The Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park has reopened on a daily basis after being open on a limited basis since December due to the aftereffects of the KNP wildfire complex.
The KNP Complex last fall burned more than 88,000 acres, mostly within Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks.
“Our staff has been working hard to restore seven-day access to the Giant Forest and we thank everyone for their patience and flexibility with the limited access that we’ve been able to provide in the last couple months,” said Clay Jordan, superintendent of the two parks. “This marks an important milestone on our road to fully restoring park operations.”
The reopening extends from Hospital Rock to just above the intersection with Wolverton Road. In this next phase of reopening, the Giant Forest Museum will be open for visitor information and retail services five days a week, Friday through Tuesday, closed Wednesday and Thursday. There is currently no potable water or food available in Giant Forest. Visitors should plan to bring all the water and food that they will need during their visit.
Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow roads remains closed to vehicles as is typical this time of year, but open for pedestrian access to Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow. Lodgepole and the portion of the Generals Highway between the parks remains closed but are slated to open on or shortly after Friday, March 18.
Many trails in the Giant Forest, including the Congress Trail, were not affected by the fire. Some trails that were affected are open with posted warnings, while the most severely affected trails remain closed. Wilderness permits are available by self-issue at this time of year.
The Generals Highway is subject to closure at any time in the event of inclement weather, rock or debris fall, or other hazardous conditions. These risks are heightened by fire impacts along the roadway. For the most current road conditions, including information about tire chain controls, call the parks’ information line at (559) 565 -3341, press 1, and then press 1 again. Details of what will open or remain closed can be found online at go.nps.gov/SEKIconditions.
The Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park remains open and accessible to the public daily. However, it is always advisable to check weather and current road information before visiting the parks during winter months.
Add comment