National Park Service Sequoia and Kings Canyon 47050 Generals Hwy. U.S. Department of the Interior National Parks Three Rivers, CA 93271 559 565-3341 phone

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks News Release

For Immediate Release Reference Number: 8550-2032 Contact: Sintia Kawasaki-Yee, Public Affairs Officer Phone Number: (559) 679-2866 E-mail: [email protected] Social Media: SequoiaKingsNPS

Sequoia National Park to Reopen Thursday, October 1 will remain closed for the season and some wilderness closures will be in place

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. September 30, 2020 – will reopen on Thursday, October 1 as the evacuation warning related to the SQF Complex has been lifted for most of Three Rivers, CA. This reopening includes the Generals Highway from the Ash Mountain entrance station into Sequoia National Park to Highway 180 in Kings Canyon, and national park areas and trails along this route, including the . Exceptions are the Mineral King area and some wilderness lands, which will remain closed due to wildfire concerns, and facilities that are closed due to the pandemic. also remains closed.

Sequoia National Park closed on September 15 in response to the Castle Fire on the SQF Complex. Many park staff were evacuated from the area, and for visitor and resource protection, park managers decided to close the park. The SQF Complex has now grown to over 152,000 acres.

Air quality continues to range from moderate to unhealthy for all, and visitors should take that into consideration when planning a trip. Visit our Air Quality Information web page for more information: www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/airqualityinfo.htm.

Potwisha and Lodgepole Campgrounds in Sequoia National Park will reopen on Saturday, October 3 by reservation only. Azalea Campground in Kings Canyon National Park will open for the winter season on Thursday, October 1 with a limited number of first come, first served sites.

Concession services including lodging, market and gift shop will open on Thursday, October 1. For details and information visit www.visitsequoia.com.

For detailed information about current conditions, air quality, and smoke impacts, please visit our Current Conditions web page: www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, please call 559- 565-3341, press 1 and press 1 again. Updated information is also available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/seki.

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About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

These two parks, which lie-side-by-side in the southern in Central , serve as a prime example of nature’s size, beauty, and diversity. Nearly 2 million visitors from across the U.S. and the world visit these parks for the world’s largest trees (by volume), grand mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, the highest point in the lower 48 states, and more. Learn more at http://www.nps.gov/seki or 559-565-3341.

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EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.