Yosemite National Park closure leads to big crowds at other parks

The National Park Service says Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are experiencing much higher numbers of visitors than usual because of closures at Yosemite National Park.  Much of Yosemite has been evacuated because of concerns over the more than 38,500-acre Ferguson Fire, which was just 25 percent contained as of Wednesday morning.Campgrounds and lodging at Sequoia and Kings Canyon are full, including first-come-first-serve campsites, and commercial tour bus operators are discouraged from visiting at this time due to limited bus parking and congestion.Parks officials say visitors can expect to see smoke from the Ferguson Fire in the Sierra National Forest north of the parks, as well as the Horse Creek Fire in the Mineral King area of the parks. Air quality is expected to be unhealthy for all, in all areas of the parks.For current conditions, trip planning, and more information visit the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks website.Photo courtesy National Park Service