Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia parks set to reopen this week following record snow fall
With spring in full bloom, many California residents and visitors worldwide plan trips to nearby national parks.
However, a historic California snowpack year could delay travel plans as the weather warms up.
This season’s statewide snowpack is 227% of the average as of March 27. That is greater than any previous April reading since the sensor network was deployed in the mid-1980s, according to the California Department of Water Resources.
Here's what visitors should know before heading to the snow-covered Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite national parks.
Kings Canyon National Park
Highway 180 into Kings Canyon National Park reopened with public access into Grant Grove.
Here's what to expect when visiting the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park:
There is access to giant sequoias, General Grant Tree, and snow-play areas.
Parking remains limited due to snow.
Visitors should come prepared for winter conditions. Park officials recommend personal traction devices for your shoes and wearing warm layers.
Grant Grove is under Water Boil Order Notice, so visitors should bring enough water for their trip.
Tire chain restrictions are in effect; all vehicles must carry tire chains and know how to use them.
There are no restroom facilities at the Big Stump Picnic and Snowplay Area or Azalea Campground. Restrooms at the Visitor Center, Market, General Grant Tree, and Columbine Picnic Area are open.
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park entrance remains closed. There is no access to giant sequoias, General Sherman Tree, or Wuksachi Lodge from Highway 198 into Sequoia National Park.
The foothills area of Sequoia National Park is estimated to reopen on Friday, between the entrance station and Hospital Rock, about 6 miles up the Generals Highway. This includes access to lower-elevation camping, trails, wilderness, and river.
There is currently no access to the giant sequoias or snow, according to park officials.
The Giant Forest, Wolverton Snowplay Area, Lodgepole, Wuksachi areas, Moro Rock, and Tunnel Log, via Highway 180 through the Kings Canyon entrance station, are estimated to reopen between May 26 and June 16. Access via Highway 198 through the Sequoia entrance station is estimated to reopen sometime in June.
Yosemite National Park
The standard April 1 snow survey window revealed the snowiest Tuolumne Meadows winter on record, according to Yosemite National Park officials. Data from the park's survey sites date back to 1930.
On April 1, there was an average snow depth of 177.3 inches and 79.68 inches of snow water equivalent. The previous record was the winter of 1983, with an average snow depth of 168.84 inches and 66.98 inches of snow water equivalent.
Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove are open to pedestrians.
Hikers can walk on Mariposa Grove Road, plowed to the Mariposa Grove arrival area. However, the Mariposa Grove beyond the end of the plowed road is very snowy, and the road remains closed to all bicycles and vehicles, park officials warned.
The hike to Mariposa Grove is a four-mile round trip with 500 feet of elevation change. The road is very icy; traction devices for shoes are useful, park officials said.
Lower Pines and North Pines are expected to reopen this month, while Upper Pines is expected to reopen on Wednesday.
Additional closures outside of Yosemite Valley include:
Wawona - reopens on April 14
Hodgdon Meadow - reopens on April 14
Bridalveil Creek, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows are closed.
Reopening dates and information is updated weekly on Thursday afternoons.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: California national parks set to reopen following record snow fall
