Here’s what you should know before heading to Sequoia National Park

Here’s what you should know before heading to Sequoia National Park
Park service workers Anthony Hilson, left, and Casey Sakaguchi clear snow from walk ways and parking spots near Hospital Rock in Sequoia National Park. The snow was from the weekend storm. Several feet of snow are expected in the mountains before the end of the week.

The week between Christmas and New Year is a popular time to visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks.

However, seasonal closures and the possibility of winter weather can complicate a visit. That’s why a carefully planned trip is crucial to ensuring a safe and fun trip to the national parks.

Here are a few travel tips and warnings for those visiting the parks this holiday season.

Tire chains and cables 

Highway access to the giant sequoias and snow play areas could be restricted much this week as crews work to clear roadways, facilities, and parking lots.

All visitors to the sequoias in the coming weeks should anticipate that there will be some level of tire chain restrictions in place. Visitors who arrive without them could be asked to turn around and sent back down the hill.