For Immediate Release

Reference Number: 8550-2307

Contact: Sintia Kawasaki-Yee, Phone: (559) 679 2866

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, California February 9, 2023 – public access to the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, February 11. The Generals Highway above Hospital Rock has been closed since early January due to severe road damage after a series of winter storms. This reopening will provide access to the Giant Forest Museum, the General Sherman Tree, and Wolverton snowplay area. 

Two areas along the Generals Highway with significant damage are considered active and continue to be monitored. Another section of the road, near the Four Guardsmen, has been stabilized. The portion of the highway between Sequoia and Kings Canyon remains closed for the winter season. 

Visitors to the Giant Forest should expect winter conditions and drive with extreme caution, as new road signs and barriers around the undermined sections of the highway have been installed. One section of the highway has been reduced to one lane with an automatic traffic light in place, and delays of about ten minutes can be expected. Delays may be longer depending on visitation. Two-lane traffic in this area is not expected to be restored prior to May 2023. 

Park personnel continue to monitor the roadway for further damage, debris or rockfall, or development of other unsafe conditions. The highway could close to public access again if conditions require it. Tire chains or cables are expected to be required throughout the weekend. Visitors are advised to check current conditions on our park website or call the park information line at (559) 565-3341 (press 1, then press 1) prior to driving up.