SEKI Closures

Questions and reports related to Sierra Nevada current and forecast conditions, as well as general precautions and safety information. Trail conditions, fire/smoke reports, mosquito reports, weather and snow conditions, stream crossing information, and more.
Post Reply
User avatar
maverick
Forums Moderator
Forums Moderator
Posts: 11823
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 5:54 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer

SEKI Closures

Post by maverick »

SEKI NP:
Park officials announced today that several areas in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks closed effective 6 p.m. on Monday, December 31. The parks are being forced to take this action for health and safety concerns.

The Generals Highway closed this evening at Hospital Rock in Sequoia National Park. This closure extends through Giant Forest and Lodgepole, through to Lost Grove. The closure includes concession facilities at these locations including Wuksachi Lodge and other concession and partner operations. Trash receptacles are overflowing, resulting in litter dispersal throughout the area and a threat to wildlife. Vehicular congestion, motor vehicle accidents, and icy roadways have led to up to three hour delays on the Generals Highway.

Other areas within the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park also closed this evening. They include the road to the General Grant Tree, Big Stump Picnic Area, and Azalea Campground. The Grant Tree Trail, normally minimally maintained by sanding, has become extraordinarily slick, the ice and snow has become compressed and glazed due to heavy traffic, causing multiple falls and at least one injury. The Grant Village will remain open, as will Highway 180 for through traffic to Princess Campground and Montecito Sequoia Lodge.

It is likely these closures will remain in effect for the duration of the government shutdown.

We appreciate all the support from our local communities and park partners. We encourage visitors in the area to explore the excellent food, shops, and recreational opportunities available in the area.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
User avatar
maverick
Forums Moderator
Forums Moderator
Posts: 11823
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 5:54 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer

Update: SEKI Full Closure 1/2

Post by maverick »

SEKI NP:
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will be fully closed effective 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2. The parks are being forced to take this action for health and safety concerns. This supersedes previous closures.

Sequoia National Park will be closed at the Ash Mountain Entrance Station in Three Rivers, California. This closure extends through the Foothills, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, through to Lost Grove. The closure includes all concession and park partner operations. Bathroom facilities in all locations are unsanitary and unhealthy, resulting in facility closures and human waste and toilet paper accumulation. Overflowing trash receptacles have resulted in animals eating and spreading trash around. Lack of adequate parking has resulted in significant pedestrian use of the Generals Highway, creating risk of pedestrian-vehicle conflicts.

Kings Canyon National Park will close at the Big Stump Entrance Station on Highway 180. This closure includes all areas and services within Grant Grove such as the General Grant Tree, Big Stump Picnic Area, Grant Grove Village, Azalea Campground and all concession and park partner operations. Similar conditions of overflowing trash and human waste, as well as illegal fire rings and campfires have made this area unsafe to visitors and wildlife. Highway 180 will remain accessible for through traffic only.

It is likely these closures will remain in effect for the duration of the government shutdown.

For information about lodging reservations please visit www.visitsequoia.com.

For current road conditions and weather information, please call 559-565-3341.

For updates on the shutdown, please visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 49 guests