Columbine Snow Play
Kings Canyon National Park
Columbine Snow Play
Kings Canyon National Park
Fresno -
60 miles
Visalia -
60 miles
Bakersfield -
138 miles
Columbine Snow Play
Columbine Snow Play Area is along the road from Grant Grove to the General Grant Tree grove of Giant Sequoias. In summer Columbine is a picnic area; while in winter, parking and a restroom are open for snow play.
Some short sledding hills are found among the trees. Also, visitors find plenty of room for snowman building, snow angels and a friendly snowball exchange.
Elevation
6,500 feet
Directions
From Fresno drive up Highway 180 to the Big Stump Entrance Station to Kings Canyon National Park. Continue on Highway 180 for 3.3 miles through Grant Grove. Watch for the left turn leading down to the General Grant Tree. Columbine Snow Play Area is on the left, 0.2 miles down the road.
Things to Know
- Park visitors in the winter must carry chains. Roads are often covered with snow and chains may be required at any time, even for vehicles with 4-wheel drive.
- Snow play is prohibited in residential areas, Grant Grove (except Columbine Picnic Area), the Grant Tree Trail area, the Sherman Tree Road, and other areas as signed.
Nearby Services
- At Grant Grove, the Visitor Center and the Grant Grove Restaurant are open daily year-round.
- In Sequoia National Park, services are at Giant Forest Museum. The museum is open daily year-round.
- Facilities at Lodgepole close for the winter, but nearby Wuksachi Lodge is open year-round.
Nearby Snow Play Areas
Big Stump Snow Play Area is along Highway 180 just 0.6 miles past the entrance station. Find parking and restrooms there.
Cherry Gap Winter Trailhead is 3.1 miles north of Grant Grove on Highway 180. It is most popular for cross-country skiing and snow play. However, there are no facilities and parking is limited.
Generals Highway Winter Trailheads
Two Winter Trailheads off the Generals Highway south of Grant Grove are primarily used by cross-country skiers and snowmobilers, but undeveloped snow play areas can also be found there. Vault toilets are available. Both trailheads are in the Sequoia National Forest.
- Quail Flat Winter Trailhead is located off the Generals Highway, 3.7 miles south of the intersection with Highway 180 near Grant Grove.
- Big Meadows Winter Trailhead is located off the Generals Highway, 7½ miles south of Highway 180. The trailhead area is a short distance up a Forest Service Road (13S55).
Snow Apparel Shops Along the Road
- REI 7810 N Blackstone Ave., Fresno, CA
- Big 5 Sporting Goods 1544 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA; 1430 S Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA; and 1746 W Olive Ave, Merced, CA
- Walmart 3055 Loughborough Dr, Merced, CA
- Target 3900 Sisk Rd, Modesto, CA
Columbine Snow Play Area Contact Information
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- (559) 565-3341
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Current Conditions and Weather Forecast
Current Conditions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Sequoia National Park Webcams