The reopening of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks could take longer than initially anticipated, owing to extensive road damage.
The recent winter storms have caused significant damage to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, park officials announced during a Sunday town hall.
Driving the news: A Park Service damage assessment is still underway, but nearly 20 areas along the Generals Highway from Sequoia to Kings Canyon have sustained significant damage.
- The repairs required for public access to these areas will need contracted highway construction crews, which means that park staff and residents will have only one-lane access, and there will be some level of impacted traffic flow even after public reopening.
- The damage has also affected businesses in Three Rivers and Oakhurst that rely on national parks being open to attract customers. Many shops and restaurants in these areas are likely to face significant losses until the parks are fully reopened.
- According to Clay Jordan, the Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks superintendent, recovery from this year’s weather events is going to be a long haul. He commended the efforts of park employees who have gone to great lengths to ensure restored visitor access and services.
What’s next: Reopening time frames for the parks have been announced, although they are subject to change, as there are many unknowns that could impact reopening dates.
Kings Canyon National Park
Grant Grove (Access to giant sequoias, the General Grant Tree, winter snowplay, camping, lodging, trails, and more)
- Current Status: Closed
- Estimated Reopening: April 14, contingent upon the completion of major road repairs outside the park along Highway 180 west of the park boundary
Cedar Grove (Access to wilderness, camping, lodging, river, waterfalls, trails, and more)
- Current Status: Closed for the winter season
- Estimated Reopening: Not currently available, as it is dependent upon the completion of major road repairs outside the park on Highway 180 between Grant Grove and Cedar Grove
Sequoia National Park
The Foothills area between the Sequoia entrance station and Hospital Rock Picnic Area (Access to lower elevation camping, trails, wilderness, rivers, and more. No access to giant sequoias)
- Current Status: Closed
- Estimated Reopening: April 7 – 14
The Giant Forest/Wolverton Snowplay Area/Lodgepole/Wuksachi Areas (Access to giant sequoias, the General Sherman Tree, winter snowplay, camping, lodging, wilderness, Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, and more)
- Current Status: Closed
- Access via Highway 180 through the Kings Canyon entrance station
- Estimated Reopening: May 26- June 16
- Access via Highway 198 through the Sequoia entrance station
- Estimated Reopening: Sometime in June 2023
Crystal Cave
- Current Status: Closed for the winter season
- Estimated Reopening: Not currently available
Mineral King
- Current Status: Closed
- Estimated Reopening: Not currently available, as it is dependent upon the completion of major road repairs below the park boundary
