Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks U.S. Department of the Interior Trip Planner Winter 2020-2021

Information in this newspaper can change at any time as we work to safely provide access to these parks.

COVID-19 What to Expect In an

Safety To protect the safety of park visitors and employees, we've made changes that Emergency will affect your visit. For current updates, check signs at entrance stations and We encourage you to follow other areas, the free park mobile app, and our web pages at www.nps.gov/seki. Call 911 from a pay phone or from CDC guidance to reduce the your cell phone if you have service. spread of COVID-19. No coins are needed, and phones are available even when facilities are You should: Services That Are Open closed. If you can't find a phone, contact a park employee but keep a safe distance. Wear a face covering A limited number of campgrounds are open. when social distancing Reservations are highly recommended, though walk- cannot be maintained. up sites may be available at Azalea Campground. Pay Phone Locations

• Foothills Visitor Center Wuksachi Lodge is scheduled to be open through Practice social distancing. • Potwisha Campground winter. Reservations are strongly recommended. • Hospital Rock Picnic Area Lodging in Grant Grove will reopen in spring. Wash your hands • Lodgepole Market frequently with soap, or • Wolverton Picnic Area (on the use hand sanitizer if soap Grant Grove Market is scheduled to be open daily building near the meadow trail) isn't available. through winter. At Wuksachi Lodge, limited to-go • Kings Canyon Visitor Center food options are available daily at the restaurant or (near the restrooms) Cover your mouth and gift shop. nose when you cough or sneeze. Some visitor centers may have staff available for information and trip-planning. Hours will be limited Install our free Avoid touching your and will vary. Park stores may be open for sales of app for more eyes, nose, and mouth. maps, books, and other items. Exhibit areas and flms trip-planning will not be open to the public. information. Search for NPS Sequoia & Kings Canyon.

General Information ...... 2 Wildlife Safety ...... 5 Grant Grove & Cedar Grove ...8 Informacin en espaol ..... 10-12

Camping ...... 3 Foothills ...... 6 Wilderness ...... 9 Informacin de seguridad ...... 10

Safety ...... 4 & Lodgepole ...... 7 National Forest Lands ...... 9 Winter Driving ...... 12 2 General Information

Contacts Frequently Asked Questions Accessibility

Cell Service Pets We are committed to a continuing effort to improve Cell service is extremely limited here. Near the Ash Pets are not permitted on any trails in Sequoia and the accessibility of our trails and facilities so they Mountain entrance to Sequoia, AT&T provides Kings Canyon. They are allowed in campsites and in can be enjoyed by all. If you have questions or limited service. Verizon provides limited service near parking areas. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times, suggestions about accessibility, please email us at the Kings Canyon entrance to Grant Grove. or appropriately crated or caged. Pets cannot be left [email protected] or call us at tied and unattended or in vehicles at any time. The 559-565-3341. EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 leash must be less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. No coins are needed in payphones for 911 Wheelchair loans are temporarily suspended. In calls. Drones the future, we hope to resume free wheelchair loans at Lodgepole Visitor Center and Giant Forest Unmanned aircraft are not allowed in these parks. Sequoia & Kings Canyon (NPS) Museum. They can be used anywhere in the parks This includes drones and other remotely piloted ve- 559-565-3341 (24 hour): Recorded information is but must be returned by the end of the day, before hicles. available for road conditions, weather, current fires, each visitor center closes. Be prepared to provide and more. your address and phone number. Marijuana GPS Possession or use of marijuana and other controlled Assistive listening devices is available for ranger GPS programs often misdirect travelers who are substances inside the national parks is prohibited. programs and all park films have open captioning. driving to the parks. Use maps and signs. While law provides for limited possession When films become available at park visitor centers, and use of marijuana, it remains an illegal drug under borrow a device at information desks. Web & Social Media federal law, which is enforced within the park. The only ofcial park information sources online are: Visitor Centers Fire Restrictions Visitor centers may be closed due to the COVID-19

Because of dry conditions and extreme fre danger, pandemic. All visitor centers and museums have The Offcial Park Website fre restrictions are in place to reduce the possibility paved, flat paths leading from parking areas to www.nps.gov/seki of accidental human-caused fre. Prohibited locations outdoor information, restrooms, and water bottle for wood or charcoal fres will be posted, especially in filling stations. When visitor centers are open, Facebook park campgrounds. Wood and charcoal fres may be they provide access to trip planning information, Sequoia and Kings prohibited at all elevations, depending on the current exhibits, and bookstores. Cedar Grove Visitor Canyon National Parks level of fre restrictions. Center is small, and may be difficult for people

in wheelchairs to navigate. Ranger Instagram Restrictions may change as weather and fuel Station has steps leading to the entrance and sequoiakingsnps conditions change. Check for updates on park may not be accessible to people with mobility bulletin boards, at visitor centers, or by visiting impairments. Twitter go.nps.gov/sekifirerestrictions. @sequoiakingsnps Wheelchair-Accessible Trails Firearms in these National Parks Campground Reservations People who can legally possess firearms Tree Trail (Giant Forest) Visit Recreation.gov or call under federal, California, and local laws may This short trail leads a few hundred feet from an 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777) possess firearms here. You are responsible for accessible parking area to the General Sherman understanding and complying with all applicable Tree, the largest tree on earth. Delaware North California, local, and federal firearms laws. Big Trees Trail (Giant Forest) (Authorized Concessioner) Discharge of firearms in the parks is prohibited. This level trail is a 0.75-mile (1.2 km) loop. It circles www.visitsequoia.com a meadow surrounded by giant sequoias. Passport Stamps Cedar Grove Pack Station Stamps for passport books may not be available in Panoramic Point Trail (Grant Grove) (Authorized Concessioner) the parks until visitor centers open, but you can This paved trail leads to views that reach deep into Grant Grove: 559-335-9292 visit our web pages for a printable version of the park wilderness. Cedar Grove: 559-565-3464 stamp, or email [email protected] to cedargrovepackstation.com request a printed stamp with the date of your visit. Roaring River Falls (Cedar Grove) A 528-foot (160 m), shady walk features a powerful /Monument (USFS) waterfall rushing through a granite chute. Parking 559-338-2251, fs.usda.gov/sequoia Junior Ranger Books is available on the highway, 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Because of visitor center closures, we now offer the junction with the Village road. Paved, relatively Yosemite National Park (NPS) the option of an online junior ranger booklet. accessible. 209-372-0200, nps.gov/yose Download a web version from www.nps.gov/seki to complete in the parks or at home. Send photos of at Muir Rock Trail (Cedar Grove) Free Public WiFi Locations least seven completed pages to SEKI_Information@ This short trail leads to the and Muir Foothills Visitor Center (), nps.gov to receive a badge. No printer? Send an Rock, a large granite boulder at the river's edge Kings Canyon Visitor Center (Grant Grove). email to the same address to request a free booklet. named in honor of famed naturalist . No password is needed. Camping 3 Campgrounds with walk-up sites

Nightly Dump Closing Campground Location fee Toilets station Showers date Other information

Azalea Grant Grove $18 Flush – – – 20 frst-come, frst-served sites. Snow is common here.

Campgrounds available by reservation only

Nightly Dump Closing Campground Location fee Toilets station Showers date Other information

Make reservations at Recreation.gov or call 877-444- Potwisha Foothills $22 Flush Yes – – 6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777).

DueLodgepol to the pandemic and seasonal closures, the following campgrounds are closed for the year: Buckeye Flat, Lodgepole, Dorst Creek, Crystal Springs, Sunset, Canyon View, Sheep Creek, Sentinel, Moraine, Cold Springs, Atwell Mill, and South Fork campgrounds.

Snowplay Safety Tips for Your Visit

Exploring in Winter Ranger Programs Are On Hold Due to the pandemic, no ranger programs are Don’t head into the woods or out of sight currently scheduled. We look forward to adding unless you are prepared for winter travel. programs as soon as it's safe for our visitors and our rangers. Sequoia Parks Conservancy Sled Safely may ofer programs this winter. Check sequoiaparksconservancy.org for details. Every winter, people get hurt badly while sledding in the park. Sledding accidents send Fire Restrictions May Be in Effect over 20,000 people to emergency rooms Depending on conditions when you visit, fire each year in this country. restrictions may be in effect due to dry conditions, and wood and charcoal fires (including wood- Don’t let an accident ruin your winter fun. burning stoves) will be prohibited atlower • When sledding, slide feet frst. elevations. Check for current restrictions before you visit or when you get here. • Consider wearing a helmet. Free Park Mobile App • Make sure your path is clear. Don’t slide near Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the official nonprofit rocks, trees, branches, or other people. Download our official app for maps, self-guided tours, and information about nearly 200 park partner to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National • After sliding, look uphill. Move out of the features and locations. The app is available through Parks, welcomes you! We work hand-in-hand with way of people coming downhill after you. the Apple App or the Google Play stores. Search the National Park Service to provide tours and for NPS Sequoia & Kings Canyon. If possible, retail services, fund critical projects, and protect • Don’t slide into roads or parking lots. download and install before you arrive at the and preserve park treasures for future generations. • Avoid hard-packed snow or ice, where speed parks. Cell service is limited here, but free WiFi is We help you make a deeper connection to the and direction get out of control. available outside Foothills and Kings Canyon visitor parks, so visit us online to learn more about centers. Be sure to enable location services, and to everything we do. We’ve saved a place for you— • Sliding devices that can be steered may be download offline content in the app settings so the come join us! safer than others. app will work when you're out of cell range. In an emergency, contact a ranger or @SequoiaParksConservancy call 911. There is a public telephone at Roadside Camping Wolverton Snowplay Area. The closest Roadside camping is not permitted in the parks. @SeqParksCon telephone to Columbine, Big Stump, Cherry Camp only in designated sites in campgrounds. Gap, and Quail Flat snowplay areas is at In the national forest, it's permitted unless posted Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove otherwise. Shop our online store! Village. 4 Be Safe

You are Responsible for Your Safety Explore Safely Beautiful, yet remote and rugged, these parks present hazards. Mountain weather • Avoid traveling alone. Tell someone changes quickly, trees fall without warning, and wild animals pose dangers. People your plans and expected return cause other hazards by driving poorly, leaving campfires burning, and making bad time. decisions. Cell phones can’t be relied on and GPS directions may send you in the • Take a map, water, fashlight, and wrong direction. Every day, we help visitors who have emergencies. extra layers of clothes. Do not rely Please help us by being prepared—review these safety warnings. Your safety is in your own on your phone's map or fashlight. hands! • Be alert for potential hazards above, around, and on the ground.

Tree Hazards Air Quality River Safety Branches and trees may fall, Poor air quality often afects whether dead or alive, and when the parks, especially during the there is no wind. Keep eyes summer. In summer months, While swimming in and ears open. Run if you hear ozone concentrations often exceed the parks' lakes and cracks or snapping from roots, trunks, or branches federal health standards. Ozone can rivers can be tempting, (sometimes there is no sound). Don't linger under have negative health efects, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, older people, and those with drowning is the primary dead, cracked, broken, or hanging branches. Avoid spending any time under trees that are rotten at the heart or lung disease. For air quality forecasts, visit the cause of death here! base or have cracked bark that is peeling of the trunk. park website or follow @SequoiaKingsAir on Twitter. Rivers present great danger due to their swift currents and slippery rocks. West Nile Virus & Tick Bites Plague & Hantavirus In river-related deaths, many people West Nile virus is passed by bites Plague and hantavirus are did not intend to swim, but fell in. from infected mosquitos. Human associated with wildlife here, but illness is not common but take Currents are strong even during low cases of human infection are rare. steps to avoid mosquito bites. Ticks Rodents and their feas may carry water. Drop-offs and undertows are are common in grassy, brushy low- plague, which may infect humans ever-present. Be vigilant. elevation areas. They can carry when bitten. Hantavirus is an diseases that harm humans. Check yourself for these airborne virus that comes from infected deer mice. Once in a river, getting out can be insects after walks; their bite is painless. Remove them Typically people contract hantavirus after they clean nearly impossible. Cold water rapidly carefully with tweezers and seek a doctor’s advice. areas or are in enclosed spaces with deer mice feces. saps your strength and hypothermia can set in quickly even if it is warm Rattlesnakes Keep Pets Safe outside. Rattlesnakes are common in the To keep pets and wildlife safe, Sequoia foothills and in the Kings animals must be on a leash at all • Do not swim in areas with strong Canyon at low elevations. Watch times. Pets are vulnerable to tick currents, or steep drop-offs. where you put your hands and and snake bites. Bears and deer feet! Do not harass or kill them; • DO NOT leave children unattended. have also been known to charge or this is when most bites occur. attack dogs. Pick up all pet waste • Swimming and alcohol or drugs do Bites are rarely lethal, but tissue damage can be severe. and dispose of properly. Pets are not allowed on any not mix. Swim sober. If bitten, don’t panic and call 911. park trails. Do not leave pets unattended or in vehicles where they can easily overheat. • Wear sturdy shoes. Sharp objects in the water can cut bare feet. Poison Oak This common shrub grows up to Don't Lose Your Brakes • During storms, get out of the water 5,000 feet (1,524 m) in elevation, If you keep a foot on the brake for and exit beach areas. and can cause an itchy rash if you too long, brakes may fail. Instead, touch it. Poison oak has leaves in always downshift when going • NEVER SWIM ALONE. groups of three. Leaves are red and downhill. In automatic vehicles, berries whitish in fall. The plant is bare in winter, and put the gearshift on 1, 2, or L. The has shiny green leaves in spring. If you touch any part engine gets louder, but your brakes won't overheat. of it, wash skin and clothes with soap and warm water right away. COVID-19 Safety Keep Bears Wild and Safe 5

Recreate Responsibly Bears can grab unattended food or break into cars where food is visible. They become bold and aggressive if they get human food. Too often, these bears must be killed. Food storage is key to keeping humans safe and bears alive. When you're looking for places to visit in the parks, check parking lots. If they're full, it may be difficult to practice distancing at that location. In Wilderness Consider finding another spot to visit where it's less Hanging food often fails! Store crowded. all food in a bear-resistant storage container. These Distance yourself from other hikers. containers weigh less than 3 If you encounter someone on a narrow trail, try pounds (1.3 kg), hold up to to step aside in a place where you can give them 5 days of food, and fit in a at least six feet (2 m) of distance to pass. Avoid backpack. A list of approved crowded viewpoints and pullouts. Give hikers containers can be found on travelling uphill the right of way. our website. Metal boxes are located in a few wilderness locations. Hike with family members or people you've already had contact with. Keep Yourself Safe Limit your group size to six or fewer people. If your Don’t let bears approach family is larger, split into smaller groups. you, your food, picnic area, or campsite. Wave your arms, Try not to touch outdoor exhibits, make loud noises, and throw railings, or other surfaces, especially in Day Hikers small rocks toward them (avoid hitting the face or head). Keep a safe distance but be persistent. high-traffc areas. Properly store all food, scented items, and food- Abandoning your food teaches bears that foods Wash or sanitize your hands frequently and before related supplies left at the trailhead inside a come from humans; the bear may hurt a person in you get back in your car. provided food storage box, including coolers. If the future to get food. If a bear does get your food, you're concerned about touching the handles of NEVER try to get it back. Bring hand sanitizer. shared boxes, consider uisng hand sanitizer before and after using them. If no food storage box is It may not always be available in park restrooms. available, store food in your car trunk. For vehicles Touring and Picnicking with no trunk, place food items low and out of sight Food items MUST be stored in food storage boxes Play It Safe and keep windows closed. When hiking, don't leave when provided. If no food storage box is available, Choose an easier activity that reduces the chance your backpack and walk off to take a photograph— food items must be inside your car trunk or if no that you might need to be rescued and add to the always stay within arm's length of your food. Bears trunk, place food items low in the vehicle, out of strain on our health care and emergency resources. know backpacks are a source of food. sight, and keep windows closed. While picnicking, Be thoughtful about your impact on local never move away from coolers and tables when communities. Lodges food is out. Stay within arm's length of food. Remove all food and child safety seats from your vehicle.

Bears can smell anything with a scent—such as hand sanitizer, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, and cleaning supplies—and will mistake these items for food. Store anything with an odor.

Wildlife Viewing & Safety

Keep Wildlife Safe Mountain Lions and Bobcats Do not feed or touch ANY wild animals. All animals Rarely seen, bobcats are larger than house cats and in the parks are wild. View animals at safe distances have bobbed tails. Mountain lions (cougars) are much (the length of two city buses) or through binoculars. larger and have long tails. Cats usually run when seen. Never disrupt, approach, or disturb animals from If you see a mountain lion that doesn’t run: behaving normally. • Do not run; running may trigger pursuit. • Pick up children. • Try to appear as large as possible—don’t crouch down. • Hold your ground or back away slowly while facing the mountain lion. • If the mountain lion acts aggressively, wave your hands, shout, and throw stones or sticks at it. • If attacked, fght back! Report any sightings. © Kiel Maddox. 6 Foothills

Explore the foothills, home to more species of plants and animals than the rest of these parks combined. Chaparral, oak woodlands, and river canyons offer spring wildfowers, hot summers, and mild winters.

Currently Open & Available Marble Falls Paradise Creek

Foothills Visitor Center Visitor center staff are usually available to help with trip-planning. Look for an information kiosk to the right of the visitor center plaza. Information services may be suspended due to staffing, or other conditions.

Sequoia Parks Conservancy's park store at Tunnel Rock Marble Falls Trail Foothills Visitor Center is usually open daily Snap a picture at this iconic pullout off the Generals For a walk that offers short or longer options, park for sales of maps, books, and other items. Highway. A new trail is under construction here across the highway from Potwisha Campground this winter. Please follow posted speed limits and (not in the campground). Near site #14, follow the Free WiFi is available in the visitor center respect closures. Poison oak is common here. dirt road along canals. Climb 3.7 miles (6 km) to area. reach the waterfall. High temperatures and little Hospital Rock Picnic Area shade or water can make this trail dangerous. Potwisha Campground (only with See rock paintings and explore exhibits about the reservations made in advance) California Native Americans who lived here, and Paradise Creek Trail still visit and live nearby. A short trail built by the For a creekside walk, park at Hospital Rock Picnic Self-registration wilderness permits Civilian Conservation Corps leads to a waterfall. Be Area and walk 0.6 miles (0.9 km) to Buckeye Flat A drop box is outside the visitor center near careful; drownings occur here. Instead of leaving Campground. Take the path across from site #28 the restrooms. food in your vehicle, use the metal food-storage and cross a footbridge over the river. Follow Para- boxes to store your food from bears. dise Creek (not the river) for 2 miles (3.2 km) until the trail grows faint. You may need to negotiate downed trees along the trail.

Mineral King Snowplay in Sequoia National Park

The road to this area is closed for Snowplay at Wolverton the season. Because of the recent Wuksachi Wolverton Road starts just north Castle Fire, wilderness lands in this Lodge of the Sherman Tree. Turn on this Lodgepole area may be closed to the public. road to reach the snowplay area. It is plowed during daylight hours In winter, trails often require snowshoes or skis Fridays through Sundays plus Wolverton and skill with a map and compass. If wilderness Wednesdays and holidays, through lands in this area reopen and you're interested in a mid-March. After storms, it may Snowplay Area wilderness trip, ask for a gate code at Foothills Visi- take hours to open this road as tor Center. The closest parking is 2 miles (3.2 km) plows must clear the main road before Atwell Mill Campground, 7 miles (11.3 km) first. General Sherman Tree before most trailheads. Sledding is at the end of the road. Call 911 in case of emergency from the pay telephone outside the Giant Forest Museum Services and Facilities building next to the restrooms. Please don't leave broken sleds Mineral King Ranger Station and trash behind! Too often Closed until late May. spring melt reveals piles of trash left in the snow. Wilderness Permits If wilderness lands in this area reopen, self- register for local wilderness permits at Atwell Mill or Mineral King Ranger Station.

Silver City Mountain Resort (private) Closed until late May. Foothills Visitor Center Giant Forest and Lodgepole 7

Welcome to the big trees in winter. Once snow builds up, look for yellow markers on trees in the Giant Forest to fnd designated ski and snowshoe trails. Winter trail maps are available at Giant Forest Museum.

Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road Visiting the General Sherman Tree This 3-mile (5 km), dead-end road closes with snowfall to become a ski and snowshoe trail. Two trails lead to the world’s largest tree: No shuttle service is planned this year due to It begins at Giant Forest Museum. Walkers & COVID-19 restrictions. Once snow accumulates, snowshoers: Please don't walk in ski tracks; the Main Sherman Tree Trail and Parking the Sherman Tree Main Trailhead and Parking Area footprints can trip skiers. Ask at the museum about This 0.5-mile (0.8 km) trail down to the tree has may close. Use this map to find parking and hiking snow conditions along the road. some stairs; the walk back is uphill. Benches pro- options for the General Sherman Tree. Tunnel Log - Go under a fallen sequoia that was vide rest points along the way. Drive 2 miles (3 km) tunneled through. This is the only “tree you can north of Giant Forest Museum (past the small Sher- Main Sherman Tree Parking drive (or ski) through” in these parks. man Tree accessible parking lot). Turn onto Wolver- A Take Wolverton Road and follow signs. Crescent Meadow - Sequoias surround this fragile ton Road and follow signs to the parking area. This parking area usually closes when wetland. Stay on designated trails. Several trails snow accumulates. start here, such as the 1-mile (1.6 km) route to When snow begins to accumulate, this trail and Tharp’s Log, a historic cabin made from a fallen se- parking area usually close. B Accessible and Winter Sherman quoia. The begins here, leading 60 Tree Parking miles (97 km) to , the highest peak Wheelchair-Accessible and Winter This parking area is on the main park in the lower 48 states. Sherman Tree Trail from the . When the main parking area Col. Young Tree - Park at the Auto Log and walk to Highway closes, this parking is open to all. a sequoia named for a notable who Before snow begins to accumulate, parking here is was also the park's first Black superintendent. Wolverton Picnic Area & Trailhead only for those with disability placards. If you don't C The Wolverton Trail leads to the Sherman have a placard, but can’t walk the hill on the main Tree. Check a trail map for details. Big Trees Trail trail, ask at a visitor center for a temporary permit. A level, paved loop with trailside exhibits about se- D Lodgepole Campground quoias. Start your walk at Giant Forest Museum for When snow begins to accumulate, this parking area A 2.8-mile (4.5 km) trail leads from here a 1-mile (1.6 km) round-trip walk. Ski or snowshoe is open to all. Check signage at the parking area to the General Sherman Tree. Look for once snow gets deep. There are no yellow ski-trail before parking here if you don't have an accessibil- the trailhead near the amphitheater. markers along this trail. If you have a disability plac- ity placard. ard, park at the trailhead for a 0.75-mile (1 km) loop. Congress Trail - From the Sherman Tree, continue Check signage at the parking area before parking along this fairly level 2-mile (3.2 km) loop through here if you don't have a placard. Wuksachi the heart of the Giant Forest sequoia grove. Lodge Lodgepole Tokopah Falls Grant Campground The 1.7-mile (2.7 km) trail starts in Lodgepole Grove D Park only in designated spots in parking areas or in (1 hour) Campground and ends at a viewpoint near the paved pullouts. Vehicles parked in unpaved areas C cascades of Tokopah Falls. Return the same way along the highway pose a danger to traffic and may Wolverton for a 3.4-mile (5.5 km) round-trip hike. Be careful be ticketed. around the water; cold, swift currents are difficult Main Sherman to escape, and ice and snow can make rocks near If parking areas for the Sherman Tree trails are full, A Tree Parking the water's edge slippery. When the campground consider coming back later in the day, or visiting B is closed park in the large lot just beyond the sequoias in a quieter area. Options for seeing the Sherman Tree Trail campground kiosk or at the visitor center. Giant Forest sequoia grove include Big Trees Trail, accessible parking Hazelwood Nature Loop, and hikes beginning at Giant Forest Museum.

Currently Open or Available Closed for the Season

Wuksachi Lodge, Giant Forest Museum Lodgepole Visitor Center Takeout Food, and Gifts Staff may be available to help with trip- Sequoia Shuttles Lodging reservations are highly recommended. planning. Crystal Cave Limited to-go meals are available at the restau- Sequoia Parks Conservancy's Park rant. At the gift shop, gifts, limited grocery and Store at Giant Forest Museum Bearpaw High Sierra Camp prepacked lunch items are available. The store may be open for sales of maps, Lodgepole Campground Self-registration wilderness permits at books, and other items. Lodgepole Market and Grill Giant Forest Museum Public showers and laundry 8 Grant Grove

Wander through snowy sequoia groves and stop by the visitor center to warm up. From lively Grant Grove Village to lofty Big Baldy Ridge, Grant Grove offers a chance to explore with amenities nearby.

Grant Tree Trail This is the only intermittently plowed trail in the Snowplay in Kings Canyon National Park area. Beware of slippery ice and packed snow! Gen- eral Grant, one of the world’s largest trees, grows Snowplay at Grant Grove along this 1/3-mile (0.5 km) paved trail. Designated the Nation's Christmas Tree, this giant is also the Use Big Stump and Columbine picnic only living national shrine honoring those who died areas only. Snowplay is prohibited for our country. Other features on this trail incude in all other areas in Grant Grove. the historic Gamiln Cabin and the Fallen Monarch, Big Stump may close due to facilities Cherry Gap maintenance. Azalea Campground Snowplay a hollow sequoia log that's large enough to walk Area into. Trail guides are sold at visitor centers & the is for campers only. A pay telephone trailhead. One mile (1.6km) from Grant Grove Vil- is located outside of Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove Village. General Kings Canyon lage; go north on Highway 180 and follow signs. Grant Tree Have fun and stay safe! Visitor Center North Grove Loop Nearby Forest Service areas: This lightly traveled, 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop offers a Columbine GRANT Snowplay close look at sequoias and a quiet forest walk. Look Quail Flat and Cherry Gap trailheads Area GROVE for the trailhead and an orientation map in the are designated national forest snow- Quail Flat 180180 Snowplay Area overflow parking area near the Grant Tree Trail. play areas. Other areas offer opportu- nities for skiing and snowshoeing. Ask Big Stump Big Stump Visitor Center to Grant Tree Trailhead for directions at the visitor center. KINGS Entrance Snowplay G e Area n This 2-mile (3.2 km) round-trip forested trail passes CANYON e r a ls through Azalea Campground and Columbine Pic- NATIONAL H i g nic Area and has a 400’ (120 m) elevation change. h PARK w

Start from the Grant Tree parking area or across the a y highway from the visitor center.

Currently Open & Available

Azalea Campground Finding Your Way Limited number of first-come, first-served sites. When snow makes it hard to follow a trail on Grant Grove Post Offce the ground, be careful not to get lost. It may Grant Grove Market be easier to follow ski-trail markers. Find these colored markers intermittently on trees, Tentatively scheduled to be open daily. above eye level. When you are standing by one Grant Grove Gift Shop marker, you should be able to see another one; Tentatively open on weekends and holidays. each points in the direction of the next mark- er. Thank you for not walking in the ski tracks; Self-registration wilderness permits the footprints can trip skiers. Kings Canyon Visitor Center Buy a map at the nearest visitor center if you Staff may be available to help with trip-plan- plan to use unpaved trails, and get advice ning. about the current conditions. Big Stump Picnic Area

Closed for the Season

John Muir Lodge and Grant Grove Restaurant Cedar Grove Grant Grove Stables Quiet and remote, Cedar Grove sits deep in Kings Canyon, surrounded by sheer granite cliffs. The road to this area is closed for the season and usually reopens on the Tuesday after Memorial Day. Wilderness Trips US Forest Service 59

Thank you for following minimum-impact, no- Wilderness Permits Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia Na- trace guidelines to protect the wilderness! tional Monument are managed by the US Forest Within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Service. Due to COVID-19, services may be limited. Parks, permits are required for all overnight Camping in the park “frontcountry” is permitted Availability can change at any time. Visit www. trips. Day hikers do not need permits. only in campgrounds. Dispersed camping is fs.usda.gov/sequoia for details about their facilities only allowed in the National Forest. Camping or and services, and visit Recreation.gov for camping Beginning September 21, the summer quota sleeping in vehicles is not allowed in parking lots, reservations. pullouts, picnic areas, or trailheads in the parks. period for wilderness permits has ended. Outside the quota period, permits are free and you can Wild places include hazards, and help may not be self-register at the permit station that's closest to Hume Lake & Big Meadows are in Giant Sequoia available. Be prepared to be fully self-reliant and to your trailhead. Check weather forecasts before National Monument, part of Sequoia National self-rescue in case of an emergency. your trip and know that mountain weather can Forest. You pass through the monument when be unpredictable. Learn about minimum impact driving between Lodgepole and Grant Grove, and guidelines for traveling in park wilderness, and be between Grant Grove and Cedar Grove. Park waterways may contain bacteria, prepared to be self-reliant. For more information, 7 including Giardia. Properly filter or treat visit: Many forest roads close to vehicles with snow, water before drinking. www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness incuding Big Meadows Road, and the roads to Converse Basin and the Boole Tree. The northern Hypothermia can occur year-round. Stay Permits are limited during the summer quota road to Hume Lake remains open. Boyden Cave, = dry and snack often. If symptoms of confu- period, from Memorial Day Weekend to near Cedar Grove, closes when Highway 180 sion or drowsiness appear, drink warm sug- late September. Look for permit reservation closes. Tenmile Road is open but unplowed and ary drinks and get into dry clothes, sleeping information and other details at: unmaintained. Avoid getting stuck! bags, and shelter. go.nps.gov/SEKI-WildernessPermits Snowplay Cherry Gap and Quail Flat are designted snowplay Granite Pass areas in Sequoia National Forest near Grant Grove. At these areas, find a safe snowplay location away from the highway and winter traffic.

Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake District Offce (USFS) 35860 Kings Canyon Road (Highway 180), 19 miles (30 km) west of the Big Stump park entrance. Maps and books are sold here. 559-338-2251, 559-791-5758.

Dispersed Camping Self-contained camping, with no water, restrooms, trash cans, or other amenities is permitted in the national forest (not in the national parks). There is no dispersed camping on Highway 180 in Kings Canyon. Please be sure to check for current fire restrictions.

Can I... In National Parks In National Forests Free campfire permits are required. At this time, they are only available online. Visit Walk my Not on any trails. Pets are permitted on paved roads Pets can go on trails. They must be on a leash 6 http://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/ leashed pets? and must be on leash less than 6 feet (1.8 m) long. feet (1.8m) long or less. to fill out a form to get your permit. Service animals are excepted from pet regulations. Collecting objects is not allowed in parks. This You may keep a few cones or rocks for personal Collect things includes natural objects, such as cones, rocks, use. Archeological sites and artifacts are pro- These services in Sequoia National Forest to take home? plants, or animals, and cultural artifacts such as tected by law. arrowheads, beads, or pottery shards. may be open: Hunt? Not in the Parks. You are responsible for understand- Only during the season with a license. Call Montecito Sequoia Lodge (permittee) ing & complying with all applicable state, local, and 559-243-4005 for more information. federal frearms laws before entering this park. Open all year. 800-227-9900; 559-565-3388. Nine miles (14 km) south of Grant Grove. Get off-highway-vehicle (OHV) route Drive off-road? Not in these parks. Stay on roads. information at USFS Hume Lake offce in Dunlap or Kings Canyon Visitor Center. Hume Lake (on private land) Gas, market, snacks, and pay phone. Hours vary Only on designated snowmobile routes. Trail- Snowmobile? Not in these parks. and pumps may close. The area closes during holi- heads are at Cherry Gap, Big Meadows, & Quail day periods, and may close at other times. Travel Flat. Information: (559) 338-2251. north of Grant Grove on Highway 180, then turn Call Hume Lake Ranger District for wood right on Hume Lake Road. They encourage you to Not in these parks, though campers may gather permits & guidelines: (559) 338-2251. Cut wood? downed wood. call before you travel there: 559-305-7770. 10 Ten cuidado

Usted es responsable de su seguridad Explore de forma segura Estos parques hermosos, aunque remotos y accidentados, presentan ciertos pelig- ros. Por ejemplo, el cambio de temperaturas, los árboles que caen sin previo aviso • Evite viajar solo. Cuéntele a alguien cuáles son sus planes y a qué hora espera re- y los animales salvajes presentan peligros. Otros peligros son de origen humano: gresar. manejo imprudente, abandono de fogatas y otras malas decisiones. No se puede • Lleve un mapa, agua, una linterna y pren- confiar en los teléfonos celulares y el GPS, podrían dar indicaciones errneas. To- das de abrigo adicionales. dos los días ayudamos a visitantes que tienen emergencias. • Preste atencin a los posibles peligros que provengan de arriba, de su alrededor o del suelo. Le rogamos que nos ayude preparándose para su visita: familiarícese con estos avisos de seguridad y pídale consejo a los guardaparques. ¡Su seguridad está en sus manos! Calidad del aire Los parques pueden verse afectados por Peligros relacionados con los una calidad del aire pobre, especialmente Seguridad en el río árboles en verano. En los meses de verano, las Es posible que caigan ramas y árboles concentraciones de ozono suelen exceder aquellas Los lagos y rios de estos cuando no hay viento, ya sea que estén vivos o secos. establecidas por los estándares federales de salud. El Mantenga los ojos y oídos bien abiertos. Corra si parques pueden dar ozono puede tener impactos negativos en la salud, en oye chasquidos o crujidos provenientes de raíces, tentacion, y mas durante particular en grupos más sensibles como los nios, troncos o ramas (aunque a veces no emiten sonido las personas mayores y aquellas con enfermedades dias calurosos, pero alguno). No se detenga bajo ramas secas, agrietadas, cardíacas o de pulmn. Para conocer las predicciones debe saber que ahogos rotas o colgantes. Evite detenerse bajo árboles que de la calidad del aire, visite el sitio web del parque o son la principal causa de estén podridos en la base o que presenten una corteza visite @SequoiaKingsAir en Twitter. muertes. agrietada que se desprende del tronco. Los ríos son muy peligrosos debido Virus del Nilo Occidental y pica- La peste y el hantavirus a sus rápidas corrientes y rocas duras de garrapatas La peste y el hantavirus están resbaladizas. Muchas de las muertes El virus del Nilo Occidental se contagia relacionados con los animales salvajes relacionadas con los ríos ocurrieron, no a través de la picadura de mosquitos que habitan estos parques, pero los casos porque las personas tenían la intencin infectados. Si bien esta enfermedad no es comn en de infecciones en humanos son excepcionales. Los de nadar, sino que se cayeron. Las humanos, tome precauciones para evitar las picaduras roedores y sus pulgas pueden ser portadores de la corrientes son fuertes incluso cuando de mosquitos. La garrapatas abundan en zonas de pas- peste, y los humanos pueden contagiarse si reciben los niveles de agua son bajos. Las tos tupidos y de baja elevacin. Pueden portar enfer- la picadura de una pulga infectada. El hantavirus se pendientes abruptas y las corrientes medades que son dainas para los humanos. Tras sus transmite por aire y proviene de los ratones venado de retorno son un peligro constante. caminatas, fíjese de no tener garrapatas; su picadura es infectados. Los humanos suelen contraer un síndrome pulmonar por hantavirus tras limpiar o encontrarse Manténgase alerta. indolora. Si tiene alguna, retírela cuidadosamente con unas pinzas y consulte con su médico. en espacios cerrados en los que hay heces de ratn Una vez que se ingresa en un río, venado. puede resultar casi imposible salir Serpientes de cascabel de él. El agua fría puede debilitarle Las serpientes de cascabel son comunes Vele por la seguridad de sus mascotas rápidamente y es posible que le dé en las faldas de Sequoia and Kings Para asegurarse de que sus mascotas, así hipotermia incluso si afuera hace calor. Canyon National Parks a poca elevacin. ` ¡Tenga cuidado en dnde pone los pies como los animales salvajes, estén a salvo, • No nade en zonas con corrientes y las manos! No las fastidie ni las mate; es entonces deben llevar correa en todo momento. Las mascotas son propensas a las garrapatas o a ser fuertes o pendientes inclinadas. cuando se dan la mayoría de las mordeduras. Las mordeduras pocas veces son letales, pero el dao que mordidas por serpientes. También ha habido casos • NO deje a los nios sin supervisin. ocasionan en los tejidos puede ser grave. Si recibe una de ataques a perros por parte de osos y siervos. • No nade si ha consumido alcohol o mordedura, no entre en pánico y llame al 911. Recoja las heces de su mascota y deshágase de ellas adecuadamente. No deje mascotas en su vehículo, ya drogas. Nade siempre en estado de que este podría sobrecalentarse con facilidad. sobriedad. Roble venenoso Se trata de un arbusto comn en eleva- • Use zapatos fuertes. Los objetos No pierda los frenos ciones de hasta 5,000 pies (1,500 m). El aflados que hay en el agua podrían roble venenoso tiene hojas en grupos de Si mantiene el pie en el freno durante provocar cortes. tres. En otoo, sus hojas son rojas y sus bayas blan- demasiado tiempo, es posible que cuzcas; en invierno, la planta pierde sus hojas; y, en fallen. En su lugar, siempre baje la • Durante una tormenta, salga del primavera, tiene hojas de un color verde brillante. Si marcha cuando avanza colina abajo. Si tiene un agua y aléjese de las zonas de playa. toca alguna parte de la planta, lave de inmediato la piel vehículo automático, ponga la palanca de cambios • NUNCA NADE SOLO. y la ropa que hayan estado en contacto ella con jabn en 1, 2 o L. El motor hará más ruido, pero evitará el y agua tibia. sobrecalentamiento de los frenos. Planifcador de viaje 11

La informacin en este peridico puede cambiar en cualquier momento a medida que trabajamos para aumentar el acceso de manera segura. Que esperar Servicios que están abiertos

Para proteger la seguridad de los visitantes y El numero de sitios abiertos para campar son limitados. Recomendamos usar el empleados del parque a medida que continuamos sistema de reservaciones, pero tambien habran sitios disponibles sin reservaciones aumentando el acceso, hemos realizado cambios en Azalea Campground. que afectarán su visita. Para obtener actualizaciones actuales, revise las seales en las estaciones de Está previsto que Wuksachi Lodge esté abierto durante el invierno. Se recomienda entrada, la aplicacin mvil gratuita del parque y encarecidamente hacer reservaciones. El alojamiento en Grant Grove reabrirá en nuestras páginas web en www.nps.gov/seki. primavera.

Grant Grove Market está programado para abrir todos los días durante el Aplicacin mvil invierno. En Wuksachi Lodge, las opciones de comida limitadas están disponibles gratuita del parque todos los días en el restaurante o tienda de regalos. Algunos centros de visitantes pueden tener trabajadores disponibles para Descargue nuestra aplicacin oficial para mapas, informacin y planifcacin de viajes. Las horas de operacin serán limitadas y recorridos autoguiados, e informacin sobre casi variarán. Las tiendas del parque podrian estar abiertas para ventas de mapas, 200 características y ubicaciones del parque. La libros, y otros artículos. Las áreas de exhibicin y cine no estarán abiertas al aplicacin está disponible a través de la aplicacin pblico. Apple o las tiendas Google Play. Busca Sequoia Kings NPS. Si es posible, descárguelo e instálelo Los programas de guardabosques están en espera. Debido a la pandemia, antes de llegar a los parques. El servicio celular actualmente no hay programas de guardabosques programados. Esperamos es limitado aquí, pero hay WiFi gratis fuera de los agregar programas tan pronto como sea seguro para nuestros visitantes y centros de visitantes de Foothills y Kings Canyon. nuestros guardabosques. Sequoia Park Conservancy puede ofrecer programas. Asegrese de habilitar los servicios de ubicacin y de descargar contenido sin conexin en la configuracin de la aplicacin. Esto permitirá que la aplicacin contine funcionando cuando esté fuera del rango de telefonía celular. Recrea COVID-19 seguridad responsablemente El Servicio de Parques Nacionales le aconseja En una emergencia Cuando esté buscando lugares para visitar en los seguir las directrices del CDC para reducir la propagacin del COVID-19. Llame al 911 desde un teléfono pblico del parque parques, revise los estacionamientos. Si están o desde su teléfono celular si tiene servicio. No se llenos, puede ser difícil practicar el distanciamiento Usted debe: necesitan monedas. Si no hay un teléfono dis- en ese lugar. Considere encontrar otro lugar para ponible, comuníquese con un empleado del parque visitar donde haya menos gente. pero mantenga una distancia segura. Distanciarse de otros excursionistas. Si se Use una cubierta para la cara encuentra con alguien en un camino estrecho, cuando no se pueda mantener el Teléfonos pblicos intente apartarse en un lugar donde pueda darles al distanciamiento social. • Foothills Visitor Center menos seis pies (2 m) de distancia para que pasen. • Potwisha Campground Evite los puntos de vista y las retiradas que están • Hospital Rock Picnic Area llenas. Dé a los excursionistas que viajan cuesta Evite el contacto cercano. • Lodgepole Market arriba el derecho de paso. • Wolverton Picnic Area (en el edificio cerca Camina con familiares o personas con las que ya del sendero del prado) has tenido contacto. Limite el tamao de su grupo a Lávese las manos frecuentemente • Kings Canyon Visitor Center (cerca de los seis o menos personas. Si su familia es más grande, con jabn o use desinfectante para baos) divídala en grupos más pequeos. manos. Trate de no tocar exhibiciones, barandas u otras superficies, especialmente en áreas de alto tráfico. Cbrase la boca al toser y estornudar. Lávese o desinféctese las manos con frecuencia y antes de regresar a su automvil. Trae desinfectante para manos. Aunque planeamos Evite tocarse los ojos, la nariz y la suministrarlo en los baos del parque, puede que boca con las manos sin lavar. no siempre esté disponible. Visiting in Winter 12

Winter Roads & Closures Driving in Chain Control Areas Rules & Recommendations

Road conditions can change at any time. Chains May Be Required at Any Time Expect Icy Roads Slow down. Watch for ice in shade or where the Generals Highway between the parks: All vehicles must carry tire chains when chain con- trol is in effect, including 4WD and AWD vehicles. road looks wet. Sudden speed or stopping causes • From Wuksachi Lodge (in Sequoia) north to Buy or rent chains outside the parks. Snow tires skids. Keep extra distance between cars. Highway 180 (in Grant Grove): The road is may also be required, but most cars have them. not plowed during storms and often closes in Check the side of your tires: If you see M / S, Snowplows Rule winter. Between early January and mid-March, M+S, or a snowflake symbol embedded in the rub- Plows may operate day & night, moving with or the road will not be plowed and may be open ber, it's a snow tire.The speed limit when driving against traffic. If you see one, slow down but do not only if there is no snow. with chains is 25 mph, even if posted otherwise. stop. To avoid being surprised by snowplows, don't park along unplowed roadways or walk on closed In Kings Canyon (NPS) & National Forest: R1: Snow tires or chains are required. roads. Watch the plow operator for signals; they often cannot stop. • Highway 180 to Cedar Grove: Closed for Your tires must have the letters MS, M/S, M+S winter by Caltrans at the Hume Lake junction. or the words MUD AND SNOW or ALL SEASON Reopens, conditions permitting, in April. on the sidewall, or you must install chains. Emergency Car Repairs The NPS does not tow or repair vehicles. Use a • Panoramic Point Road in Grant Grove: pay phone to contact a towing service. If you are Closes with snow; reopens by late May. R2: 4-wheel drive or chains are required. Your vehicle must be in 4x4 or all-wheel drive blocking traffic, contact the emergency communi- • Redwood Mountain (NPS), & Big Meadows, or you must install chains. cations center at 559-565-3341 ext. 9. In the Wuk- Quail Flat/Ten Mile roads (USFS): Closed for sachi, Lodgepole, and Giant Forest areas, call AAA winter. Unpaved, unplowed, rutted. R3: Chains are required on all vehicles. roadside assistance for help with fuel and lockouts: • Converse Basin & Cherry Gap (USFS): There are no exceptions. (800) 222-4357. Closed; usually reopens by late May. Unpaved, rutted, unplowed.

In Sequoia National Park: • Giant Forest: Park across from the Museum. Sherman Tree parking varies with conditions. • /Crescent Meadow: Closes with snow; reopens by late May. • Crystal Cave Road: Closed. Reopens late May. Tire chains or cables are essential when chain control is in effect. • Wolverton Road & Snowplay Area: The road Avoid an expensive towing bill by is plowed Fridays–Sundays, Wednesdays, and installing chains when they are some holidays. The area is open other days if required. the road is passable and safe. • Mineral King Road: Closed until late May. For Las cadenas de llantas o los cables access past the first gate, contact Foothills Visi- son esenciales cuando el control de la cadena está en efecto. Evite tor Center. un remolque costoso instalando • South Fork & Middle Fork roads: Partially cadenas cuando sean necesarias. unpaved; slippery when wet. Middle Fork Photo by Alison Taggart-Barone. closes in winter; park at Hospital Rock.

Winter Driving Conduciendo en invierno At higher elevations, winter begins early. Tire En elevaciones más altas, el invierno comienza chains can be required on any park road at any time temprano. Se pueden requerir cadenas de llantas from fall through spring. In communities near park en cualquier camino del parque en cualquier entrances, many businesses offer tire chains for momento desde el otoo hasta la primavera. En las rental or purchase. comunidades cercanas a las entradas a los parques, negocios ofrecen cadenas para rentar o comprar. Weather and road conditions can change rapidly, often multiple times per day. Get up-to-date Las condiciones meteorolgicas y de la carretera information before heading to the parks, but pueden cambiar rápidamente, varias veces al día. remember that conditions and chain requirements Obtenga informacin actualizada antes de ir a los may change by the time you arrive. parques, pero recuerde que las condiciones de la carretera y los requisitos de la cadena pueden Go Slow for Wildlife! For 24-hour in-park road conditions, call cambiar para cuando llegue.Para conocer las Never feed animals by the road. Cars often hit (559) 565-3341. condiciones de la carretera dentro del parque las 24 wildlife that waits for handouts on roadsides. horas, llame al (559) 565-3341. Photo by Amy Lepp.