Maps and Roads

The National Park Service recommends that you check conditions before going uphill. The information provided here is from the NPS with the links posted below.

Road Information

Call for 24-hour recorded road information: 1-559-565-3341, then press 1, then 1 again. They also recommends that you check your antifreeze, battery, and wipers, and carry clothing layers and a flashlight.

Emergency Car Repairs

For a tow: 559-565-3341 then press 9 to be transferred to park dispatch (24 hours). In Sequoia Park only, 24-hour AAA for lock outs, jump starts, out- of-gas, minor repairs: 1-559-625-7700.

Chains May Be Required at Any Time

Always carry chains that fit your tires and obey signs to use them. Buy or rent chains outside the parks. Snow tires are also required often, but most cars have them. Check the side of your tires: If you see M / S, M+S, or a snowflake symbol embedded in the rubber, it’s a snowtire.

Expect Icy Roads

Slow down. Watch for ice in shade or where the road looks wet. Sudden speed or stopping causes skids. Keep extra distance between cars.

Clear Snow Off Car Roof & Hood

It may slide onto the windshield, blocking vision.

Snowplows Rule

Plows may operate day & night, moving with or against traffic. If you see one, slow down but do not stop. Watch the plow operator for signals; they often cannot stop. They usually plow 6am–6pm.

Slow Down without Losing Your Brakes

Downshift when going downhill. In automatic vehicles, put the gearshift on 1, 2 or L. The engine gets louder, but it will save your brakes and cause less skidding than braking.

Go Slow for Wildlife!

Animals may run or fly across your path any time. Never feed animals near the road; it makes them more likely to linger and get hit by cars.

Winter Roads & Closures

Availability of roads and facilities varies with conditions. GPS often misdirects travellers in this area; follow signs, maps, or ask.

Generals Highway between the parks:

From Wuksachi Lodge (in Sequoia) north to Highway 180 (in Grant Grove): The road is not plowed during storms or between 4:30pm and 8:00 am. Between January 2 and mid- March, the road will not be plowed and may be open only if there is no snow.

In Kings Canyon (NPS) & National Forest:

Highway 180 down to Cedar Grove in the Kings Canyon: Closed for winter by Caltrans at the Hume Lake junction. Reopens, conditions permitting, in April.

Panoramic Point Road in Grant Grove: Closes with snow; reopens by late May. Motorhomes/trailers are not permitted.

Redwood Mountain (NPS), & Big Meadows, Quail Flat/Ten Mile roads (USFS): Closed for winter. Unpaved, unplowed, rutted.

Converse Basin & Cherry Gap (USFS): Closed; usually reopens by late May. Unpaved, rutted, unplowed.

In Sequoia National Park:

Giant Forest: Restroom by Giant Forest Museum open 24 hours; parking is across from the Museum. Sherman Tree parking varies with conditions: See page 6 for details.

Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow: Closes with snow; reopens by late May.

Crystal Cave Road: Closed. Reopens late May.

Wolverton Road & Snowplay Area: The road is plowed Fridays–Sundays, Wednesdays, and some holidays. The area is open other days if the road is passable and safe.