NATIONAL SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON PARKS & SEQUOIA NATIONAL FORES T/ GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT WINTER 2009-10 GUIDE

Free Activities • page 3 page 8 • Facilities & Ranger Programs in Sequoia Safety Tips / Finding Gasoline • page 5 page 9 • Facilities & Programs in Kings Canyon & USFS Highlights in Sequoia Park • page 6 page 10 • Camping & Lodging / Bears & Your Food Highlights in Kings Canyon & USFS • page 7 page 12 • Park Road Map The changing face of winter As days get shorter and cold nights able to adapt fast enough to meet the threat lengthen, many visitors look forward to of global climate change. The traits that the the changes that winter brings. These pika and the mountain yellow-legged frog parks show a new face as summer dust set - have perfected over thousands of years may tles and cool, green shadows replace the not be enough to protect them as rapidly yellow wash of heat. The clatter of traffic changing climate changes their habitats. and voices and the buzz of summertime As the climate warms, snowpacks are bugs and birds fade with the waning day - shrinking and melting earlier. Pikas in some light, replaced by the solo call of a raven areas have had to move farther uphill in over an otherwise quiet land. search of the protective snowpack that they We are given the chance to marvel at the need to live safely in winter – if there is still stillness and outward simplicity of a world room uphill to move to. blanketed by snow. For most animals, The mountain yellow-legged frogs’ abili - however, winter survival is anything but ty to survive winter in an icy place has simple. helped keep them safe from many threats. American pikas (small, high-altitude A warmer environment, however, may let cousins of rabbits) survive the Sierra predators and diseases move up into that area. Nevada’s harshest climes by preparing all To survive, pikas need cool temperatures in summer and the summer. Pikas not only store food like In the western United States, impacts insulation of a snowpack in winter. Seven inches long, they live from climate change that we are now some other species, they have evolved a in tunnels under the snow where they eat “hay” — clever way to preserve it by making hay grasses they dried in the summer sun and store for winter food . observing include not only changing snow while the sun shines – literally. Pikas col - packs, but also increased wildland fires, lect grasses and dry them in the summer sun. This preserves the plants invasion by non-native species, and more tree deaths. Some scientists that then provide sustenance under the snow during the long, cold view the as one of the “canaries in the coal mine” when winter. it comes to climate change. We know that the stillness that we appre - Mountain yellow-legged frogs in the high Sierra use a different sur - ciate in winter now covers a quickly changing face. vival tactic: they can survive below ice for up to nine months without Get to know the parks in winter. Rent snowshoes at Wuksachi harm. Over thousands of years, they evolved the ability to change their Lodge or Grant Grove and be the first to make a trail through new- physical needs in winter to tolerate low oxygen and cold water in lakes. fallen snow. Notice how the trunks of the behemoth sequoias shine This allows them to live in an area that is hostile to many of the preda - red against the white, and listen for the call of the raven. Look at the tors that their lower-elevation relatives must escape from. face of winter, before the face of winter changes. It will “take a village” All animals and plants have, over thousands of years, developed sur - – parks, cities, scientists, and you – working together to tackle the vival traits specific to their environments. They may not, however, be challenges of climate change. -Adrienne Freeman, NPS Get to know Sequoia & Kings Canyon

WELCOME! The National Park Service cares Borrow the park map & guide in for special places saved by the Braille at visitor centers. BIENVENIDOS American people so that all may Hay un folleto en Español disponible en los centros de visita. experience our heritage. BIENVENUE Une guide officielle est dis pon ible RECOVERY & REINVESTMENT IN PARKS dans les centres d’information. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is still in action in these parks. ARRA is providing funds for important, WILKOMMEN shovel-ready maintenance projects that need doing here. Five Eine Landkarte ist auch in ARRA projects represent an investment of more than $11 million deutscher sprache im Besucher- zentrum erhaltlich. in these parks: • The largest project entails replacing drinking-water tanks and BENVENUTI improving fire-suppression systems at headquarters. We are La traduzione in lingua Italiana replacing a system from the 1930s and 1940s, and adding a della mappa e’ disponibile in tutti generator so that water systems can function during power i centri di informazioni. outages. • Crystal Cave now has quieter, more energy-efficient lighting via a photovoltaic system rather than the old, noisy, polluting PARK, FOREST, generator. This benefits cave tours as well as the health of life in the cave. Check it out next summer! OR MONUMENT? PHONE NUMBERS • Crews have rebuilt damage on the Kennedy Pass Trail in west - What is the difference ern Kings Canyon Park, where a severe rainstorm had carved between Sequoia and Kings EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 a large gully on trail switchbacks. They have also rebuilt trail Canyon National Parks , No coins needed. damage and cleared fallen trees from the Tehipite Fire. , and 24-Hour Park Information • A fifth project involves replacing mandatory compliance- Giant Sequoia National 1-559-565-3341 (NPS) Monument ? www.nps.gov/seki monitoring components of the parks’ five wastewater treatment plants and 17 potable water systems. Each is on federal land. Each Na tional Forest Information exists to benefit society. Yet each 1-559-338-2251 (USFS) has a different history and pur - www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia FEES HELP YOUR PARKS! pose. Together they provide a Yosemite Information ( NPS ) Most of your entrance and camping fees stay here. The wide spectrum of uses. 1-209-372-0200 parks invest them in improving visitor facilities and protecting National parks strive to keep www.nps.gov/yose landscapes unimpaired for future resources. Fees have paid for repairing and upgrading roads, generations. They protect Road Conditions campgrounds, trails, picnic areas, and restrooms. They have natural and historic fea - 1-800-427-7623 (Caltrans) improved visitor centers, updated exhibits, and modernized tures while offering Partners in the Parks naturalist slide programs. light-on-the-land recre - This guide, first published in 1974 as ation. Park rangers the Sequoia Bark, is published by the ENTRANCE FEE OPTIONS work for the National Sequoia Natural His tory As so ciation Park Service, part of the (SNHA) and printed by • 7-day pass for Sequoia & Kings Canyon, and for Department of the Willems Commercial Printing, Inc. District of Sequoia Na tional Forest/Giant Sequoia National Interior. The following groups work Monument (GSNM) : $20 per vehicle (private, non-commer - National forests, managed together to provide the information: cial) or $10 per person on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or bus. for “multiple use, provide servic - National Park Service (NPS) es and commodities that may Malinee Crapsey, Editor •12- Month Pass for Sequoia & Kings Canyon, and for Hume include lumber, cattle grazing, 1-559-565-3341 minerals, as well as www.nps.gov/seki Lake District of Sequoia Na tional Forest/GSNM : $30 admits all passengers in a private vehicle for one year from month of recreation with and Sequoia Natural History purchase. Not valid at Crystal Cave. without vehicles. Association (SNHA) Forest rangers work 1- 559-565-3759 •12-Month America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass : for the U.S. Forest www.sequoia hist ory. org Service, an agency in Sequoia Parks Foundation Cost $80. Valid for entrance fees at Federal recreation sites the Department of 1-559-739-1668 including National Parks, National Forests, FWS, BLM, & Agriculture. www.sequoia fund. org Bureau of Reclamation. Admits all passengers in a single private Both agencies manage wilder - U.S. Forest Service & Giant Sequoia non-commercial vehicle where per-vehicle fees are charged, or ness and other areas where they National Monument (USFS) the passholder plus up to 3 persons (age 16 & older) for per- strive for maximum protection of 1- 559-784-1500 person fee areas, for 12 months. Not valid at Crystal Cave. natural resources. For example, www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia part of Sequoia National Forest Delaware North Companies • Seniors: America the Beautiful Interagency Pass : $10 one- has been designated Giant Parks & Resorts (DNCPR) time fee buys a lifetime pass for entrance fees for U.S. citizens & Sequoia National Monument to 1-888-252-5757 permanent residents 62 or over. (Previously issued Golden Age emphasize protection of sequoias. www.visitsequoia.com passes remain valid.) Not valid at Crystal Cave. Parks, forests, and monuments Kings Canyon Park Services (KCPS) have some different rules in order 1- 866-KCANYON (522-6966) to meet their goals. Read “Where www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com • Accessibility: America the Beautiful Interagency Access can I...” on the next page to learn Pass : Free to blind or permanently disabled U.S. citizens and what activities are permitted U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) permanent residents. Take appropriate documentation to any 1- 559-565-3171 where. Despite confusion over www.werc.usgs.gov park visitor center. (Previously issued Golden Access passes names, we get a wide range of Page 1 illustrations ©SNHA by Rick Wheeler remain valid.) Not valid at Crystal Cave. benefits from these diverse areas. 2 WINTER 2009-10 SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS Partner with parks Two non-profit park partners The Sequoia Parks can help you to help the parks, Foundation raises funds for Free Activities and everyone benefits: projects that enhance these Become a member of the parks. Be part of their efforts! Sequoia Natural History Beetle Rock Center in the Association (SNHA) and get would not still discounts in park book stores exist without the help of the WALKS & TALKS Free ranger-led talks, walks, or snowshoe and on activities including Foundation. They funded the walks may be offered at Giant Forest, Wuksachi, Grant Grove, seminars, the winter Pear Lake remodel of the historic building and the Foothills. See pages 8 and 9 or check bulletin boards Ski Hut, and the summer tours into an education center. and visitor centers to see what is scheduled. in Crystal Cave. Join at any Together with the SNHA, they visitor center or go online at made use of this facility possible VISITOR CENTERS & PARK STORES Each one offers www.sequoiahistory.org. for us all. different exhibits to enjoy. Park stores in each visitor center The Foundation is also raising sell a wide variety of books, maps, postcards, posters, and funds for trailwork and for the other items. Remember: All your purchases in visitor centers Rangers in the Classroom pro - help to support the parks! See pages 8 and 9 for details. gram. It has also started an ini - JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM - FREE tiative to explore these fabulous People of all ages earn a badge while helping to protect parks through art. Ask for infor - resources. Those 5 to 8 years old earn the Jay Award. If you mation at a visitor center, or go are 9 to 12 years old, work for a Raven Award. Ages 13 to 103 to www.sequoiaparksfounda - earn an Arrowhead Award. Pick up a free Jr. Ran ger booklet tion.org to learn how you can in any visitor center. Follow the instructions and have fun! help advance your interests in these parks. TEACHERS: - BRING YOUR CLASS TO THE PARKS! Fun, curricu - lum-based programs for 2 nd , Pear Lake Ski Hut , operated by rd th th the Sequoia Natural History 3 , 4 , and 6 -grades in spring Association, sits in a granite basin and fall. Topics include geolo - high above Lodgepole. At 9,200 feet gy, sequoias, Native Americans, elevation (2804m), it is surrounded and other cultural history. For by glistening snowfields, icy rock details or to reserve a date, call walls, and a deep blue sky. Six 1-559-565-4303. strenuous miles on skis or snow - shoes get you to its ten - RANGER IN YOUR bunk-beds and warm wood-pellet CLASSROOM! Bring the stove. It’s a great opportunity to Recent contributions have helped to parks to your elementary stu - experience the winter glory of the improve and repair two very dents and let them discover High Sierra. Call 559-565-3759 popular trails: Zumwalt Meadow these world-famous parks from (reservations are required) and and Tokopah Falls. We extended the their own classroom. Call check the website above for winter boardwalk along Zumwalt 1-559-565-3733 to learn more. travel seminars with the SNHA. Meadow, increasing accessibility.

HAVE A FIRE? In the Parks: Only CUT WOOD? Not in the Parks. in fire grills in campgrounds & In National Forest: Call WHERE CAN I... some picnic areas. In National Hume Lake Ranger District Forest: Free fire permits are for permit & guidelines: 559- You are visiting two different SNOWMOBILE? Not in the required, even for gas stoves and 338-2251. areas - a National Park (NPS) Parks. In National Forest: Only lanterns. Some areas are more on designated snowmobile GO FISHING? In both areas: and a National Forest and restricted than others. Get per - Permitted during the season; Monument (USFS). Some routes. Snowmobile trailheads mits at Kings Canyon Park Visitor are at Big Meadows, Quail Flat, Cal ifornia fishing licenses re - activities that are illegal in the Center (in Grant Grove) or USFS quired for ages 16 & up. Ask & Cherry Gap. For information: office in Dunlap on Hwy 180. Park may be legal in the Forest 1-559-243-4005. for cop ies of park reg u la tions. (see page 2 to learn more). Use RIDE A BICYCLE? In the Parks: GO CAMPING? In the Parks: a map to know where you are! Keep bikes on roads only, not on • RIDE HORSEBACK Only in numbered sites in any trail (other than the designated WALK A PET? In the Parks: designated campgrounds. In Closed until late spring. Call Not on any trails but it’s o.k. 100 bike trail in Cedar Grove). regarding hourly rides, National For est: In camp - In the National Forest: Ask a feet from roads in developed grounds or, unless posted other - backcountry spot trips, & areas (picnic areas, camp - ranger which trails permit guided trips then. wise, near roadsides. Pull safely bicycles. In both areas: Be careful grounds, roads). In National off the road, no further. Cedar Grove Forest: Pets can go on trails. & courteous near ped es trians & GO PICNICKING? See picnic 1-559-565-3464 summer In both areas: Pets must be on a horses. People younger than 18 symbols on map (back page). 1-559-337-2314 off season leash less than 6 feet (1.8m) long. must wear helmets. Never leave food unattended! Grant Grove Don’t leave pets in hot cars. DRIVE OFF-ROAD? Not in either 1-559-335-9292 summer Check bulletin boards for fire area. Stay on roads. COLLECT THINGS? Not in the restrictions. Most sites have 1-559-337-2314 off season Parks: Leave everything to play tables, restrooms & fire grills, HUNT? Not in the Parks. Firearms Horse Corral its natural role in the ecosystem. except: No fire grills at Foothills are subject to state & federal regu - at Big Meadows in Sequoia In National Forest: Keeping a & Sandy Cove. No fires permit - lations, and strongly discuouraged. National Forest few cones or rocks for personal ted at Lodgepole & Crescent In National Forest: Only during 1-559-565-3404 summer use is permitted. In both areas: Meadow. No water at Halstead, the season with a license. Call 1-559-564-6429 off season Archeo logical sites & artifacts Powdercan, Lodgepole, & 1-559-243-4005. 1-559-679-3573 cell are protected by law. Crescent Meadow. & SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST / GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT WINTER 2009-10 3 WILDERNESS Changes: Natural & unnatural OVERNIGHTS A permit is required for each overnight trip at any time of year. We often think of parks as outdoor museums. Caretaking a living ecosystem, Each park trail has a daily entry however, is very different than protecting unchanging objects. quota for overnight trips, and from late May to late September a Both natural features and human facilities may be different each time you visit Both are changing wilderness camping fee of $15 is all the time. How we take care of features and facilities may also affect your visit. You won’t notice required. Both quotas and fees are the ozone monitor that works 24 hours a day, but you will see other activities such as revegetation, used to help protect your wilder - road work, painting, or trail maintenance. Some activities may unavoidably affect you, such as smoke ness environment and experience. (They are not required for day from a prescribed fire, campsite closures due to revegetation, or bear management. hikes, or for overnights in the adja - The park staff uses such actions as tools to maintain the landscape and protect its inhabitants and cent Monarch and Jennie Lakes visitors. Your visit gives you but a snapshot of this process; Nature decides the timing of many of these wildernesses in US Forest Service. actions. They all share one goal: preservation of these parks for us all, now and in the future. However, a free fire permit is required for any open flame on USFS land.) Fire: A natural change Camping or sleeping in vehicles in the park's "frontcountry" is per - Years ago, we tried to banish fire from the land - mitted only in campgrounds. It is scape, believing it was destructive. In sequoia not allowed in parking lots, pull- groves, that meant putting out lightning-caused outs, picnic areas, or trailheads. fires that naturally start as frequently as every 5 to Late May to late September : 15 years. Get your permit at the park permit As time passed, we saw unanticipated conse - station/visitor center nearest your quences from this. Fire suppression blocked trailhead (see pages 8 & 9). If the quota for your preferred trail is important ecological processes and caused many full, choose another trail for that problems. Two problems were glaring: day or another day to start (if space First, sequoias were not reproducing. We is available). Permits are not issued learned that fires create the conditions that after mid-afternoon as minimum sequoias need to regenerate: They create a fertile distances must be reached before you camp. Requests to reserve a ash seedbed and they open the forest canopy, permit for a certain date during allowing sunlight to reach the seedlings. this period are accepted beginning Second, dead wood and small, dense white fir March 1 and at least 2 weeks trees increased tremendously. Natural fires used to before your start date. Reserved burn these away frequently. Now, after fire’s long permits must be issued either after absence, these fuels feed bigger blazes that are more 1pm the day before or by 9am on the day of departure. If delayed, dangerous for people, property, plants, and wildlife. call the Wilderness Office or you They burn hotter and are harder to put out. may lose the reservation: For over 40 years at Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Wilderness Permit Reservations we have studied fire and its effects on the land. 47050 #60 Now, to protect human safety and benefit giant Three Rivers, CA 93271 sequoia trees, the National Park Service works with 1-559-565-3766; Fax 565-4239 fire to gain the benefits it brings. From late September to late When and where it’s appropriate, we may ignite May , self-issue your permit at the station closest to your starting trail - prescribed fires or allow lightning-caused fires to head (check locally for locations). spread naturally, reducing fuels and improving For more details, visit Wilderness resource conditions. Strong evidence shows that we Information at www.nps.gov/seki/ are succeeding. planyourvisit/wilderness.htm or call. Fire in the Sierra usually hugs the ground. Why is this important? The National Park System Its low flames clear dangerous built-up fuels. exists to conserve resources “unimpaired for the HIGH SIERRA LODGE Without it, these fuels would feed intense, enjoyment of future generations.” We once thought • BEARPAW MEADOW CAMP hard-to-control wildfires. The natural burn that aggressive fire suppression met this goal. A (DNCPR) www.visitsequoia.com pattern includes occa sion al hot spots. more complete understanding of fire tells us that Reservations required; taken These leave important openings in the forest — excluding this important natural agent of change starting 1/2/10.1-888-252-5757. the sunny, bare places where sequoia trees only hurts what we are trying to protect. Open mid-June to mid- regenerate best. ©NPS Photo September. Tent hotel at 7800´ on the , an 11- Unnatural change: Alien invaders! mile hike from Giant Forest. Plants and animals evolve together in Two immediate threats: communities over time. Often they keep each Star thistle is one of the most damaging other in check. When species get brought in non-natives in the state. Dense, thorny from other places, the newcomers may multi - patches completely exclude native plants, ply wildly since the competitors, predators and limit wildlife movements. Not yet estab - and diseases they evolved with in their home lished here! If you recognize it from your communities are not here. They break links in home or travels, make sure not to bring it in. the local web of life, badly disrupting species that depend on each other. Sometimes they New Zealand Mud Snails take over water - completely replace native plants and animals. ways that they invade, eating most of the Practice alien hygiene! Look for seeds and food. Due to their biology, just one snail can NEW tiny animals attached to shoes, clothes, waders, start a huge population! They stick on gear; ZEALAND equipment, tires, and pet fur. Wash mud from check boots & waders thoroughly for this MUD under cars and on tires before coming into the tiny invader. Common just east of the parks. SNAIL parks. The natives will thank you! STAR THISTLE Could easily be carried into the High Sierra. 4 WINTER 2009-10 SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS RATTLESNAKES are especially CELL PHONES rarely work well YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY! common in the foothills. Watch in these mountains; don’t rely on Natural areas present hazards: Rocks roll, trees topple, limbs where you put your them. Note where pay telephones drop without warning. Wild animals, uneven ground, and hands and are available (pages 8- 9); dial 9-1-1 changing weather can pose dangers. People create other haz- feet! They in an emergency. Calling cards are ards through campfires, traffic, snowplay, and poor decisions. are protect - often required. Drowning causes most deaths here. Some victims walking ed; do not COUGARS roam all of these near rivers fell in; others didn’t understand river currents. kill them. parks. They rarely attack people and Park staff work to reduce risks, but your safety is in your Most bit es pets, but be aware. Avoid hiking own hands. Keep alert. Read warnings. Ask a ranger for advice. result from handling alone. Watch children closely; never or teasing. Very few people die, but let them run ahead. If you see a tissue damage can be severe. If bit - cougar, convince it that you are not ten, avoid panic and call 911. prey and may be dangerous to it: LIGHTNING : If you see dark • Do not run. They may think you clouds or lightning or hear thunder, are prey and chase. Face the lion. get inside a large build ing or a vehi - • Pick up children. Be Safe! cle (not convertible), if possible. Do • Try to appear as large as possi - not stand under trees or in shallow ble. Don’t crouch or try to hide. caves. Avoid projecting above the • Hold your ground or back away surrounding landscape such as slowly, still facing the cougar. standing on a ridge, on , • If it acts ag gres sively, wave your DROWNING : It is the #1 cause of TICKS : Common in foot hill and or in open mea dows. Stay away hands, shout, and throw stones death in national parks. Be extra Kings Canyon grasses; check your - from open water, wire fences, or sticks at it. careful along rivers and streams; self after a walk. Their bite and metal railings, which can carry • If attacked, fight back! falling in is as dangerous as swim - is painless, but a percentage lightning from a distance. • Report any cougar sightings. ming. Once in a river, getting out carry Lyme disease. Remove WEST NILE VIRUS is passed by EXPLORE SAFELY : Avoid going can be nearly impossible. Rocks are them carefully with tweezers; bites from infected mosquitos. alone. Tell someone your plans smooth and slippery; swift, cold seek a doctor’s advice. Human illness is not common, but and return time. Keep your eyes water rapidly saps your strength. GIARDIA in lakes and streams take steps to avoid mosquito bites. and ears open for potential hazards PLAGUE : Please do not feed or can cause intestinal upset. Iodine above and around you. Slow down CARBON MONOXIDE : This touch ANY park animals. Fleas on and other chemicals may not be as and share roads and trails with odorless, colorless gas can be fatal. rodents can carry plague. Deer reliable as heat in killing bac teria people and wildlife. Never burn charcoal in closed mice feces can carry hantavirus. and Giardia, but can be effective if spaces, e.g. a tent, camper, or RV. SAFE DRINKING WATER : used properly. Boil drinking water POISON OAK : The 13 park water systems are test - at least 3 minutes. OZONE POLLUTION : See air- Common in the ed to insure that they meet state quality forecasts in visitor centers. foothills! Red leaves HYPOTHERMIA : This life-threat - and federal standards. Annual Most ozone rises into the Sierra with whitish berries ening condition can occur year- Consumer Con fidence Reports are on warm winds. Levels of this in fall, bare in win - round. Stay dry and snack often. If available. colorless gas are highest May to ter; shiny green others don’t respond to the need October, peaking in late afternoon. OPERATION NO-GROW leaves in groups of for warmer clothes or are stum - The peaks sometimes reach Keep parks safe, natural, and free three in spring. Ask bling, forgetful, or extremely tired “unhealthy” state/federal stan - from illegal activities, including mar - a ranger to show and drowsy, get warm sugary dards, and can affect respiratory ijuana growing! Report suspicious you. If you touch any part of it, drinks into them immediately. Get systems. Ozone forms from gases in activities: 1-888-NPS-CRIME. wash skin and clothes right away. them into dry clothing, sleeping car and factory exhaust. bags, and shelter. single file, with traffic. Wear • Redwood Mountain Road WWIINNTTEERR RROOAADD RRUULLEESS light colors after dark. People is unpaved. Not plowed. under 18 must wear a helmet. • Panoramic Point Road closes EXPECT ICY, SLICK ROADS GET SNOW OFF CAR ROOFS LENGTH ADVISORY with first snow. No trailers or SLOW DOWN . Sudden speed or It slides onto the windshield On the 12 narrow miles from motorhomes. stopping causes skids. Allow 6 and blocks the driver’s vision. Potwisha Campground to Giant • Big Meadows , Quail Flat/ seconds of stopping distance DON’T LOSE YOUR BRAKES Forest Museum in Sequoia Park, Ten Mile , Converse Basin (USFS): between cars. Check antifreeze, Always down shift going down - advised maximum vehicle All are partially unpaved and battery, wipers, chains and hill. In automatic cars, put the length is 22 feet (6.7m). Max- close with snow. road conditions before you N EQUOIA ATIONAL ARK gear shift on 1, 2 or L. imum limit on the Gen er als I S N P – come: 24-hour recorded infor - Highway is 40 feet (12m) for • Crystal Cave Road closes late mation 1-559-565-3341 (press 9, SNOWPLOWS RULE single vehicles, 50 feet (15m) for October to mid-May. then 4). Motorcyclists: Avoid oil Plows may operate day & night, veh i cl es plus a towed unit. Alter- • Road reopens buildup in center of lanes. moving with or against traffic. natives: Hwy 180 from Fresno is 5/28/09 (snowmelt permitting). If you see one, watch for signals ALWAYS CARRY CHAINS straighter, less steep, and wid er. •Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow from the plow operator. Slow that fit your tires and comply If towing a car, camp in the Road closes with first snows; down but do not stop. with signs to use them. Buy or foothills and use the car. reopens with spring melt. No drinking water along this road. rent chains outside the parks. FILL YOUR GAS TANK FIRST WINTER ROAD CLOSURES Snow tires are often required; No gas stations lie within the • South Fork Road is partially IN KINGS CANYON PARK & NATIONAL most cars have them. Check the park. Fill up in nearby Three unpaved. Slippery when wet. FOREST /M ONUMENT – Rivers, Clingan’s Junction, or the • Road to Middle Fork Trail is side of the tire for M/S, M+S, or • Generals Highway (the main unpaved; slippery when wet. a snowflake symbol. National Forest’s Hume Lake park road) closes for plowing Road closes for winter; park at (1-559-335-2000) 24 hours with EMERGENCY CAR REPAIRS from Wuksachi to junction with Hospital Rock Picnic Area. For a tow: 1-559-565-3341 then credit card: 11 miles (18 km) Hwy 180 during & after storms. north of Grant Grove via Hwy LET OTHERS PASS press zero (24 hours). Depending on snowfall, closure Slower vehicles must use paved In Sequoia Park only, AAA is 180. Grant Grove Market sells may last for hours or weeks. cans of emerg ency gas. turnouts to let traffic pass. Park available for out-of-gas, lock • Highway 180 to Cedar Grove and drive only on pavement. outs, minor repairs, jump starts : BICYCLES closed mid-November until late 1-559- 565-4070 (24 hours). Ride only on roads (not trails), April due to rockfall. GO SLOW FOR WILDLIFE! & SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST / GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT WINTER 2009-10 5 THE FOOTHILLS MIDDLE FORK : Leading through GRANT GROVE NEARBY VIEWPOINTS Grove. It offers 10 miles (16km) of GRANT GROVE marked winter routes, including a The lower elevations offer wonderful chapparal to highcountry, the OVERLOOKS & VIEWS: For a The only plowed trail is the ski trail to the Chicago Stump at winter visits -- green and usually first miles offer views of Moro view of the High Sierra, drive to Grant Tree loop. Beware of the edge of Converse Basin grove. snowless! The foothills house more Rock and Cas tle Rocks. Park at Kings Canyon Overlook , about slipping on ice on the path! Virtually every mature sequoia in biological diversity (different kinds of Hospital Rock. Walk toward 6 miles (9.5 km) south of Grant this huge grove was felled early in plants and animals) than the conifer Buckeye Flat Camp ground but Rent skis or snowshoes at the Grove on the Generals Highway. forests and High Sierra combined. turn left on the dirt road before Highlights Grant Grove Market. Buy a ski the 1900s. The stump is a remnant For a look out over the Kings Flowers appear in January. Ticks ap - the campground. Go 1.3 miles (2 trail map and follow the colored of a tree taken to exhibit at the Canyon, drive the Hume Lake pear in December; watch out for km) to a parking area. Panther markers on trees. See pages 8-9 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Road, 8 miles (13 km) north of them and poison oak (see page 5). Creek Falls is 3 miles (5 km) be - for details on snowplay areas. South of Grant Grove on the Grant Grove on Hwy 180. yond that. Use caution at stream KINGS CANYON PARK VISITOR Generals Highway are two trail - HOSPITAL ROCK PICNIC AREA: crossings. About 6 miles (9.5 km) south of heads with restrooms: Western once lived EXPLORING IN WINTER CENTER: Explore the exhibits Grant Grove, across the Generals here; ex hibits offer insight into SOUTH FORK and see the film about this park. Highway from the Quail Flat junc - • Quail Flat ( 6 miles/9.6km south their life style. A trail built by the These trails start at tiny South BE SAFE : Review safety advice on page 5. Carry a map, warm clothes, and TALKS & SNOWSHOE WALKS: tion, Redwood Canyon Over- of Hwy 180) has 23 miles (37km) Civilian Conservation Corps leads Fork Campground (closed for water. Orient yourself before heading out and tell someone where you are Check local schedules to see if a look faces west over one of the of trails and snowmobile routes. to a waterfall; 1/4-mile round-trip. winter), at the end of a 13-mile going. You are on your own in the winter woods. ranger-led walk is taking place. world’s largest sequoia groves. Some connect to Big Meadows. Careful! People often drown here. road that leaves Hwy 198 at the Showshoes are loaned for free! west end of Three Rivers. This TRAVEL ON SNOW : There is plenty to see from wintry roadsides, but Early studies in this grove re - MARBLE FALLS: This trail climbs • Big Meadows (8 miles/13km partly unpaved road can be very try skis or snowshoes. You don’t need to go far or fast, and it’s a great way to TREE: The vealed the strong positive relation - 3.9 miles (6 km) through chaparral south of Hwy 180) offers 23 miles slippery when wet. enjoy the snowy forest. only trail in the area that is ship between fire and sequoia to a lovely cascade. Park across plowed in winter. General Grant reproduction. (37km) of marked, groomed trails the main road from Potwisha LADYBUG : Hike along the South WALKERS & SNOWSHOERS : Don’t walk in ski tracks. Your foot - is the world’s third-largest living and routes that traverse meadows Campground (no non-camper Fork of the Kaweah River in the prints harden and catch ski tips, making it dangerous for skiers. tree (see the story below). Visit USFS NATIONAL and forest. One route goes to the parking in the campground). From upper foot hills (moderately historic Gamlin Cabin and the 1916 Buck Rock Fire Lookout (the the trailhead near site #14, follow steep). From the campground, VISIT THE SNOW FOREST: Conical-shaped trees evolved to catch Fallen Monarch along this 1/3- FOREST tower is closed in winter). Explore Giant Sequoia Na - the dirt road across the concrete cross the river via footbridge. The less snow, minimizing the amount that weighs them down. Flexible mile (.5 km) paved trail. A guide is branches bend to dump what snow has piled up when it gets too heavy. tional Mon ument, a part of Se qu- ditch. The trail starts on the right. trail ends 3 miles (5 km) up sold at the visitor center. North THE FLOOR OF oia National For est (see page 2 at one of the lowest-elevation Conifer needles are tough and slippery, so snow tends to slide off easily. and west of the visitor center 1 PARADISE CREEK : Park at Hospital for details). Check page 5 for THE KINGS sequoia groves. mile (1.6 km). Rock and walk to Buck-eye Flat WATCH FOR WILDLIFE SIGNS : Deer, cougars, bobcats, martens, road closures. CANYON Camp ground. Follow the footpath GARFIELD : A steep 5-mile (8.3 PANORAMIC POINT ROAD: CANYON weasels, coyotes, and Douglas squirrels (called chickarees) may be active all Three USFS trailheads offer snow - Highway 180 down into the across from site #26 and c ross the km) one-way climb to Garfield Once snow flies this becomes a year. Bears may stay active, so continue to store food properly (see page 10). play, cross-country ski trails, and canyon closes in winter due to rock footbridge over the Middle Fork. The seq uoia grove. Start on the south ski or snowshoe trail to a spectac - Winter birds greet you from the trees: ravens, juncos, chickadees, red- snowmobile routes. Rent skis, snow - falling from the canyon walls onto trail then fol l ows Paradise Creek, not side of the river in the camp - ular vista of the High Sierra. Park breasted nuthatches, brown creepers, and white-headed woodpeckers, to shoes, or buy snowplay equipment at the road. You can get a good view the Middle Fork, for 1-1/2 miles (1.6 ground. at Grant Village, go east through name a few. Look for the sweep of wings in the snow where an owl caught a Grant Grove or Montecito Lake Re - out over the canyon between Hume km) before grow ing faint. the visitor center parking lot, left rodent for dinner. sort (see page 9 for details). Ask for Lake Road junction on Hwy 180 and around the meadow, then right at information and a map at Kings Hume Lake. The road reopens mid- the sign “Panoramic Point 2.3 Canyon Visitor Center: April; return then if you can to enjoy miles (3.7 km).” It’s 1/4 mile (.4 one of our nation’s deepest gorges. IN km) up to the viewpoint. The 4- • Cherry Gap is on Highway 180 See page 9 “In the Kings Canyon” mile (6.4 km) round-trip Park it is very dangerous. A spectacular 2.5 miles (4km) north of Grant for details. GIANT FOREST tions permit, the upper trail and Ridge Trail begins here. parking stay open (take the view of the Rent snowshoes and cross-coun - Wolverton Road between the Sher - and the western half of the park. try skis downstairs at Wuksachi man Tree and Lodgepole and fol - 2 miles (3.2 km) from the Generals Lodge, and purchase a ski-trail low signs). From there you walk Highway. IN KINGS CANYON PARK map. Talk to a ranger, then care - down to the tree. While this upper TUNNEL LOG : A fallen sequoia fully follow the yellow triangular option is open, the lower parking 84 th Annual Nation’s markers above eye level on trees that was tunneled through. The area along the Generals Highway only tree you can ski through in Christmas Tree Ceremony (other than sequoias). requires an accessibility permit for these parks. 2.7 miles (4.3 km) December 13, 2008 at 2:30 pm GIANT FOREST MUSEUM : The parking. from the Generals Highway. best place to start your visit and If the upper trail is too steep and Held annually at the base of the General Grant Tree CRESCENT MEADOW : Several learn about the Big Trees . you don’t have an official placard, on the 2 nd Sunday of December trails connect here. It is 1 mile (1.6 just ask for one at any visitor cen - BIG TREES TRAIL : This 2/3-mile (1 km) from here to Tharp’s Log, the ter. If you can walk down but not This event celebrates both the holiday season km) trail (no yellow markers) circles hollow fallen sequoia lived in by back up, have your driver pick you and two honors given to the General Grant Tree: Round Meadow. Colorful trailside Giant Forest’s first settler. The sum - up at the lower parking area on panels describe sequoia ecology. mer High Sierra Trail runs 71 miles the Generals Highway. Park at Giant Forest Museum or, (114 km) to Mt. Whit ney (highest - Coolidge designated it the official once it is plowed, the small lot Nation’s Christmas Tree in 1926 (the “National MORO ROCK/CRESCENT peak in thelower 48 states at near Round Meadow. Then ski or 14,494 feet/ 4417 m). Christmas Tree” is lit on the Mall in , snowshoe on either side of the MEADOW ROAD D.C.); and road (not in the road). This 3-mile (5 km), dead-end road - In 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower When there is no snow, paved closes in winter to become a ski proclaimed the tree the only living National trails lead from the north end of and snowshoe trail. It begins at the MINERAL KING Shrine, and had his personal representative, Giant Forest Museum on the the museum plaza, around the The steep road to Fleet Admiral Nimitz, officially dedicated it Generals High way, crosses the meadow, and back via the other this subalpine val - on Veteran’s Day that year. southwest portions of the se - side of the road. ley closed at the quoia grove, and ends at Cres - TREE : park boundary as Each year during the ceremony, park rangers cent Meadow. Highlights Once much snow flies, access to of November 1; it place a large wreath at the base of this giant sequoia in clude: the world’s largest tree is from the reopens May 28, if in memory of men and women who gave their lives parking area along the Generals MORO ROCK : A granite weather permits. in service to their country. Caroling and readings are Highway. The trail from there is dome with a steep 1/4-mile Skis or snowshoes also part of the ceremony. not plowed, but snow is usually (.4 km) staircase to the summit are required for The event is sponsored by the Sanger Chamber packed down enough to walk on (300 foot /91 m elevation winter visits. Page of Commerce. Parking is limited. Chartered buses it. Through mid-winter, if condi - gain). Don’t climb if there is 8 has more details. from Sanger are available. Information: any ice or snow on the stairs; 559-875-4575.

6 WINTER 2009-10 SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS & SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST / GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT WINTER 2009-10 7 FACILITIES IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK Giant Forest Area Foothills Area GIANT FOREST SEQUOIA GROVE 500-3500’ (457-1067 m) elevation. Characterized by chaparral, 6400’ (1950m) elevation. Home of the world’s biggest trees, it oaks, river canyons, hot summers and snow-free winters, the offers 40 miles (64 km) of walking trails. For nearby picnic areas foothills offer year-round interest. Park headquarters is here see page 3 and the map on page 12. See Highlights on page 6. at Ash Mountain. • Visitor Center (NPS) : Daily 8am-4:30pm. Exhibits, books, maps, • Giant Forest Museum (NPS) : Daily 9am-4:30pm. Exhibits about bear canisters, first aid, local wilderness permits. 1-559-565-4212. the Big Trees. Books, maps, first aid. 1-559-565-4480. No pay - • Camping (NPS) : At Potwisha (year-round) & Buckeye Flat (last phone; closest are at Lodgepole & Wolverton (don’t rely on cells). night open 9/29). Details on page 11. • Pay Telephones (cell phone signals are usually poor): Foothills CRYSTAL CAVE - Scheduled reopening May 8, 2010 Visitor Center near front door; Potwisha Campground, Hospital One of the park’s highlights! See page 3 for details & schedule. Rock Picnic Area (on restroom wall). Lodgepole Area Mineral King Area LODGEPOLE VILLAGE The road into this area closed November 1. 6700’ (2040 m) elevation. A few miles north of Giant Forest, in It will reopen May 28, conditions permitting. beautiful Tokopah Canyon along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah 7800’ (2380 m) elevation. A subalpine valley at the end of a River. For nearby picnic areas see page 3 & the map on page 12. 1 steep, narrow, difficult road (allow 1 ⁄2 hours to drive; closes INFORMATION (NPS) 11/1). No RVs, buses, or trailers, please. No electricity or gaso - • Wilderness Permits : Required for backcountry overnight trips. line. Self-register outside along the front wall of the visitor center. See • Ranger Station (NPS): Closed. Self issue permits on porch). page 4 for details. • Pay Telephones: Cold Springs Campground, Sawtooth parking • Visitor Center : Closed for the season. Pay phone outside. area. Cell phone signals are extremely poor. FOOD & SHOPS (DNCPR) - closed for the season • Silver City Mountain Resort : Reopens in spring with the road. • Lodgepole Market, Gift Shop, & Laundry: Scheduled to Pay telephone. 1-559-561-3223; ww.silvercityresort.com. reopen 04/02/2010, 10am-4:30pm. • Camping (NPS): No RVs or trailers. Details: page 11. • Showers & Snack Bar : Scheduled to reopen 04/30/2010. • Deli : Scheduled to reopen 05/28/2010. Wuksachi LODGE & DINING ROOM (DNCPR) OTHER SERVICES (DNCPR) 7200’ (2160 m) elevation. Year-round center for lodging & food • U.S. Post Office : Weekdays 8am-1pm & 2-4pm. 1-559-565-3678. services in Sequoia; 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the Sherman Tree. • Lodgepole Campground (NPS) : Year round. Details on page 11. • Dining Room: Daily 7:30am-9:30pm, 11:30am-2:30pm, • Pay Telephones: Outside visitor center & market (poor cell signals). 5-8:30pm. Dinner reservations required. Box lunches available. 1-559-565-4070. Lounge daily 5-8:30pm. • Gift Shop: Daily 8am-8pm. Film, souvenirs, crafts, clothing. • Alta Ski Shop: Limited groceries/supplies. Ski/snowshoe rentals available when conditions permit. Daily 10am-6pm (opens 9am when conditions permit skiing) through early April. • Wuksachi Lodge: See page 10 for details. Front desk: 24 hours. • Pay Telephones : At main lodge. Cell-phone signals often poor. Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts and the National Park Foundation have made it easy for Wuksachi Lodge guests to contribute to these parks. Ask about the Guest Donation Program when you check in! FREE NATURE PROGRAMS

AT GIANT FOREST & LODGEPOLE • Park rangers may offer free walks and talks on weekends. Check local bulletin boards and visitor centers for details. Snowshoe walks may be offered at the higher elevations once conditions permit. IN THE FOOTHILLS Programs are offered on weekends from late December through April. Check locally for details. From late January to early spring, Sequoia National Park will host Sequoia Speaks , a speaker series at the Three Rivers Arts Center. Stop by the Foothills Visitor Center for topics, dates, times, and directions. All are welcome! 8 WINTER 2009-10 SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS FACILITIES IN KINGS CANYON PARK & USFS Grant Grove Area Paying Your Entrance Fee at GRANT GROVE VILLAGE Kings Canyon in Grant Grove 6600’ (2008 m) elevation. This was originally General Grant National Park, created in 1890 to protect sequoias from logging. Stop at the kiosk in front of the Kings Canyon Visitor Center Here are both a pristine grove & one that was logged in the in Grant Grove to purchase the required park and forest entrance fee or show your pass. 1800s. One fee covers your visit to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon INFORMATION National Parks and to Sequoia National Forest! • Kings Canyon Park Visitor Center (NPS) : Daily 9am-4:30pm. Exhibits & movie in English & Spanish. Books, maps, first aid, 1 bear canisters. Local wilderness permits issued up to ⁄2- hour USFS: National Forest & Monument before closing. 1-559-565-4307. Pay telephone outside. HUME LAKE & BIG MEADOWS AREAS (FS) FOOD & SHOPS (KCPS) Giant Sequoia National Monument, part of Sequoia National • Restaurant : Daily 9am-2pm & 5-7pm (8pm on Friday-Saturday). Forest, borders much of the western edge of these National • Market, Gift Shop, & Cross-Country Skis & Snowshoe Rental : Parks. You are in National Forest when you drive between park Daily 9am-6pm (7pm on Friday-Saturday). Supplies, food, snow- areas Lodgepole and Grant Grove, and between Grant Grove and play toys, film, clothing, sandwiches, bear canisters, and cans of Cedar Grove (see page 2, Parks and Forests). Sold to the govern - emergency gasoline. ATM. Ski & snowshoe rentals begin when ment as a Forest Reserve in 1935, it is an excellent place to see enough snow covers the ground. sequoias recovering from intensive logging in the late 1800s. OTHER SERVICES PAY TELEPHONES • Camping & Lodging : See page 10-11. Lodge front desk 7am- Cell-phone signals are usually poor. Calling cards may be required. 10pm, 559-335-5500. • Between & Grant Grove: Summer only at • Post Office : Hours may vary. Monday-Friday 9am-3:30 pm; Sat- Stony Creek Resort & Big Meadows trailhead. urday 10-noon. Lobby open 24 hours. Send mail for visitors c/o • Between Grant Grove & Cedar Grove : Hume Lake (year round; General Delivery, Kings Canyon NP, CA 93633. 1-559-335-2499. see Hume Lake below); Kings Canyon Lodge (summer only). • Stables/Horseback Riding : Details on page 3. Closed for winter. INFORMATION • USFS Hume Lake District Office (FS): 35860 E. Kings Canyon • Pay Telephones : Available 24 hours at Kings Canyon Visitor Road (Hwy 180) in Dunlap, 19 miles (31 km) west of Kings Center (booth by front door); & outside gift shop, market, & post Canyon park entrance at Big Stump. Open 8am-4:30pm week - office. They use calling cards only. days. Maps & books sold. 1-559-338-2251; In the Kings Canyon www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia. Highway 180 is closed from the Hume Lake Road junction LODGING & OTHER SERVICES into the canyon due to regular, heavy rockfall that occurs • Camping (FS) & Lodging (private): See pages 10 & 11 for details. • Montecito Lake Resort (FS permittee): Open all year. A resort once temperatues drop. CalTrans reopens it in mid-April. on public land. On Generals Highway 9 miles (14.5km) south of CEDAR GROVE VILLAGE - Closed for the season Grant Grove. Breakfast 8-9am, lunch 12-1pm, dinner 6-7pm. 4600’ (1410 m) elevation. This glaciated valley features towering Cabins, hotel, activities. 1-800-227-9900 or 1-559-565-3388. granite cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and the powerful . • Hume Lake: Year-round private facilities open to public: 24- hour laundry (coin operated) & gas station (with credit card). Market & snack shop . North of Grant Grove 8 miles (13km) on Hwy 180 then right on Hume Lake Road 3 miles (5km). 1-559- 335-2000. • Boyden Cavern : Closed for the season. Reopens when Highway 180 opens in spring. On Hwy 180 between Grant Grove & Cedar Grove. Daily tours, gift shop. 1-559-338-0959. • Stony Creek Village (FS): Closed for the season. On Generals Highway south of Grant Grove. 1-866-KCANYON; 1-559-565-3909. GASOLINE SALES on FOREST LANDS • At Hume Lake year-round; Stony Creek and Kings Canyon Lodge late spring through early fall. See page 3 for details. FREE NATURE PROGRAMS IN GRANT GROVE

Evening programs: Join us in the Lodge lobby. Time and topics vary, so check at the visitor center or on bulletin boards for details . Snowshoe walks begin 12/26, conditions permitting. •Grant Tree Walks start again in spring.

& SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST / GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT WINTER 2009-10 9 LODGING SEQUOIA PARK • Wuksachi Village (DNCPR) Reservations: 1-888-252-5757 Staying Overnigh t Front Desk: 1-559-565-4070 www.visitsequoia.com. Open all year. North of Giant Forest Museum 6 miles (9.6 km). Lodge, restaurant, lounge, gifts. • Silver City Mountain Resort * CAMPING DO S & DON’T S: These rules protect the park & you! Summer: 1-559-561-3223 NOTE: Rules may vary between the Park and the National Forest. Check page 3 for details. Winter: 1-805-528-2730 www.silvercityresort.com. Open late KEEP FOOD GROUP SITES & MAXI- RVS & TRAILERS May to late October. Cabins, FROM BEARS! MUM GROUP SIZES No hookups available. chalets, supplies, restaurant, gifts, Required all year! Learn how to UP TO 6 : Many campgrounds allow Dump stations: See page 11 chart. bakery, showers. No gas. do it correctly — see below. only 1 vehicle & 6 people per site. Trailers permitted in all but four KINGS CANYON PARK park camp grounds; check chart CAMPFIRE Check locally for slight variations • Grant Grove Lodge & RESTRICTIONS in these limits & parking loca - on page 11. Many sites not suit - John Muir Lodge (KCPS) able for trailers or RVs. Sites Gather only dead & down wood; tions for extra vehicles. Reservations: 1-866-522-6966 may not be level. Vehicles over do not cut limbs from trees. 7 TO 19 : In summer, Crystal Front Desk: 1-559-335-5500 30 feet (9 m) long can fit in a Better yet, bring wood or buy Springs (Grant Grove) has first- www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com. small number of sites. it at a market. Fires must be come, first-served sites for groups Open all year. In Grant Grove. Hotel Length advisory: On Generals out cold before you leave. of 7-15. Canyon View in Cedar all year, cabins (May-Nov.), restau - Highway in Sequoia Park, from In National Forest & Monument Grove has sites for 7-19. $35/site. rant, showers, store, gifts. Pot wisha Campground to Giant you must get a free campfire LARGER : Call in advance for infor - • Cedar Grove Lodge (KCPS) For est Museum, advised vehicle permit from the Hume Lake mation on requesting summer Reservations: 1-866-522-6966 length limit = 22 feet. See page 5 District Office, Kings Canyon group tent-camping sites: For Front Desk: 1-559-565-0100 for other limits & warnings. Visitor Center (Grant Grove), Sunset or Canyon View 1-559- www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com or a Forest Service ranger. 565-4335 (5/1-10/31: 565-3792 PROPANE CANISTERS Open Mid-May to mid-October. In for Canyon View). To reserve the Kings Canyon. Motel, public ROADSIDE CAMPING? Do not put propane or other fuel group sites in Dorst or in national canisters in park trash cans or showers, res tau rant, laundry, store. Not permited in the park. Camp forest/monument: 1-877 -444- leave them in the parks. Take SEQUOIA NATIONAL only in designated sites in 6777 or www.recreation.gov. them with you when you leave. FOREST & MONUMENT campgrounds. In National CAMPING TIME LIMITS • Montecito Lake Resort (formerly Forest & Monument, roadside VOLUNTEER AS A HOST Montecito-Sequoia Lodge) camping is permitted unless 14 days between 6/14 & 9/14, with Live in the park, take care of camp - 30 days total per year. Reservations: 1-800-227-9900 post ed otherwise. Ask a ranger. grounds & resources, & meet Front Desk: 1-559-565-3388 NO SAVING/HOLDING QUIET HOURS & great people! Learn about volun - www.mslodge.com. Open all year. CAMPSITES GENERATORS teer opportunities; contact On Generals Hwy 9 miles (14.5 km) Park Volunteer Coordinator, You may not hold a site for some - 10pm-6am. Generator use: At south of Grant Grove. Cabins, 47050 Generals High way, one who has not arrived. Sites Lodgepole & Dorst only 8-11am restaurant, hotel, lodge, x-c skiing, Three Rivers, CA not occupied for 24 hours are & 5-8pm; at other campgrounds seasonal & children’s activities. 93271-9651. considered abandoned; proper - 9am-9pm only. Music should be • Stony Creek Lodge (KCPS) ty may be impounded. audible in your campsite only. Reservations: 1-866-522-6966 Front Desk: 1-559-565-3909. www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com YOU MUST STORE ALL FOOD! Open early May - early October. On EARS quickly learn to get food from cars, picnic tables, and backpacks. Generals Highway between Grant They then be come destructive and sometimes ag gres sive. They want our Grove & Lodgepole. Restaurant, B market, showers, gas. Hotel. food, not us, but people can get hurt. Too often these bears must be killed. This is why you may be fined if you do not store food properly . • Big Meadows Cabin (FS) • DRIVERS : Never leave any food or scented item in cars. Take infant 1-877-444-6777; www.recreation. seats out of cars; the smells they absorb may attract bears. gov. Open mid-June to mid- • CAMPERS : Store food day and night in the metal boxes provided October. An historic guard station (see page 11 for box sizes; avoid bringing coolers that won’t fit). in the National Monument between Grant Grove & Lodgepole. Store ALL food, coolers, related items, and anything with an odor (even if it’s not food) -- including unopened cans and bottles. Latch the • Kings Canyon Lodge (Private *) box completely. Food not stored properly will be impounded. Where boxes Reservations: 1-559-335-2405 are not provided, store food in the car trunk (seal food to reduce Open mid-April to mid-November. odors). If the car has no trunk, put everything on the floor, cover it On Hwy 180, 13 miles (21 km) east well, and close the windows. Keep a clean campsite. Deposit garbage of Grant Grove. immediately in bear-proof containers or store it like food. save a * Note: The two facilities on pri - • PICKNICKERS : Guard your food at all times. vate land cannot be evaluated, reg - • LODGE GUESTS : Keep cabin doors closed any time you leave. ulated, or endorsed by the National • BACKPACKERS : Store all food in a portable canister. Less than bear! Park or National Forest. 3 pounds, it holds up to 5-day’s food for one and fits in a pack. Sales from the NEIGHBORING TOWNS Metal boxes in a few backcountry locations offer backup storage. Three Rivers, Lemon Cove, Squaw Rent or buy a canister at park visitor centers or markets. Bears Save-a-Bear Kit Valley & others offer year-round defeat most attempts to hang food in trees. & color pin (above) lodging, camping, & services. Check • EVERYONE : Don’t let bears approach you or your food. Wave your directly support www.nps.gov/ seki, click PLAN YOUR arms, make loud noises, and throw small rocks in their direction bear management. VISI T then link to LODGING, or ask at (avoid hitting the face or head). Keep a safe distance but be persistent. See the pins at visitor centers. If a bear does get food, never try to take it back. visitor centers. WILDERNESS LODGE & PERMITS See page 4. 10 WINTER 2009-10 SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS Each campsite has a table & fire ring with grill; no hook-ups. CAMPGROUNDS Food-storage is required! : Always read & follow instructions on bul - KEY TO SYMBOLS: FOOD STORAGE: Avoid bringing coolers/food boxes that letin boards to help save a bear! won’t fit in bear boxes. Symbols on the chart tell the size of bear- “Nearby” - Within 2 miles / 3.2km See other rules on page 10. proof food-storage boxes available in each campground: ✔ *Summer reservations for Dorst & - Year-round # One small box per site (47” long x 17”deep x 16”high); Lodgepole (in Sequoia NP) & for ❂ - Summer only ✦ One large box per site (at least 47”long x 33”deep x 28”high); reservable campgrounds (marked * ✠ A mix of box sizes; below) in the National Forest (USFS) + Additional boxes available for sites to share. may be made up to 6 months in Food Showers Laundry Dump Nature Riding River Sequoias advance of the date desired. # of Daily Rest- within within within Station Programs Pay within within within Contact www.recreation. gov or 1- sites Fee rooms 2 miles 2 miles 2 miles Nearby Nearby Phone 2 miles 2 miles 2 miles 877-444-6777 or TDD 1-877-833-6777 (7am-9pm PST from 3/1-10/31). Customer service: 1-888-448-1474. # $ IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK (NPS) FOOTHILLS AREA Elevation 2100’-3600’. Lowest in elevation, therefore warmest. Potwisha : ✦ Open all year. 42 $18 Flush ✔❂✔ ✔ Buckeye Flat : ✦ Closed until late March. 28 $18 Flush at ❂✔ No trailers or RVs. Potwisha South Fork : # Open. 10 $12 May Vault ✔ Water ( non-potable only). -Sept. MINERAL KING AREA Elevation 6650’ - 7500’. Road to area closed; open late May to 11/1. No RVs or trailers. Atwell Mill : ✦ Closed . 21 $12 Vault ❂❂ ❂ ✔✔ Cold Springs : ✠ Closed . 40 $12 Vault at Silver at Silver ❂ ✔✔ City City LODGEPOLE AREA Elevation 6700’. *Reservable in summer up to 6 months in advance ( see Reservations above.) *Lodgepole : ✠ + Open all year. 214 $20/18 Flush ❂❂❂❂✔ ❂ ✔✔ Reservation period late May into September. $20 during summer reservation period then $18. *Dorst : ✠ + Closed until late May. 204 $20 Flush ❂❂❂ ✔✔ IN KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK (NPS) GRANT GROVE AREA Elevation 6500’. Azalea : ✦+ Open all year. 110 $18/10 Flush ✔❂ ✔at village ❂✔ Crystal Springs : ✦+ Closed. 36 $18 Flush ✔ ❂ ✔ “ ❂ ✔ Sites for groups of 7-15 (see page 10): 14 $35 Sunset : ✦+ Closed. 157 $18 Flush ✔ ❂ ✔ “ ❂ ✔ CEDAR GROVE AREA (ON THE FLOOR OF THE KINGS CANYON ) Elevation 4600’. Road to area closed mid-November - mid-April. Sentinel : 4600’ ✦ + Closed. 82 $18 Flush ❂❂❂ ❂at visitor ❂ center ✔

Sheep Creek : 4600’ ✦+ Closed. 111 $18 Flush ❂❂❂ ❂“ ❂✔ Canyon View : 4600’ ✦ No RVs or trailers. 23 $18 Flush ❂❂❂ ❂“ ❂ ✔ Closed. Sites for groups of 7-19: $35 Moraine : 4600’ ✦ Closed. 120 $18 Flush ❂❂❂ ❂“ ❂ ✔ SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST/GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT (FS) HUME LAKE AREA Elevation 4000’ - 5900’. *= reservable in summer. *Princess : Closed for the season. 88 $18 Vault ❂$7 ❂✔✔ May not reopen until 7/4/10 due to construction. single Dump station not recommended for vehicles over 30 feet long. *Hume Lake : + No water. Closed. 74 $20 “ Flush ✔✔❂✔✔ Tenmile : No water. Open until snowfall. 13 $16 Vault ✔✔ Landslide : Closed. 9 $16 Vault ✔✔

Convict Flat : No water. Closed. 5 - Vault ✔ BIG MEADOWS & STONY CREEK AREAS Elevation 6400-7500’. *= reservable in summer. *Stony Creek : # Closed. 49 $20 single Flush ❂❂❂ ❂at lodge ✔✔ *Upper Stony : # Closed. 18 $16 Vault ❂❂❂ ❂at lodge ✔✔ Horse Camp: No water. Open until snow. 5+ - Vault ✔ Buck Rock: No water. Open until snow. 11 Vault Big Meadow: No water. Open until snow. 40 Vault by trailhead ✔✔ & SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST / GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT WINTER 2009-10 11

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Kings Canyon n e C Campground yo Gr izzly e L n Cedar Grove e Road closes l Lodge Sce yway Falls k nic B e here in winter Boyden Visitor Center t Grizzly o Cavern Falls & Village H Closed in Picnic Area Fork South 4635ft Winter Hume 1412m Roads Princess Kin River End Converse Lake Sandy gs CED AR GRO VE Lodging Basin Grove Cove Sheep Creek AREA Sentinel N GIANT SEQUOIA Y O Horses/riding Powdercan Canyon N A View RoCar ing Cherry NA TIONAL MONUMENT T H E K I N G S River Gas station R Gap Moraine o Falls Landslide a r i (Sequoia National For est) n g Tenmile Crystal R i Major paved road v B Springs o e u r l d e GRANT Village & Kings r Minor paved road GRO VE Canyon Visitor Center Horse Columbine 6589ft / 2008m Corral

Unpaved road Sunset GRANT GRO VE C Azalea Roads close Big Meadows r here in e ek AREA e KINGS e k r winter Road repaC ir projects The Wye Kings Canyon Park boundary Overlook Horse may be possible 180 G Camp en CANYON e throughout the parks, Big Stump Quail ra Entrance ls Flat Weaver f Big Meadows Road depa ending on weather. Lak e lo STEEP ROADS: r (closed in winter) a NA g TIONAL Su

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Kings Canyon n e C yo Gr izzly e o L n n Cedar Grove Keee p your speed down Road closes l Lodge S y k R ce ywa Falls nic B e here in winter Be oyden Grizzly Visitor Center t d o and be on the lookout for Cw avern Stony Creek Village DRIVING TIME Falls & Village H Closed in o Fork k o e South re 4635ft

d C Twin Wsinteor wploRwoads s and wildlife. Hume Lost C IN GOOD WEPrAincTesHs ER: K iver ors 1412m

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Cove r e Basin Grove e Sheep Creek ek k FROM FOOTHILLS TO : e re S CANYO k C AREA ING N N N K N ATI GIANT SEQUOIO A K Sentinel O ON Giant Forest - 1 hour. Y R Y A Powdercan N A K Canyon N L A P R PA

C A A R Vier w Lodgepole - 1 hour. S L P RoCar ing K G A e Cherry NA TIONAL MOINNUN MEL NT v T H G S River QUOIA NATI

K O o E K I N R E ON I Dorst l Lodgepole S

AT A AL N C Moraine o P Visalia - 1G ahp our. N O Falls AR Big Bir d I Creek Visitor Center a K Landslide T A 6720ft r Lak e N i & Village n Mineral King - 1-1/2 (Sequoia National FA or est) 2048m OI 6720ft g EQU Wuksachi hour. Road closed S 2048m Tokopah Tenmile Village R Crystal er Falls v i i v B R Nov 1 to late May. e Springs o u r l Halstead GENERAL Grant Grove Giant Forest detail map d FROM GIANT FOREST TO e r y a GRANT Village & Kings h w a h Heather LODGEPOLE & e g Moose GRO VGE rant Grove C- a1n yhono Vuisri.tor w i Lak e a H Wolverton Lak e Center Crystal Cave GIANT FOREST K

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CSeundseat r Grove - 1 hour. NATIONAL General C GRANT GRO VE G Azalea Roads close Big Meadows an FOREST r k Sherm here in e e ek Road closedA RmEiAd- e e KINGTree S r r e winter k r e C C v Nov to lTahet Wey eApril. Kings Canyon i SIERRA R395 Giant Forest Museum GIANT NATOIveOrlNooAk L Horse Fresno - 1-1/2 hours. Camp 6409ft FOREST KINGS a 180 FOGREST 1954m Crescent en cc CAAuNto YON Yosemite south entry e CANYON h u Meadow

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Flat NA TIONAL r w via Hwy 41 - 3 hrs . Weaver a f

Big Meadows Road a a Tunnel SEQUOIA P ARK K M lo Lak e r Log (closed in winter) a NA ug MoTro R oIck ONAL S 6725ft 180 2050m k R e NA TIiveONAL e ork Kaweah r r F Eshom SEQ UOIA C LIFE ZONES: NATION AL H k Hospital i r P ARK g 180 FOREST o Jennie Lak e Potwisha Se ville e h Rock dl F 2080ft id High Sierra - Montecito Lake w Lak e M a 634m P ARK y y F Resort n e o Buckeye Flat r 9,000 to 14,500 feet. t g h u S t 2820ft 245 s r o Summer: Warm to chilly o 860m SEQUOIA n

N FOOTHILLS days; nights down to R NA TIONAL e

d AREA low 30s. Winter: frigid. w Stony Creek Village P ARK o k Foothills o e re

d C Twin Lost C 198 ors Ash Mountain

Conifer zone - (closed in winter) INYO D t Lak es r

C Grove Entrance e

r NATIONAL e k k 5,000 to 9,000 feet. e 216 e e FOREST re S CANYO k C ING N N N K ATI Summer: Warm days & O K ON Y R A Silver City N A K Foothills Visitor Center L cool nights. Winter: deep A P R PA Resort C A Park Headquarters R S L P r K snow, cold days. G A e 1700ft IN N L v QUOIA NATI Atwell Grove

K O o E ON I Dorst l Lodgepole S AT A 518m AL Mineral King

N N C PA Big Bir d IO Creek Visitor Center RK Visitor Center Foothills zone - AT N 6720ft Lak e 2048m r & Village 7504ft 1,500 to 5,000 feet. IA ve 2287m UO i Wuksachi 6720ft Road closes Atwell Mill SEQ R Tokopah Mild, wet winters; hot, Village 2048m here in Three Rivers er Falls iv winter MrINERAL KING Cold dry summers. Cedar 857ft R ve Eas Ri 261m t AREA Springs Grove is cooler than the h Halstead a Fo Lookout P oint ah e y r we foothills, but hotter than a k Entrance Ka w h w a a h Heather Grant Grove. K 198 LODGEPOLE & e g Moose w i Lak e a H Wolverton Lak e Crystal Cave GIANT FOREST K

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AREA a Fork r

INYO e Third Class Mail n

NATIONAL Pinewood e General WINTER G 20n09-10 Postage & Fees Paid FOREST k Sherma e e Tree r r U.S. Department of the Interior G-83 e C SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON v i SIERRA R395 Giant FoNresAt MTuIsOeuNm AL PARKGIS ANT NATIONAL 6409ft FOREST KINGS a FOREST 1954m Crescent cc 47050 Generals HAiugto hway CANYON h u Meadow

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a Tunnel SEQUOIA P ARK K M Log Moro R ock 6725ft 180 2050m R rk NA h TIiveONAL SEQ UOIA Fo Kawea r NATION AL k Hospital r Potwisha 180 FOREST o Rock dle F 2080ft Mid 634m P ARK Buckeye Flat

h 245 t 2820ft r

SEQUOIA o 860m

N FOOTHILLS NA TIONAL AREA P ARK Foothills

198 INYO Ash Mountain Entrance NATIONAL 216 FOREST EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA! Foothills Visitor Center Silver City Park Headquarters Resort 1700ft Atwell Grove 518m Mineral King Visitor Center 7504ft er iv Atwell Mill 2287m R Road closes Three Rivers here in winter MrINERAL KING Cold 857ft ve Eas Ri 261m t AREA Springs h a Fo Lookout P oint ah e r we w k Entrance Ka a K 198