Winter Holidays in the Parks

Sledding is a popular winter activity in the parks.

NPS / Alison Taggart Barone

The holidays can be incredibly busy at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Some of the busiest times include: Spring break (late March-early April), Summer (June- August), Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July Weekend, Veteran's Day Weekend, Thanksgiving Week, and Christmas Week.

During these times, it is common to expect long entrance lines, traffic congestion, full parking lots, and campgrounds filled to capacity. But, it is possible to avoid the chaos! Here are our top tips for keeping your trip smooth and worry-free:

 

NPS / Alison Taggart Barone

Winter in the Parks

Winter is a great time to visit the parks. However, the weather here can be very unpredictable. Be prepared for cold weather, icy roads, rain, and sudden closures.

Weathering the Weather

• Winter storms can hit suddenly at any time in higher elevations, dropping feet of snow that can linger for days or weeks. Before arriving to the parks, check our current conditions page for weather information and winter storm alerts.
• Be prepared with warm clothing, a sleeping bag, water, and emergency food in case you need to wait for the road to be plowed.
• Hypothermia is a very serious risk when visiting in the winter. Bring appropriate clothing to stay warm and extra clothing in case you get wet. Pack plenty of hot chocolate, but don’t forget water!

Driving in the Winter

• Be prepared for winter road conditions. When the weather is snowy and icy, so are the roads. Our roads are steep and curvy, making them very dangerous and slippery to drive in the weather. Drive slowly and follow speed limits. Use turnouts when needed.
• Bring chains for your vehicle even if you have a four-wheel or all-wheel drive. Tire chain restrictions are almost always required in the winter here. Chains are available for rent or purchase in nearby towns.

 

Chains are required in the parks at all times during the winter.

NPS / Alison Taggart Barone

Road Closures and Conditions

The following areas are closed at this time:

• Highway 180 past the Hume Lake Junction (Cedar Grove area in Kings Canyon National Park)
• Mineral King area (Sequoia National Park)

Road closures are not uncommon when weather gets rough. Roads that may close due to snowy conditions include:

• The section of the Generals Highway that connects the parks, between Quail Flat and Wuksachi Lodge
• Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road

Check our road conditions page before you head into the parks to plan what route is the best for you. For 24-hour in-park road conditions, call [phone] (press 1, then 1 again). For information about roads outside the park, visit the Caltrans website or call [phone]

 

NPS / Alison Taggart Barone

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Snowplay, skiing, and snowshoeing are just a few of the many winter activities you can do in the parks. Designated snowplay areas include:

• Sequoia National Park: Wolverton Snowplay Area in the Giant Forest
• Kings Canyon National Park: Big Stump and Columbine picnic areas in Grant Grove
• Sequoia National Forest: Quail Flat and Cherry Gap trailheads near Grant Grove

Popular winter trails in the Giant Forest area (General Sherman tree location) and the Grant Grove area (General Grant Tree location) are the only trails where snow is cleared and will be icy. Traction devices for your shoes are recommended. Other trails may be more enjoyable with snowshoes or cross-country skis.

Please be aware that pets are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. In developed areas, pets must be kept on a leash at all times.

 

Winter storms could change which entrance you decide to go to. Check the weather and visit our Road Conditions page for closure information.

NPS / Anna Cirimele

Avoid Congestion

There are two main entrances into the parks:

• Big Stump Entrance (Kings Canyon) along Highway 180 from Fresno.
• Ash Mountain Entrance (Sequoia) along Highway 198 from Visalia.

Both entrances can have wait times up to 2 - 3 hours during the busy season. Visitors should be prepared for delays.

The Generals Highway, the main road that connects Sequoia National Park to Kings Canyon National Park, may close during snowy weather. Check our road conditions page for openings and closures before heading into the park.

Beat the Line and Save Time

• To cut time in line, buy your pass ahead of time at recreation.gov.
• If you already have a pass, have it and your I.D. card ready when you get to the entrance. If you do not have a pass, have your credit card ready.

Arrive Early and Visit on Slower Days

• Avoid the crowds by visiting on weekdays, which are less busy than weekends.
• Arriving in the park before 9 AM and after 3 PM will also help you avoid long lines and busy trails.

 

NPS Photo / Alison Taggart Barone

Parking and Shuttles

Gas up before entering! If you are driving, please be aware that there are no gas or charging stations within park boundaries. Arrive with a full tank of gas, snacks, and water.

Parking Tips

• Popular parking lots (Especially around the Giant Forest Museum and the General Sherman Tree) can fill up as early as 10 am. If parking lots are full, please proceed to a different area.
• Consider parking in the Wolverton, Lodgepole, and Wuksachi parking areas instead.
• Parking lots can be icy and covered with snow. Park in spaces that are clear of both to avoid getting stuck.

 

NPS / Anna Cirimele

Ditch your Car, Ride the Shuttle!

• Save gas and time by using the free shuttle service in the Giant Forest area of the parks. The shuttle takes you to the top attractions in the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas, then takes you back to your car at the end of the day.
• The shuttle is not available in Kings Canyon National Park.

2024-2025 Holiday Shuttle Dates:

• November 28 - December 1
• December 27 - January 1
• January 18 - 19
• February 15 – 16

During the holidays, shuttles are available from 10:30am - 4:30pm.

 

Many campsites will be closed for the season in the winter due to snow.

NPS / Photo

Lodging and Camping

Camping

• Campground passes are available for purchase at recreation.gov.
• Campsites are extremely limited during the winter season.
  • Sites in Potwisha Campground (Sequoia National Park) must be reserved through Recreation.gov.
  • Sites in Azalea Campground (Kings Canyon National Park) are first-come, first-served during the winter months. Campers at Azalea should plan for snow and winter conditions. 
• All food, scented items, and coolers need to be properly stored in food storage lockers. Bears are particularly active in the foothills.

Lodging

• There are lodges in the parks that provide a variety of rooms to stay in.
• Select lodges will be closed during the winter season. When booking a place to stay, keep an eye on closure dates.

 

NPS / Alison Taggart Barone

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know Before You Go

• You are likely to lose cellphone service about 5 minutes inside the park entrance station. Share your travel plans with a family member or friend before heading in.
• If you would like park information in a different language, including Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese and more, these are also available at all visitor centers.

Download the Down Low

• Plan your itinerary before you enter the park. Download a copy of the park newspaper to help with your trip planning.
• Consider downloading the NPS app for reference and offline use. Downloading the app in advance is particularly useful as there is no cell phone service in most areas of the park.