A Thanksgiving weekend visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks requires a little bit of planning / NPS

Planning on a little trip over the Thanksgiving holiday to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks? Thanksgiving weekend is a busy time, at a time of year when some services and attractions are closed for the winter. Planning will help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Winter Conditions

At elevations where giant sequoias are found, some snow remains on the ground from a recent storm, but it has melted off significantly, and is not sufficient for most snow play activities. No further precipitation is expected over the holiday weekend, and temperatures are expected to be moderate. However, visitors should come prepared with warm, waterproof shoes and clothing, and personal traction devices for footwear, such as spikes, for walking on ice or icy snow, especially if planning to walk on any trails.

Road Conditions

At this time, tire chains or cables are not required on any open roads in the parks. However, it is highly recommended that all visitors carry tire chains or cables when traveling in the Sierra Nevada at this time of year, as conditions can change quickly. For the most up-to-date roads information, dial 559-565-3341, dial 1, and then dial 1 again.

The Generals Highway is open from the Ash Mountain Entrance Station to the Big Stump Entrance Station; it is possible to drive between the parks. The Crescent Meadow/Moro Rock Road, the Mineral King Road, and Highway 180 past the Hume Lake junction are closed for the season.

Traffic and Shuttles

Avoid a lengthy wait at the entrance station by arriving prior to 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m., and have your method of payment ready when you arrive at the gate. Bring snacks, water, and a full tank of gas. You can purchase your entrance pass ahead of time at www.recreation.gov/pass. For information about different kinds of passes, visit go.nps.gov/sekifees. To learn about the new lifetime pass for military veterans, visit https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/11-8-2022-lifetime-pass.htm.

Parking in all areas of the parks will be limited. The Sequoia Shuttle is a great way to explore the most popular areas in the Giant Forest during the holidays. Free shuttles will take you to and from the Giant Forest Museum, General Sherman Tree, Lodgepole, and Wuksachi Lodge and Restaurant. Driving your own vehicle from site to site increases traffic congestion. Shuttles are free and will operate from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Campgrounds and Lodging

Please be advised that campsites are limited in the winter season. In Sequoia National Park, Potwisha Campground and part of Lodgepole Campground are open by reservation only through www.recreation.gov. In Kings Canyon National Park, part of Azalea Campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis. 
Campers should expect freezing temperatures overnight. All food, scented items and coolers must be properly stored in metal storage lockers. Bears are particularly active in the foothills and around Potwisha Campground.

There is currently no indoor lodging available in Kings Canyon National Park. To see availability for the Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park, visit www.visitsequoia.com.

Wilderness and Backpacking

Wilderness permit quota season has ended, and permits are available by self-issue at the Foothills Visitor Center, the Giant Forest Museum, and the Kings Canyon Visitor Center (whichever is closest to your desired trailhead). Expect serious winter conditions in the high-elevation wilderness, including extremely cold temperatures and snow and ice that entirely obscures trails and dramatically increases the risk of slips and falls. Visitors to the wilderness should have experience and appropriate gear and be prepared to be entirely self-sufficient.