SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS – Outdoor experiences provided refuge from the pandemic for 1.2 million visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in 2020. The number represents a 35% decrease from the previous year due to temporary park closures and restrictions implemented in response to the coronavirus pandemic and late season fires.
Although overall visitation dropped, the parks have been experiencing record visitation numbers since November, with holiday weekends reaching more than twice the visitation from previous years. Trails, overlooks and open spaces have been providing safe ways for visitors to recreate responsibly, get some fresh air and stay active.
“The record numbers we’ve been seeing the last few months lead us to believe that visitation this year will bounce back and possibly exceed previous years,” said Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Superintendent Clay Jordan. “It demonstrates people’s desire to get outdoors and experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada. With more regional travel in the last year, we hope visitors from our local communities have been able to enjoy these parks which are just a drive away.”
Face masks are required in all NPS buildings and facilities. Masks are also required on federally managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, overlooks, and parking lots.
