July 2, 2026 – Sequoia National Park officials announce the South Fork Road and trailhead area will be open for day-use availability beginning on Friday, July 3 at 8:00 A.M. In addition to significant road construction repairs; parking space, information signs, and a serviced vault toilet have been prepared for visitor use.

Stock use is not recommended at this time due to trail conditions. The Garfield-Hockett Trail has two major washouts below Garfield Grove that make it impassable to stock travel. The trail is clear of brush and logs up to Garfield Grove and is open for hikers. From Garfield Grove to Hockett Plateau, heavy brush and downed trees make the trail difficult to follow. Lady Bug Trail is open for hikers, cleared of downed logs from the trailhead to a little over halfway out.

The campground has not been reestablished since it was destroyed by severe flooding and landslides in 2022-2023. There are no plans to reconstruct South Fork Campground for at least the next several years, as per a slope stability assessment conducted by geologists following the storms.

The Sequoia National Park entrance sign at the park boundary on South Fork Road.

Parking area at the South Fork Trailhead area with vault toilet.

Wood bridge on Lady Bug Trail.

Oak trees line the trail and offer dappled shade.

The river flows over boulders and under trees.

Source & photos: NPS