the main road first. When the Wuksachi Lodge is open, snowshoes and trekking poles are typically available for rent, and snowplay gear is for sale.

Grant Grove (Kings Canyon National Park)

Snowplay areas near Grant Grove Village are found at approximately 6,600 feet (2,000 meters) in elevation. Columbine Snowplay Area is located on the road to the General Grant Tree Trail. Big Stump Snowplay Area is located near the Big Stump Entrance Station, along Highway 180. Check the weather forecast prior to your visit to make sure you are ready for the conditions. Typically, snowplay gear is for sale at the Grant Grove Market.

U.S. Forest Service Snowplay Areas

Quail Flat and Cherry Gap trailheads are nearby National Forest snowplay areas.

 
 

Sled Safely

Every winter, people get hurt badly while sledding in the park. Sledding accidents send over 20,000 people to emergency rooms each year in this country. The most common reason people get hurt is they sled when conditions are bad (icy snow, rock or tree hazards exposed, poor visibility), so if the snow isn't great or you can't see, don't sled!

  • When sledding, slide feet first.
  • Consider wearing a helmet.
  • Make sure your path is clear. Don’t slide near rocks, trees, branches, or other people.
  • After sliding, look uphill. Move out of the way of people coming downhill after you.
  • Don’t slide into roads or parking lots.
  • Avoid hard-packed snow or ice, where speed and direction get out of control.
  • Sliding devices that can be steered may be safer than others.

In an emergency, call 911 or contact a ranger at Kings Canyon Visitor Center or Giant Forest Museum.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that can occur year-round. To avoid it, stay dry and snack often. If others don't respond to the need for warmer clothes or are stumbling, forgetful, or extremely tired and drowsy, get warm and sugary drinks into them immediately. Get them into dry clothing, sleeping bags, and shelter. Keep an eye on children who are wet or cold from snowplay.

Road Conditions

Tire chains may be required on park roads at any time during winter.


 

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Last updated: December 17, 2024

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Mailing Address:

47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271

Phone:

559 565-3341

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