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Home , California, Generals Highway, Mineral King, Sequoia National Park

SERVICE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

SEQUOIA & KINGS NATIONAL PARKS & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide

Kirke Wrench Alison Taggart-Barone

Kirke Wrench Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide

Table of Contents Welcome ...... 4 Where to Find Information ...... 4 Contact Information ...... 5 Obtaining an Access Pass ...... 7 Service Animals ...... 7 For Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing ...... 8 For People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired ...... 9 For People with Limited Mobility ...... 10 The Area of ...... 15 The & Lodgepole Areas—Sequoia National Park ...20 The Grant Grove Area of Kings Canyon National Park ...... 28 The Cedar Grove Area of Kings Canyon National Park ...... 33 The Area of Sequoia National Park ...... 37 Welcome Welcome to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks! This guide highlights accessible services, facilities, and activities. In the first section, you will find general accessibility information to help plan your visit. The rest of the guide is organized by park and includes descriptions of local accessible sites and services.

We are dedicated to a continuing effort to improve the accessibility of , facilities, and services so they can be enjoyed by all. If you have questions or suggestions, please email us at SEKI_Information@nps. gov or call us at (559) 565-3341.

Where to Find PARK NEWSPAPER Information AND MAP PARK WEBSITE The official park map and newspaper, both available at Go to the park website park entrances, have information www.nps.gov/seki for trip about park services and activities. planning information, condition Cell service and internet is very updates, park newspaper, limited in the parks, and GPS can educational resources, and be unreliable. Use the park map more. The or ask for directions at visitor website at www.nps.gov has centers. Braille editions of the additional in-depth resources official park map are available at to make the most out of your visitor centers. national park experience.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 4 PARK APP VISITOR CENTERS The free, official NPS Sequoia & Several visitor centers and one Kings Canyon National Parks are located throughout App features several accessibility the park. These information options to help visitors with centers offer trip planning help, disabilities plan their trip and interpretive exhibits, ranger travel through the parks. The programs and several other app includes audio-guided services. Open hours vary by tours and audio descriptions season. Foothills, Lodgepole, and of outdoor exhibits and park Kings Canyon visitor centers are features. View accessibility -accessible. information for each park site and facility, or filter map results Contact Information to show wheelchair-accessible sites. PARKS CONTACT INFORMATION Download the app before For general park inquiries, arriving at the parks, or use the including current weather and public WiFi at Foothills or Kings traffic: Canyon visitor centers. Go to the • (559) 565-3341 settings menu to download app content for offline use (required Sequoia and Kings Canyon in most areas of the parks) and National Parks enable accessibility options. 47050 Three Rivers, CA 93271-9700 Email: [email protected]

5 Individuals who are deaf, other specialty tours, park stores, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or the Dark Sky Festival, and the have speech disabilities Field Institute. utilize the following Relay Service • Phone: (559) 561-4813. numbers: • TTY Federal Relay Service North (800) 877-8339 Company • Voice Carry Over (VCO) Delaware North Company pro- (877) 877-6280 vides lodging and dining options • Speech-to-Speech (877) in Sequoia and Kings Canyon 877-8982 National Parks at Cedar Grove, • Spanish (800) 845-6136 Grant Grove, and Lodgepole. • TeleBraille Sequoia and Kings Operating hours vary by season. Canyon National Parks (866) • Reservations: (888) 807-3598 893-8340 Silver City Resort OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION Located near Mineral King, the Silver City The National Park Service works offers lodging, dining, and a gift with partners and other federal shop. agencies, to protect these • Reservations: (559) 242-3510 and provide memorable visitor experiences. US Forest Service Sequoia and Kings Canyon Sequoia Parks National Parks are bordered Conservancy by managed by the US Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the Forest Service. If you drive official nonprofit partner to these between the Giant Forest and parks, operates Crystal and Grant Grove, you’ll briefly leave the national parks and drive

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 6 through the Sequoia National provides a discount on some Forest. The forest contains many federal facilities and services campgrounds, trails, and lodges. fees, such as camping. The pass Learn more about these facilities generally does not apply to in the park newspaper or call special recreation permit fees or the Ranger District fees at businesses in the parks, office at 559-338-2251 (TDD including Crystal Cave tickets. available). To get your pass, ask at any CELL SERVICE park entrance station. You’ll AND INTERNET be asked to sign a form confirming your eligibility. Cell phone service is only Medical documentation is not available for specific carriers required. You can also obtain a near park entrance stations. pass through the mail with an Free wireless internet is available application and $10 processing at Foothills and Kings Canyon fee. Go to www.nps.gov/ visitor centers. planyourvisit/passes.htm for a Obtaining an printable application and more Access Pass information. The free Access Pass is available Service Animals for all U.S. citizens or permanent Service animals are welcome residents with permanent in Sequoia and Kings Canyon disabilities. This pass covers National Parks, including all admission at more than 2,000 trails, facilities, campgrounds, federal recreation sites, including and ranger programs. As national parks, wildlife refuges, defined by the with national forests, BLM sites, and Disabilities Act (ADA), a service more. The Access Pass also animal is any dog (or miniature

7 horse) that is individually trained properly dispose of waste to help to do work or perform tasks for prevent the spread of disease. the benefit of an individual with Remember to check your animal a disability. They do not include for ticks, which are common emotional support, comfort, year-round. or companion animals; animals used for crime deterrence; If you’re heading into the service animals in training; or any backcountry, treat water from type of pet. rivers, streams, and lakes before drinking, as waterways that may Service animals must be under contain giardia can infect both control and on a , except humans and dogs. If camping, when a leash interferes with keep your service animal in your the service animal’s tasks. at night. Beware—taking service animals into areas where wildlife is For People Who common carries unique risks. Are Deaf or Hard of Animal food attracts bears and Hearing must be kept in bear-resistant storage containers. Dogs may ASL INTERPRETERS trigger an aggressive response AND TOURS from animals, even . They may put you at an increased risk National Park Service for confrontation with bears, , and other wildlife. Also, Ranger Programs disease can be passed between American Sign Language dogs and wildlife. Keep animals interpretation is available at no close, securely store their food cost for any scheduled program. in wildlife-resistant food storage Please submit a request at containers or your car, and least seven days in advance,

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 8 preferably two weeks, to allow at information desks. Receivers time to schedule an interpreter. are compatible with T-coil Call (559) 565-3729 or email hearing aids. Assistive listening [email protected]. devices are also available at amphitheater programs. Crystal Cave Tours by Sequoia Parks LODGING Conservancy Wuksachi Lodge has rooms with Assistive Listening Devices visual alarms and notification and American Sign Language devices, available upon request. translations are available for Request this service by calling Crystal Cave tours. American (866) 807-3598. Sign Language translation is provided videos on a tablet, For People Who Are which can be taken into the Blind or Visually cave. Naturalists will indicate when to play each video. More Impaired information on Crystal Cave AUDIO tours is found in the Giant Forest / Lodgepole section of this DESCRIPTION guide. Download the official park app, NPS Sequoia & Kings Canyon, CAPTIONING for audio descriptions of outdoor AND ASSISTIVE exhibits and other features LISTENING found throughout the parks. Captioning, audio description, and assistive listening are avail- able for all visitor center films. Ask for receivers and earphones

9 BRAILLE AND even. Some, however, include TACTILE EXHIBITS slopes or limited space.

You may borrow a Braille version Temporary accessible-parking of the official park map at park placards are available for people visitor centers. who have limited mobility but do not have a DMV-issued, Outdoor exhibits along the Grant accessible-parking placard or have Braille text and driver’s license. Ask at visitor tactile features. Kings Canyon centers for a placard. No Visitor Center and Rock documentation is required. Picnic Area have tactile interpre- tive exhibits. Tactile topographic In summer, parking at the Big models are available outside Trail and Cedar Grove Visitor Center and Sherman Tree accessible parking Mineral King Ranger Station. areas is only available with an accessible parking placard. For People with BORROW A Limited Mobility WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE Borrow a manual wheelchair at PARKING Giant Forest Museum, Lodgepole All striped and paved parking Visitor Center, or Kings Canyon lots in Sequoia and Kings Visitor Center. Canyon have at least one are free and available on a parking space that is designated first-come, first-served basis. Be accessible, including van parking prepared to provide your address with access aisles. Unmarked and phone number. Wheelchairs spaces are generally paved and may be used anywhere in the

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 10 parks, but must be returned to the visitor center where they LODGING were borrowed by closing time Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia on the same day. National Park and Lodge in Kings Canyon National SEQUOIA Park have rooms with roll-in SHUTTLE showers, widened doors, grab bars in toilet stalls, raised toilet In summers and during some seats, low-density carpet, and winter holidays, free shuttles peepholes at a lower height. provide service to visitor centers, Beds are between 24 and 29 campgrounds, trails, and other inches in height, depending on points of interest throughout room type. Lodge parking and the Giant Forest and Lodgepole common areas follow ADA stan- areas. The shuttle also offers dards. Learn more by calling service from Visalia and Three (866) 807-3598. Rivers, , with the park entrance fee included in the fare (reservations required). TRAILS For reservations, visit www. Park trails range from paved sequoiashuttle.com or call and accessible, to rugged and (877) -HIKE. All shuttles are leading deep into . wheelchair-accessible and drivers Get trail information online announce all stops. The shuttle and at visitor centers, and schedule can be found at the check current conditions before website above, or in your park heading out. Trail conditions newspaper. and accessibility can change quickly due to weather, falling trees, rockfall, erosion, flooding, , and more. Park crews

11 work as quickly as possible to RESTAURANTS & clear obstacles, but conditions MARKETS may differ from descriptions, especially from fall through late Most dining opportunities are spring. located at Lodgepole, Grant Grove Village, and Cedar Grove. CAMPGROUNDS Restaurants and markets in Sequoia and Kings Canyon are Campsites designated as operated by Delaware North accessible are available in most Company and generally follow campgrounds. Each of these ADA guidelines. sites generally includes an extended picnic table, raised PICNICKING fire ring, raised grill, accessible parking space, level tent pad, Picnic areas with spots that are food storage locker within reach, designated as accessible include and stable and level paths to accessible parking, at least campground facilities. Some one extended picnic table, and park campsites may not be accessible restrooms. Some also designated as accessible, but feature wheelchair-accessible may be suitable depending on barbecue grills. Not all picnic your abilities. areas are accessible.

First-come, first-served acces- VISITOR CENTERS sible campsites are available Foothills, Lodgepole, and Kings for general use if unoccupied Canyon visitor centers, and Giant after 5:00 pm. Please contact a Forest Museum are wheelchair- campground host or park ranger accessible. However, the historic if an accessible site is improperly Cedar Grove Visitor Center occupied before 5:00 pm while building has barriers (uneven other sites remain available. thresholds, narrow passages)

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 12 that may impede the use of very little snow, winter storms some mobility devices. Mineral may cover the parks in snow King Ranger Station is only and ice as late as Memorial Day. reachable by . Some park roads close or have RANGER reduced access, including access to Kings Canyon and Mineral PROGRAMS King. The Generals Highway Rangers offer a variety of and Highway 180 are regularly programs, including visitor center plowed, but tire chains are talks, walks, evening programs, occasionally required. In severe and special events. Many ranger weather conditions, the highway walks are on short, paved paths, between Giant Forest and Grant but some involve navigating Village may close. rugged terrain. Evening programs are generally held Two paved trails, the Big Trees in campground amphitheaters Trail in Giant Forest and the with bench seating and assistive Grant Tree Trail in Grant Grove, listening devices available. Check at visitor centers or are both open in winter. Due campground bulletin boards for to rapidly changing weather program descriptions, times, and conditions, however, these trails accessibility information. may not always be accessible.

WINTER Rangers offer free snowshoe walks from Giant Forest Museum Winter in Sequoia and Kings and Kings Canyon Visitor Center, Canyon is beautiful, but can bring its own challenges. Check conditions permitting. Assistive weather conditions before your snowshoes and poles for balance trip. Although some years see stabilization are available.

13 faucets are operable with a AMPHITHEATERS closed fist. Utilities are generally In the summer, check at visitor within reach range. centers and campground bulletin boards for evening SHOWERS ranger program schedules. Accessible pay showers are Some amphitheaters are within available at Lodgepole Market campgrounds, but programs and Cedar Grove Village. are open to everyone. Some Showers are open during market amphitheaters have parking business hours. and restrooms nearby. Seating consists of wooden benches VIEWPOINTS & on a slight to moderate slope. OVERLOOKS Assistive listening devices are Scenic viewpoints and pull-outs available for programs. are located throughout Sequoia RESTROOMS and Kings Canyon National Parks, primarily on the Generals Accessible restrooms with sinks Highway and Highway 180 and flush toilets are located between Grant Grove and at all major developed areas Cedar Grove. Most do not have within the parks. Some picnic designated or striped parking, areas, campgrounds, and other but are on flat asphalt. Many more rustic locations have viewsheds are visible without accessible vault toilets with exiting your vehicle. sinks. Accessible restrooms have routes with a wide turning radius and grab bars. Sinks are at an approachable height with front wheelchair clearance and water

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 14 The Foothills Area of Sequoia National Park The foothills of the Sierra are dry, tough and rugged, and very hot from May through October. It is the most diverse region of the park, inhabited by unique plants and animals that have adapted to its dry climate. Deep river cut through the rolling hills, offering great recreation opportunities for fishing and swimming.

FEATURED A paved, moderately-sloped path EXPERIENCES leads to an accessible flush toilet, a water fountain, and picnic tables. There is one extended Hospital Rock Picnic picnic table on a paved, level Area area. This accessible picnic site also includes a grill. Known as Pah-din by local Native Americans, Hospital Rock Cross the highway from provides a place to picnic, hike the parking lot to discover to the river, view pictographs, pictographs, bedrock mortars, and enjoy accessible exhibits. and to reach the river. The area Adjacent to the parking lot, you around the pictographs, while will find exhibits describing why flat, is bound by two roads— Hospital Rock is a special place beware of traffic approaching for diverse groups of people, with limited visibility. Access to especially for California Native the pictographs viewing platform Americans. The exhibit includes is via a set of short, steep stairs. some audio material and three For those with limited mobility, tactile panels. the pictograph can be seen from ground level with binoculars.

15 The area around the bedrock Parking: Two designated mortars is relatively flat and accessible parking spaces are paved. Near the bedrock available on the Tunnel Rock side mortars, a steep, narrow, and hard-packed path with some of the road. Parking is on a slight stairs leads to the river. slope, and does not include access aisles.

Parking: There are two designated accessible parking Historic Park Entrance spaces at the picnic area with a Sign shared access aisle. They are on a significant slope that may not Take a picture at the historic meet everyone’s needs. Sequoia Park Entrance Sign. A steep, rocky trail goes to the river, and is not suitable for Tunnel Rock those using mobility devices. The historic Generals Highway once went through this tunnel, Parking: A slight slope leads blasted through the rock by the from an accessible parking space Civilian Conservation Corps. to the wooden sign. Now, it’s a popular photo spot with iconic views. Access to the OTHER EXPERIENCES base of the rock and the tunnel is level and paved. Be aware— AND ACTIVITIES poison oak is common here. • Wildflowers

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 16 FACILITIES AND Parking: The parking area SERVICES includes a 15-foot-wide (4.5 m) accessible parking space Foothills Visitor Center adjacent to a paved path to the entrance. An additional and Picnic Area wide accessible parking space is A native plant garden with available at the picnic area across a 4-foot wide (1.2 m) gravel from the road. path and three benches is just outside the visitor center. Nearby Campgrounds are accessible flush restrooms and a drinking fountain. The picnic area across the street has Potwisha Campground one extended picnic table on Potwisha Campground offers 42 an uneven, hard-packed dirt tent and RV campsites. Sites 30 surface. and 40 are designated accessible and have accessible food storage The visitor center doors include a containers, extended picnic power-assist button. Inside tables, wheelchair-accessible the building, there are tactile grills, a hard-packed and level educational exhibits, which are tent pad, and a designated generally accessible to visitors accessible parking space. using wheelchairs. Rangers can The campground and some provide park information at a campsites are on a significant low desk, although it does not slope, which may make access to provide knee clearance. Borrow all campground facilities difficult. a Braille version of the official The campground has accessible park map here. flush restrooms, a water spigot, and sink.

17 although there is limited clear Buckeye Flat surrounding space. There Campground is a level, concrete path to Open seasonally, from late campground facilities. The route to late October, Buckeye Flat from the parking space to the Campground has 28 tent-only campsite is up a moderately- campsites. RVs and trailers are steep, paved . not allowed in the campground, or on the narrow, winding road to the campground. Sites 20 and Site 40 has an extended picnic 40 are designated as accessible. table, a food storage container, a The campground has accessible raised fire ring and raised grill, a flush toilets and a water spigot. level tent pad on a hard-packed The campsite registration is up surface, and a designated a steep, paved slope. Ask the accessible parking space. The campground host or a ranger if campsite is flat and mostly you would like assistance. If no paved, with wide pathways for one is available, proceed to your wheelchair access. site and look for a ranger the following morning.

Site 20 has an extended picnic table, a food storage container, fire ring, a level tent pad on a hard-packed surface, and a designated accessible parking space. A raised grill is available,

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 18 South Fork Campground Potwisha Amphitheater

South Fork Campground is 19 Assistive listening devices are miles (30 km) from the Ash available for programs held at Mountain Entrance Station and the amphitheater. can be reached via South Fork Drive, a narrow, rough dirt road The amphitheater is located in 6 miles (9.6 km) south of the Potwisha Campground and is main park entrance. The camp- reached by a short, unpaved ground has 10 tent sites open path near campsite 2. It includes year-round. Trailers and RVs rows of backless benches. are not permitted in the camp- Some stargazing programs may ground. There are vault toilets, encourage participants to walk however, drinking water is not across the Generals Highway to available here. While there are a paved overflow parking area. currently no designated accessi- ble campsites, we are dedicated to improving sites in the near OTHER FACILITIES & future. SERVICES • WiFi: At visitor center • RV dump station • Pay phones

19 The Giant Forest and Lodgepole Areas of Sequoia National Park The Giant Forest, home of ’s largest tree, is also one of the largest sequoia groves. At more than 2,000 acres (8 km2), there are many ways to explore. Roads and trails wind throughout the forest, offering opportunities to view the big trees, see lush meadows, and possibly spot wildlife.

The Lodgepole area is a hub for services and amenities. A visitor center, lodging, dining, and a market are some of the features that make it a popular and convenient place to stay the night.

FEATURED At the trailhead, an information EXPERIENCES board includes a map with information on accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible Tree portions of the trail, and trail See the largest tree in the world length. Some outdoor exhibits along a wheelchair-accessible along the trail have good trail. A paved, slightly-sloped contrast, large type, and allow path leads to several named for a forward approach. sequoias, including the General Sherman tree. The trail is about 500 feet (150 m) long and features benches and educational exhibits.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 20 Parking in Summer: Parking Crystal Cave is available at the Sherman Tree Accessible Parking Area From late May through and Trailhead. Five additional , Sequoia Parks designated accessible parking Conservancy offers tours of a spaces are available at the Main marble cavern. This tour is not Sherman Tree Parking Area, wheelchair-accessible and visitors located approximately 0.5 miles with limited mobility may have (0.8 km) from of the Sherman difficulty on the steep, narrow Tree Accessible Parking Area. trail to the cave. The trail is These spaces accommodate 0.5-mile (0.8 km) to the cave and , and include access entrance, descends 300 feet aisles and curb cuts. From here, (91 m) from the parking area take an accessible shuttle to the and includes several sets of Sherman Tree Accessible parking stairs. Tours are 45 minutes and Area and Accessible Trailhead. travel another 0.5 miles (0.8 km) in the cave along a path with low lighting. Parking in Winter: Accessible parking is located at the People who are Deaf or hard Sherman Tree Accessible Parking of hearing can enjoy the tour Area only. Fewer accessible presented in American Sign designated spaces exist in Language or with Assistive winter. Listening Devices available. Ask at the trailhead for assistance. American Sign Language translation is provided via videos on a tablet, which can be taken into the cave.

21 Naturalists will indicate when Accessible parking is adjacent to to play each video. No advance the Beetle Rock trail, but is on an notice is required for these incline. accessibility accommodations, but tour tickets must be Parking: There are two purchased in advance before designated accessible spaces traveling to the cave. Buy tickets near the beginning of the short online at recreation.gov at least path that leads to Beetle Rock. two days in advance. A limited One of the spaces has an access number of tickets may also aisle, and both spaces have be available at Foothills and moderate sloping surfaces. Lodgepole Visitor Centers. For those who can’t visit in person, a Crystal Cave video is sold at park stores. Auto Touring Along the / Crescent Meadow Road Parking: Accessible parking spaces are located at the Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Moro Rock parking lot and the Road is open to vehicles with Crescent Meadow parking lot. accessible parking placards, even when closed to other private vehicles in summer. In Beetle Rock Vista the summer, you can also take A short, sloped, paved trail wheelchair-accessible park leads to a -topped vista shuttles to sites along this road. point with views stretching to the coastal range on clear days.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 22 that is operable with a closed Parking: Accessible parking spac- fist. The paved route from the es are located at the Moro Rock restrooms is slightly sloped, then parking lot and the Crescent Meadow parking lot. levels out.

Parking: At the trailhead, there Big Trees Trail is a dedicated accessible lot Follow this 0.75-mile (1 km) with nine designated parking paved trail around Round spaces—they do not have access Meadow and learn more about aisles. The paved route to the giant sequoias. The moderately- trail from the parking area is sloped paved path includes wide and slightly sloped. The a long section of boardwalk trail can also be reached from around the far side of the Giant Forest Museum via a meadow. Dispersed resting 0.25-mile (0.4 km) paved path. areas include benches with This route is moderately sloped. back rests, space for companion seating, and outdoor exhibits. Exhibits are generally situated OTHER EXPERIENCES at level landings with pullouts AND ACTIVITIES and sufficient space for people in wheelchairs to pass, while • Sequoia groves allowing for a side approach. • Winter activities (typically Restrooms with a level entrance, available December-) clear interior circulation, handrails, and flush toilets are located at the trailhead. Nearby is a water bottle filling station

23 FACILITIES AND A water fountain is available SERVICES near the interior accessible restroom, and is operable with Visitor Centers less than five pounds of pressure. The museum features tactile exhibits within reach range, with Giant Forest Museum displays at low levels, and with a front approach. The plaza area outside the museum includes a kiosk on a level landing. Benches in the Parking: The parking lot adjacent plaza area are on a to the museum and shuttle stop slightly-sloping grade. Some is a dedicated accessible lot. of the benches provide space A paved, level route provides for companion seating. Area access from parking to the outdoor exhibits are located museum entrance. on a firm, stable, slightly- sloped surface. Shuttle stop waiting areas here include benches. Exterior restrooms Lodgepole Visitor Center are not accessible, however, an accessible restroom is available The visitor center is typically inside the museum. A water open May through mid-October. bottle filling station is operable The entrance to the visitor center with a closed fist. has low-energy, power-operated door with two push buttons, The museum entrance features one at wheelchair height and a double plate automatic door. another within a kick zone. Inside, the information desk The visitor center’s interior has includes both high and low barrier-free access to interpretive counter space. exhibits, the park store, and a

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 24 standing-height ranger desk. Parking: A central parking lot Audio description and assistive includes six designated accessible listening devices are available auto/van parking spaces that upon request for park films. are moderately sloped. A comfort station is located Outside the visitor center, to the parking lot and provides there are dual-height drinking accessible restrooms. fountains with a water bottle filling station and a lowered pay phone. Accessible restrooms are available around the side of the Dorst Creek building. Campground Campgrounds Campsites 6, 11, 172–175, (open seasonally) 177, and 180 are designated accessible. These sites feature Lodgepole Campground paved accessible parking, level tent pads, grills, picnic tables, Campsites 62 and 63 are and access paths to campground designated accessible and have facilities. accessible parking spaces, picnic tables that accommodate wheelchairs, raised grills, and Amphitheaters level tent pads on firm and (open seasonally) natural surfaces. There is a clear Assisted listening devices are route from the tent pad to the available at ranger programs barbecue grill, and a paved route held at amphitheaters. to the accessible restrooms and accessible water spigot.

25 Lodgepole Amphitheater Dorst Creek Amphitheater seating consists Amphitheater of wooden benches on a Located in Dorst Creek moderately-sloped surface. Campground, this amphitheater Companion seating is available seating consists of wooden at the exterior ends of benches, benches on a moderately-sloped although no formal companion surface. Companion seating seating spaces are designated. space is available, though no Comfort stations are not formal companion seating is available at the amphitheater designated. Visitors must climb and the nearest bathrooms are steps to reach a steep, paved located in the campgrounds or path to the amphitheater. The at the parking lot. amphitheater cannot be reached by wheelchair.

Parking: Use the far end of the campground parking lot Parking: The parking lot is to access the amphitheater. located below steep, paved path There are no designated to the amphitheater. accessible parking spaces near the amphitheater. A wide, moderately-sloped, wheelchair- Picnic Areas accessible, paved path leads (open seasonally) from the parking lot to the amphitheater. Crescent Meadow Picnic Area Limited facilities are available at this picnic area. This area

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 26 has accessible vault toilets, be returned to the original some accessible parking spaces visitor center by closing time with significant slopes, and on the same day. no extended picnic tables. A • Shuttles (summer, some winter wheelchair-accessible shuttle holidays): Free shuttles stop at stops here in summer. locations throughout Giant Forest and Lodgepole. All shuttles are wheelchair- Pinewood Picnic Area accessible and drivers announce each stop. One mile (1.6 km) north of Giant Forest Museum, Pinewood • Laundry (summer only): Picnic Area has one extended Located at the Lodgepole picnic table, accessible parking, Market, the laundromat raised grills, water fountains, and machines are and accessible vault toilets. Sites wheelchair-accessible. are available for single family or • Accessible showers (summer group picnics. only): Roll-in showers with a free-standing bench are OTHER FACILITIES & available at Lodgepole Market. SERVICES • RV dump stations (open seasonally): Located near • Wheelchair loan: Check out Lodgepole and Dorst Creek a manual wheelchair at the campgrounds Giant Forest Museum or • Accessible Restrooms Lodgepole Visitor Center free, (winter location): Behind the on a first-come, first-served Lodgepole Market. Obtain key basis. They can be taken inside the market. throughout the parks but must

27 The Grant Grove Area of Kings Canyon National Park Grant Grove, located near the Highway 180 entrance to Kings Canyon National Park, protects a unique mix of natural and human history. Large stumps scattered throughout the area’s sequoia groves show evidence of historic logging. Fortunately, many of sequoias escaped the saw, including the second-largest tree in the world, the Tree.

Grant Grove Village has many services and amenities that make it a convenient place to stop for the day or stay the night. Many campgrounds and lodging options are available and all are centrally located around the village and visitor center.

and Braille text. While paved, FEATURED the trail has steep sections and EXPERIENCES is not designated as wheelchair- accessible. A separate short trail that leads around the General Grant Tree Trail Grant Tree includes stairs, but This 0.3-mile (0.5 km) trail can be bypassed to complete winds through a sequoia grove, the loop. Benches are placed passing a historic cabin and the at pullouts along the trail. The General Grant Tree, the world’s historic Gamlin Cabin has a second-largest tree. The trail raised threshold at its entry, also features tactile information although the interior is visible panels, with raised illustrations from the trail.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 28 Parking: There is one accessible Parking: There is one accessible parking space, accessible parking space and accessible flush restrooms, and drinking vault restrooms. Nearby are fountains. extended picnic tables on paved or compact dirt surfaces. Panoramic Point Road closes when snow makes conditions Panoramic Point impassible. Overlook Open seasonally, Panoramic Soundscapes Exhibit Point has a 0.5-mile (0.8 km) paved, moderately-steep trail At Kings Canyon Visitor Center, leads to views of Hume Lake immerse yourself in the diverse soundscapes of the parks, and wilderness. from calling in the grassy The trail has a 75-foot (23 m) foothills to elevation gain, with a 6.5% clashing high in the mountains. average grade and a top grade This accessible exhibit features of 8.5%. Start at the southeast high-quality audio paired with end of the parking lot and take open-captioned video. a left turn at the fork to reach the viewpoint, where there are benches and outdoor exhibits. OTHER EXPERIENCES Turn back to the parking lot, or AND ACTIVITIES continue up the steeper trail for • Winter recreation an additional viewpoint and a (December-February) loop path back to the parking • Horseback riding (summer lot. only) • Sequoia groves

29 FACILITIES AND Parking: The Grant Grove Village SERVICES parking lot has five designated accessible spaces with access aisles. A wide, paved route pro- Kings Canyon Visitor vides access from the parking lot Center to the visitor center, restrooms, Accessible restrooms are restaurant, and market center. available outside the visitor center and also in the village Campgrounds restaurant. Outside the visitor (open seasonally) center, you’ll also find a lowered pay phone, water fountains, a water bottle filling station, and Campground benches. Site 30 is designated accessible. Kings Canyon Visitor Center It is relatively level with a tent features barrier-free access pad and firm and stable surfaces. to educational exhibits, films, The site features an accessible information, and a park store. parking space, an extended Rangers provide information picnic table, a raised fire ring, at low and standing desks. and connects to the fee station A park film shows in a small and accessible restroom via the theater with bench seating flat, paved campground road. andwheelchair space. Ask at the information desk for assistive listening and audio description Crystal Springs receivers to use for the film. Campground The exhibit hall also includes 3D, tactile models of local wildlife. Group site F is designated as accessible for people with limited

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 30 mobility. It includes an extended gently-sloped route leads from picnic table and a designated an unmarked, paved parking lot accessible parking space. to the amphitheater. The nearest However, the campfire ring is accessible restrooms are located not raised and the path to the at the visitor center or near restroom is unpaved. campsite 26. The amphitheater features backless benches with companion seating available Sunset Campground at the ends. All seating is on a Sites 26 and 116 are accessible moderate slope. and feature a paved accessible parking space, a level tent pad, Picnic Areas raised grill, and accessible picnic (open seasonally) table. Paved routes lead to campground facilities, including accessible flush restrooms. Columbine Picnic & Snowplay Area Amphitheaters (open seasonally) Although there is no designated accessible parking at this picnic Assisted listening system devices area, the route from the parking are available for ranger programs area to the accessible restrooms held at the amphitheater. and picnic tables is firm and stable with gentle slopes. Several Sunset Amphitheater picnic tables are extended, and Near Sunset Campground, most grills are in an accessible this amphitheater is just south reach range. of Grant Grove Village on Highway 180. A wide, paved,

31 • Pay Phones Big Stump Picnic & • Wheelchair loan: Manual Snowplay Area wheelchairs are available free Big Stump Picnic Area provides at the Kings Canyon Visitor accessible picnic tables sheltered Center on a first-come, by overhead structures, as well first-served basis. They can be as accessible grills. Accessible taken throughout the parks, parking spaces in a paved, level but must be returned to parking lot are available here. the original visitor center by closing time on the same day. Panoramic Point Picnic • Lodging: John Muir Lodge Area and Grant Grove Cabins are managed by Delaware North. The parking lot at Panoramic Mobility/Hearing Accessible Point Picnic Area and Trailhead rooms are available with roll-in includes one accessible parking showers and visual alarms space with a marked aisle. and notification devices at the Paved, slightly-sloped routes lead lodge. To learn more about to an accessible vault restroom accessibility at John Muir and extended picnic tables, Lodge, call (866) 807-3598. several of which are on flat pavement. • Grant Village Market and Gift Shop: Gifts and souvenirs are available at Grant Grove Gift OTHER FACILITIES Shop, Kings Canyon Visitor AND SERVICES Center Park Store, and Grant Grove Market. Groceries • WiFi: At visitor center and supplies are available • Post Office at Grant Grove Market. • ATM Interiors of these buildings are

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 32 wheelchair-accessible, though window for to-go items. The may have narrow aisles. restaurant is accessible to • Dining: Grant Grove people in wheelchairs. Patio Restaurant is operated by seating includes a wheelchair- Delaware North and offers accessible picnic table. indoor dining and a walk-up • Big Stump Snowplay Area

The Cedar Grove Area of Kings Canyon National Park Cedar Grove is in the heart of the Kings Canyon, a glacially carved canyon with granite peaks, lush meadows, and a crystal clear river. Often overlooked by travelers, Cedar Grove is a great place to get away from the crowds. Spend time by the river, discover waterfalls, or explore the many scenic vistas.

The Cedar Grove area closes in mid-November and reopens in late April when the Kings Canyon stretch of California Highway 180 is open for the season.

FEATURED The paved trail is wide with a EXPERIENCES moderate to steep slope (10% running slope, over 2% cross slope). Slope varies from level Roaring River Falls landings, increasing to 12% and eventually decreasing to a gentle A 0.10-mile (0.16-km), sloped slope of 6%. The trail ends at path leads to views of the small, paved landing. canyon and a waterfall.

33 Nearby, a wilderness permit Parking: The parking area has office has a rudimentary ramp to one designated accessible space access the building and inquire directly in front of the trail. about local trails. Cross the street from the office to reach accessible vault restrooms. Kings Canyon Tactile Model Parking: The Road’s End parking A tactile, bronze relief model area has one van-accessible illustrating the topography of parking space and one standard Kings Canyon can be found accessible parking space near adjacent to the entrance to the the wilderness permit station. An amphitheater, near the Cedar additional van-accessible parking Grove Visitor Center. This model space is available immediately is at a reachable height for adjacent to the restroom. visitors using wheelchairs, is surrounded by level pavement, and is cane detectable. OTHER EXPERIENCES AND ACTIVITIES Muir Rock • Rivers, including designated Muir Rock is located at an area Wild & Scenic Rivers called The Road’s End. Here, • Wildflowers you’ll find a short path to Muir Rock, located along the Kings • Fishing River. This large granite boulder • Horseback Riding is named in honor of the naturalist John Muir. The trail • Waterfalls has a hard-packed dirt surface.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 34 FACILITIES & SERVICES Sentinel Campground

Cedar Grove Visitor Sites 10, 11, 12, and 14 are designated accessible. Each Center includes accessible parking, an The historic Cedar Grove extended picnic table, a raised Visitor Center has a narrow fire ring, a hard-packed surface doorway and interior, and high and tent site, and a paved route entry threshold. While it is not to an accessible restroom via accessible by wheelchair, people the slightly-sloped campground with limited mobility can access road. Site 14 has parking for a this visitor center. A lowered recreational vehicle. pay phone is located outside the visitor center. Canyon View Campgrounds Campground (open seasonally) Campsite C is designated accessible in this group Moraine Campground campground. Within the Sites 71A, 74, 103, 105, and accessible site, four of the six 108 are designated accessible. tent pads are accessible. The site Each features paved and acces- includes fire rings with accessible sible parking, a level tent site, grills, extended picnic tables, and an accessible picnic table, and a a level and firm natural surface. raised grill. There are accessible Access routes leading to parking routes from sites to campground and accessible restrooms follow facilities, including an accessible wide, slightly-sloped, gravel restroom. paths.

35 Amphitheater enough interior space for a wheelchair to maneuver. Assistive listening devices are available for amphitheater • Accessible showers (summer programs. only): Roll-in showers with a free-standing bench are Cedar Grove available at Cedar Grove Lodge. The key is available at Amphitheater the front desk after tokens are Located near Cedar Grove purchased. Visitor Center, there is a paved, • Pay phones level, and wide path from the parking area to the gently-sloped • ATM amphitheater. Companion • Lodging: Cedar Grove Lodge seating is dispersed; one space is is operated by Delaware North available adjacent to the access and does not have designated route and the other is available accessible rooms. A ramp at the front of the stage. leads to the Cedar Grove Lodge, Restaurant, and store.

Parking: The parking area has • Cedar Grove Market and Gift two designated accessible spaces Shop: Operated by Delaware North, this facility follows ADA located in front of Cedar Grove guidelines. Visitor Center. • Dining: Cedar Grove Snack OTHER FACILITIES Bar offers food service at a standing-height counter. AND SERVICES There is indoor and outdoor • Laundry (summer only): The seating, which may not be laundry room has a one-inch wheelchair-accessible. step at the entrance, and has

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 36 The Mineral King Area of Sequoia National Park Take the challenging, less-traveled road to the very rustic Mineral King area, a subalpine valley surrounded by granite peaks. Experience summer wildflowers, giant sequoias, and grand vistas. Escape the crowds and enjoy the solitude as you explore the rugged Sierra Nevada landscape. Stay overnight among the sequoias at Atwell Mill Campground, or discover dark, starry skies at Cold Springs Campground.

Mineral King Road is located off Highway 198 in Three Rivers, California and is closed November through late May. Mineral King Road is narrow, not fully paved, rutted, and not recom- mended for RVs. No RV camping is permitted in this area. No gas is available here.

FEATURED (2,377 m). Along the way, EXPERIENCES you’ll find panoramic views of and oak woodlands before reaching sequoia groves Alpine Vistas and alpine vistas. The road passes through old mining Mineral King offers a unique complete with historic opportunity for a remote and cabins. Stay overnight among rugged park experience. The the sequoias at Atwell Mill Mineral King Road ascends Campground. Numerous nearby higher than any other park trails offer hikers recreational opportunities. motorway, ending in Mineral King Valley at 7,800 feet

37 OTHER EXPERIENCES a flush toilet, sink with running AND ACTIVITIES water, and a wide doorway. The ground surface from the • Auto touring pavement to the restroom is somewhat rough and uneven. • Fishing • Sequoia groves Mineral King Ranger Station • Wildflowers The historic Mineral King Ranger • Camping (no RVs or trailers) Station is reached by ascending • Rivers a of eight stairs. A water • Picnicking spigot is accessible in the parking area at the base of the stairs. A • Hiking tactile model of Mineral King Valley and the surrounding peaks FACILITIES AND is installed across the street, next SERVICES to the Food Storage Shed.

Restrooms Parking: The parking area does An accessible restroom is located not have marked spaces. There along Mineral King Road at is limited paved, level space in the Lookout Point entrance, 8 front of the ranger station, and miles (13 km) before Atwell Mill additional parking in an uneven, Campground and 15 miles (24 slightly-sloped dirt lot near km) before Mineral King Ranger the picnic area. A narrow, dirt Station. Located next to a private path leads from here to vault residence, this bathroom is restrooms. designated accessible, features

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Accessibility Guide 38 Campgrounds OTHER FACILITIES & SERVICES

Atwell Mill Campground • Amphitheater Campsite 12 is designated • Pay phones accessible and features a paved, • Food storage shed: This food level accessible parking space, a storage shed also has tarps level tent pad, accessible picnic available for loan to protect table, and an accessible grill. The vehicles from marmots. A accessible vault toilet and water slight step is required to go spigot are across the paved camp into the shed. road.

Cold Springs Campground This campground has 40 campsites available for only on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations available). While there are currently no designated accessible campsites here, our parks are dedicated to creating sites in the near future.

39 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS

Steve Biro

Rick Bolton

Kirke Wrench For more information on accessibility in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, please visit www.nps.gov/seki/ planyourvisit/accessibility