Hi folks...has anyone traveled to the Grant Grove section of Kings Canyon NP in winter via Highway 180? I am wondering if I will need tire chains or not. I don't plan to drive on Generals Highway beyond Grant Grove.
It is a very good idea to carry chains and know how to install them. The weather in the Sierra can change very rapidly, and the Park Service may require chains at any time. Also, you have to go up in altitude a bit before dropping down into Cedar Grove. During cold weather there can be black ice in shaded areas.
Also, be sure to carry warm clothing, a blanket or sleeping bag, a small stove (butane or propane), and extra water and food anytime you travel in the Sierra.
Have a safe trip and good shooting!
-PB
Posted by Michael Hansen on November 23, 2007 at 11:07 PM
They maintain the road pretty well to Grant's Grove but like Preston said it's a good idea to carry chains even when they are not required...because the weather can change rapidly.
Chains/cables are really not all that expensive...really worth having a set in the trunk.
The CHP recommends all of the things Preston mentioned.
The road to Cedar grove is most likey closed for the season, they lock a gate just beyond the turn off to Hume Lake. The Generals Highway remains open til the snow gets too deep.
It's a beautiful area, have fun and be safe.
Posted by Carl Battreall on November 24, 2007 at 12:12 AM
It has been a long time, but I used to go down into the canyon in the winter all the time (I grew up near the park). We would ride our bikes down to Cedar Grove and have the whole National Park to ourselves. We would camp, explore and photograph. It is a long ride up and sometimes there is alot of snow near the gate (early or late season is best) It is too far to hike, but if you're a good biker, it is fantastic.
Posted by Nelcha Cross on November 24, 2007 at 1:35 AM
Hi Karthik,
Great Idea for an outing.....
If the area is already CLOSED for the winter
can anyone give a general idea as to the usual dates when it is open?
Does it run the usual gamut like Tioga and Sonora Passes?
If it's TOO late for NOW, it might be a Great Spring Group outing?
What is the elevation for the area?
Be safe whatever you do, Karthik, and LET someone know
when you leave, where you are going and when you should be back!!
I have a friend that is part of the Winter Rescue Team in the June Lake area.
She HATES to get those calls, but is happy when things end well.
Some years they are searching for photogs!! So BE wise & carefull....
in gratitude,
Nelcha
Posted by Michael Hansen on November 24, 2007 at 2:16 AM
The road to Cedar Grove usually opens in April
Grant Grove is around 6,500'
Cedar Grove is around 4,600'
From the NPS website...
"The roads to Cedar Grove and Mineral King are closed. The General's Highway is open but subject to brief closures after winter storms for plowing. For information call 1-559-565-3341. Keep tire chains, a sleeping bag, water and emergency food with you in your car. "
When are you planning on going Kartik? I'm 45 min. from the entrance to Sequoia and about 1hour and 45 minutes from the Kings Canyon entrance.
I haven't been to Cedar Grove in years. It sure is beautiful down there in the canyon! Many years ago, I once hiked from Whitney Portal, over Trail Crest Pass then over Forester Pass and down Bubbs Creek to the Kings and on to Cedar Grove. It's an interesting story that I might tell 'round a campfire sometime. I will say that crossing Forester at night in a snow storm was quite something!
-PB
Posted by Michael Hansen on November 24, 2007 at 11:12 PM
You are welcome
Forester is a tough pass even on a clear day Preston...love to hear that story 'round the old campfire sometime.
Discussion
7 repliesIt is a very good idea to carry chains and know how to install them. The weather in the Sierra can change very rapidly, and the Park Service may require chains at any time. Also, you have to go up in altitude a bit before dropping down into Cedar Grove. During cold weather there can be black ice in shaded areas.
Also, be sure to carry warm clothing, a blanket or sleeping bag, a small stove (butane or propane), and extra water and food anytime you travel in the Sierra.
Have a safe trip and good shooting!
-PB
Chains/cables are really not all that expensive...really worth having a set in the trunk.
The CHP recommends all of the things Preston mentioned.
The road to Cedar grove is most likey closed for the season, they lock a gate just beyond the turn off to Hume Lake. The Generals Highway remains open til the snow gets too deep.
It's a beautiful area, have fun and be safe.
Great Idea for an outing.....
If the area is already CLOSED for the winter
can anyone give a general idea as to the usual dates when it is open?
Does it run the usual gamut like Tioga and Sonora Passes?
If it's TOO late for NOW, it might be a Great Spring Group outing?
What is the elevation for the area?
Be safe whatever you do, Karthik, and LET someone know
when you leave, where you are going and when you should be back!!
I have a friend that is part of the Winter Rescue Team in the June Lake area.
She HATES to get those calls, but is happy when things end well.
Some years they are searching for photogs!! So BE wise & carefull....
in gratitude,
Nelcha
Grant Grove is around 6,500'
Cedar Grove is around 4,600'
From the NPS website...
"The roads to Cedar Grove and Mineral King are closed. The General's Highway is open but subject to brief closures after winter storms for plowing. For information call 1-559-565-3341. Keep tire chains, a sleeping bag, water and emergency food with you in your car. "
When are you planning on going Kartik? I'm 45 min. from the entrance to Sequoia and about 1hour and 45 minutes from the Kings Canyon entrance.
Thanks for the great info!
I haven't been to Cedar Grove in years. It sure is beautiful down there in the canyon! Many years ago, I once hiked from Whitney Portal, over Trail Crest Pass then over Forester Pass and down Bubbs Creek to the Kings and on to Cedar Grove. It's an interesting story that I might tell 'round a campfire sometime. I will say that crossing Forester at night in a snow storm was quite something!
-PB
Forester is a tough pass even on a clear day Preston...love to hear that story 'round the old campfire sometime.