Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

10/20/2026

10/20/2026

National Park Service and U.S. Wildland Fire Service continue to conduct prescribed fire operations in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park. Trail closures are currently in place and marked with signage for visitor safety, including portions of North Boundary Trail, Grant Tree Trail, Grant Grove Day Ride Loop, Sunset Loop, and North Grove Loop.

This prescribed fire is part of Sequoia and King Canyon National Park’s ongoing land management program and is planned to restore and maintain the historical fire return interval and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire.

Looking for other hiking trail options in the area? Check out Big Stump, Buena Vista, or Big Baldy trails. Park rangers are also available to help with trip planning at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center.

NPS photo

10/18/2026

Slow down for firefighter safety!

Firefighters are hard at work along Hwy 180 in the Grant Grove area, conducting prescribed fire operations. Please drive slowly, watch for crews and equipment, and follow all posted signs. Your caution keeps everyone safe—thank you for helping us care for Sequoia and Kings Canyon!

NPS photos/K. Sullivan

10/17/2026

Update: Prescribed Burning Planned at Grant Grove starting October 17 to Reduce Wildfire Risk

The National Park Service and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service will conduct a 482-acre prescribed fire in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park beginning Oct. 17, 2026, weather conditions permitting.

The Grant Grove Day Ride Loop Trail will close starting Oct. 17. General Grant Tree Trail, North Grove Loop Trail and Grant Tree Road will close starting Oct. 18. Portions of the Sunset Trail will close Oct. 19. All areas will reopen when they have been cleared of hazards and conditions are safe for the public to enter.

Smoke may be visible from the park during and after the prescribed fire. Smoke can affect visibility and air quality. Fire managers will monitor smoke conditions and conduct the burn under conditions intended to minimize smoke impacts to local communities.

Current air-quality information is available at AirNow.gov.

Prescribed fire is a tool that is carefully planned and implemented by fire managers to safely apply low-intensity fire under specific weather and fuel conditions.

10/15/2026

Trail Alert!

The trail bridge on the north end of Log Meadow in Giant Forest—right by Tharp’s Log—will be closed for repairs starting this Friday through December 11. The Log Meadow trail will stay open, but you won’t be able to complete the loop unless you’re ready to cross Crescent Creek (and maybe get your feet wet!). Trail crew will be working Mondays–Thursdays, and if you choose to cross, they’ll help you safely pass through the work zone. Clear signage will be posted at the Crescent Meadow trailhead.

Thanks for your patience as we work to keep your park safe, accessible, and beautiful!

10/08/2026

Cooler temperatures ahead!

One of the best things to do for trip planning is to check the weather forecast before you head to the parks. This weekend's forecast is showing a temperature drop, potential rain, and a chance of snow at higher elevations!

Check the Sequoia and Kings Canyon website for forecasts at specific locations in the parks at https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/weather.htm.

10/06/2026

Update: The Grant Grove prescribed burn has been postponed due to weather. The new ignition start date is projected for Friday, Oct. 16. Ignitions are expected to continue for 3-4 days.

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The National Park Service and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service staff will begin prescribed burning in the Grant Grove area on October 13, weather permitting. The operation will cover 521 acres west of Highway 180, including areas near the General Grant Tree.

During ignitions, access to the General Grant Tree Trail, North Grove Loop, Grant Grove Day Ride Trail, and a segment of the North Boundary Trail will be temporarily closed. Firefighters will limit the duration of these closures as much as possible.

Prescribed burns reduce hazardous fuel and help maintain the natural fire cycle in the giant sequoia ecosystem. Much of the area surrounding Grant Grove burned severely during the 2015 Rough Fire and the 2021 KNP Complex Fire. The Grant Grove area was largely protected from the worst impacts due to the park’s long history of prescribed burning.

Weather and air quality will be considered before ignitions begin. Dates may change if conditions are not suitable.

10/05/2026

USWFS positions available at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks!

Ready to take on your next career move as an Engine Captain in California? We’re hiring at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks!

Lead and mentor wildland firefighters while directing engine crew operations and adapting tactics to changing fire conditions. This position supports wildfire suppression, fuels management and prescribed fire projects, including building or patrolling fireline, engine operations, firing, mop-up and rehabilitation. The role also assists with training, resource management and the safe operation of specialized firefighting equipment.

⏰Apply by 10/08: www.usajobs.gov/job/880585100

Sequoia National Park – Type 3 engine
Kings Canyon National Park – Type 6 engine

09/29/2026

Visitors in the Lodgepole and Wolverton areas should expect increased noise on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, due to helicopter operations supporting the ongoing rebuild of the Wolverton hydromet (weather) station.

A helicopter will be transporting equipment and materials to the site as part of this important upgrade, which will improve long-term snowpack and climate monitoring in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

NPS photo
Alt text: The current Wolverton hydromet station surrounded by trees on a sunny day.

09/28/2026

Traffic Delays on the Generals Highway Sept. 29 - Nov. 25, 2026

Hazard tree removal will begin on Sept. 29 along the Generals Highway. Drivers should expect delays of up to 30 minutes total, as crews work at two different moving site locations between the Giant Forest and Highway 180. Work will take place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no operations on federal holidays.

This work is to mitigate roadside tree hazards and reduce future wildfire risk within the burn perimeter of the 2021 KNP Complex Wildfire. Fire-killed and weakened trees present a threat of falling onto roadways and parking areas, endangering roadway users. An environmental assessment was completed for this project in 2023.

NPS photos
Description: Dead, burned trees with shrub undergrowth line the Generals Highway.