Expect crowds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks this weekend/NPS

With the unofficial end to the summer approaching this weekend, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks officials are advising that visitation this Labor Day weekend likely will be high.

Here are a few tips to help with preparations:

Entrance Fees

To reduce entrance times for yourself and all visitors, consider purchasing a pass ahead of time. Entrance fees are $30 per car and are valid for seven days. Visitors may be eligible for other types of passes. Inquire at the entrance station upon arrival.

Generals Highway Road Construction

Road construction continues in Sequoia National Park. Keep in mind that, due to the nature of construction, this schedule is subject to change.

• Monday-Thursday: 5-7 a.m. Expect delays up to 20 minutes. Traffic lights and/or flaggers will control traffic, uphill traffic first.
• Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Expect delays of up to one hour. Traffic passes through the construction zone at the beginning of each hour. Uphill traffic passes first, followed by downhill traffic. Plan on arriving about 10 minutes before each hour.
• Monday-Thursday: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Road closed except for one pass-through at 11:30 p.m., uphill traffic first.
• Friday-Sunday: Expect delays up to 20 minutes. Traffic lights and/or flaggers will control traffic, uphill traffic first.

Fire Restrictions

As a reminder, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are still in place throughout the parks. This not only includes restrictions on campfires and BBQs, but also smoking. Smoking is prohibited below 6,000 feet unless within an enclosed vehicle or a designated smoking area. For more info on fire restrictions, visit http://go.nps.gov/sekifirerestrictions

Gas

Gas is not available inside Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks.

Campgrounds

Expect all campgrounds to be full by Friday morning. First-come, first-served camping at Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks is expected to be very limited and fill early this week. In addition, some campgrounds will start to close for the season just after Labor Day.

Crystal Cave

The cave is expected to be open through September, weather-permitting. Tickets for Crystal Cave can purchased at www.recreation.gov — tickets reserved online must be purchased at least 48 hours in advance. Occasionally, tickets may be available each day for purchase at the Foothills or Lodgepole visitor centers. You must have tickets before arriving at the cave. Crystal Cave is managed by the Sequoia Parks Conservancy.

Food Service/Markets

Food is available within the parks only between Lodgepole and Grant Grove along the Generals Highway and in Cedar Grove. There is no food service in the Foothills of Sequoia National Park. Check the parks’ newspaper when arriving for current hours for each location.

Wildlife

There has been significant bear activity — including in frontcountry campgrounds. Please be "Bear Aware" by locking up food in campgrounds and when in wilderness areas.

River Safety

Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death at Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Most drownings happen from May through August.

• Even when temperatures in the Central Valley are hot, river water is extremely cold, as it comes from melting snow in the mountains. Cold water quickly induces hypothermia — which dramatically reduces your ability to react in an emergency.
• Many drowning victims have fallen in accidentally on slippery rocks at the river's edge or have been carried away by currents.
• Never swim or play by the river alone.
• Watch children carefully — drowning occurs without a sound.
• Stop by a park visitor center to inquire about river conditions before going in the water and heed the advice for your safety.

Parking/Shuttles

Parking will be very limited in the parks during Labor Day weekend. Come early to avoid long lines and to secure a parking space. Consider using the free shuttle inside the parks or riding a shuttle into the park from a local community.

• Parking spots in the most popular area of Sequoia National Park (Giant Forest) usually fill by 10 a.m. each day on a holiday weekend. Consider parking at Wuksachi Lodge (overflow lot), Lodgepole Campground (overflow lot), Dorst Creek (amphitheater parking), or Wolverton Picnic Area and taking the free shuttle to other sites.
• The Sequoia Shuttle operates seven days a week — inside and from outside Sequoia National Park — through September 4. A round-trip ride from outside the parks costs $15 and covers the park entrance fee. All shuttle buses are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Visit www.sequoiashuttle.com or call 1-877-BUS-HIKE. Once at the Giant Forest Museum, you can ride the free in-park shuttles.
• Parking in Kings Canyon National Park is extremely limited in the Grant Grove area.