Oh Snow Nice

Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather (and baffle out-of-staters who have never heard of such a thing).

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

Head to Big Trees Trail. This flat, 1.2-mile loop delivers all the magic of a white winter walk while remaining easy enough to navigate in good snow boots. Begin at the Giant Forest Museum and head northeast along the woodsy path beside the Generals Highway. Cross the road to complete the loop around Round Meadow, where the red trunks of the giant sequoias pop against the white snow, and the wide, hushed landscape gives a serene, magical feel.

TIP: Wolverton is one of the park’s designated snow-play areas. Sitting at 7,250 feet, it’s prime sledding territory, with a sizable hill perfect for exhilarating downhill runs. (This is a BYOS situation—bring your own sleds and tubes. The nearby Wuksachi Lodge sells snow gear but it’s closed until March.)

End your snow day on a sweet note. On the way out of the park, stop at Reimer’s Candies and Ice Cream. The quaint storybook red house in Three Rivers serves up housemade fudge, ice cream, and toffee. The wild blackberry ice cream on a fresh waffle cone is a must!

Hike: Directions to the start of the walk at Giant Forest Museum. Parking is available across the street. 

Sledding: From the Giant Forest Museum, continue on Generals Highway and make a right in about 2.7 miles on Wolverton Road. Wolverton Snowplay Area is located at the end of the road and has its own parking lot. Parking in the park can be limited, so consider taking the Park Shuttle, which operates on select days during winter months. 

Dessert: Reimer’s Candies and Ice Cream is located at 42375 Sierra Drive in Three Rivers. 

Winter is a wonderful time to visit the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks but a trip in the mountains requires some advance planning due to unpredictable weather and challenging road conditions. Check weather conditions and visit the park’s site or call 559-565-3341 for current road updates. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains, which are not sold inside the park. Come prepared with warm clothing, a sleeping bag, water, and emergency food in case roads become impassable due to sudden storms. No dogs allowed on the trails.

Story and photos by Yvonne Pasquini, @yvonne_pasquini