Winter Activities

Always Check The Local Weather Forecast Before Visiting in Winter

Because of the extreme elevation range in the 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, conditions can range from summer-like to winter-like. 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.

Weather Details

 

 

Whether you are visiting for snowplay or a wilderness trip, winter is a great time to visit the parks. Winter driving in the mountains can be challenging and tire chains are often required in snowy weather. Check with the current edition of the park newspaper for additional information to safely experience these gigantic landscapes.

 

Your Winter Trip to the Parks

If you have only a few hours:

Entering via Highway 198 in Visalia (Ash Mountain Entrance):

• Stop at the Foothills Visitor Center and explore the exhibits about California's fascinating and diverse oak chaparral ecology. In all of North America, only the Central American rainforest has a richer array of plants and animals than California oak chaparral.
• A one-hour drive takes you up to the Giant Forest Grove of sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest living thing on earth.
• Along the way, stop at the Hospital Rock Picnic Area and Exhibits to learn more about local Native American groups and how their relationship with this place.

*In winter, The Giant Forest Museum may be closed or have limited hours. Passage to Kings Canyon National Park may be unavialable. Research park openings and closures on the road conditions page ahead of time. If the Generals Highway between the parks is open, you may continue on to Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park (one hour). From there you can exit the park on Highway 180 via Fresno.

Entering via Highway 180 in Fresno (Big Stump Entrance):

• Stop in Grant Grove Village at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center to view exhibits and a 15-minute video about three areas in Kings Canyon National Park: giant sequoia groves, the canyon environment, and the High Sierra.
• Walk the Grant Tree Trail to see the General Grant Tree, the Nation's Christmas Tree.

*In winter, passage to the Giant Forest area of the parks may be closed. Research park openings and closures on the road conditions page ahead of time. If the Generals Highway between the parks is open, you may continue on to Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park (one hour). From there you can exit the park on Highway 198 via Visalia (one hour).

Special Tips:

• If the highway between the parks is open, allow at least 2-3 hours for the drive between entrance stations on the Generals Highway, plus additional time for your activities.
• Be prepared for possible delays due to hazardous winter conditions or road construction.
• Always bring tire chains, layers of warm clothes, and emergency water and food.

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If you have a day:

Please read the information listed above in addition to the suggested activities below.

Entering via Highway 198 in Visalia (Ash Mountain Entrance):

• Sled, ski, or snowshoe at the Wolverton Snowplay Area.
• Rent snowplay gear at the Giant Forest Museum.
• In the Giant Forest, stand among the giant sequoias on the Big Trees Trail.

Entering via Hwy 180 in Fresno (Big Stump Entrance):

• Sled, ski, or snowshoe at Big Stump or Columbine near Grant Grove Village.
• Have lunch and buy souvenirs at the Grant Grove Village Market.

Always bring tire chains, layers of warm clothes, and emergency water and food. If the highway between the parks is open, allow at least 2-3 hours drive time between entrance stations on the Generals Highway —or longer depending on winter conditions.

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If you have a couple of days:

Entering via Highway 198 via Visalia (Ash Mountain Entrance):

• In the Foothills, hike one of the trails near Ash Mountain.
• Stop at Hospital Rock to see the Native American grinding stones and pictographs.
• Hike or snowshoe one of the trails in Giant Forest. Visit the General Sherman Tree and the Giant Forest Museum.

Entering via Highway 180 via Fresno (Big Stump Entrance):

• Come for a free snowshoe walk in Grant Grove Village.
• Watch for wildlife tracks on one of the trails around Grant Grove Village.
• Stop at the Redwood Canyon Overlook (just south of Grant Grove Village).

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If you have a week or more:

• The Sequoia Parks Conservancy's Sequoia Adventures program offers a wide variety of programs. Learn how recent wildfire affected the parks, or gaze at the stars with their experienced guides.
• Enjoy park campgrounds without summer crowds. Campgrounds open in the winter include Potwisha (near Ash Mountain) and Azalea in Grant Grove Village.
• If you're prepared for winter wilderness travel, stop at a visitor center for a permit for an overnight trip to the splendid snowbound High Sierra.
• For additional activity ideas, check the park newspaper or ask at a visitor center.