Kings Canyon National Park & Yosemite National Park Welcome Back Visitors With Improved Air Quality

September 24, 2020 By: Ben Abrams

Yosemite National Park has announced it will reopen to visitors on Friday as air quality improves; Kings Canyon National Park has re-opened up to visitors on Wednesday, September 24th.

Smoke from the Creek Fire fills the air in Yosemite Valley, Sept. 17, 2020. By: Chuck Bennett/AP

Both parks closed last week because of hazardous air quality created by smoke from the nearby Creek Fire, which has already burned through 286,519 acres in Fresno and Madera counties. The Creek Fire has now become the largest single fire in California history.

Park officials said they project air quality to be moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups over the next few days.

Limited visitor services will be available on Friday when Yosemite opens its gates. The park plans to reinstate more services in stages throughout the weekend, according to a press release.

Campsites that have been closed all summer will reopen, including Yosemite Valley’s; Upper Pines campground, North Pines campground and Lower Pines campground.

Campsites can be booked at recreation.gov.

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