as John Muir himself, who proposed the notion back in the late 1800s. Whatever the extent of their importance in the past, today’s glaciers occupy a very small percentage of territory in the uppermost realm of the High Sierra (usually above 12,000 feet on the north and east faces of the highest peaks). Despite their lack of size, these remaining glaciers add a touch of alpine beauty to these otherwise rocky mountains, The largest glacier in the Sierra is Palisade Glacier, a pocket of ice less than one square mile in size.
Negotiating talus on the Lamarck Col cross-country route (Trip 121)
Backpackers negotiate the snow-covered trail on the way to Bishop Pass (Trip 103)
Climate
The Sierra Nevada experiences a wide range of weather within the four seasons, which greatly affects the recreational opportunities for exploring this majestic landscape.
Summer
Most visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and surrounding wilderness areas come to the region during the summer months. Compared to many other North American mountain ranges, the Sierra Nevada is typically blessed with an abundance of mild, dry, and sunny weather. Summers are particularly fine, as 95 percent of the annual precipitation falls between November and March. Occasional summer thunderstorms account for the remainder, but they occur with much less regularity than in the Rocky Mountains, for instance. Summer temperatures are generally mild. However, they vary considerably from the foothills to the alpine heights.
When the snow has mostly melted in the highest parts of the Sierra, backpacking season begins in earnest. Warm weather usually persists in the High Sierra from mid-July into September. Although summers in the Sierra usually bring dry, sunny days, thunderstorms are not uncommon, particularly in the month of July, requiring backpackers to be prepared for fickle weather conditions. Usually thunderstorms resolve fairly quickly, but infrequent monsoonal storms lasting two to three days or longer are not completely out of the question. Afternoon highs during summer often creep up into the high 60s and low 70s in the high country, although the temperature may actually feel much warmer due to the increased solar radiation prevalent at higher altitudes. July is also when the mosquito population explodes, with a peak usually lasting over a two-week period. If you plan a trip for July, be sure to pack plenty of repellent and bring a tent.
Early to mid-August is the prime time for backpacking because thunderstorms are less common, a major frontal system is unlikely to affect the area, and the mosquito population has abated to a more manageable level. Lakes in the High Sierra, although rarely warm, are not as cold as earlier in the summer, offering refreshing opportunities for an enjoyable swim. Late August into early September brings less daylight, pleasant but slightly cooler temperatures, and far fewer mosquitoes. By then, the wildflower season has passed its peak and the meadows have started to dry out, but fewer people are on the trails.
Autumn
Pleasant Indian summer conditions generally continue for another month or so beyond the middle of September, but the reliably good weather usually comes to an end, at least in the upper elevations, by late October. Days are considerably shorter and temperatures noticeably cooler, especially at night. Backpackers should carry plenty of warm clothing and bring a multiseason tent instead of a lightweight one. By sometime in November of most years, the Sierra has experienced its first significant snowfall of the season, prompting most recreationists to think about winter pursuits. Autumn can be a fine time to enjoy the lower elevation trails and footpaths on the west side of the range. Fall is a pleasant season for hiking in the foothills, after the extreme summer heat has abated and the autumn foliage is at peak color.
Winter
The mountains of the Sierra Nevada usually receive a significant amount of precipitation during the winter. Except for the foothills, most of that precipitation falls in the form of snow, when cold Pacific storms may dump substantial amounts of the white stuff during the height of winter. However, significant winter snowfall is not always guaranteed in the southern Sierra since the region experiences periods of drought from time to time. Nevertheless, below freezing temperatures, high winds, and a lack of daylight even in dry years tend to discourage all but the intrepid few from backcountry pursuits during the winter months.
Most winter visitors to the park stay overnight at Grant Grove or Wuksachi Village and then cross-country ski or snowshoe during the day. Even fewer ski or snowshoe from Wolverton to stay overnight at the Pear Lake Ski Hut. For diehard hikers, winter can be a good time to visit the foothills because the trails usually stay snow-free throughout the year.
Spring
Late March and April may see extremely variable weather conditions: fair and mild in some years or an extension of winter in others. During periods of stable weather and with slightly longer days, the High Sierra is a perennial favorite among backcountry skiers, many of whom attempt multiday, trans-Sierra treks.
During the spring, the low elevations found in the foothills produce conditions quite favorable to off-season hiking. Although fall is a good time for hiking in the foothills, spring is perhaps the best time because the High Sierra is still cloaked in winter’s mantle, the foothills are green from winter rains, the wildflowers are in bloom, and the deciduous trees are leafing out.
Above the foothills, snow-free hiking isn’t available typically until later in May, after the highway into Kings Canyon has been opened and the trails in the Giant Forest and Grant Grove are no longer covered with snow. Once the spring thaw is underway, the snow line marches steadily up the mountainsides, opening more and more trails along the way. By June, most west-side paths are accessible into the Sequoia and Kings Canyon frontcountry, but the High Sierra usually remains snowbound until early to mid-July.
Average Precipitation and Temperatures in the Foothills
Average Precipitation and Temperatures in the Giant Forest
Traveling in the Backcountry
Recreating in the greater Sequoia and Kings Canyon region may present some significant challenges. The following information will help make your journey a pleasant one.
Fees
Entrance fees are collected at the Ash Mountain Entrance Station (where Highway 198 becomes the Generals Highway), the Lookout Point Entrance Station on Mineral King Road, and the Big Stump Entrance Station on Highway 180. If you enter the parks at an unmanned station, be prepared to pay the appropriate fee upon exiting.
About the Parks and Surrounding Forest Service Lands
Tourist-related facilities in Sequoia and Kings Canyon are not as developed or concentrated as those in the more popular Yosemite Valley to the north. However, visitors should find an adequate range of services.
Information
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
47050 Generals Highway
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