Sequoia NF & Giant Forest Seasonal Road Closure 11/15

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SNF:

Seasonal Road Closures Announced
Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument

Sequoia National Forest officials announce seasonal road closures of most Forest Service-administered roads in the Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest. The closures are due to an anticipated winter storm system arriving Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

If you choose to visit the Monument or Forest in the winter months, please plan ahead. Many high-elevation roads under county jurisdiction are closing for the season; these include Mountain Road 50 over Parker Pass. State Highway 190 continues to be closed to the public.

Seasonal road closures are common in the Sequoia National Forest. Some roads are closed because they are not passable due to snow, snow drifts, and ice or to protect the roadbed. Extreme damaging weather events can also temporarily close roads for safety concerns. Although closed for vehicle use, areas are open to foot traffic unless otherwise noted.

While traveling in the Forest, chains may be required at any time and at any elevation. Beware of black ice on the roadways; always carry chains in your vehicle. Prepare for wet and cold weather by bringing extra winter clothing, warm sleeping bags or blankets, a flashlight with fresh batteries, food, and water. Road closure and chain control information can be found on the Caltrans website http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi

The Hume Lake Ranger District's popular winter snow play areas include Quail Flat and Big Meadows winter trailheads. Weather permitting, both areas are accessible off the General's Highway. Make a right turn past the Big Stump Entrance Station off Highway 180 to access these sites. Both trailheads provide safe parking and restrooms. When the area has more than 12" of snow, sixteen miles of groomed snowmobile routes and several miles of snowshoeing or backcountry skiing are accessed from these locations. Pack out what you bring in; this includes all garbage.

If you decide to stop at a turnout along the highway for snow play, be sure your vehicle is parked completely off the roadway. Watch your children carefully to ensure they do not play on roads or sled into the roadway. There are no garbage or restroom services at highway turnouts; clean up your garbage and deposit it in your trash bin at home. The turnouts can become very congested on the weekends; please do not block another vehicle and prevent them from leaving.

Snowmobiling is limited to roads in Giant Sequoia National Monument, and many roads are posted for this use. All state vehicle code regulations apply.

For the most up-to-date information, please call the Hume Lake Ranger District (559) 338-2251, the Western Divide Ranger District (559) 539-2607 or the Kern River Ranger District (760) 376-3781; Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch 12 - 12:30 p.m.).

Sequoia National Forest Ranger Stations and offices will be closed for the holidays on November 23, 2023, December 25, 2023, and January 1, 2024.