National Park Service Visitor Guide: Spring 2019 U.S. Department of the Interior Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument Sequoia Parks Conservancy

Healthy Parks, Healthy People In This Issue

By Malinee Crapsey Let Sequoia and Kings Canyon As you go, some aspect of this Bears & food storage ...... 11 NPS Interpretive Media Specialist, remind you of how good it feels to special place is likely to stir your Camping ...... 4 retired move outside. You don’t have to go interest. Stop at any visitor center, far or go fast. Ask any ranger about where rangers will be happy to Driving times ...... 12 You knew that amazing scenery the range of trails here, from paved help fnd answers to questions you awaited you in these parks. But did and level to rugged and steep. may have. As our former National Explore on your own: you consider the possible health Park Service director once said, Sequoia, Shuttle ...... 6 Kings Canyon, USFS ...... 7 benefts of your visit? A huge variety of options await "National parks are amazing places you. Stroll in the shade of a se- where exercise is disguised as Facilities: stores, gas ...... 8-9 Across the country, people are quoia grove. Amble around a sunny adventure, and we sneak in some making the connection between meadow. Climb to the open spaces learning too." Lodging ...... 5 outdoor activity and their health. above treeline or walk a foothills Map ...... 8 Enjoy that activity in the inspira- trail along the river. Try a bike ride Here's to your health! tional setting of a national park, below the granite walls of the Kings Nature in the parks ...... 3 and your benefts grow. Canyon. Phone numbers ...... 2

“Nature's peace will fow into you Whether you are walking, biking, Programs & tours ...... 5 as sunshine fows into trees,” said or jogging, tune your senses to the Road warnings ...... 12 naturalist John Muir back in 1898. natural world around you. In the "The winds will blow their own open, feel the wind in your face Safety ...... 10 freshness into you, and the storms and the sun on your skin. Let the their energy, while cares will drop deep quiet of the forest become Trails ...... 6-7 away from you like autumn leaves.” part of your walk. You may notice Visitor centers ...... 2 how the smells and sounds change Not only that, Muir might have with each environment. Wilderness permits ...... 11 added, you’ll feel healthier! 2 Finding Information

Telephone & Internet Visitor Centers, Park Stores, Partners in the Parks & Information Desks EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 The following work together to protect these lands, No coins needed in payphones. provide services, and publish this guide, which was Each center offers orientation, var- first printed in 1974 as the Sequoia Bark. To Report a Wildfre — 559-565-3195 ied exhibits and films, and many sales items: books, maps, gifts, cards.... Printer: Willems Commercial Printing, Inc. Limited Cell Signals & Service All profits from stores in park visitor See pay phone locations by area, pages 8-9. centers support these parks! National Park Service (NPS) - federal Sequoia & Kings Canyon (NPS) Foothills Visitor Center (in Sequoia) agency in the Department of the Interior: 1-559-565-3341 (24 hour): Press 1 for an information (NPS) Daily 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Exhibits on life in 1-559-565-3341 menu then press 1 for roads/weather/fire; press 2 the low elevations. 1-559-565-4212. Muchas veces U.S. Forest Service (USFS) - federal agency for camping/lodging; 4 for wilderness; and more. hay rangers aqui quienes hablan Espaol. Self-issue in the Department of Agriculture: GPS, Web & Social Media local wilderness permits outside the visitor center 1-559-338-2251 through 5/23, then find the Wilderness Office. GPS programs often misdirect travellers here. Use maps and signs, or ask for directions. Geological Survey (USGS) - federal agency in the Depart- The only ofcial park information sources online are: Giant Forest Museum (in Sequoia) (NPS) Daily 9:00 am-4:30 pm, then 9:00 am-6:00 ment of the Interior: 1-559-565-3171, werc.usgs.gov pm beginning May 18th. Exhibits on sequoias. Delaware North Parks & Resorts at Sequoia & Kings The Offcial Park Website 1-559-565-4480. No payphone; closest are outside www.nps.gov/seki Canyon (DNPR) - the concessioner providing lodging at Lodgepole Market & Wolverton. & food services: 1-888-252-5757, visitsequoia.com

Facebook Kings Canyon Visitor Center, Grant Grove Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC): The offcial non- Sequoia and Kings (NPS) Daily 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Exhibits, movie in proft park partner! Members get a discount on some activities. See below or call 1-559-565-4251. Canyon National Parks English & Spanish, & park store. Starting May 20: Daily 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Exhibits, movie in English

& Spanish, & park store. 1-559-565-4307. Self-issue Instagram wilderness permits outside. Payphones at market sequoiakingsnps and visitor center. Connect to your national park! Sequoia National Forest/Monument (USFS) Lodgepole Visitor Center (in Sequoia) 1-559-338-2251, fs.usda.gov/sequoia (NPS) Opens May 13 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Closed Yosemite National Park (NPS) 5/20-21, then open 7:00 am-5:00 pm beginning The Sequoia Parks Conservancy is a proud partner 1-209-372-0200, nps.gov/yose 5/24. 1-559-565-4436. Payphone at the market of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and nearby. at USACE Lake Kaweah. The Conservancy offers California Road Conditions (CalTrans) engaging and educational programs, activities, and 1-800-427-7623, dot.ca.gov Cedar Grove Visitor Center (in Kings Can- retail shopping for park visitors. In addition to yon) (NPS) Highway 180 into Cedar Grove opens the informative products and services, the Con- WiFi Locations at noon on April 26, 2019. Visitor center opens servancy provides thousands of dollars in philan- Foothills Visitor Center (Sequoia National Park), 5/24. Daily 9:00 am-5:00 pm. 1-559-565-3793. thropic support for park projects. To find out more Kings Canyon Visitor Center (Grant Grove) about enriching experiences, philanthropic oppor- Mineral King Ranger Station (Sequoia) tunities, and products with a purpose, Translations (NPS) Beginning in late May, open daily from visit www.sequoiaparksconservancy.org. 8:00 am-4:00 pm. Wilderness permits issued until Welcome - You may borrow a Braille copy of 3:15. Payphone in Cold Springs Campground. Support the Conservancy as it: the park map & guide at visitor centers. • Seeks funding for park improvement projects, Hume Lake District Offce (USFS) resource protection, and research; Bienvenidos - Hay un folleto en espaol 35860 Kings Canyon Road (Hwy 180) in the Forest • Provides activities & tour-guide services disponible en los centros de visitante. Service office in Dunlap, 19 miles west of the Kings through their Field Institute; Canyon park entrance at Big Stump. Weekdays Bienvenue - Une guide officielle est disponible • Supports park programs & activities; 8:00 am–4:30 pm. Maps, books. 1-559-338-2251, dans les centres d’information. • Increases accessibility of park trails; www.fs.fed. us/r5/sequoia • Conducts Crystal Cave tours; Wilkommen - Eine Landkarte ist auch in • Expands park outreach; deutscher sprache im Besucher-zentrum erhaltlich. • Accepts donations for search & rescue efforts; Benvenuti - La traduzione in lingua Italiana della • Manages the Pear Lake Winter Hut; and mappa e’ disponibile in tutti i centri di informazioni. • Funds park books, maps, and this guide! Nature & Ecosystems in the Park 3 Change: Natural & Unnatural Unnatural Change: We often think of parks as outdoor museums. Caretaking a living ecosystem, however, is very different than protecting unchanging objects. Alien Invaders Plants and animals evolve together in communities Both natural features and human facilities may be different each time you visit, as over time. Often, they keep each other in check. both are changing all the time. How we take care of those features and facilities may also affect your visit. You won’t notice the ozone monitor that works 24 hours When species get brought in from other places, the a day, but you will see other activities such as revegetation, road work, painting, or newcomers may multiply wildly. This is because trail maintenance. Some activities may unavoidably affect you, such as smoke from a the competitors, predators, and diseases that keep prescribed fire, campsite closures due to revegetation, or bear management. them in check in their home communities are not here. This imbalance breaks links in the local web of life, badly disrupting native species that depend The park staff uses such actions as tools to maintain the landscape and protect its on each other. Sometimes the non-native aliens inhabitants and visitors. Your visit gives you but a snapshot of this process; nature completely replace local plants and animals. decides the timing of many of these actions. They all share one goal: preservation of these parks for us all, now and in the future. Practice alien hygiene! Look for seeds and tiny animals attached to shoes, clothes, waders, equip- ment, tires, and pet fur. Wash mud from under cars and on tires before coming into the parks.

The natives will thank you!

Imminent Alien Threats!

Star thistle is one of the most damaging non- Prescribed fre in a sequoia grove natives in the state. Dense, thorny growth completely Fire: A Natural Change excludes native plants and limits wildlife movements. Years ago, we tried to banish fire from the land- more dangerous for people, plants, and wildlife. It is not yet established in scape, believing it was destructive. In sequoia For over 40 years at these parks, we have studied these parks, but it is close! groves, that meant putting out lightning-caused fires fire and its effects on the land. To protect human that naturally start as often as every 5 to 15 years. safety and benefit giant sequoia trees, we now work If you recognize its yellow fower and with fire to restore the benefits it brings. thorny spines from your home or travels, As time passed, we saw unanticipated consequences make sure not to bring it in. If you see it from this practice. Fire suppression blocked impor- We still put out fires that threaten life and property here, tell a ranger. tant natural processes, which led to big problems: but, when and where it’s appropriate, we ignite prescribed fires or allow lightning fires to spread First, sequoias were not reproducing. We learned naturally, reducing fuels and improving conditions. New Zealand mud that fires create the conditions that sequoias need Strong evidence shows we are succeeding. snails completely to regenerate: Fires leave behind a seedbed fertil- take over and change ized with ash, open the cones, and open the forest Why is this important? The national parks exist any waterway that they canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the seedlings. to conserve resources “unimpaired for the enjoy- invade. Due to their biol- ment of future generations.” We once thought that ogy, just one snail can start a Second, the amount of dead wood and dense aggressive fire suppression met this goal. A more huge population! These tiny light-brown growth of small white-fir trees increased tremen- complete understanding of fire's effects tells us dously. In the past, frequent natural fires burned that excluding this natural agent of change only animals—less than 1/8-inch long—stick these away. Now, after fire’s long absence, these hurts what we are trying to protect. to your gear. Check boots, waders, and serve as fuels, feeding bigger, hotter blazes that are boats thoroughly for this little invader. Common just east of the parks, they could easily be carried into the High For more information on fre management, visit Sierra. go.nps.gov/sekifre. To report a wildfre: 559-565-3195. Campgrounds: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) Camping We expect delays with campground opening dates this season due to a deep snowpack and tree hazards. Please check www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm for details.

Each standard campsite has a table and Foothills Area Elevation 2100’ - 3600’ Low-elevation oaks and chaparral. *Reservable in summer. fire ring with a grill and accommodates up * Potwisha - 40 sites $22. * Sites reservable. River nearby. Pay phone, flush toilets, dump station. to 6 people and 1 vehicle. There are no RV hook-ups in the parks. * Buckeye Flat - 28 sites $22. * Sites reservable. No RVs or trailers. River nearby. Flush toilets. Other facilities nearby at Potwisha. Showers are no longer available in Grant South Fork - 10 sites Vault toilets. River nearby. Drinking water is not available. Grove. Public showers are available seasonally at $6. No drinking water. Lodgepole and Cedar Grove villages. Mineral King Area Elevation 6650’ - 7500’ Road closed until late May. No electricity or gas.

You must store food correctly all year due Atwell Mill - 21 sites $12. No RVs or trailers. River, sequoias. Vault toilets. Food and pay showers nearby at Silver City in summer. Road is narrow and winding. to black bears. The park supplies bear boxes; most are 47" long x 33" deep x 28" high. Cold Springs - 40 sites $12. No RVs or trailers. River. Pay phone, vault toilets.

Reservations: See * on chart for reservable Lodgepole Area Elevation 6700’ *Reservations available in summer. Conifer forest. campsites. Reservations are available from 6 months * Lodgepole - 203 sites $22. * Sites reservable. Pay phone, flush toilets. River. Food services nearby. Generator use: to 2 days before your stay: www.recreation.gov; 8-11am & 5-8pm only. Dump station. Road is narrow and winding.

1-877-444-6777. Customer service: 1-888-448-1474. * Dorst Creek - 212 sites $22. * Sites reservable. Flush toilets, dump station, pay phone. Generator use 8-11am & 5-8pm only. Large group sites for 15-50 $70, for 15-40 $60, for 15-30 $50. Group Sites & Maximum Group Sizes Grant Grove Area Elevation 6500’ Showers are no longer available here. ∙ Mid-size group sites (7 to 19 people): Azalea - 110 sites $18. Flush toilets. Village nearby with food services. No showers. Reservable at Crystal Springs and Canyon View. ∙ Large-group sites: (15 - 40 people): Crystal Springs - 49 sites. $18 for standard sites *14 sites for mid-sized groups of 7 to15 people. Food nearby in Reservable at Dorst Creek, Sunset, or Canyon View. $40 for mid-size group sites summer. Flush toilets, no showers. Group sites are also available in the national forest. * Sunset - 156 sites $22. Flush toilets. Nearby food service. No showers. $50 for large group sites Fire Restrictions, Campfires, & Firewood • Gather only dead & down wood; do not cut Cedar Grove Area Elevation 4600’ Road opens at noon on April 27. No RV dump stations. * Sentinel - 82 sites $18. * Sites reservable. Flush toilets. Food, pay showers & laundry nearby in summer. limbs off trees. Please don’t transport firewood. It can carry insects/diseases that threaten living Sheep Creek - 111 sites $18. Flush toilets. Food, pay showers & laundry nearby in summer. trees. Find/buy wood close to where you will use it. Please burn any wood you brought in. * Canyon View: 16 group sites $40 mid-size groups (7-15); Flush toilets. Food, pay showers & laundry nearby. No standard sites. • Fires must be out cold before you leave. No RVs or trailers. $50 large groups (15-30); • On Forest Service (USFS) land, free fire permits $60 large groups (15-40). are required. Ask about them at Hume Lake Moraine - 121 sites $18. Flush toilets. Food, pay showers, laundry nearby. Office, Kings Canyon Visitor Center (Grant Grove), with a USFS ranger, or read about and Campgroundsounds: in Sequoia Sequoia National National Forest Forest (USFS) (USFS)

download them at www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia. Hume Lake Area Elevation 4000’ - 5900’ Between Grant Grove & Cedar Grove. *Reservable in summer. • Fire restrictions are subject to change during * Princess - 88 sites $27 single, $54 double River, sequoias. Nature programs (summer). Vault toilets. this time of year. Check locally. Reservable in summer. RV dump station $10. Extra car $7. Opens when snow melts.

* Hume Lake - 64 sites $27 single, $54 double Nature programs. Flush toilets. Lake, food, pay phone, laundry Roadside Camping? Reservable in summersummer.. & gas nearby. Extra car $7. Opens when snow melts. Not permitted in the park. Camp only in designated Tenmile - 11 sites $23$21 single, $46$42 double. River & sequoias nearby. Vault toilets. No potable water. sites in campgrounds. In the national forest, it's * Reservable in summersummer.. Opens when snow melts. permitted unless posted otherwise. Landslide - 9 sites $23 single, $46 double. River & sequoias nearby. Vault toilets. Extra car $7. First-come, first-served. Opens when snow melts. Quiet & Generator Hours Convict Flat - 5 sites Free. No water.water. Vault toilets. River nearby. Music and noise should be audible in your site only. Reopens with the spring opening of Highway 180 to Cedar Grove.

Quiet hours 10pm-6am (no generators). At Lodge- Big Meadows & Stony Creek Elevation 6400 - 7500’ Between Grant Grove & Wuksachi Lodge. Open with snowmelt. pole & Dorst, generator use 8-11am & 5-8pm only. * Stony Creek - 48 sites $27 single, $54 double.double Flush toilets. Pay phone, food, laundry, showers nearby at lodge (sum- Opens with snowmelt. Reservable in summer. mer). Extra car $7. RV & Trailer Length Limits on Roads * Upper Stony - 18 sites $23 single. Nature programs (summer). Vault toilets. Food, laundry, showers Restrictions are in effect; check the back page. Opens with snowmelt. Reservable in summersummer.. nearby. Extra car $7.

Propane/Fuel Canisters Horse Camp - 5, Buck Rock - 11. Free. No water.water. Vault toilets.

Recycle fuel canisters at home. Do not put them in Big Meadow - 43 sites $23 single,single site,$46 $46 double. double. Vault toilets. park trash cans or leave them here. Reservable in summersummer.. Lodging Programs & Tours 5

For hours & other details, see pages 8-9.

Three park areas offer lodging, along with several sites in the nearby national forest:

In these National Parks (NPS) IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK: Wuksachi Lodge Open all year. Reservations 1-866-807-3598; www.visitsequoia.com. North of Lodgepole two Formations in miles at 7200'. Lodge, restaurant, lounge, gifts, Crystal Cave ATM, WiFi. IN KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK: Crystal Cave Tours Start May 24 Reservations 1-866-807-3598; www.visitsequoia.com. Reserve tickets online at www.recreation.gov at A ranger program in the Giant Forest Lodging is available in two areas: least 48 hours in advance. Need a ticket today? Grant Grove Cabins & John Muir Lodge Check first thing in the morning at Lodgepole Open all year. Hotel (with WiFi), cabins, restau- or Foothills visitor centers (not at the cave). Free Ranger Walks & Talks rant, market, gifts, ATM. Register at the John Muir Plan time for delays in getting through the park Offered in the Foothills, Giant Forest, Lodge- Lodge. 6500' elevation. entrances, especially on weekends and holidays. pole, Grant Grove, Mineral King, Cedar Grove, and other locations! See bulletin boards for Cedar Grove Lodge in the Kings Canyon Crystal Cave Road is 15 miles from Sequoia Park's schedules of ranger-led activities. Mid-May to mid-October. Motel, restaurant, mar- entrance at Hwy 198; 3 miles south of Sherman ket at an elevation of 4600'. Tree. Maximum vehicle length on this narrow road is 22’. Use parking lot restrooms; the cave has Free Junior Ranger Program Sequoia National Forest (USFS) none. Wear sturdy shoes for the steep 1⁄2-mile trail Pick up a free booklet at any visitor center, com- to the cave. Wear a jacket; it’s 50°F (10°C) inside. plete the activities, & earn your badge! Montecito Sequoia Lodge (USFS permittee) No strollers, tripods, or bags/packs are permitted All year. Reservations 1-800-227-9900; 1-559-565- inside the cave. (They can be used on the trail from 3388; www.mslodge.com. On the Generals High- the parking area but must be left outside unattend- Junior Ranger Day way 9 miles south of Grant Grove. Cabins, restau- ed during the tour.) No flash/lighted photography/ Junior Ranger Day is April 20, 2019. Celebrate rant, hotel, WiFi, seasonal & children’s activities. video. Not wheelchair accessible. Tour times are with free special activities throughout the park. subject to change. For school tours & large groups, Stony Creek Resort (USFS permittee) Check the calendar on nps.gov/seki to find specific visit sequoiaparksconservancy.org/crystalcave. Mid-May to mid-October. Reservations 1-800- events. Earn a free patch! This is an entrance fee- free day. 227-9900; www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com. On the Family Cave Tour Daily - 45 minutes Generals Highway south of Grant Grove. Hotel, gasoline, market, showers, laundry. Extra tours on holiday weekends (Friday-Monday). Field Institute May 24 - June 15 Over 60,000 visitors annually explore the parks Big Meadows Cabin (USFS) · Weekdays: Tours on the hour, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm and Lake Kaweah with the Field Institute. These July to mid-October. 1-877-444-6777; www.recre- · Weekends: Tours on the hour, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, experts guide you through the night ation.gov. Historic station south of Grant Grove. and on the 1/2 hour 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. sky, Crystal Cave, and park trails. On Private Land within Park June 16 - August 25 They even bring park history to life! · Saturday: Every 1/2 hour 10:30 am-5:30 pm SPC members (see page 2) may get a These lodges, on private land surrounded · Sunday: Every 1/2 hour 10:30 am-4:00 pm discount on Field Institute activities. by national park, cannot be evaluated, regulated, · Weekdays: Every 1/2 hour 10:30 am-4:00 pm 559-565-4251; sequoiaparks.org or endorsed by these agencies. Details, pages 8-9. Ticket prices: Age 5-12 $8; 13-61 $16; 62 & up $15. Silver City Mountain Resort (private) Ask about SPC member discounts! National Park Teachers & Parents, Take Note! Open from late May to late September. 1-559-561- and Interagency passes do not apply. 3223, www.silvercityresort.com. Cabins, supplies, Expand your classroom: Invite a ranger to your showers. No gas. Store, restaurant/bakery. Special tours for special interests: class, visit the parks with your school group, · Discovery To u r 6/15-8/25. Monday-Friday at download lesson plans, and participate in distance 4:30 pm, Sundays at 5:00 pm (except holiday learning. All education programs are standards- Neighboring Towns weekends). $25. based and free! Visit nps.gov/seki/learn/education. Three Rivers, Lemon Cove, Squaw Valley & others · Family Tour for ages 13 & up. 6/15-8/25. Daily at offer year-round lodging & camping. Ask at visitor 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 3:30 pm (except holiday centers or see www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit. weekends). Ages 13-61 $16, 62 and up $15. 6 Exploring Sequoia National Park

Review safety advice on page 10, includ- General Sherman Tree begins at Giant Forest Museum. The road is closed ing warnings about tree hazards. Be Two trails lead to the world’s largest tree: weekends & holidays starting 5/25, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, when the shuttle runs. Stops include: extra careful near rivers. Carry water and • Main Trail - This 1/2-mile trail down to the • Moro Rock - A granite dome with a steep a map (sold at visitor centers). Always tree has some stairs; the walk back is uphill. 1/4-mile staircase to the top (300-foot eleva- store food properly before leaving your Beware of slippery or wet spots. Drive 2 miles tion gain). Spectacular mountain views. Two car or campsite. north of Giant Forest Museum (past the small miles from Generals Highway. See lightning Sherman Tree parking lot on the Generals warning on page 10. Shuttle stop starting 5/23. The Foothills Hwy is only for those with disability placards). Turn right on Wolverton Road; follow signs. • Tunnel Log - A fallen sequoia that was The low elevations host more different plants and The trailhead is a shuttle stop starting 5/23. tunneled through, and the only “tree you animals than the rest of these parks combined! can drive through” in these parks. Bypass for Wheelchair-accessible trail from the larger vehicles. 2.7 miles from the Museum. Generals Highway to the Sherman Tree. Park- Foothills Visitor Center • Crescent Meadow - Sequoias surround ing here is only for those with disability plac- Exhibits on the diverse foothills. Hours on page 2. this fragile wetland. Stay on designated trails; ards. If you have no placard but can’t walk the use fallen logs to walk into meadows. Several main trail's hill, ask for a temporary placard at Marble Falls Trail climbs 3.7 miles (6 km) trails start here, such as the 1-mile (1.6 km) any visitor center. Shuttle stop starting 5/24. through chaparral to a waterfall. Park across the route to Tharp’s Log, a cabin in a fallen se- highway from Potwisha (no non-camper parking quoia; and the High Sierra Trail (60 miles/97 in campground). Near site #14, follow the dirt road Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road km) to Mt. Whitney (14,500'/4419 m). Shuttle across the concrete ditch; the trail starts along the Opens by May 22. This 3-mile dead-end road stop starting 5/23. steep bank to the right.

Hospital Rock Picnic Area Exhibits about the California Native Americans Sequoia By Shuttle: May 23 - September 8 who once lived here. A short trail built by the Civil- ian Conservation Corps leads to a cascade. Please Check bulletin boards at shuttle stops for details. be careful; drownings occur here too often! To Grant Grove, Kings Canyon Giant Forest: Green Route 1 - Free. National Park, & Paradise Creek Giant Forest Museum to Lodgepole, Park at Hospital Rock Picnic Area (not in the stopping at the Sherman Tree in each direction. Dorst Campground campground). Walk 0.8 miles (1.3 km) to Buckeye ½-hour ride one way. First pickups at 8:00 am and starting 6/20 Lodgepole Market Flat Campground. Take the path across from site 8:30 am; then every 15 minutes 9:00 am - 6:00 pm. Wuksachi & Visitor Center #28 to cross a footbridge over the Middle Fork. Lodge & Restaurant Follow Paradise Creek (not the Middle Fork) for 1 Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow: Lodgepole mile (1.6 km) until the trail grows faint. Gray Route 2 - Free. Campground Giant Forest Museum, Moro Rock, Crescent More parking Meadow, Giant Forest Museum (stops at Auto Log Mineral King and Tunnel Log on weekends only). 1/2-hour round trip. The road to this area opens at noon on the Weekdays: 8:00 am, 8:45 am, then every 20 minutes 9:00 am-6:00 pm. Wolverton More parking Wednesday before Memorial Day (May 23). The Weekends 8:00 am, 8:45 am, then every 10 minutes 9:00 am-6:00 pm. steep, winding road ends at 7800’. No gasoline or Road closed to private vehicles on weekends & holidays (page 12). Sherman Tree electricity is available in this remote area. Main Trail & Parking Lodgepole / Wuksachi / Dorst: Purple Route 3 - Free. Sherman Tree Leaves each stop every 20 minutes from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. Wheelchair-Accessible Trail Giant Forest The Dorst portion starts when the campground opens in June.

Giant Forest Museum & Lodgepole Wolverton / Sherman Tree: Orange Route 4 - Free. Visitor Center Hours and details are listed on Connects Wolverton picnic area & trailhead to both Giant Forest Museum page 2. the main and the accessible trails to the Sherman Tree Crescent Meadow every 15 minutes 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. No drinking water Big Trees Trail Moro Rock

A level, 2/3-mile (1 km) paved loop with trailside Giant Forest /Foothills/ Visalia - $20 round trip No drinking water exhibits about sequoias. Start your walk at Giant Visalia to Giant Forest (no additional park entrance Forest Museum (parking at the trail is only for cars fee). Reservations required; sequoiashuttle.com with disability placards). 1 hour round trip. or 1-877-BUS-HIKE. Buses leave Visalia for Giant Forest every hour from 6am-10am; 2-hour ride each way. Congress Trail Buses leave Giant Forest for Visalia Transit Center A fairly level 2-mile loop (3.2 km) through the every hour from 2:30-6:30 pm. To Three Rivers, Visalia, & heart of the grove. Begins at the Sherman Tree. Exploring Kings Canyon National Park & Nearby National Forests 7

Be extra careful near rivers, even when Zumwalt Meadow water is low. Store food properly while This 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop passes high granite you explore. walls, lush meadows, and the Kings River. Parking is 4½ miles east of Cedar Grove Village road. Buy a Grant Grove trail guide at the visitor center. Allow 1 hour. Kings Canyon Visitor Center (NPS) Mist Falls Browse exhibits and watch a park film in English One of the park’s largest waterfalls. Allow 4 - 5 or Spanish. Purchases at the park store support hours; 9 miles (14.4 km) round trip from Road’s park operations. End. 600-foot elevation gain in the last 2 miles. The Kings Canyon Grant Tree Trail Sheep Creek Cascade General Grant, one of the world’s largest trees, Climb the Don Cecil Trail to a small waterfall. At grows along this 1/3-mile (.5 km) paved trail. The that point, turn around or continue for a longer The Generals Highway tree is also a living national shrine. One mile/1.6km hike. Begin at Cedar Grove Visitor Center. To the Driving this 80-year-old roadway is part of the from the visitor center: north on Highway 180 then waterfall, it's 2 miles (3.2 km) round-trip. park experience. It carries you up almost a mile in follow signs. elevation and, by connecting the General Sherman Sequoia National Forest (USFS) Tree to the General Grant Tree, earns its name. North Grove Loop This 1½-mile (2.4 km) trail offers a quiet forest Explore Giant Sequoia National Monument, part For decades, narrow lanes and rough pavement walk and a close look at sequoias. It's a great place of Sequoia National Forest which abuts the park. caused problems for parkvisitors. Recent con- to see effects from the Rough Fire. Start at Grant struction efforts mean the road system is better Tree overflow parking area. Converse Basin equipped to handle today's large numbers vehicles, North of Grant Grove 2 miles. Virtually every ma- without losing the joys of a mountain driving. Panoramic Point Road ture sequoia in this huge grove was felled early in Opens with snowmelt. A narrow road to a trail to a the 1900s. Ask at the visitor center about trails. The Wayside exhibits at overlooks along this historic beautiful Sierran vista. Go east through visitor cen- road to this feature opens with snowmelt. road offer insight into these parks: ter parking; follow signs to the paved, accessible trail to an overlook. Park Ridge Trail (4.7 miles, Indian Basin Kings Canyon Overlook 7.5 km round-trip) begins here. No trailers or RVs. A one-mile accessible trail & one-mile unpaved View the High Sierra wilderness from this overlook trail. Take Highway 180 7 miles north of Grant about 6 miles (9.5km) south of Grant Grove. Big Stump Basin Grove; turn into Princess Campground. Turn left past the dump station to trailhead parking area. Stumps from late 19th-century logging include the Redwood Mountain Overlook Mark Twain Stump. You can climb steps to see the Six miles (9.6 km) south of Grant Grove on the growth rings of this giant. Slabs of this tree are in Hume Lake southwest side of the Generals Highway. Views out museums. 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip. Formed by a rare, historic dam, this lake supplied over one of the world’s largest sequoia groves. water to a flume that floated lumber 67 miles (108km) to Sanger. An easy 2½-mile (4 km) trail Kings Canyon & Cedar Grove Eleven Range Overlook circles it. Page 9 lists facilities. Eight miles (12.8 km) South of the Giant Forest, this turnout offers views The road to this canyon opens 4/26 at noon, north of Grant Grove on Highway 180; 3 miles (4.8 to the west over the foothills and the distant valley. but few facilities open then. Many drought-weak- km) south on Hume Lake Road. ened trees here have succumbed to insects. Be Amphitheater Point very careful with fire! Buck Rock Lookout View the sweep of life zones from high to low from A 1916 tower, still used for spotting fires, offers this spot between Giant Forest and the Foothills. Canyon View 360° views. Approximately 6 miles (9.6 km) off Big The “U” shape of this canyon, apparent from this Meadows Road 14S11, then take Forest Road 13S04. viewpoint, reveals its glacial history. 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Cedar Grove Village Road.

Knapp’s Cabin During the Roaring ’20s, a California businessman stored gear in this small cabin for lavish fishing trips. Two miles east of the village road.

Roaring River Falls A very short, shady walk to a powerful waterfall rushing through a granite chute. East of the Village A view of Hume Lake from Panoramic Point. 3 miles. Paved and relatively level. Photo by Alison Taggart-Barone. Generals Highway in Giant Forest Gate: road MO NAR C H Convict Flat

closed in winter. W I L D E R N E S S 8 Facilities: Sequoia Cedar Grove

Visitor Center

& Village

Roads

End 180 Sheep Permit Boyden Creek Cave Station Giant Forest Sequoia Grove Princess Hume Lake 6400’ elevation. Home of the world’s biggest trees. SEQ U O I A Zumwalt NATIONA L FOR E S T Meadow Cherry Gap GI ANT SEQU OIA Sentinel Giant Forest Museum (NPS) Canyon General Tenmile Landslide N A T I O N A L MO NUME N T Moraine View Hours & details on page 2. Grant rystal Tree Springs Roads open summer only. Crystal Cave (NPS) Kings Canyon Visitor Center KIN G S A major park highlight! Buy tickets in advance at Azalea & Grant Grove Village Big Meadows Sunset Foothills Visitor Center or Giant Forest Museum. Quail Flat C AN Y O N

180 Tours begin May 25th; see details, page 5. Horse Camp NAT I ONA L Big Stump Road open Entrance summer ig Meadows No gasoline only. JENNI E LAKE S Lodgepole sold in parks. PARK

Montecito W I L D E R N E S S 6700’ elevation. North of Giant Forest along the Lake Resort Eshom

Marble Fork of the Kaweah River.

Lodgepole Visitor Center (NPS) Stony Creek Village Open beginning May 18th, daily 9:00 am-4:30 pm, (closed in winter) then 9:00 am-6:00 pm beginning May 18th. Dorst Creek Lodgepole Village (DNC) Wuksachi amping Village Lodgepole Visitor Center Limited services: & Village (closed in winter) • Market & Gift Shop: Daily 9:00 am-5:00 pm icnic area

through 5/9, then 7:00 am - 9:00 pm. Supplies, Pay telephone Crystal Cave Wolverton clothing, groceries, grab-and-go food, ATM. Road open summer only. Summer parking for Lodging ehicles onger than eneral Sherman Tree Sherman Tree Trail • Food Service: Daily 9:00 am-5:00 pm through 2 ft (6.7 m) ot allowed. Accessible permit parking 5/9, then 8:00 am - 8:00 pm. Horseback riding for Sherman ree

• Showers & Laundry: Beginning 5/11, open Gasoline iant Forest Museum daily from 7:00 am-6:00 pm. Closed daily for rescent Meadow cleaning from 1:00-3:00 pm. Moro Rock Hospital Pay Telephones (cell phones rarely work) Rock SEQUOI A Advisories: otwisha Phones are in the alcove outside the market doors. Park roads are steep, uckeye narrow, and winding. ay Flat h NAT I ONA L g Vehicles longer than

22 ft (6.7m) not advised a

between Potwisha and Wuksachi Lodge & Dining Ash Mountain e PARK Giant Forest Museum. Entrance 7200’ elevation. (DNC) Year-round service, No gasoline sold in parks. Foothills 4 miles north of Sherman Tree. not use this map Visitor Center Silver City Resort for hiking. Purchase Park Headquarters trail maps at park Mineral King visitor centers. The Peaks Dining Room Gate: oad closed Atwell Mill Ranger Station North 198 n winter. Vs nd trailers Open daily 7:30–10:00 am, 11:00 am–2:30 pm, not advised. Cold 5:00–9:00 pm. Reservations recommended for din- 0 1 Kilometers Lookout Point Springs 0 1 Miles Entrance ner. Box lunches available. 1-559-625-7700. Wuksachi Pizza Deck Open daily beginning 5/10 from 11:30 am - 9:00 pm. Wuksachi Lounge Mineral King Area Foothills Area Open daily 2:30 pm - 9:00 pm through 5/9, and The road to this area opens at noon on May 23. 1300-3500’ elevation. Oaks, chaparral, & river can- 11:30 am - 9:00 pm beginning May 10. 7800’ elevation. A steep, narrow, winding road to a yons; hot summers and snow-free winters. Fantas- Gift Shop subalpine valley. No electricity or gasoline. tic wildflowers starting in January. Park headquar- Open daily from 8:00 am-5:00 pm through 5/9, and ters is by the Foothills Visitor Center. Ranger Station (NPS) 8:00 am-9:00 pm beginning 5/10. Open 8:00 am-4:00 pm through mid-September. Foothills Visitor Center (NPS) Open 8:00 am-4:30 pm. See page 2 for details. Wolverton Area Pay Telephones Hospital Rock Picnic Area 7000’ elevation. (DNC) Limited food service. Cold Springs Campground, Sawtooth parking Exhibits about the Native California Indians who area. Cell phones rarely work. lived here. Store your food from bears. Sherman Food Cart Open daily beginning 5/27 from 11:30 am - 5 pm at Silver City Mountain Resort (private) Pay Telephones (cell phones rarely work) the Upper Sherman Parking Area. Trail ready meals Food, pie, lodging, supplies, and pay phone. Opens Visitor Center near front door. Potwisha Camp- and beverages. Wolverton Picnic Area is nearby. in late May, depending on conditions. ground; Hospital Rock Picnic Area (on restroom). Facilities: Kings Canyon Area & Nearby National Forests 9

Exploring on Horseback • Market: 8:00 am–6:00 pm through May 10, Cedar Grove then 8:00 am - 9:00 pm. Grab-and-go food. Hourly rides, spot trips, or guided trips at three Groceries, supplies, ATM. 4600’ elevation. Along the Kings River on the floor locations. Opening dates depend on conditions. • Restaurant: Daily 7:00–10:00 am, 11:30 am–3:30 of the glacial Kings Canyon. The lodge, market, • Grant Grove, weather permitting, May 15-June pm, & 5:00–8:00 pm through May 10, then and grill opens May 10. 15, Sat-Sun, 10:00 am-3:00 pm. Open daily be- 7:00-10:00, 11:30-4:30, 5:00-9:00pm. ginning June 15, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm: 1-559-335- • Courtyard Dining: Open daily beginning May Cedar Grove Visitor Center (NPS) 9292. Off-season: 1-559-799-7247 24 from 7:00 am - 9:00 pm. Opens 5/24. By Sentinel Campground. See page 2. • Cedar Grove, May 15-27, Sat-Sun, 10:00 am-3:00 • Gift Shop: 8:00 am-6:00 pm through May 10, pm. Open daily beginning May 27, 9 then 8:00 am-9:00 pm. Souvenirs, supplies, Pay Telephones (cell phones do not work) :00 am to 4:00 pm: 1-559-565-3464. Off-season: clothing, and an ATM. Pay phones are located in the village and outside 1-559-337-2413. both the market and the visitor center. • Horse Corral at Big Meadows (USFS) • John Muir Lodge: 1-559-335-5500. Lodge is open year-round. Tent Cabins reopen May 11. Open late May. Village Center, Lodge (DNC): Opens May 11 Summer: 1-559-565-3404 • Showers: No longer available in Grant Grove. • Grill: Limited-service snack bar. Open daily Cell: 1-559-667- 8499 The nearest public showers are at Lodgepole and Cedar Grove. 7:00-10:00am, 11:30 am-2:30 pm, 5:00-9:00 pm. • Gift Shop/Market: Open daily 7:00 am-10:00 Grant Grove U.S. Post Offce Monday–Friday 9:00 am–4:00 pm. Groceries, supplies, souvenirs. 6600’ elevation. Experience a pristine sequoia pm; 24-hour lobby. Send visitor mail c/o General • Showers and Laundry: Open daily 7:00 am- grove and one that was logged in the 1800s. Delivery, Kings Canyon NP, CA 93633. 1:00 pm and 3:00-8:00 pm. 1-559-335-2499. Kings Canyon Park Visitor Center Wilderness Permits (NPS) Movie, exhibits in English & Spanish. Pay Telephones (cell phones rarely work) At Road’s End, 6 miles east of the village. The sta- Public telephones are located in the village, outside tion is open daily from 7:00 am-3:30 pm beginning Grant Grove Village the market and visitor center. 5/24. Until then, self-register outside.

National Parks & National Forests lie side by side here. National Forest & Monument Basic Rules Some activities are illegal in one but not in the other. Hume Lake & Big Meadows areas are in Gi- ant Sequoia National Monument, part of Sequoia National Forest. You pass through the monument Can I... In National Parks In National Forests when you drive between Lodgepole and Grant Not on any trails. OK 100 feet from roads in develop- Pets can go on trails. Grove and between Grant Grove and Cedar Grove. Walk my ed areas (picnic areas, campgrounds, roads). Certifed In both areas: Pets must be on a leash less than leashed pets? service dogs only (not assistance or therapy animals); 6 feet (1.8m) long. see www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010 USFS Hume Lake District Offce (USFS) Leave things where you fnd them to play their You may keep a few cones or rocks for personal 35860 Kings Canyon Road (Hwy 180) 19 miles west Collect things natural role in the ecosystem. use. of park entrance. Weekdays 8am–4:30 pm. Maps, to take home? In both areas: Archeological sites and artifacts are protected by law. books. 1-559-338-2251; www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia Not in the Parks. Visitors are responsible for under- Only during the season with a license: Hunt? standing & complying with all applicable state, local, 1-559-243-4005. Pay Telephones (cell phones rarely work) and federal frearms laws before entering this park. • Between Wuksachi Village & Grant Grove: Get specifc information on off-highway-vehicle Summer near the Big Meadows trailhead. Drive off-road? Not in these parks. Stay on roads. (OHV) routes at USFS Hume Lake offce in Dun- lap or Kings Canyon Visitor Center. • Between Grant Grove & Cedar Grove: Hume Lake Call Hume Lake Ranger District for wood per- Not in these parks. Cut wood? mits & guidelines: 559-338-2251. Hume Lake Services (on private land) In park, only in fre grills in some campgrounds Free fre permits are required, even for gas Open all year. Gas, market, and meals. Hours vary. Build fres? & some picnic areas. stoves & lanterns. Get permits at visitor center in Grant Grove or USFS in Dunlap. North of Grant Grove 8 miles on Highway 180, then right on Hume Lake Road. 1-559- 305-7770. In both areas: Permitted during fshing season. California fshing licenses are required for ages 16 & up. Go fshing? Ask for copies of park regulations. Montecito-Sequoia Resort (USFS permittee) Keep bikes on roads only, not on any trail (other Ask a ranger which trails permit bicycles. Ride a bicycle? Open daily. All-inclusive lodging, meals, and activi- than the designated bike trail in Cedar Grove). ties. Cabins, hotel, children's camp; winter activi- In both areas: Under 18 years old must wear helmets. ties. 1-800- 227-9900; 1-559- 565-3388. Only on designated snowmobile routes. Trail- Not in these parks. Snowmobile? heads are at Cherry Gap, Big Meadows, & Quail Flat. Information: 1-559-338-2251. Stony Creek Resort (USFS permittee) Opens in early May. Market, restaurant, gasoline, Only in accordance with FAA guidance, and not Fly a drone? Not in any national park. in wilderness areas. and showers. 800-227-9900; 559-565-3909. 10 Be Safe

GPS & WEAK CELL SIGNALS You are Responsible for Your Safety Cell phones rarely work here, and GPS may misdi- rect you. Don’t rely on them. Note location of pay Natural areas present hazards. Cold temperatures, icy or uneven ground, wild telephones (pages 8 & 9), and use maps. animals, and changing weather all pose dangers. Rocks roll, trees topple, and MOUNTAIN LIONS limbs drop without warning. People create other hazards via campfires, traffic, Cougars roam throughout these parks, but you are snowplay, and poor decisions. GPS directions may mislead you here. unlikely to see one. Attacks are rare, but be aware. Watch children closely; never let them run ahead. Water is the main cause of death here. In addition to swimmers, many drowning Cautiously move away if you find a partially buried victims walking or climbing near rivers unexpectedly fall in. animal carcass. If you see a cougar, convince it that you are not prey: The National Park Service works to reduce risks, but your safety is in your own • Don’t run; that may trigger hands. Keep alert. Read warnings and ask a ranger for advice. pursuit. Pick up children. • Try to appear as large as pos- DROWNING HYPOTHERMIA sible. Don’t crouch down. • Hold your ground or back away slowly while The #1 cause of death in national parks! Be careful This life-threatening condition can occur year- facing the cougar. around water; falling in is as dangerous as swim- round. Stay dry; snack often. If others don’t react • If the cougar acts aggressively, wave your ming. Once in a river, getting out can be nearly to the need for warmer clothes or are stumbling, hands, shout, and throw stones or sticks at it. impossible: Rocks are smooth and slippery; swift, forgetful, or extremely tired and drowsy, get warm • If attacked, fight back! Report any sightings. cold water rapidly saps your strength. Currents are sugary drinks into them immediately. Get them always stronger than they appear, even during low into dry clothes, sleeping bags, and shelter. Espe- water. Ask at visitor centers about river conditions. cially keep an eye on children who are wet or cold. DRINKING WATER We test the 13 park water systems to ensure that they meet federal and state standards. Annual PLAGUE, HANTAVIRUS & WEST NILE RATTLESNAKES Consumer Confidence Reports are available. Do not feed or touch ANY wild animals. Avoid ar- Found in much of these parks; eas of rodent activity, as fleas on rodents can carry especially common in the foot- plague and deer mice feces can carry hantavirus. hills, in the Kings Canyon, and ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES West Nile virus is passed by bites from infected near water. Watch where you put Keep parks safe, natural, and free from illegal activ- mosquitos. Human illness is not common, but your hands and feet! Do not ha- ities, including marijuana growing and fireworks! take steps to avoid mosquito bites. rass or kill them; this is when most Report suspicious activities: 1-888-NPS-CRIME. bites occur. Bites are rarely lethal, TICKS are common in foothi ll and Kings Canyon but tissue damage can be severe. KEEP ANIMALS SAFE grasses; check yourself for these little animals after If bitten, avoid panic and call 911. Pets are vulnerable to wildlife, ticks, and overheat- a walk. Their bite is painless, but some carry Lyme ing in vehicles. Keep wildlife safe from pets, too. disease. Remove them carefully with LIGHTNING tweezers and seek a doctor’s advice. See dark clouds or lightning? Hear thunder? Get TREE HAZARDS inside a large building or a vehicle (not convert- Branches and trees may fall, whether or not they GIARDIA ible), if possible. Do not stand under trees or in are dead, even when there is no wind. Keep eyes This protozoan in lakes and streams causes intes- shallow caves. Avoid projecting above your sur- and ears open. Run if you hear cracks or snapping tinal upset. Iodine and other chemicals may not be roundings, such as standing on a ridge, on Moro from roots, trunks, or branches (sometimes there as reliable as heat in killing bacteria and Giardia, Rock, or in open meadows. Stay away from open is no sound). Don't linger under dead, cracked, but can be effective if used properly. Boil drinking water, wire fences, and metal railings, which can broken, or hanging branches. Avoid spending any water from waterways for at least 3 minutes. carry lightning from a distance. time under trees that are rotten at the base or have cracked bark that is peeling off the trunk. POISON OAK CARBON MONOXIDE A common shrub This odorless, colorless gas can be fatal. Never up to 5000 feet el- burn charcoal in closed spaces such as a tent or RV. Explore Safely evation. Red leaves • Avoid going alone, and tell someone and whitish berries OZONE POLLUTION in fall; bare in See air-quality forecasts in visitor centers. Most your plans and return time. winter; shiny green ozone rises into the Sierra Nevada on warm winds. • Take a map, water, fashlight, and layers leaves in groups of Levels of this colorless gas are highest from May of clothes. three in spring. If to October, peaking in late afternoon. The peaks you touch any part sometimes reach “unhealthy” state/federal stan- • Watch and listen for potential hazards of it, wash skin and dards, and can affect respiratory systems. Ozone above, around, and on the ground. clothes right away. forms from gases in car and factory exhaust. Bear Habitat: Proper food storage is the law! Wilderness 11

Bears can grab unattended food or easily Campers Over 800,000 acres of these parks are designated break into cars that have food in them. Store food day and night in the metal boxes pro- wilderness. They offer outstanding opportuni- They become bold and sometimes ag- vided (avoid bringing coolers that won’t fit; most ties for you to enjoy both solitude and challenge. gressive in attempts to get more. Too boxes are 47" long x 33" deep x 28" high. Store ALL Thank you for following minimum-impact, no- often these bears must be killed. food, coolers, related items, and anything with an trace guidelines to protect the wilderness! odor (even non-food) — including unopened cans Wild places include hazards, and help may not be and bottles. Latch the box completely. Food not This is why you may be fined if you do not store available. Be prepared to be fully self-reliant. Many stored properly will be impounded. Where boxes food properly. Follow the rules below to reduce trees have died from drought, which may increase are not provided, seal food to reduce odors, cover (but not eliminate) the risk of a bear break-in. hazards from falling trees and branches; be careful it well, and close the windows. Keep a clean camp- where you linger or camp. See Be Safe, page 10. Drivers site. Deposit garbage immediately in bear-proof Never leave any food or scented item in cars where containers or store it like food. Take baby seats out Wilderness permits are required for all over- food-storage boxes are provided. of cars; the smells they absorb may attract bears. night trips. Permits are required for all over- night trips, and they are limited during the Picnickers Backpackers summer quota period (May 24 through Septem- Never move away from coolers and tables when Hanging food often fails! Store all food in a por- ber 21, 2019). The permit fee during that time is food is out. Stay within arm's length of food. table container. Less than 3 pounds, it holds up to $10 plus $5/person. Permits can be reserved by 5-day’s food for one and fits in a pack. Metal boxes email or U.S. mail beginning March 1. Outside Lodge Guests in a few wilderness locations offer backup storage. of the quota period, permits are free and can be Remove food from your vehicles. Rent/buy a container at visitor centers or markets. self-issued at the permit station or visitor center closest to your trailhead. Everyone Don’t let bears approach Jennie Lakes and Monarch wildernesses in the you or your food, picnic National Forest (USFS): Permits are not re- area, or campsite. Wave quired but please complete a registration card your arms, make loud at Jennie Lakes trailheads; information is used noises, and throw small to manage the wilderness effectively. USFS rocks toward them (avoid requires a free fire permit for any open flame; hitting the face or head). downloadable from www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia. Keep a safe distance but be persistent. Easily abandon- Camping in the park’s “frontcountry” is permit- ing your food teaches bears ted only in campgrounds. Camping or sleeping that it is acceptable to ap- in vehicles is not allowed in parking lots, pull- proach humans; it may hurt outs, picnic areas, or trailheads in the park. someone in the future. If a See nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness or: bear does get food, howev- er, never try to take it back. Wilderness Permit Reservations Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks 47050 Generals Highway Unit 60 Three Rivers, CA 93271 Your entrance fee helps the Parks! 1-559-565-3766 [email protected] Most of your entrance fee goes to projects re- Passes to National Parks & Interagency Federal lated to your visit here. Save time at the entrance Recreational Lands Nationwide Seasonal Wilderness Lodging by paying your fee in advance at www.yourpass- Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp (DNC) • Annual: $80. Valid for entrance fees nationwide. now.com/parkpass and showing it as you go in. Ask Open late May into late September, conditions per- about Every Kid in a Park passes for 4th graders! • Annual Military: Free to active-duty members mitting. A tent hotel and restaurant 11 miles out on and their dependents with a CAC or DD1173. Crys- the High Sierra Trail. Reservations (required) taken Passes to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks tal Cave has its own fee, but offers a discount. by phone starting 7:00 am on the first business day & Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest in January: 866-807-3598. For more information, • Seniors: $80 one-time fee buys lifetime entrance • 7-day pass: $35 per vehicle (private, non-com- visit www.visitsequoia.com. for U.S. citizens & permanent residents 62 or older, mercial). $20 per person on foot, bicycle, or bus. $30 per motorcycle (not per person). • Accessibility: Free to blind or permanently dis- • Pear Lake Winter Hut (SPC) abled U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Take Winter only. This historic cabin is high above • 12-Month Pass: $70 admits all passengers in a appropriate documents to entrance stations. Lodgepole at an elevation of 9,200 and sleeps ten private vehicle. people. Six strenuous miles on skis/snowshoes get Passes are not valid for Crystal Cave tickets. you to its cozy stove and 10 bunkbeds. Reserva- tions are required: 1-559-565-4251. 12 Mountain Roads: Spring 2017

Gas Up Outside the Parks Seasonal Road Information No gas stations are available within park bound- and Vehicle Length Limits aries. Fill up in Three Rivers (5 miles from the Highway 198 park entrance), Clingan’s Junction (20 All openings depend on weather conditions. miles outside the Highway 180 park entrance). If you're already in the park, fill up at: On Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park: • Hume Lake Christian Camp: Near Grant Grove. • Foothills Visitor Center to Potwisha Camp- 559-305-7770. Open all year. Facility hours vary. ground: vehicles longer than 24 feet are not Gas is sold when the store is open. recommended. • Stony Creek Village: 1-559-565-3909. Starting in • Potwisha Campground to Giant Forest Mu- mid-May, gas is available 24 hours with credit seum: vehicles longer than 22 feet are not recom- card. Other services are listed on page 9. The mended. village is between Wuksachi & Grant Grove on the Generals Highway. Alternatives: Highway 180 from Fresno is straight- er, less steep, and wider. If you have a longer vehicle, consider using this entrance. Rules & Recommendations for Other Sequoia National Park Roads:

Traveling in the Parks Photo courtesy of Kiel Maddox. • Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow: Scheduled to Tire Chains May Be Required open on 5/22. Vehicle-length limit 22’; no trail- Go Slow for Wildlife! Snow can fall anytime at higher elevations. When ers or towed units. From May 23 - September 8, Never feed animals by the road. Cars often hit roads are slippery or icy, tire chains may be re- the road closes to private vehicles on week- wildlife that waits for handouts on roadsides. quired, even for vehicles with snow tires or 4WD/ ends & holidays, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. Ta ke t h e AWD. Rent or buy chains in local communities shuttle (see page 6), walk, or bicycle at those Road Construction before you enter the parks. times. A large road construction project that caused road Exception: those with valid disabled-parking delays between the Sequoia park entrance and the Don’t Lose Your Brakes placard or a current local wilderness permit. Giant Forest is complete. Keep a foot on the brake for too long, and brakes • Crystal Cave Road: Opens 5/24. Maximum may fail. Instead, always downs hift when going vehicle length on this narrow, winding road is A smaller project will be taking place between Lodgepole and Grant Grove in summer 2019, and downhill. In automatic vehicles, put the gear- 22 feet (6.7 m). shift on 1, 2, or L. The engine gets louder, but your short delays are possible. • Mineral King Road: Scheduled to open on 5/22 brakes wont overheat. at noon, weather permitting. For partial access before that, contact the Foothills Visitor Center. Prevent Car Fires RVs and trailers are not recommended, and are Hot brakes and mufflers can easily start car and not allowed in Mineral King campgrounds. Driving Times forest fires. Stop and park only on paved areas, not on grass or other vegetation. In Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Forest: When roads are clear and open: Bicycles • Highway 180 to Cedar Grove in Kings From Foothills to: Ride on roads, not trails. Obey traffic rules. Wear Canyon: Giant Forest 1 hour light colors at night. Helmets are required for rid- Caltrans plans to open the road on 4/26 at ers under 18 years old. Lodgepole 1 hour minimum noon. Visalia 1 hour Emergency Car Repairs • Panoramic Point Road: Scheduled to open by Mineral King 1½ hours For a tow, call 1-559-565-3341 then press zero (24 5/22, depending on snow conditions. hours). In Sequoia Park only, 24-hour AAA ser- Motorhomes and trailers are not permitted. From Giant Forest to Grant Grove via Generals Hwy 1 hour vice is available for minor vehicle issues such as • Redwood Canyon Road (NPS): This unpaved, lock outs, jump starts, emergency gas, and minor rough, unplowed road is scheduled to open by From Grant Grove to: repairs. Call 1-559-625-7700. 5/22, but may close with additional snow. Cedar Grove 1 hour Firearms in these National Parks • Converse Basin (USFS): Unpaved, rough, Fresno 1½ hours unplowed. Opening to be determined. People with firearms are responsible for Yosemite south entry 3 hours understanding and complying with all applicable • Big Meadows, Quail Flat/Ten Mile (USFS): (via Hwy 41) California, local, and federal firearms laws. People Unplowed. Open with snowmelt. who can legally possess firearms under federal, Note: GPS often misdirects travellers in California, and local laws may possess firearms in this area. Follow signs, use maps, or ask. these parks.