National Park Service Visitor Guide: Late Spring 2016 U.S. Department of the Interior

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks & Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument

A century of national parks Check for details & hours inside: One hundred years. Not long belts and hatbands of park rangers. Return for more programs and in geologic time, but long enough Activities: programs ...... 5 At the heart of the park system activities that celebrate 100 years of to embed an idea in the heart of lies stewardship, the commitment national parks, including: America — the national parks. And Bears & food storage ...... 11 to protect something not only for like our hearts, the park system can • June 18 - The Legacy of the Buf- ourselves but for the future; the Campgrounds ...... 4 grow to include more stories, more falo Soldiers: Special walks and willingness to care for something people, more of our treasured talks, and an encampment of histori- Exploring: above and beyond our own lives. landscapes. cal re-enactors take us back to 1903. Sequoia NP ...... 6 You play a critical role in steward- Kings Canyon NP & USFS ..7 Nature, history, sacred sites: Like ship here! Your eff orts to protect • August 5-7 - Dark Sky Festival many national parks, Sequoia and your parks not only ensure their (annually): Astronauts, star-gazing Facilities & hours ...... 8-9 and photography programs, night Kings Canyon have them all. Se- longevity; they protect the sur- Lodging ...... 5 quoia and the forerunner of Kings rounding areas and towns, as well. walks, telescopes, and more. Canyon, the tiny General Grant Map of park roads ...... 8 Get yourself, your children, your • August 25 - NPS Founders Day: National Park, were designated th friends out in these parks. Explore The actual 100 birthday of the Na- Nature & ecosystems ...... 3 in 1890 — the second and third trails, read exhibits, and go on tional Park Service! Special activities national parks in this country. Over ranger-led programs. Take care of and programs, candlelight cave tours. Phone numbers ...... 2 time, with the creation of more this place, then take that sense of • August 26-28 - Ersa of the Red parks, the country realized that it Rules & regs: some basics.....9 ownership and stewardship home Trees: Renactment of a historic pag- needed a professional agency to with you. Let it grow to include eant once performed here, under the Road information ...... 12 oversee their care, and in 1916 the safeguarding other histories, peo- giant sequoias, in 1926. Join in! National Park Service was born. Safety ...... 10 ple, and landscapes in your own Yet the early infl uence of these community and in other parks. Other events take place outside the Visitor centers ...... 2 parks remains clear. Look closely parks: See www.sequoiaparkscon- Then give it another 100 years. at the symbols of the service: servancy.org and www.nps.gov/seki/ Wilderness camping & Who knows what celebrations may permits ...... 11 You’ll see a sequoia tree on the ar- learn/news for details. rowhead and sequoia cones on the stem from your eff orts? 2 Finding Information: Late Spring 2016

Telephone & Internet Visitor Centers, Book 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 offers park and area informa- first printed in 1974 as the Sequoia Bark. Limited Cell Signals & Service tion, varied exhibits and films, and ∙ Editor: NPS - Malinee Crapsey See pay-phone locations by area, pages 8-9. many sales items: books, maps, gifts, ∙ Publisher: Sequoia Parks Conservancy (below) postcards. All profits from park visitor ∙ Printer: Willems Commercial Printing, Inc. Sequoia & Kings Canyon (NPS) centers support the parks! 1-559-565-3341 (24 hour): Press 1 for an information National Park Service (NPS) - menu then: for roads/weather/fire, press 1; camp- Foothills Visitor Center (in Sequoia) federal agency in the Dept. of the ing/lodging 2; wilderness 4; and more. (NPS) Daily 8am-4:30pm. Exhibits on life in the Interior: 1-559-565-3341, nps.gov/seki low elevations. 1-559-565-4212. Muchas veces hay GPS, Web & Social Media Forest Service (USFS) - federal agency in rangers aqui quienes hablan español. Local wilder- GPS programs sometimes misdirect travellers here. the Dept. of Agriculture: 1-559-784-1500, Use maps and signs, or ask for directions. ness permits: On weekdays get them at the Wilder- fs.usda.gov/sequoia ness Office behind the visitor center; on weekends, The only offi cial park information sources online: self-register near the visitor center door. Geological Survey (USGS) - federal agency in the Dept. of the Interior:1-559-565-3171, werc.usgs.gov Website: Giant Forest Museum (in Sequoia) nps.gov/seki (NPS) Daily 9am-6pm. Exhibits on sequoias. 1-559- DNC Parks & Resorts at Sequoia & Kings Canyon 565-4480. Local wilderness permits. No payphone (DNC) - the concessioner providing lodging & food services: 1-888-252-5757, visitsequoia.com Facebook: (closest outside Lodgepole Market & Wolverton). Sequoia and Kings Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC): This new non- Canyon National Parks Kings Canyon Park Visitor Center profi t park partner was formed by the merger (NPS) In Grant Grove. Daily 8am-5pm. Exhibits & of the Sequoia Natural History Association and movie in English & Spanish. 1-559-565-4307. Local Sequoia Parks Foundation. See below or www. Twitter: wilderness permits 8am-4:30pm. sequoiaparksconservancy.org, & www.explorese- SequoiaKingsNPS quoiakingscanyon.com for activities and programs. 1-559-565-3759. Hume Lake District Offi ce (USFS) Sequoia National Forest/Monument (FS) 35860 Kings Canyon Road (Hwy 180) in the For- 1-559-338-2251, fs.usda.gov/sequoia est Service office in Dunlap, 19 miles west of Kings Canyon park entrance at Big Stump. Weekdays Connect to Yosemite National Park (NPS) 8am-4:30pm. Maps, books. 1-559-338-2251, your national park! 1-209-372-0200, nps.gov/yose www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia

California Road Conditions (CalTrans) Lodgepole Visitor Center (in Sequoia) The Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC) works with 1-800-427-7623, dot.ca.gov (NPS) Daily 7am-7pm. Films, exhibits. Local wil- these parks to enrich your experience and promote derness permits. Payphone outside. Wi-Fi awareness of public lands. They offer educational In lobby at Wuksachi Lodge, Grant Grove Village programs, publications, and financial support Market, and at Montecito Lake Resort for guests Cedar Grove Visitor Center (in Kings for preserving the natural and cultural history of (see Lodging page 5). Canyon) (NPS) Daily 9am-5pm. 1-559-565-3793. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Devils Wilderness permits issued at Road's End. Postpile National Monument, and Lake Kaweah. Translations Mineral King Ranger Station (Sequoia) Support the Conservancy in all it does: (NPS) Daily 8am-3:45pm. Local wilderness per- • Seeks funding for park improvement projects, Welcome - You may borrow a Braille copy of the mits, maps, bear canisters. resource protection, and research; park map & guide at visitor centers. • Provides activities & tour-guide services through Sequoia Field Institute (SFI; page 5); Bienvenidos - Hay un folleto en español dis- • Supports park programs & activities; ponible en los centros de visitante. • Increases accessibility of park trails; Bienvenue - Une guide officielle est disponible • Conducts Crystal Cave tours; dans les centres d’information. • Expands park outreach; • Accepts donations for Wilkommen - Eine Landkarte ist auch in search & rescue efforts; deutscher sprache im Besucher-zentrum erhaltlich. • Manages the Pear Lake Winter Hut; Benvenuti - La traduzione in lingua Italiana della • Funds park books, maps, mappa e’ disponibile in tutti i centri di informazioni. & 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, Alien Invaders however, is very different than protecting unchanging objects. Plants and animals evolve together in communities Both natural features and human facilities may be different each time you visit. Both over time. Often, they keep each other in check. 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 a day, When species get brought in from other places, the but you will see other activities such as revegetation, road work, painting, or trail newcomers may multiply wildly. This is because 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 The park staff uses such actions as tools to maintain the landscape and protect its of life, badly disrupting native species that depend 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 fi re 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- For over 40 years at these parks, we have studied It is not yet established in scape, believing it was destructive. In sequoia fire and its effects on the land. To protect human these parks, but it is close! groves, that meant putting out lightning-caused fires safety and benefit giant sequoia trees, we now If you recognize its yellow fl ower and that naturally start as often as every 5 to 15 years. work with fire to restore the benefits it brings. thorny spines from your home or travels, As time passed, we saw unanticipated consequences We still put out fires that threaten life and property make sure not to bring it in. If you see it from this practice. Fire suppression blocked impor- but when and where it’s appropriate, we ignite pre- here, tell a ranger. tant natural processes, which led to big problems: scribed fires or allow lightning fires to spread natu- rally, reducing fuels and improving resource condi- First, sequoias were not reproducing. We learned tions. Strong evidence shows we are succeeding. New Zealand mud that fires create the conditions that sequoias need snails completely to regenerate: Fires leave behind a seedbed fertil- Why is this important? The national parks exist take over and ized with ash, and they open the forest canopy, to conserve resources “unimpaired for the enjoy- change waterways that allowing sunlight to reach the seedlings. ment of future generations.” We once thought that they invade. Due to their aggressive fire suppression met this goal. A more biology, just one snail can start a Second, the amount of dead wood and dense complete understanding of fire tells us that exclud- huge population! These tiny light-brown growth of small white-fir trees increased tremen- ing this important natural agent of change only animals—less than 1/8-inch long—stick dously. In the past, frequent natural fires burned hurts what we are trying to protect. these away. Now, after fire’s long absence, these on your gear. Check boots, waders, and serve as fuels, feeding bigger, hotter blazes that are Note: The eff ects of the 2015 Rough Fire continue to boats thoroughly for this little invader. more dangerous for people, plants, and wildlife. infl uence the Kings Canyon area (page 7). Common just east of the parks, they could easily be carried into the High For more about fi re management, visit Sierra. http://go.nps.gov/sekifi re. To report a wildfi re: 559-565-3195. 4 Camping Campgrounds: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) Foothills Area Elevation 2100’ - 3600’ Low-elevation oaks and chaparral. * Potwisha - 40 sites $22. *Some sites reservable River nearby. Pay phone, fl ush toilets, dump station. Check regulations at each campground. Open all year. all year. Rules vary between the National Park and * Buckeye Flat - 28 sites $22. *Sites reservable for No RVs or trailers. River nearby. Flush toilets. Other facilities nearby at National Forest (details on page 9). Each Open. Last night 9/27. 5/25-9/27. Potwisha. standard campsite has a table and fire ring South Fork - 10 sites $12. No drinking water. Vault toilets. River nearby. Food-storage boxes ~47"long, 17"deep, with grill. No hook-ups in the park. Open all year. 16"high. Non-drinkable water 5/25-10/12. Mineral King Area Elevation 6650’ - 7500’ Area open 5/25 through 10/25. No electricity or gas.

You must store food correctly all year due Atwell Mill - 21 sites $12. See road info, page 12. No RVs or trailers. River, sequoias. Vault toilets. Food, pay showers to black bears. The park supplies many 47" long nearby at Silver City (summer only). x33" deep x28" high food-storage boxes. See page 11. Cold Springs - 40 sites $12. See road info, page 12. No RVs or trailers. Pay phone. River. Vault toilets. Food & pay showers at Silver City (summer only). Food-storage boxes in varied sizes. Summer reservations: See on chart (to the * Lodgepole Area Elevation 6700’ Reservations available in summer. Conifer forest. right) for reservable campgrounds in this area. * Reservations available up to 6 months in advance: * Lodgepole - 203 sites $22. Sites reservable 5/25- Pay phone, fl ush toilets. River. Food services nearby. Generator use: Open to late November. 9/27. 8-11am & 5-8pm only. Dump station closed. www. recreation.gov; 1-877-444-6777 (7am -9pm PST, 3/1-10/31). Customer service: 1-888-448-1474. * Dorst Creek - 211 sites $22. Sites reservable Flush toilets, dump station, pay phone. Generator use 8-11am & 5-8pm Open 6/15 through 9/6. 6/15-9/6. 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’ Conifer forest near sequoias. ∙ Up to 6 people: Many campgrounds limit a site to Azalea - 110 sites $18. Self-register near Flush toilets. Village nearby with food services. Pay showers (summer). 1 vehicle & 6 people. Check locally for variations in Open all year. site #29. these limits & parking locations for extra vehicles. Crystal Springs - 49 sites. $18. Standard sites close 6/1- Village nearby: food; pay showers in summer. *14 sites for mid-sized ∙ 7 to 19 people: Summer only, first-come/first- Open. 28.*Mid-size group sites $40. groups (7 to19) reservable 5/25-9/27 (only standard sites close in June). served sites: groups of 7-15 at Crystal Springs; Sunset - 156 sites $22. *Large-group sites Flush toilets. Nearby with food service; pay showers in summer. groups 7-19 at Canyon View, $35/site. * Open. (15-30 people) $50. Regular sites reservable 7/1-9/6 & large-group sites 5/25-9/6. ∙ Larger groups: Reservations for large-group sites in Dorst Creek, Grant Grove, and Cedar Grove in Cedar Grove Area Elevation 4600’ Opens 4/22 at noon. In the canyon of the Kings. the national park or in the national forest: 1-877- Sentinel - 82 sites $18 Flush toilets. Food, pay showers & laundry nearby in summer. One Open. loop opens 4/22; remainder opens as needed. 444-6777; www.recreation.gov. Sheep Creek - 111 sites $18. Targeted opening by Flush toilets. Food, pay showers & laundry nearby in summer. Many Fire Restrictions, Campfi res, & Firewood Opening delayed. mid-June. dead trees must be cleared before opening. ∙ Restrictions may take effect early this summer. *Canyon View: 16 group sites *$40 mid-size groups (7-19); No RVs or trailers. Flush toilets. Food, pay showers & laundry nearby. * Check locally for updates. No RVs or trailers. *$50 large groups (15-30); Mid-sized group sites reservable 5/25-9/6; large-group sites 5/25 - 9/27. Open. $60 large groups (15-40). No small (family) sites. ∙ Gather only dead & down wood; do not cut limbs * or trees. Please don’t transport firewood. It can Moraine - 121 sites $18.Targeted opening by Flush toilets. Food, pay showers, laundry nearby. Many dead trees must carry insects/diseases that threaten living trees. Opening may be delayed. mid-July. be cleared before opening; this may take through June. Find or buy wood close to where you will use it. Opening/closing dates depend on weather, roads, and other conditions. Please burn up any wood you brought in. ∙ Fires must be out cold before you leave. Campgrounds in Sequoia National Forest (Forest Service) ∙ The national forest (FS) requires free campfire Hume Lake Area Elevation 4000’ - 5900’ Between Grant Grove & Cedar Grove. *Reservable in summer. permits from their Dunlap Office, Kings Canyon Visitor Center (in Grant Grove), a FS ranger, or you * Princess - 88 sites $24 single, $48 double River, sequoias. Nature programs (summer). Vault toilets. RV dump Open. Reservable in summer. station $10. Extra car $7. can download it from www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia. * Hume Lake - 74 sites $24 single, $48 double Nature programs. Flush toilets. Lake, food, pay phone, laundry Ranger-Led Programs - Free Open. Reservable in summer. & gas nearby. Extra car $7. May be held in or near campgrounds.Check locally. * Tenmile - 13 sites $20 single, $40 double. River & sequoias nearby. Vault toilets. Open. Reservable in summer. Take Propane Canisters Home $20 single, $40 double River & sequoias nearby. Vault toilets. Extra car $7. They cannot go in park trashcans or be left here. Landslide - 9 sites Open.

Roadside Camping? Convict Flat - 5 sites Free. No water. Vault toilets. River nearby. Not permitted in the park; camp only in designated Open. sites in campgrounds. In National Forest & Monu- Big Meadows & Stony Creek Elevation 6400 - 7500’ ment: Permitted unless posted otherwise. * Stony Creek - 49 sites $24 single, $48 double. Flush toilets. Pay phone, food, laundry, showers nearby at lodge (sum- Open. Reservable in summer. mer). Extra car $7. Food-storage boxes ~47"long, 17"deep, 16"high Quiet & Generator Hours * Upper Stony - 18 sites $20 single, $40 double. Nature programs (summer). Vault toilets. Food, laundry, showers Music should be audible in your site only. Open. Reservable in summer. nearby. Extra car $7. Food-storage boxes ~47"long, 17"deep, 16"high. Use generators 9am-9pm only. At Lodgepole & Dorst use them 8-11am & 5-8pm only. Horse Camp - 5, Buck Rock - 11. Free. No water. Vault toilets. Food-storage boxes ~47"long, 17"deep, 16"high. Big Meadow - 45 sites, new fee: $21 single site,$42 double. Vault toilets. Big Meadow food boxes ~47"long, 33"deep, 28"high. RV & Trailer Length Limits - See back page. For information Camping onin wilderness?camping in wilderness, See page 11. see page 11. Lodging Programs & Tours - Late Spring 2016 5

For facility hours, see pages 8-9. Free Ranger Walks & Talks Offered in the Foothills, Giant Forest, Lodge- You can find lodges in three areas within pole, Grant Grove, Mineral King, Cedar Grove, these parks, and in several locations in the and other locations! See bulletin boards for neighboring national forest: schedules of ranger-led activities. In these National Parks Junior Ranger Program - free IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK (DNC): For ages 5 to 105! Pick up a free booklet at any visi- ∙ Wuksachi Lodge tor center, finish the activities for your age group, All year. Reservations 1-888-252-5757; & earn your badge. www.visitsequoia.com. North of Lodgepole two miles at 7200'. Lodge, restaurant, lounge, gifts, wi-fi. Sequoia Field Institute (SFI) Formations in IN KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK Crystal Cave Over 50,000 visitors yearly explore the parks and (DNC) Reservations 1-877-436-9617; www.visitse- Lake Kaweah with SFI guides. These experts help quoia.com. Lodging in two areas: you see, paint, photograph, or write as you walk, ∙ Grant Grove Cabins & John Muir Lodge ski, snowshoe, boat, and enjoy! Sequoia Parks Con- All year. Hotel, cabins, food service, market, gifts at Crystal Cave Tours servancy (SPC) members may get a discount on SFI 6500'. Register at John Muir Lodge. 559-335-5500 activities: 1-559-565-4251; [email protected] ∙ Cedar Grove Lodge in the Kings Canyon Reserve tickets online at www.recreation.gov at least 24 hours in advance. Need a ticket today? Motel, eatery, market at 4600'. Touring on Horseback Check first thing in the morning at Lodgepole or Foothills visitor centers (not at the cave). Al- Hourly rides, spot trips, guided trips. Opening & Sequoia National Forest low for wait times at park entrances, especially closing dates depend on conditions. Montecito Lake Resort (FS permittee) on weekends and holidays. Cedar Grove Late May to Oct. 10, 9am-4pm: All year. Reservations 1-800-227-9900; desk 1-559- 1-559-565-3464 summer, 1-559-337-2413 off season Crystal Cave Road is 15 miles from Sequoia Park's 565-3388; www.mslodge.com. On Generals Hwy 9 Grant Grove June 10 to September 5, 9am-4pm: miles (14.5 km) south of Grant Grove. Cabins, res- entrance at Hwy 198; 3 miles south of Sherman 1-559-335-9292 summer taurant, hotel, seasonal & children’s activities. Tree (map, page 8). Maximum vehicle length on this narrow, winding road is 22’. Use parking-lot Horse Corral Late May through September: Stony Creek Resort (FS permittee) restrooms; the cave has none. Wear sturdy shoes; At Big Meadows in Sequoia National Forest 1-559-565-3404 summer, 1-559-679-3573 cell (KCPS) Mid-May to early October. Reservations the 1⁄2-mile trail to the cave is steep. Wear a jacket; 1-866-522-6966; www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com. it’s 50°F (10°C) inside. No bags/packs of any kind, On Generals Highway south of Grant Grove. Hotel, strollers, or tripods; no flash/lighted photogra- Teachers & Parents, Take Note! gasoline, pizza, market, showers, laundry. phy/video. Not wheelchair accessible. Tours times Expand your classroom: Invite a ranger to your Big Meadows Cabin (FS) subject to change. For school tours & groups larger class, visit the parks with your school group, down- July to mid-October. 1-877-444-6777; www.recre- than 21, visit www.explorecrystalcave.com. Tours load lesson plans, and participate in distance learn- ation.gov. Historic station south of Grant Grove. operated by the Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC). ing. All education programs are standards-based and free! Visit nps.gov/seki/learn/education. On Private Land in Park/Forest Family Cave Tour - Daily, 50 minutes June 6 - September 5: * Note: These two lodges on private land sur- · Saturday: Every 1/2 hour 10:30am-6pm rounded by national park or forest cannot be evalu- · Sunday: Every 1/2 hour 10:30am-5pm ated, regulated, or endorsed by these agencies. · Weekdays: Every 1/2 hour 10:30am-4:30pm * Silver City Mountain Resort (private) Extra tours on holiday weekends (Friday-Monday). Late May to late October. www.silvercityresort.com; Fees: Ages 0-5 $5; 6-12 $8; 13-61 $16; 62 & up $15. 1-559-561-3223. Cabins, supplies, showers. Store, National Park & Interagency passes do not apply. restaurant/bakery. No gasoline. * Kings Canyon Lodge (private) Special tours for special interests: Closed. 1-559-335-2405. On Hwy 180. · Junior Caver Tour 6/21-8/17, Tuesday-Wednesday 1-3:30pm. Ages 10 to 15. $30. Neighboring Towns · Discovery Tour 6/23-8/21. Thursday-Friday at Three Rivers, Lemon Cove, Squaw Valley & others 5:15pm, Sundays 5:45pm (except holiday week offer year-round lodging, camping, and gasoline ends). $18. stations. Ask at visitor centers or see www.nps.gov/ · Early-Bird Tour Age 13 & up only. seki/planyourvisit for details. Daily 10am 6/6-9/5 (except holiday weekends). Photo courtesy of Kiel Maddox. 6 Exploring Sequoia National Park: Late Spring 2016

Review safety advice on page 10. Be ex- General Sherman Tree end road that begins at Giant Forest Museum. tra careful near rivers. Carry water and a Two trails lead to the world’s largest tree: Road open weekdays; closed weekends/holidays map (sold at visitor centers). Orient your- 8am to 7pm, when the shuttle runs: • Main Trail - This 1/2-mile trail down to the self before going and tell someone your • Moro Rock - A granite dome with a steep tree has some stairs; the walk back is uphill. 1/4-mile staircase to the top (300-foot eleva- plans. Always store food properly before Beware of slippery or wet spots. Drive 2 miles tion gain). Spectacular mountain views. Keep leaving your car or campsite. north of Giant Forest Museum (past the small close watch on children. Two miles from Gen- Sherman Tree parking lot on the Generals erals Highway. Shuttle stop. The Foothills Hwy only for those with disability placards). Turn right onWolverton Road; follow signs. • Tunnel Log - A fallen sequoia that was The low elevations host more different plants and Shuttle stop. tunneled through, and the only “tree you animals than the rest of these parks combined! can drive through” in these parks. Bypass for ô Wheelchair-accessible trail from the larger vehicles. 2.7 miles from the Museum. Foothills Visitor Center Generals Hwy to the Sherman Tree. Parking • Crescent Meadow - Sequoias surround Exhibits on the diverse foothills. Hours on page 2. here is only for those with disability placards. this fragile wetland. Stay on designated trails; If you have no placard but can’t walk the hill use fallen logs to walk into meadows. Several Marble Falls Trail climbs 3.7 miles (6 km) on the main trail, ask at a visitor center for a trails start here, including the 1-mile (1.6 km) through chaparral to a waterfall. Park across the temporary permit. Shuttle stop. 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), highest across the concrete ditch; the trail starts along the No drinking water available along this 3-mile dead- in the lower 48 states. Shuttle stop. steep bank to the right. Hospital Rock Picnic Area Sequoia By Shuttle - 10 years of service! Exhibits about the Western Mono people who once lived here. A short trail built by the Civilian See bulletin boards at shuttle stops for more. Conservation Corps leads to a cascade. Careful; To Grant Grove, Kings Canyon drownings often occur here! · Giant Forest: Green Route 1 - Free. National Park, & Giant Forest Museum to Lodgepole, Paradise Creek stopping at the Sherman Tree in each direction. Dorst Campground Park at Hospital Rock Picnic Area (no non-camper ½-hour ride one way. Every 1/2-hour 8am & starting 6/20 Lodgepole Market parking in Buckeye Flat Campground). Walk 0.8 8:30am; every 15 minutes 9am - 6pm. Wuksachi miles to the campground. Take the path across Lodge & & Visitor Center Restaurant from site #28 to cross a footbridge over the Middle · Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow: Lodgepole Fork. Follow Paradise Creek (not the Middle Fork) Gray Route 2 - Free. Campground for 1 mile (1.6 km) until the trail grows faint. 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. Wolverton Weekdays: 8am, 8:45am, then every 20 minutes 9am-6pm. More parking Open until last Wednesday in October, weather Weekends 8am, 8:45am, then every 10 minutes 9am-6pm. Sherman Tree permitting. The steep road ends at 7800’, the park’s Road closed to private vehicles on weekends & holidays (page 12). highest road. No gasoline or electricity. Use the Main Trail & Parking machine at Lookout Point entrance to pay your fee. · Lodgepole /Wuksachi / Dorst: Purple Route 3 - Free. Sherman Tree Leaves each stop every 20 minutes 8am - 6pm. Wheelchair-Accessible Trail Giant Forest The Dorst portion of the route opens 6/20. Giant Forest Museum · Wolverton/ Sherman Tree: Orange Route 4 - Free. Giant Forest Museum Connects Wolverton picnic area & trailhead to See page 2 for details. Shuttle stop. Crescent Meadow both the main and the accessible trails to the No drinking water Sherman Tree every 15 minutes 9am - 6:30pm. Big Trees Trail ô Moro Rock A level, 2/3-mile (1km) paved loop with trailside · Giant Forest /Foothills/ Visalia - $15 round trip No drinking water exhibits about sequoias. Start your walk at Giant Visalia to Giant Forest (no additional park entrance May 26 Forest Museum (parking at the trail is only for cars fee). Reservations required; sequoiashuttle.com to with disability placards). 1 hour round trip. or 1-877-BUS-HIKE. Buses leave Visalia for Giant Forest Sept.11 every hour from 6am-10am; 2-hour ride each way. Buses leave Giant Forest for Visalia Transit Center Congress Trail To park entrance, A fairly level 2-mile loop (3.2 km) through the every hour from 2:30-6:30pm. Three Rivers, Visalia, & heart of the grove. Begins at the Sherman Tree. In-park shuttle questions: 559-565-4436. Exploring Kings Canyon National Park & nearby forest lands 7

The large 2015 Rough Fire burned in this are sold at visitor centers & the trailhead. One Redwood Mountain Sequoia Grove area. Exploring it may seem inviting, but mile/1.6km from the visitor center: north on Hwy Rutted dirt road to one of the world’s largest Big burned-out stumps and ash areas are 180 then follow signs. Shuttle stop. Tree groves. Research here revealed the positive unstable. Dead standing trees can fall at link between sequoias and fire. Across Generals any time. Stay on trails to avoid crush- North Grove Loop Hwy from Quail Flat/Hume Lake junction; 7 miles ing new growth, and give the plants and This 1½-mile (2.4 km) trail offers a close look at south of Grant Grove. Turn right (west) at Red- animals a chance to recover. Big Trees and a quiet forest walk. Start at Grant wood Saddle; 2 miles to parking lot. Loop trails up Tree bus/RV parking. Shuttle stop. to 10 miles long. Also review safety advice (page 10). Be careful near rivers and with fi re. Always Panoramic Point Road Area Overlooks & Views store food properly before leaving your A narrow road to a trail to a beautiful Sierran vista. • McGee Vista Point: Sunset views. North of Grant car or campsite. Carry a map and water. Trailers/RVs prohibited. Go east through visitor- Grove Village 3 miles on Hwy 180. center parking; follow signs to the paved, ¼-mile • Kings Canyon Overlook: View of the high coun- accessible trail to an overlook. Park Ridge Trail (4 try. On Generals Hwy, 7 miles south of Grant Grove. Grant Grove miles/6.4 km round-trip) begins here. • Redwood Mountain Overlook: Look west over Kings Canyon Visitor Center - See page 2. one of the world’s largest sequoia groves. South of Big Stump Basin Grant Grove 6 miles on the Generals Hwy. Grant Tree Trail Stumps from late 19th-century logging include the General Grant, one of the world’s largest trees, Mark Twain Stump. You can climb steps to see the Kings Canyon & Cedar Grove grows along this 1/3-mile (.5 km) paved trail. The growth rings of this giant. Slabs of this tree are in tree is also a living national shrine. Trail guides museums in New York and London. 1.5 miles, easy. See where the 2015 Rough Fire burned along the road. Many drought-weakened trees here suc- cumbed to insects. Some campground openings Grant Grove By Shuttle are delayed while dead trees are removed.

See bulletin boards at shuttle Roaring River Falls stops for schedules. Each bus can 180 To Cedar A very short, shady walk to a waterfall rushing carry two bicycles and is wheel- Grove through a granite chute. East of Cedar Grove Vil- chair-accessible; some can kneel. lage 3 miles. Paved, accessible with assistance.

Grant Tree · Grant Grove Loop (green): Free. Trail Crystal Springs Zumwalt Meadow Daily 9:20am through 5:16pm, these Campground This 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop passes high granite buses make a 20-25 minute loop, John Muir Big Trees walls, lush meadows, and the Kings River. Parking Transit stopping at: Lodge is 4½ miles east of Cedar Grove Village road. Buy a Azalea Fresno- trail guide at the visitor center. Allow 1 hour. · just north/across the parking lot Campground Sanger from Kings Canyon Visitor Center, Grant Grove Village route in front of the gift shop; Grant Kings Canyon Grove National Forest / Monument · John Muir Lodge (closest stop to Sunset Loop Campground Visitor Center Giant Sequoia National Monument is part of Se- Panoramic Point); KINGS quoia National Forest next to these parks. Page 9 · Crystal Springs Campground; CANYON details how national parks and forests differ. A few · Grant Tree/North Grove parking; NATIONAL areas remain closed due to effects of the Rough · Azalea Campground; PARK Fire; watch for signs & ask for updates. · Sunset Campground; To Sanger and Fresno · Big Stump Picnic Area (on Hwy Big To Sequoia National Park Converse Basin 180 near entrance); Stump North of Grant Grove 2 miles. Most sequoias in · back to the gift shop. 180 Picnic this huge grove were cut early in the 1900s. Buses come to each stop every 15 to Area 35 minutes (only one is 45 minutes). Hume Lake Last bus leaves the gift shop May 28 Formed by a rare, historic dam, the lake supplied at 4:45pm. through water to a flume that floated lumber 67 miles to Sept. 5 Sanger. An easy 2½-mile trail circles it. Page 9 lists · Big Trees Transit: facilities. Six miles north of Grant Grove on High- Highway 180 to Grant Grove (orange) - State University, the Fresno Airport, Sanger Depot way 180; 3 miles south on Hume Lake Road. $15 round trip (no additional park entrance fee). Museum, and Squaw Valley / Clingan's Junction. Reservations strongy recommended; www.big- The entire ride to the giant sequoias in Grant Grove Buck Rock Lookout treestransit.com. Questions: 1-800-325-RIDE (7433). takes 2-1/2 hours. Buses leave Grant Grove for the A 1916 tower, still used for spotting fires, offers Buses leave Fresno at 7am and 9am, stopping at the valley at 3:30pm and 5:30pm, making the same stops 360° views. Approximately 6 miles (9.6 km) off Big Fresno Greyhound and Amtrak stations, Fresno as they did on the way up. Meadows Road 14S11, then take Forest Road 13S04. 8 Facilities: Sequoia

Foothills Area 1300-3500’ elevation. Oaks, chaparral, & river canyons; hot summers & snow-free winters. Park headquarters is by the Foothills Visitor Center.

Foothills Visitor Center (NPS) 8am-4:30pm. See page 2. Ask about cave tickets.

Pay Telephones (cell phones rarely work) Foothills Visitor Center near front door; Potwisha Campground; Hospital Rock Picnic Area (on restroom wall).

Giant Forest Sequoia Grove 6400’ elevation. Home of the world’s biggest trees. Giant Forest Museum (NPS) Hours on page 2. Shuttle stop starting 5/26. Crystal Cave (NPS) Details, page 3. Tickets not sold at cave. Giant Forest Shuttle (NPS): See page 6. Lodgepole 6700’ elevation. North of Giant Forest along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. Shuttle stop. Lodgepole Visitor Center (NPS) Hours & details on page 2. Ask about cave tickets here (see page 5). Lodgepole Village Shops (DNC): • Market & Gift Shop: Daily 8am-9pm. Supplies, clothing, food. • Grill: Daily 11:30am-8pm. • Deli: Daily 11am-6pm. • Showers & Laundry: Daily 8am-1pm & 3-8pm. Last laundry in 1 hour before closing. U.S. Post Offi ce Mail drop only. Behind visitor center. Full postal services at Grant Grove. See page 12 for details on roads and for approximate driving times between areas of the parks. Pay Telephones (cell phones rarely work) Outside visitor center & market. Wolverton Mineral King 7200’ elevation. North of Sherman Tree 2 miles. A 7800’ elevation. A steep, narrow, winding road to Wuksachi Lodge & Dining dam was once planned to flood this area, but the a subalpine valley. No electricity or gasoline. Pay 7200’ elevation. (DNC) Year-round service, 4 miles geology could not sustain it. Summer picnic area, your entrance fee at the machine at Lookout Point north of Sherman Tree. Pay telephones at main good night-sky views. Shuttle stop. entrance. See page 2 for ranger station hours. lodge. Ask about naturalist programs. Shuttle stop. Pay Telephones Wolverton BBQ & Dinner Theater (DNC): Gift Shop Cold Springs Campground, Sawtooth parking area. Daily 8am-9m. Nightly (weather permitting) at 5pm (time shifts with sunset). Watch Voices of the Past, family- * Silver City Mountain Resort (private) friendly tales of park history (free). To enjoy the The Peaks Dining Room: Daily 7-10am, Daily. 1-559-561-3223 (see page 5). Cabins, sup- all-you-can-eat outdoor dinner during the pro- 11:30am-3pm, 5-9:30pm, & lounge 4-10pm. plies, showers. No gas. Store, restaurant/bakery: gram, buy tickets at Lodgepole Market /Wuksachi. Dinner reservations required. Box lunches avail- Thursday-Monday 8am-8pm (Tuesday-Wednesday able. 1-559-565-4070. 9am-5pm, pie/coffee only). Facilities: Kings Canyon Area & USFS - Late Spring 2016 9

The large 2015 Rough Fire burned in this soups, food-truck meals, BBQ. Breakfast Village Center, Lodge (DNC) 7-10am; lunch/dinner 11am-8pm. area. Exploring it may seem inviting, but • Grill: Limited-service snack bar. Daily burned-out stumps and ash areas are • Market & Gift Shop: Daily 8am-9pm. Sup- 7:30-10:30am, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-8pm. BBQ unstable. Dead standing trees can fall at plies, clothing, food, sandwiches, gifts. 11:30am-5pm. any time. Stay on trails to avoid crush- • Lodging: 1-559-335-5500. Details on page 5. • Gift Shop/Market: Daily 8am-9pm. Sand- ing new growth, and give the plants and • Showers: Daily 9:30am-12:30pm, 2:30-5:30pm. wiches, supplies, souvenirs. animals a chance to recover. • Showers: Daily 8am-1pm & 3-8pm. U.S. Post Offi ce Hours may vary. Monday-Friday 9am-4pm; 24- Wilderness Permits (NPS) Horseback Riding: In Grant Grove, Cedar hour lobby. Send visitor mail to: c/o General Deliv- At Road’s End, 6 miles east of the village. Permits Grove, and the National Forest. Details, page 5. ery, Kings Canyon NP, CA 93633. 1-559-335-2499. daily 7am-3:30pm.

Pay Telephones (cell phones rarely work) Grant Grove National Forest & Monument 6600’ elevation. Near a pristine sequoia grove Kings Canyon Visitor Center (booth by front & one that was logged in the 1800s. door); outside gift shop & market. Some areas remain closed due to effects of the Rough Fire; watch for signs or ask for updates. Kings Canyon Visitor Center (NPS) Cedar Grove Hume Lake & Big Meadows areas are in Gi- See page 2. Movie, exhibits in English & Spanish. ant Sequoia National Monument, part of Sequoia 4600’ elevation. Along the South Fork of the Kings National Forest. Big Trees Shuttle: Details, page 7. River on the floor of the Kings Canyon. USFS Hume Lake District Offi ce (FS) Grant Grove Village Shops, Lodging (DNC) (NPS) Cedar Grove Visitor Center 35860 Kings Canyon Road (Hwy 180) 19 miles west • Food service: Daily. While a new restaurant By Sentinel Campground. See page 2. of park entrance. Weekdays 8am-4:30pm. Maps, is being built, an outdoor food court and the books. 1-559-338-2251; www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia market offer options: pizza by the slice, fresh Pay Telephones Outside lodge & visitor center. Hume Lake (on private land) Basic Rules: National Parks & National Forests lie next to each other here. Open to the public year-round: Gas station (24 hours with credit card; not international cards). Some activities are illegal in the Park but legal in the Forest. Market, snack shop. North of Grant Grove 6 miles on Hwy 180, then right on Hume Lake Road 3 Can I... In National Parks In National Forest miles. 1-559-305-7770.

Where can I...Not In on National any trails. OK 100Parks feet from roads in develop- Pets can go on trails. Boyden Cavern Tours (FS permittee) Walk my ed areas (picnic areas, campgrounds, roads). Certifi ed In both areas: Pets must be on a leash less than 6 leashed pets? service dogs only (not assistance or therapy animals); feet (1.8m) long. May open later this summer. 45-minute tours. On see www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010 Hwy 180 between Grant Grove & Cedar Grove. Leave things where you fi nd them to play their You may keep a few cones or rocks for personal Ages 13 & up $14.50; 4-12 $9.50; 3 and younger free. Collect things natural role in the ecosystem. use. to take home? In both areas: Archeological sites and artifacts are protected by law. Pay Telephones (cell phones rarely work) 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. • Between Wuksachi Village & Grant Grove: and federal fi rearms laws before entering this park. Summer near the Big Meadows trailhead. Get specifi c information on off-highway-vehicle • Between Grant Grove & Cedar Grove: Hume Not in these parks. Stay on roads. Drive off-road? (OHV) routes at USFS Hume Lake offi ce in Dun- Lake (year round; see above). lap or Kings Canyon Visitor Center. Call Hume Lake Ranger District for wood per- Stony Creek Resort (FS permittee) Cut wood? Not in these parks. mits & guidelines: 559-338-2251. On Generals Hwy south of Grant Grove. Gasoline Restrictions are in effect in the park and forest; Free fi re permits are required, even for gas 24 hours with credit card. Daily: Market 8am-8pm; Build fi res? always check locally for up-to-date information. stoves & lanterns. Get permits at visitor center in pizza/salads 11am-7:30pm (both open 1 hour later In park, only in fi re grills in some campgrounds Grant Grove or USFS in Dunlap. & some picnic areas. on Friday-Saturday. Showers/laundry 9am-6pm.

In both areas: Permitted during fi shing season. California fi shing licenses are required for ages 16 & up. 1-559-565-3909. Go fi shing? Ask for copies of park regulations.

Keep bikes on roads only, not on any trail (other Ask a ranger which trails permit bicycles. Montecito Lake Resort (FS permittee) Ride a bicycle? than the designated bike trail in Cedar Grove). All year. On Generals Hwy 9 miles south of Grant In both areas: Under 18 years old must wear helmets. Grove. From 5/30-9/1, closed to drop-ins except Not in these parks. Only on designated snowmobile routes. Trail- on Saturdays. Meals 8am-9am, 12-1pm, 6-7pm. Snowmobile? heads are at Cherry Gap, Big Meadows, & Quail Desk 7am-9pm. Cabins, hotel, children’s activities. Flat. Information: 1-559-338-2251. 1-559-565-3388. Not in any national park. Only in accordance with FAA guidance, and not Fly a drone? in wilderness areas. 10 Be Safe

WEAK CELL SIGNALS You are Responsible for Your Safety Cell phones rarely work here; don’t rely on them. Note location of pay telephones (pages 8 & 9). Natural areas present hazards. Cold temperatures, uneven or slippery ground, wild 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 the parks, but you are unlikely to see one. Attacks are rare, but be aware. and poor decisions. Watch children closely; never let them run ahead. Cautiously move away if you find a partially buried Water is the main cause of death here. Many drowning victims were just walking animal carcass. If you see a cougar, work to con- or climbing near rivers and unexpectedly fell in. vince it that you are not prey: • Don’t run; that may trigger pursuit. The National Park Service works to reduce risks, but your safety is in your own • Pick up children. hands. Keep alert. Read warnings and ask a ranger for advice. • Try to appear as large as possible. Don’t crouch or try to hide. DROWNING HYPOTHERMIA • Hold your ground or back The #1 cause of death in national parks! Be careful This life-threatening condition can occur year- away slowly while facing the cougar. around water; falling in is as dangerous as swim- round. Stay dry; snack often. If others don’t re- • If the cougar acts aggressively, wave your ming. Once in a river, getting out can be nearly spond to the need for warmer clothes or are stum- hands, shout, and throw stones or sticks at it. impossible: Rocks are smooth and slippery; swift, bling, forgetful, or extremely tired and drowsy, get • If attacked, fight back! Report any sightings. cold water rapidly saps your strength. Currents are warm sugary drinks into them immediately. Get always stronger than they appear, even during low them into dry clothing, sleeping bags, and shelter. DRINKING WATER water. Ask at visitor centers about river conditions. Keep an eye on children who are wet or cold. We test the 13 park water systems to ensure that they meet federal and state standards. Annual Con- DISEASE PRECAUTIONS RATTLESNAKES sumer Confidence Reports are available. Do not feed or touch ANY wild animals. Avoid ar- Especially common in the foot- eas of rodent activity, as fleas on rodents can carry hills, in the Kings Canyon, and ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES plague and deer mice feces can carry hantavirus. near water. Watch where you put Keep parks safe, natural, and free from illegal activ- West Nile virus is passed by bites from infected your hands and feet! Do not ha- ities! Prevent illegal marijuana growing. Report any mosquitos. Human illness is not common, but take rass or kill them; this is when most suspicious activities: 1-888-NPS-CRIME. steps to avoid mosquito bites. bites occur. Bites are rarely lethal, but tissue damage can be severe. KEEP ANIMALS SAFE TICKS are common in foothill and Kings Canyon If bitten, avoid panic; call a ranger Pets are vulnerable to wildlife, ticks, and overheat- grasses; check yourself after a walk. Their bite is or 911. ing in vehicles. Keep wildlife safe from pets, too. painless, but a small percentage carry Lyme dis- ease. Remove them carefully with tweezers; LIGHTNING 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 may fall, whether or not they appear GIARDIA ible), if possible. Do not stand under trees or in dead. When under trees, stay aware. Run if you This protozoan in lakes and streams causes intes- shallow caves. Avoid projecting above your sur- hear cracks or snapping overhead. Don't linger tinal upset. Iodine and other chemicals may not be roundings, such as standing on a ridge, on Moro under dead, cracked, or broken branches. Report as reliable as heat in killing bacteria and Giardia, Rock, or in open meadows. Stay away from open falling branches or trees to a ranger. but can be effective if used properly. Boil drinking water, wire fences, and metal railings, which can water from waterways for at least 3 minutes. carry lightning from a distance. Explore Safely POISON OAK CARBON MONOXIDE • Avoid going alone, and tell someone A common shrub This odorless, colorless gas can be fatal. Never your plans and return time. burn charcoal in closed spaces, e.g. a tent or RV. up to 5000 feet el- • Take a map and a layers of clothes. evation. Red leaves and whitish berries OZONE POLLUTION • Watch and listen for potential hazards in fall; bare in See air-quality forecasts in visitor centers. Most above, around, and on the ground. winter; shiny green ozone rises into the Sierra Nevada on warm winds. • Trails and walkways may be slippery leaves in groups of Levels of this colorless gas are highest from May with sand, water, leaves, or ice. three in spring. If to October, peaking in late afternoon. The peaks you touch any part sometimes reach “unhealthy” state/federal stan- • Slow down. Share the road with people of it, wash skin and dards, and can affect respiratory systems. Ozone and wildlife. 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 break into cars that have food in them. Store food day and night in the metal boxes pro- these parks are designat- They become bold and sometimes ag- vided (avoid bringing coolers that won’t fit; most ed wilderness. They offer gressive in attempts to get more. Too boxes are 47" long x 33" deep x 28" high. Store ALL outstanding opportuni- often these bears must be killed. food, coolers, related items, and anything with an ties for you to enjoy both odor (even non-food) — including unopened cans solitude and challenge. This is why you may be fined if you do not store and bottles. Latch the box completely. Food not Following minimum-impact restrictions helps to food properly. Follow the rules below to reduce stored properly will be impounded. Where boxes protect both the wilderness and your experience. (but not eliminate) the risk of a bear break-in. are not provided, seal food to reduce odors, cover it well, and close the windows. Keep a clean camp- Wild places include hazards, and help may not be available. Be prepared to be fully self-reliant. 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 Permits are required for all overnight trips, and food-storage boxes are provided. of cars; the smells they absorb may attract bears. they are limited during the summer quota period (May 27 through September 24, 2016). The permit Picnickers Backpackers fee during that time is $10 plus $5/person. Permits Never move away from coolers and tables when Hanging food often fails! Store all food in a por- can be reserved by mail or fax beginning March 1. food is out. Stay within arm's length of food. table container. Less than 3 pounds, it holds up to 5-day’s food for one and fits in a pack. Metal boxes Outside of the quota period, permits are free and in a few wilderness locations offer backup storage. can be self-issued at the permit station or visitor Lodge Guests center closest to your trailhead (see page 2). Remove food from your vehicles. Rent/buy a container at visitor centers or markets.

Jennie Lakes & Monarch wildernesses in the Everyone National Forest (USFS): Permits are not required Don’t let bears approach but please complete a registration card at Jennie you, your food, picnic area Lakes trailheads; information is used to manage or campsite. Wave your the wilderness effectively. USFS requires a free fire arms, make loud noises, permit for any open flame; downloadable from and throw small rocks www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia. toward them (avoid hitting the face or head). Keep a Camping in the park’s “frontcountry” is permit- safe distance but be per- ted only in campgrounds. Camping or sleeping in sistent. Abandoning your vehicles is not allowed in parking lots, pullouts, food teaches bears that ap- picnic areas, or trailheads in the park. proaching humans is ac- ceptable. However, if a bear Learn more about wilderness and wilderness does get food, never try to travel at www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit or take it back. contact: Wilderness Permit Reservations Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Your fees help the Parks & the Forest! 47050 Generals Highway Unit 60 Three Rivers, CA 93271 Most entrance fees get invested here on projects Passes to All National Parks & Inter- Telephone: 1-559-565-3766; Fax 565-4239 that enhance your experience, such as improving agency Federal Recreational Lands: roads and visitor centers. On January 1, fees in- creased for the first time since 2006. Ask about free • Annual: $80. Valid for entrance fees nationwide. passes for 4th-graders and their families this year! Not valid at Crystal Cave, which has its own fee. Seasonal Wilderness Lodgings • Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp (DNC): • Annual Military: Free to active-duty members Passes to Sequoia & Kings Canyon Open June into September, conditions permitting. and their dependents with a CAC or DD1173. Crys- National Parks (NPS) plus Hume Lake A tent hotel and restaurant 11 miles out on the High tal Cave has its own fee, but offers a discount. area of Sequoia National Forest (USFS): Sierra Trail. Reservations (required) are taken by • Seniors: $10 one-time fee buys lifetime entrance phone starting 7am on the first business day in • 7-day pass: $30 per vehicle (private, non-com- for U.S. citizens & permanent residents 62 or over, January: 866-807-3598. See www.visitsequoia.com. mercial). $15 per person on foot, bicycle, bus, or Not valid at Crystal Cave, which has its own fee. motorcycle. Cost per motorcyle (not person) will • Pear Lake Ski Hut (SNHA): Winter only. The be changing to $20. • Accessibility: Free to blind or permanently dis- hut sits high above Lodgepole at 9,200' elevation. abled U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Take • 12-Month Pass: $50 admits all passengers in a Six strenuous miles on skis or snowshoes get you appropriate documents to entrance stations. Not private vehicle. Not valid at Crystal Cave, which to its ten bunkbeds and wood-pellet stove. Reser- valid at Crystal Cave, which has its own fee. has its own fee. vations required: 1-559-565-3759. 12 Park Roads: Late Spring 2016 Driving Times

When roads are clear and open: Road Closures & Limitations From Foothills to: Always keep to right right; park roads are Giant Forest 1 hour narrow and winding. Lodgepole 1 hour minimum Visalia 1 hour In Kings Canyon & National Forest: Mineral King (MK) 1½ hours • Hwy 180 to Cedar Grove in the Kings Can- yon: The sections of Hwy 180 from the town From Giant Forest to Grant Grove of Minkler to Cedar Grove are now part of via Generals Hwy 1 hour a State Scenic Highway. Watch for the road- side logo with a mountain and a poppy. Drive From Grant Grove to: carefully while you enjoy the scenery! CalTrans Cedar Grove 1 hour closes this state highway in early November. The Generals Highway in Giant Forest Fresno 1½ hours • Panoramic Point Road: Motorhomes/trailers Yosemite south entry 3 hours Finding Gasoline not permitted. (via Hwy 41) • Redwood Mountain Road (NPS): Unpaved, rough, unplowed. Usually graded in May. No gas stations are within the park boundaries. Fill up in Three Rivers (5 miles from Hwy 198 park • Converse Basin (USFS): Unpaved, rough, entrance), Clingan’s Junction (20 miles outside the unplowed. Vehicle-Length Limits on Roads Hwy 180 park entrance), or at: • Big Meadows, Quail Flat/Ten Mile, Chicago • Hume Lake Christian Camp: 559-305-7770. Year- Stump, and Cherry Gap roads (USFS): Open. On Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park: round, 24 hours with credit card (international cards not accepted). 11 miles (18 km) north of In Sequoia National Park: • Potwisha Campground to Giant Forest Mu- Grant Grove via Hwy 180. • Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow: Vehicle- seum: longer than 22 feet not recommended. • Stony Creek Village: 1-559-565-3909. 24 hours length limit 22’; no trailers or towed units. • Foothills Visitor Center to Potwisha Camp- with credit card. Between Wuksachi & Grant Through 9/11, the road closes to private ground: longer than 24 feet not recommended. Grove on Generals Hwy. vehicles on weekends and holidays, 8am to Alternatives: Hwy 180 from Fresno is straighter, • Kings Canyon Lodge: Closed. 7pm. Take the shuttle (page 6), walk, or bicycle less steep, and wider. If towing a car with an RV, during that time. Exception: those with valid camp in the foothills and use the car. disabled-parking placard or a current local Rules & Recommendations wilderness permit. No drinking water available For limits on RVs in campgrounds, see the camp- along this road. grounds table on page 4. Don’t Lose Your Brakes • Crystal Cave Road: Maximum vehicle length Keep a foot on the brake for too long, and brakes 22’ (6.7m). Narrow and winding. may fail. Instead, always downshift when going Consider recycling this guide downhill. In automatic vehicles, put the gear shift • Mineral King Road: Very narrow, winding, on 1, 2 or L. The engine gets louder. and steep. Parts are unpaved. RVs/trailers not or your map brochure recommended (not allowed in those camp- Prevent Car Fires grounds). at visitor centers or Hot brakes & mufflers easily start car and forest • South Fork & Middle Fork roads: Partially entrance stations. Thanks! fires. Stop only on paved areas, not on grasses. unpaved. Slippery when wet.

Use Turnouts; Let Others Pass

Emergency Car Repairs For a tow: 559-565-3341 then press zero (24 hours). In Sequoia Park only, 24-hour AAA for lock outs, jump starts, out-of-gas, minor repairs: 565-4070.

Bicycles Ride on roads, not trails. Obey traffic rules. Wear light colors at night. Under age 18: helmet required. Be drought and fi re aware! Go Slow for Wildlife! Please – conserve water and Never feed animals by the road. Cars often hit wildlife that waits for handouts on roadsides. be careful with any fl ame. © Alex Olow