Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks take next shutdown step: completely close

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will close Wednesday night and will likely remain closed until the government shutdown is over, spokeswoman Sintia Kawasaki-Lee said.

She said overflowing trash and unsanitary conditions are the biggest reasons for the full closure. The parks had limited access to key areas along the Generals Highway on Monday night due to these conditions.

The gates will close at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Anyone with reservations within the park is asked to go to visitsequoia.com to ask for a refund.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday, Yosemite imposed a limited closure of its south entrance, allowing only those with existing resort or campground reservations within the park to enter. Visitors can access the park through Highway 140.

This story was originally published January 2, 2019 at 5:22 PM with the headline "Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks take next shutdown step: completely close."