Snow Play and Tubing near Sequoia Kings Canyon NP

Families heading to the mountains will find some fun snow plays and places to take tubes and sleds from this list.

When planning your trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon, choose a snow play area based upon the Highway you take.  During the winter, the Generals Highway between Grant Grove and Lodgepole is closed so access to these two areas is from different highways.

From Highway 180 through the Big Stump Entrance Station:
* Columbine Picnic Area (see list for details)
* Grant Grove Visitor Center (see list for details)
* Cherry Gap Area.  Located north of Grant Grove.  Several pull outs available.
* Montecito Lake Resort (see list for details)  
* Quail Flat.  Located north of Montecito Lake.  Miles of trails and
snowmobile trails available.
* Big Meadow.  Located near the Montecito Lake turnout.  Free access to
groomed cross-country trails.

Highway 198 through the Ash Mountain Entrance Station
* Wolverton (see list for details)
* Giant Forest area.

Many other unmarked snow play areas may exist.  Take caution in pulling completely off the road before parking to access snow in the mountains.  Take all trash with you so that others may enjoy the beautiful snow.  Every year snow play injuries occur for adults and children so always use caution and apply careful wisdom to the situation.

For more information see www.nps.gov/seki

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1. Columbine Picnic Area

Highway 180
Kings Canyon National Pk, California

Comment:

Located near the Big Stump Entrance Station on Highway 180, this picnic area is open for snow play, weather permitting.

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2. Grant Grove Visitor Center - Kings Canyon

83918 Grant Grove Dr
Kings Canyon National Pk, California

Comment:

Rent cross country skis or snow shoes and get a map for trails and snow play area here. No snow play in the Grant Grove Trail of Giant Sequoias. This area located on Highway 180 to the left of the Wye after the Big Stump Entrance Station.

reviewed on: June 11 2010

"Great stop"

If you are traveling in the Grant Grove area of Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park, this is one of the first major stops you can make, and should make.  Lodging and campgrounds are near by.  If your destination is farther into Kings Canyon or Hume Lake, this makes for a good potty stop and place to get information.  

The first thing we always notice is how wonderful it smells here.  The trees and sage bushes blend with the clean air for a delightful experience.  The visitor center provides hands on learning and great exhibits about the massive sequoia trees and the Sierra.  There is a fun gift shop across the street and a place to get a snack.  Many trails start here as well.  There is often a lot of car traffic, but the rest of this area is relatively quiet.

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3. Montecito Lake Resort

63410 Generals Highway
Kings Canyon National Pk, California

Comment:

Rent cross country skis or get a day pass to use groomed trails in this resort area. The Big Meadow area just past the turnoff for the resort has groomed trails which are free to access. This resort is located on the Generals Highway (198) north of Lodgepole. Access it via Highway 180 and the Big Stump Entrance Station. Turn right at the Wye. After a snow storm, the road may be closed for several hours until it can be plowed.

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4. Wolverton

Wolverton Road
Sequoia National Park, California

Comment:

This is one of the best snow play areas in the park with a large meadow and wide snow hill. Restrooms available. Equipment for rent at the Wuksachi Village. This area is located south of Lodgepole off of Highway 198 and is accessed from the Ash Mountain Entrance Station.

reviewed on: January 02 2012

"No snow in December"

It has been a warm winter in California, and despite the 7,000 foot elevation, we hardly found any snow at Wolverton.  We hiked across the long meadow towards the hill that I'm sure is teeming with kids and parents after a good snowfall.  What we encountered was a very wet meadow with a creek draining into it.  We couldn't get to the hill!  We instead found a patch of snow nearby to play "snow baseball".  

We really enjoyed several things at this recreation area:
* No crowds.  In fact, we were the only ones!  
* Clean restrooms.  Most of Sequoia flush toilets were closed in the park because they had been winterized and only pit toilets were opened.  I appreciate a good flush toilet now, especially with a 3 year old little girl!
* Beautiful nature.  The pine trees, flowing creek, and sunny slopes of this area are beautiful!

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