Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Mike White
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Indian summer conditions generally continue for another month or so beyond the middle of September, but the reliably good weather usually comes to an end, at least in the upper elevations, by late October. Days are considerably shorter and temperatures noticeably cooler, especially at night. Backpackers should carry plenty of warm clothing and bring a multiseason tent instead of a lightweight one. By sometime in November of most years, the Sierra has experienced its first significant snowfall of the season, prompting most recreationists to think about winter pursuits. Autumn can be a fine time to enjoy the lower elevation trails and footpaths on the west side of the range. Fall is a pleasant season for hiking in the foothills, after the extreme summer heat has abated and the autumn foliage is at peak color.
Winter
The mountains of the Sierra Nevada usually receive a significant amount of precipitation during the winter. Except for the foothills, most of that precipitation falls in the form of snow, when cold Pacific storms may dump substantial amounts of the white stuff during the height of winter. However, significant winter snowfall is not always guaranteed in the southern Sierra since the region experiences periods of drought from time to time. Nevertheless, below freezing temperatures, high winds, and a lack of daylight even in dry years tend to discourage all but the intrepid few from backcountry pursuits during the winter months.
Most winter visitors to the park stay overnight at Grant Grove or Wuksachi Village and then cross-country ski or snowshoe during the day. Even fewer ski or snowshoe from Wolverton to stay overnight at the Pear Lake Ski Hut. For diehard hikers, winter can be a good time to visit the foothills because the trails usually stay snow-free throughout the year.
Spring
Late March and April may see extremely variable weather conditions: fair and mild in some years or an extension of winter in others. During periods of stable weather and with slightly longer days, the High Sierra is a perennial favorite among backcountry skiers, many of whom attempt multiday, trans-Sierra treks.
During the spring, the low elevations found in the foothills produce conditions quite favorable to off-season hiking. Although fall is a good time for hiking in the foothills, spring is perhaps the best time because the High Sierra is still cloaked in winter’s mantle, the foothills are green from winter rains, the wildflowers are in bloom, and the deciduous trees are leafing out.
Above the foothills, snow-free hiking isn’t available typically until later in May, after the highway into Kings Canyon has been opened and the trails in the Giant Forest and Grant Grove are no longer covered with snow. Once the spring thaw is underway, the snow line marches steadily up the mountainsides, opening more and more trails along the way. By June, most west-side paths are accessible into the Sequoia and Kings Canyon frontcountry, but the High Sierra usually remains snowbound until early to mid-July.
Average Precipitation and Temperatures in the Foothills
Average Precipitation and Temperatures in the Giant Forest
Traveling in the Backcountry
Recreating in the greater Sequoia and Kings Canyon region may present some significant challenges. The following information will help make your journey a pleasant one.
Fees
Entrance fees are collected at the Ash Mountain Entrance Station (where Highway 198 becomes the Generals Highway), the Lookout Point Entrance Station on Mineral King Road, and the Big Stump Entrance Station on Highway 180. If you enter the parks at an unmanned station, be prepared to pay the appropriate fee upon exiting.
About the Parks and Surrounding Forest Service Lands
Tourist-related facilities in Sequoia and Kings Canyon are not as developed or concentrated as those in the more popular Yosemite Valley to the north. However, visitors should find an adequate range of services.
Information
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271
559-565-3341
Inyo National Forest
351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200
Bishop, CA 93514
760-873-2400
Sequoia National Forest
1839 South Newcomb Street
Porterville, CA 93257
559-781-4744
Sierra National Forest
1600 Tollhouse Road
Clovis, CA 93611
559-297-0706
Park Service Ranger Stations and Visitor Centers
Mineral King Ranger Station
Open daily 7 a.m.–4 p.m.,
June to mid-September.
Books, maps, first-aid supplies, and wilderness permits.
Ash Mountain Visitor Center
559-565-4212
Open daily 8 a.m.–6 p.m. through early September, then 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Exhibits, books, maps, bear canisters, first-aid supplies, wilderness permits, and a pay phone.
Giant Forest Museum
559-565-4480
Open daily 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Exhibits, books, maps, and first-aid supplies.
Lodgepole Visitor Center
559-565-4436
Open daily 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Movies, exhibits, books, maps, first-aid supplies, wilderness permits, a pay phone, and Crystal Cave tickets.
Kings Canyon Visitor Center (Grant Grove)
559-565-4307
Open daily 8 a.m.–6 p.m. through early September, then 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Movie, exhibits, books, maps, first-aid supplies, bear canisters, wilderness permits, and a pay phone.
Cedar Grove Visitor Center
559-565-3793
Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.,
May through early September.
Books, maps, first-aid supplies, bear canisters, and a pay phone.
Roads End Wilderness Permit Station
Open daily 7 a.m.–3 p.m.,
May through late September.
Maps, bear canisters, and wilderness permits.
West Side Forest Service District Ranger Stations
Sierra National Forest
High Sierra Ranger District
29688 Auberry Road
P.O. Box 559
Prather, CA 93651
559-855-5355
Sequoia National Forest
Hume Lake Ranger District
35860 East Kings Canyon Road
Dunlap,