SequoiaKingsCanyonNPS

Bear season is here — help us keep both you and our bears safe! A few important reminders for your visit: In Sequoia and Kings Canyon, American black bears are right at home in our meadows and forests - and we want to keep it that way. Preventing bears from getting human food is the most effective way to protect both visitors and wildlife. Your Food. Your Trash. Your Responsibility. • When camping, store all food, trash, and scented items in bear-resistant lockers. • Keep coolers secured and never leave your backpack unattended. • When hiking or doing other activities - keep food within arm's reach; moments of distraction can teach a bear to seek out human food. On the trail: • Hike in groups, make noise, and keep small children within sight. • Stay alert and skip the headphones. • Never approach a bear; if it is on the trail, make noise so the bear knows you are there and give it time to safely get off the trail. If you see a bear: • Give it space — at least 100 yards (a football field). • If it hasn’t noticed you, leave quietly. • If it has, stay calm, back away slowly, and if it approaches - make some noise. Let’s keep our bears wild — and keep you safe. Bear Aware. Stay Wild. Stay Safe. REMINDER: Bear spray is not permitted in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Unlike some parks, bear spray cannot be carried or used here. To learn more about the bears in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, visit https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/ns_bears.htm. NPS photo Alt text: a bear looks towards the camera as it sits in dry grass.

Prescribed Burning in Sequoia National Park Foothills Begins May 21 On May 21–22, firefighters will conduct prescribed burns in the foothills of Sequoia National Park. This annual project helps reduce flammable vegetation and improves safety during the dry summer months. If you’re visiting, you may see fire crews and equipment along the road. Please drive carefully, follow posted signs, and don’t stop near fire activity. Smoke impacts are expected to be brief and localized. All burns are carefully planned with weather and air quality in mind, and dates may change if conditions aren’t suitable. NPS Photo/R. Paterson Alt text: firefighters perform prescribed burning operations to reduce highly flammable, fast-drying vegetation in Ash Mountain (2023).

It’s #NationalPoliceWeek! We’re grateful for the amazing National Park Service law enforcement rangers who help keep our parks safe and beautiful. From emergency response to firefighting and search and rescue, these heroes in green-and-grey are always there for us when we need them the most. This week, we also remember those who gave everything to protect our parks and visitors. Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1563/police-week.htm. NPS photo Alt text: two NPS law enforcement rangers are hoisted by helicopter in the foothills during a search and rescue operation.

Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road is now open to vehicle traffic for the summer season! Please note the road is closed to vehicles on weekends and holidays while the in-park Sequoia Shuttle is running. This year's shuttle is in service from May 22–September 7. Learn more about the shuttle at https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/parktransit.htm?fullweb=1. More openings coming soon! These roads are scheduled to open on May 20: Mineral King Road – Expect construction delays Mon–Fri until mid‑June (no delays Memorial Day) Panoramic Point Road Redwood Canyon Road – Rough conditions; major repairs planned for 2027–2028 These campgrounds are scheduled to open on May 20: Sentinel, Canyon View, Moraine, Azalea (summer), Crystal Springs, Sunset, Wolverton Stock, Lodgepole Delays and construction progress updates: Mineral King Campgrounds – Opening delayed until June South Fork Road – Construction nearly complete Middle Fork Road – Construction scheduled for 2026 Buckeye Campground – Rehabilitation begins 2026 Dorst Creek Campground – No estimated reopening date at this time NPS Photo Alt text: Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road curves around sunlit sequoias.

Water: an everlasting artist. This marble WIP (work-in-progress) has been undergoing transformation for over a million years. See it for yourself and experience nature's magic. Learn more about Crystal Cave at https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/crystal-cave.htm. NPS photos Alt text: various formations created by water in Crystal Cave.

If you’ve been in the park lately, you may have noticed crews hard at work getting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks ready for summer! National Park Service and California Conservation Corps teams are clearing hazardous trees in campgrounds, opening winterized facilities, testing water lines, and repairing anything damaged over the winter. Each spring, staff coordinate across both parks to prepare water systems, housing, campgrounds, day-use areas, comfort stations, visitor centers, trails, roads, and more — a huge operation that supports more than 2 million annual visitors. Many areas typically reopen around May 20, just ahead of Memorial Day weekend — the unofficial start of the busy summer season. Plan ahead by checking the official NPS website for current conditions, what’s open, and how to make campground reservations. https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm NPS photos Alt text: 1. A CCC crew member clears hazard trees in Lodgepole Campground. 2. A view of the river in Lodgepole Campground. 3. NPS staff replace a board on seasonal housing during repairs. 4. Trees with Tokopah Valley visible in the distance.

Busy mind? Try sitting on a rock - life lesson from a marmot. Sequoia and Kings Canyon have some of the best sitting rocks around. Sometimes it can be nice to simply take a seat, listen to the sounds of nature, and rest for a few minutes. As an added bonus, you might also see some wildlife! Learn more about the animals that live in these parks at https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/animals.htm. NPS Photo Alt text: A marmot sits on a rock on the side of a hiking trail.

Great news campers! Lodgepole Campground in Sequoia National Park will open in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Reservations for May 20 through June 14 will go live tomorrow morning, April 24 at 7 am PST. All campgrounds require advance reservations over the summer months. Visit recreation.gov and search "Sequoia and Kings Canyon" to check availability. Photo: Lodgepole Campground entrance sign with campground kiosk, trees, and mountains in the background.

If you haven't driven the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, now is your chance! The seasonal road closure lifts tomorrow, allowing visitors to drive all the way down to Roads End in the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park. The scenic byway travels through Kings Canyon National Park and the Sequoia National Forest with breathtaking views, including cascading waterfalls, the Kings River, and of course, Kings Canyon. Learn more about what to see and do on the National Park Service website: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/byways.htm or visit the U.S. Forest Service website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sequoia/recreation/kings-canyon-scenic-byway. NPS photos Alt text: 1. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway surrounded by trees, mountains in the background. 2. Roaring River Falls pools among granite rock. 3. The Kings River flows alongside the roadway.

Is it camping season yet? Nothing beats the excitement of planning a camping trip! Daydreaming about the great outdoors, the smell of pine, planning meals, hikes, dark skies, ranger-led programs, wildlife sightings, comfy clothes... oops, got carried away, back to the post: Many of the campgrounds at Sequoia and Kings Canyon open on May 20 and some reservations are already available on Recreation.gov. All campgrounds require reservations during the summer season, so plan ahead and try to lock in your dates. If you are curious about campground openings and when reservations are available, visit Recreation.gov for all of the information. Search "Sequoia and Kings Canyon" to find all available campgrounds. Then, select the campground you'd like to stay at and tab over to the "Seasons & Fees" section above the calendar dates. Each campground page has a wealth of information that is helpful for trip planning. NPS photos Alt text: 1. Entrance to Lodgepole Campground. 2. A site in Lodgepole Campground with a picnic table and food storage box. 3. View of the river in Lodgepole Campground.

It’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and we’re proud to recognize the dedicated dispatch team at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks! Behind the scenes, these professionals answer 911 calls, manage radio communications, and track staff throughout the wilderness—ensuring safety for visitors and park personnel alike. Thank you for your service! NPS photo Alt text: a public safety dispatcher focuses on computer monitor screen displays in the Emergency Communications Center at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Winter is back in Sequoia and Kings Canyon! A fresh blanket of snow covered the Grant Grove area this morning following a weekend storm. Although some melting has begun, leaving about 2 to 4 inches of snow on the ground, more snowfall is expected this afternoon. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check current road conditions by calling (559) 565-3341 (press 1, then 1 again) before you head out. This automated line is updated with any current chain requirements. Curious about what road conditions may be like in the future? Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change quickly, but the best tool for planning ahead is the weather forecast. Find area‑specific forecasts at https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/weather.htm. NPS photos Alt text: snow conditions at the General Grant Tree, parking lot, and roadway.