SEKI NP:
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. September 13, 2020 – Sequoia National Park implements an immediate road closure of the Generals Highway from Highway 198 in Three Rivers to the Giant Forest Museum starting at 6 am on Monday, September 14, 2020. The immediate partial park closure is in direct relation to the SQF Complex currently burning south and west of the park.
Generals Highway beginning in the gateway community of Three Rivers, through the Ash Mountain Entrance Station to the Giant Forest Museum will be closed through the duration of fire activity in this region. Visitors will still be able to access Sequoia National Park through the Big Stump Entrance Station, on Highway 180 from Fresno, to view the sequoia trees at this time. “Our number one priority is public and employee safety. It is crucial to take care of our staff and our gateway community of Three Rivers.” Acting Superintendent Lee Taylor, “With this partial park closure, it is our intention to reduce possible evacuation complexity of the Three Rivers community by reducing the amount of visitors in the area.”
We understand this is a stressful situation and Sequoia National Park is a major attraction in the region. Park managers are being mindful to the welfare to our staff, community and partners as well as our commitment to the public to provide a safe environment. The decision to close Generals Highway will reduce complexity if an evacuation is ordered for Three Rivers.
In the closure of this section of Generals Highway, Potwisha Campground will also be closed and all reservations will be cancelled and refunded. The Giant Forest, including General Sherman Tree will remain open at this time but expect the Crescent Meadow Road, which includes Tunnel Log, Tharp’s Log and Moro Rock, to be closed. Public access to Mineral King Road is also closed. Park managers will reassess daily and additional closures may be implemented.