Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks News
Showing the last 10 news releases. Click here to visit nps.gov's Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - News section for more.
Stage 1 fire restrictions set to begin on June 11
June 10, 2025 | 3:07 pm
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will enter stage 1 fire restrictions, which prohibit wood and charcoal fires including wood burning stoves, at 6 a.m. on June 11.
Search for woman in Sequoia National Park transitions to limited continuous mode as river conditions remain too dangerous to enter
June 5, 2025 | 1:14 pm
Search efforts for 26-year-old Jomarie Calasanz of Los Angeles have transitioned to a limited continuous mode, meaning fewer resources are assigned to the search at this time. Public information is posted in the area and rescue staff will continue to monitor the river. When river conditions improve, possibly in the coming weeks, the team will reevaluate next steps.
Ignitions Complete on 2025 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn
June 2, 2025 | 2:01 pm
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. June 3, 2025 – As of this afternoon, ignitions are complete on the 2025 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn in Sequoia National Park. In all, approximately 25 acres between the entrance to Sequoia National Park and the Foothills Visitor Center were treated. Completing this prescribed burn increases these places chance of being defendable during an unwanted wildfire as was demonstrated during the 2021 KNP Complex Fire.
Ignitions Started on 2025 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn in Sequoia National Park
June 1, 2025 | 9:21 am
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. June 1, 2025 – Following a successful test burn and with concurrence from fire management staff and parks’ leadership, the 2025 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn has started. Ignitions will continue each day through June 3, 2025
Search Continues For Woman In River Incident Over Memorial Day Weekend In Sequoia National Park
May 30, 2025 | 1:30 pm
On May 25, over the holiday weekend, a 26-year-old woman was swept away in the cold, swift and dangerous river in Sequoia National Park. The incident occurred while recreating with friends and family near the river in the foothills area of the park. The search continues, and with a heat advisory beginning today, rivers will be extremely hazardous, and visitors should avoid swimming or getting too close.
Prescribed Burning in the Foothills Area of Sequoia National Park Begins Sunday, June 1
May 23, 2025 | 4:54 pm
Firefighters plan to begin ignitions on the 2025 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn in the foothills of Sequoia National Park on Sunday, June 1. One to three days of ignitions are planned. This project consists of 29 acres of broadcast prescribed burning and an additional 10 acres of non-fire fuels reduction (using weed whips, chainsaws, etc.).
What To Expect This 2025 Memorial Day Weekend At Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
May 19, 2025 | 3:18 pm
Memorial Day weekend is considered the summer “kick-off” for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Park visitation exceeded a record 2 million visitors in 2024, which means the parks are busier than ever before. Trip planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit. Here are some things to keep in mind as you plan your holiday weekend trip.
Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park is reopening for 2025 summer season
May 13, 2025 | 2:11 pm
Crystal Cave will reopen for guided tours on May 23 after four years of closure due to consecutive natural disasters in Sequoia National Park. This spectacular marble cave is near the Giant Forest area and is operated by Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the official park partner of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks move to fully cashless fee collection May 21
May 6, 2025 | 2:20 pm
Beginning May 21, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will transition to a fully cashless fee system. Mobile payments, credit cards, or debit cards will be required to pay entrance fees. Visitors who are only able to pay with cash may purchase a park pass from one of five local third-party vendors, including the visitor center nearest each park entrance.
Mineral King Road construction closures and delays in place through 2027
April 23, 2025 | 4:24 pm
A major rehabilitation construction project for Mineral King Road in Sequoia National Park began on April 1 this year and is planned to continue through the fall of 2027. Work will happen year-round, although this area of the parks is only open to public vehicle traffic from late May through October annually. Most visitors who come to the parks will not be impacted by this project, as the Mineral King Road turnoff from Highway 198 is located two miles prior to the main entrance of Sequoia National Park.