Merrynook Cabin

01/07/2026

❄️ Winter Hours Update at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks ❄️

January 2 to March 28

🕘 Open Daily
• Foothills Visitor Center: 9 am to 4:30 pm
• Giant Forest Museum: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
• Kings Canyon Visitor Center: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

🛍️ While you’re there, stop by our retail stores inside each open visitor center for books, gifts, and park inspired goodies.

🚧 Road Update
The Generals Highway is closed for winter between Sequoia and Kings Canyon. No through travel between parks during this time.

⚠️ Lodgepole, Cedar Grove, and Mineral King remain closed and are expected to reopen in late May, conditions permitting.

🚗 Winter travel reminder: Carry tire chains and be ready for snowy conditions.

Plan ahead at nps.gov/seki 🌨️✨

07/10/2024

245 reopens at last!

FRESNO – The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announces the completion of the State Route 245 Emergency Slip Out Repair Project between State Route 180 junction to 3 miles south of State Route 180 as part of ongoing roadway repairs.

State Route 180 junction to State Route 245 will be open to public on July 12th, 2024.

The construction of both retaining walls and roadway repairs within the limits of the map below are near completion. Drainage systems have been reconstructed and slope protection has been put in place.

06/26/2024

Very happy to report that Hwy 245 linking Merrynook to the 180 and the Big Stump entrance to the Park will reopen on July 4!

UPDATE: Due to the ongoing closures of State Route 180 due to the Fresno June Lightning Complex Fire in Fresno County, routes utilized for the transportation of equipment and material needed for final repairs have closed. The reopening of State Route 180 and State Route 245 junction will be postponed until further notice. A new reopening date is unknown at this time.

FRESNO – The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announces the completion of the State Route 245 Emergency Slip Out Repair Project between State Route 180 junction to 3 miles south of State Route 180 as part of ongoing roadway repairs.

State Route 180 junction to State Route 245 will be open to public on July 4th, 2024.

The construction of both retaining walls and roadway repairs within the limits of the map below are near completion. Drainage systems have been reconstructed and slope protection has been put in place.

06/09/2024

Sadly, Hwy 245 between Pinehurst and Hwy 180 will be closed through July 😕 Detours are available!

06/09/2024

Kings Canyon now open all the way to Roads End! 👍🏼

Have you been missing these unbelievable views as much as we have? Well, we've got great news!

Cedar Grove will reopen to public access on June 10, for the first time since severe flooding during the winter of 2022-2023 that caused significant damage.

A huge thank you to all the crews who put in countless hours and effort to complete the necessary maintenance and road repairs, making it possible for us all to enjoy this magical place once again.

Visit nps.gov/seki to learn more and plan your trip!

NPS Photo/Holly Brown
Roaring River Falls
Alt Text: A rushing waterfall cascades down through granite rock with a crown of clouds above.

05/25/2024

Consider parking once and using the shuttle to see the Giant Forest area.

Coming to the parks this holiday weekend, or on an upcoming weekend this summer?

Here are some tips to avoid spending your valuable time in long lines and driving around for parking.

Starting this weekend, you can expect long lines and extended waits at the parks’ entrance stations each weekend.

To avoid long wait times, consider arriving at the parks before 9 a.m., or after 3 p.m., and have your method of payment ready when you reach the gate. Arrive with snacks, water, and a full tank of gas. Take advantage of pass-only lanes at entrance stations, by purchasing your entrance pass online before visiting at www.recreation.gov/pass.

The free Sequoia Shuttle is now operating in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park for the summer season!

These shuttles are an excellent way to experience popular sites without needing to drive around looking for parking. Get up to Giant Forest, find a parking lot, and use the shuttle to get around for the remainder of your visit to this area. Shuttle routes will take you to the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow, Lodgepole Visitor Center, Market, and Campground, Wuksachi Lodge, and Giant Forest Museum. All parking areas throughout the parks are expected to fill early this holiday weekend.

05/24/2024

Memorial Day weekend is considered the summer “kick-off” for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and as usual, the parks are expected to be exceptionally busy.

Today we’ll be sharing a series of posts with information and tips to help you have a safer and more enjoyable visit.

We’re kicking off this series with a list of park areas to let you know whether they are open or closed.

Areas and services along the main corridors of Sequoia and Kings Canyon are open and accessible, including the Foothills area, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, Grant Grove, and access to neighboring U.S. Forest Service areas.

The MINERAL KING area of Sequoia National Park opened today for day use and wilderness access! This area was closed for all of 2023 due to severe road damage sustained during early 2023 winter storms. Road construction continues in 2024, but no work or delays are expected for the holiday weekend.

Visitors to Mineral King should be self-reliant and expect rustic conditions. Emergency services will be limited, and due to late-season snow, there is no potable water. Wilderness hikers from trailheads in this area should expect highly hazardous conditions with high creek crossings and snow making route finding a challenge. Overnight wilderness permits for Mineral King must be secured at the Ash Mountain Wilderness Office before driving up.

The CEDAR GROVE area of Kings Canyon National Park remains closed. This area is anticipated to reopen sometime in mid-to-late-June once water and other utilities are restored to the area. This area was closed for all of 2023 due to severe road damage sustained on Highway 180 during early 2023 winter storms.

Crystal Cave will remain closed for the 2024 season to complete several recovery projects.

Details and current conditions for all areas of the parks can be found at www.nps.gov/seki

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks wish you a fun and safe holiday weekend!

05/15/2024

👍🏼 Traffic delays are easing sooner than expected on Generals Highway between Ash Mountain and Giant Forest 👍🏼

Per Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, full closures for construction on Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park are no longer required and the road is now open, with delays of up to 30 minutes during ongoing construction operations.

See the below for more information regarding ongoing operations.

05/09/2024

Be one of the first visitors to Boyden Cavern since 2022! Merrynook Cabin is available this weekend, so come on up!

Boyden Cavern will reopen on May 10, 2024!

Hello friends! We have just gotten word that we can reopen as soon as the road opens tomorrow, May 10, 2024!

We will release online tickets very soon - we also have plenty of walk-up tickets available! We can't wait to see you in the cave!

05/09/2024

Hwy 180 will open (but not yet all the way to Roads End) on May 10!!