Smoke from fires obscures the view from the Ash Mountain area. Photo taken Monday, September 14 at 8 am. NPS Photo

-Updated September 17, 2020 at 3:30 pm PDT-



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Closure of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Kings Canyon National Park announces that the park will close to all visitors due to significant smoke impacts and hazardous air quality throughout the park. The Big Stump Entrance Station, facilities, and parking lots will close beginning at 5 pm on Thursday, September 17, 2020.



With air quality projected to be in the unhealthy to hazardous range over the next several days, the park anticipates the closure to be in effect at least through the weekend. The park will continue to assess the situation.



Sequoia National Park implemented a full park closure on September 15 in response to the Castle Fire on the SQF Complex. Many park staff have been evacuated from the area and for visitor and resource protection, park managers decided to close Sequoia.

During this unprecedented fire year, park managers have had to evaluate how to best balance the responsibilities to the public as well as the mental welfare and physical safety of the staff. “With Mineral King, Three Rivers, and the park headquarters under an evacuation notice, staff is focused on preparing to evacuate,” Acting Superintendent Lee Taylor said. “To ensure any pending evacuation goes as smoothly as possible we are closing Sequoia to visitors.”



Park managers send their sincere thanks and gratitude for the support received during this incident.



For additional information on the SQF Complex, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7048/. For air quality information, please visit fire.airnow.gov.

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Be Prepared When the Parks Reopen

Regional Wildfires and Air Quality

Due to increased particulate matter from widespread wildfires, air quality is poor in the parks. For more information on park air quality and current forecasts, visit our Air Quality Information webpage. You may also get current info on Twitter from @SequoiaKingsAir and by checking park and local webcams for visibility updates.



When air quality advisories indicate "Unhealthy for All levels" or "Hazardous," all individuals are at health risk through exposure, especially under exertion.



Most park visitor centers that provide park information outdoors and outdoor dining facilities have suspended operations due to concerns about air quality. If you decide to visit, be prepared to be self-reliant and expect limited visibility and the potential for additional closures.

Closure of Adjacent National Forests

Sequoia National Forest and other nearby forests are closed to public entry due to extreme fire danger. All recreation sites, roads, and trails are closed. Junction View, Grizzly Falls, and other popular overlooks and features along the Generals Highway and Highway 180 are also closed. Forest closures will be re-evaluated daily as conditions change. According to the closure order the following is prohibited within the Sequoia National Forest:

Going into or being upon National Forest System lands

Being on a National Forest System road

Being on a National Forest System trail

The following facilities located on Forest Service lands are also closed: Hume Lake Market, Hume Lake Snack Shop, and Montecito Sequoia Lodge. Hume Lake Gas Station will remain open for credit card purchases.

Boil Order in Cedar Grove

With the exception of water spigots at Road's End, all water at Cedar Grove must be boiled before use. If you visit Cedar Grove, we recommend bringing water with you.

Tussock Moths

Biologists are beginning to notice an increase in tussock moth caterpillars in the parks. Learn more about tussock moths and why we should avoid contact with them.

Access in Parks

In accordance with guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks has opened access to the following facilities, services, and features:

Big Stump Entrance Station, some park roads, and parking lots. Please park only in designated parking spaces. If a parking lot is full, refer to the park newspaper for other options.

Some trails, with the exception of those closed by fires. If a trail is congested, please visit another location with less people.

Overnight wilderness access with reservations only. No walk-up permits will be available this summer.

Restrooms and picnic areas. Please practice proper food storage. We recommend you bring hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes. Big Stump Picnic Area has reduced access due to a trails renovation project.

Limited camping and lodging.

Wuksachi Gift Shop, Wuksachi Pizza Deck, Grant Grove Courtyard, Grant Grove Market, Grant Grove Gift Shop.

Some Park Facilities Remain Closed

At this time, visitor centers are not open. Our 2020 Campground Information page may not be up to date as conditions change rapidly due the the Castle Fire within the SQF Complex. Wilderness permit and ranger stations are also closed. Bear canister rentals may not be available in the parks but continue to be required in many areas.

Facilities and Services Unavailable in 2020

Lodgepole Visitor Center (closed for renovations), Sequoia Shuttle,Crystal Cave, Delaware North Company: Bearpaw High Sierra Camp, Cedar Grove Lodge, Cedar Grove Restaurant, Cedar Grove Market & Gift Shop, Lodgepole Showers and Laundry, and the Sherman Tree Food Cart will not open in 2020.

Your Safety is Our Number One Priority

The health and safety of staff and visitors alike is critical to us. We are working with the NPS Office of Public Health and the US Public Health Service to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Please follow COVID-19 safety procedures and CDC guidance.

Information on Neighboring Public Lands

Traveling to Yosemite National Park? Obtain entrance reservation information here.



For information on the status of the Sequoia National Forest or Giant Sequoia National Monument (managed by the US Forest Service), visit the Sequoia National Forest website.



For information on Lake Kaweah (managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), visit their website.