NATIONAL SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON PARKS & SEQUOIA NATIONAL FORES T/ GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT LATE SUMMER GUIDE 2010

Crystal Cave / Free Activities • page 3 page 8 • Facilities & Ranger Programs in Sequoia Road Limits & Safety / Finding Gasoline • page 5 page 9 • Facilities & Programs in Kings Canyon & USFS Highlights & Shuttle in Sequoia Park • page 6 page 10 • Camping & Lodging / Bears & Your Food Highlights in Kings Canyon & USFS • page 7 page 12 • Expect Traffic Delays / Details & Park Map Discover • Protect • Connect Three verbs lie at the heart of a Classroom – helps to introduce great visit to your national parks: Sequoia and Kings Canyon to stu - discover the park for yourself, dents in some of the most under - connect to it on a personal level, served schools in the state. and choose to protect it! Rangers in the Classroom touches The number of people who can thousands of children each year. experience these parks this way is These parks lie just beyond their going up, thanks to a unique non- backyards, yet most of the kids have profit group. The Sequoia Parks never been here. Through curricu - Foundation raises funds for projects lum-based programs, they discover that make these parks easier to visit, a new world and start to see their via trails, exhibits, and classroom role in protecting it. They get excit - programs, to name just a few. ed about coming here with their A few examples of their projects: families and starting that personal • reworking trails to make them connection that can last a lifetime. more accessible for wheelchairs and Rangers travel as often as possi - anyone else who could use a ble to as many classrooms as they smoother walking surface; can – doing so in vans that were • support for trail-crew jobs that donated with help from the provide young people with experi - Foundation and other partners. ence, adventure, and career devel - Without assistance from the opment while they improve the Foundation, many of these pro - trails we all enjoy; and grams would be reduced or non- • exhibits offering insight into the existent. In particular, Rangers in wonders of these parks to visitors of The Sequoia Parks Foundation supports “Rangers in the Classroom,” the Classroom relies on the all ages, both outside along trails helping kids to discover these parks. Here, examining skulls and pelts Foundation, and more is needed. and inside Beetle Rock Education from park wildlife opens their eyes to the links between animals and The Sequoia Parks Foundation park habitat. As they learn more, suddenly the parks — and their Center and other visitor centers. own connection to them — start to come to life. explores many avenues to raise The Foundation also works to funds. Check them out at www. take the national-park experience beyond park boundaries. They sequoiaparksfoundation.org from time to time; see what’s new. bring artists here to create park-based art, which the Foundation Find more ways that you can discover, protect, and connect with then shares with the public in other locations. They also reach out Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Then help others to do to schools. One of the most successful projects – Rangers in the the same! SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON

Welcome! W E L C O M E You may borrow the park map & You expect giant trees and huge canyons—and you won’t be guide in Braille at visitor centers. disappointed. Yet the whole of these parks is even greater than the sum of its famous parts. B IE N V E N U E Rising from 1300’ to 14,494’, these parks protect a spectacu - Une guide officielle est dis pon ible lar elevational range. This span from low to high means dramat - dans les centres d’information. ic shifts from hot foothills to shady forests to the cold High Sierra. It means diverse plants and animals living in extremely B IE N V E N ID O S varied conditions. It means steep roads and trails that climb Hay un folleto en Español mountains, and cold rivers that plunge down from their heights. disponible en los centros de visita. There is diversity, too, in the caretakers of this landscape. Bordering these two national parks is a national monument, W IL K O M M E N which is part of a national forest. A U.S. Geological Survey Field Eine Landkarte ist auch in Station conducts research here. The Sequoia Natural History deutscher sprache im Besucher- Association sells books and maps at visitor centers and con - zentrum erhaltlich. tributes to education and research. The Sequoia Parks Foundation supports significant park projects. B E N V E N U T I La traduzione in lingua Italiana Other partners, public and private, cooperate with the Park della mappa e’ disponibile in tutti i Service to meet a challenging mission — providing for public centri di informazioni. enjoyment while keeping the parks unimpaired for future gener - ations. You are an important partner, too! Experience these parks, learn all you can, and join in preserving them. PARK, FOREST, The National Park Service cares OR MONUMENT? PHONE NUMBERS What is the difference between EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 for special places saved by the Sequoia and Kings Canyon No coins needed. National Parks, Sequoia National American people so that all may Forest, and Giant Sequoia 24-Hour Park Information National Monument? 1-559-565-3341 (NPS) experience our heritage. Each is on federal land. Each www.nps.gov/seki exists to benefit society. Yet each Na tional Forest Information has a different history and pur - 1-559-338-2251 (USFS) pose. Together they provide a www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia FEES HELP YOUR PARKS! wide spectrum of uses. Yosemite Information (NPS) Most of your entrance and camping fees stay here. The parks National parks strive to keep 1-209-372-0200 invest them in projects that improve visitor facilities and protect landscapes unimpaired www.nps.gov/yose park resources. Fees have paid for repairing and upgrading for future generations. California Road Conditions roads, campgrounds, trails, picnic areas, and restrooms. They They protect natural 1-800-427-7623 (Caltrans) and historic features have also improved visitor centers, updated exhibits, and mod - while offering light-on- Partners in the Parks ernized naturalist slide programs. the-land recreation. The following organizations work Park rangers work for together to provide this guide, first ENTRANCE FEE OPTIONS the National Park published in 1974 as the Sequoia Bark. • 7-day pass for Sequoia & Kings Canyon, and for Hume Lake Service, part of the It is published by the Sequoia Natural District of Sequoia Na tional Forest/Giant Sequoia National Department of the Interior. His tory As so ciation (SNHA) and National forests, managed printed by Willems Commercial Monument (GSNM) : $20 per vehicle (private, non-commer - under a “multiple use” concept, Printing, Inc. cial) or $10 per person on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or bus. provide services and commodities National Park Service (NPS) that may include lumber, cattle Malinee Crapsey, Editor • 12- Month Pass for Sequoia & Kings Canyon, and for Hume grazing, minerals, as well as recre - 1-559-565-3341 Lake District of Sequoia Na tional Forest/GSNM : $30 admits ation with and with - www.nps.gov/seki all passengers in a private vehicle for one year from month of out vehicles. Forest Sequoia Natural History purchase. Not valid at Crystal Cave. rangers work for the Association (SNHA) U.S. Forest Service, 1- 559-565-3759 an agency in the www.sequoia hist ory. org • 12-Month: America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass : $80. Valid for entrance fees at Federal recreation sites including Department of Sequoia Parks Foundation National Parks, National Forests, FWS, BLM, & Bureau of Agriculture. 1-559-739-1668 Both agencies manage www.sequoiaparksfoundation. org Reclamation. Admits all passengers in a single private non-com - wilderness and other areas where U.S. Forest Service (FS) mercial vehicle where per-vehicle fees are charged, or the passh - they maximize protection of natu - 1- 559-784-1500 older plus up to 3 persons (age 16 & older) for per-person fee ral resources. For example, part www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia areas, for 12 months. Not valid at Crystal Cave. of Sequoia National Forest has Delaware North Companies been designated Giant Sequoia Parks & Resorts (DNCPR) • Seniors: America the Beautiful Interagency Pass : $10 one- National Monument to emphasize 1-888-252-5757 time fee buys a lifetime pass for entrance fees for U.S. citizens & protection of sequoias. www.visitsequoia.com permanent residents 62 or over. (Previously issued Golden Age Parks, forests, and monuments Kings Canyon Park Services (KCPS) passes remain valid.) Not valid at Crystal Cave. may have different rules in order 1- 866-KCANYON (522-6966) to meet their goals. Read “Where www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com • Accessibility: America the Beautiful Interagency Access Pass : can I...” on the next page to learn U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Free to blind or permanently disabled U.S. citizens and what activities are permitted where. Despite confusion over 1- 559-565-3171 permanent residents. Take appropriate documentation to any www.werc.usgs.gov names, we get a wide range of park visitor center. (Previously issued Golden Access passes benefits from these diverse areas. Page 1 illustrations ©SNHA by Rick Wheeler remain valid.) Not valid at Crystal Cave.

2 LATE SUMMER 2010 SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS Crystal Cave tours rock! No tickets are sold at the cave, only at Lodgepole and Foot hills visitor centers. 1 Buy them at least 1 ⁄2 hours before the tour. Activities Tours may sell out. See information on traffic delays & length-limit restrictions on page 12. Crystal Cave Road is 15 miles (24 km) FREE W ALKS & TALKS : Ranger-led talks from the Sequoia Park entrance at Hwy and walks may be offered at Giant Forest, 198, and 3 miles (5 km) south of the Lodgepole, Grant Grove, the Foothills, General Sherman Tree. Maximum vehicle Cedar Grove, and Mineral King. See pages length is 22' (6.7 m) on this road. See page 8-9 or check bulletin boards and visitor 12 map for details. centers for details and schedules. Use parking-lot restrooms; the cave has 1 none. Wear sturdy shoes; the ⁄2-mile trail VISITOR CENTERS & STORES: (.8 km) to the cave is steep. Bring a jacket; Each one offers different exhibits to it’s 50 °F (10 °C) inside. No strollers, tri pods, enjoy. Park stores in each visitor center or baby backpacks. Not wheel chair accessi - sell a wide variety of books, maps, ble. Ask SNHA about group reservations postcards, posters, and other items. and Wild Cave Tours: 1-559-565-3759. Remember: All your purchases in visitor centers help to support the parks! See • 45-minute Cave Tours daily Learn how these curtains of stone formed! pages 8-9 for details. 1 Through 9/6: Every ⁄2 hour — Weekdays 10:30am- 4:30pm; Saturdays & Labor Day JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM weekend (9/4-6) 10am-5pm; Sundays 10:30am- 5pm. FREE for all ages: Earn a badge while pro - 9/7 - 9/19: Weekdays 11am, noon, 2pm, 3pm; weekends on the hour 11am- 4pm. tecting resources. If you are 5 to 8 years 9/20 - 10/24 (weather permitting): On the hour — Saturdays 11am- 3pm & Sundays old, work for the Jay Award. Those 9 to 11am- 2pm. Weekdays 11am, 1pm, 2pm. 12 years old earn a Raven Award. Ages 13 Fees: Age 5-12 $6.50; age 13-61 $13; under 5 free; age 62 & up and Golden Access to 103 earn an Arrowhead Award. Get a free Jr. Ran ger booklet in any visitor cen - passholders $12. National Park, Interagency, and Golden Age passes do not apply. ter, follow the instructions and have fun! SNHA members get a discount! 1 RING YOUR CLASS TO THE • 1 ⁄2-hour Discovery Tours through 9/3 TEACHERS - B PARKS ! Fun, curriculum-based programs Weekdays only, starting at 4:15pm. Enjoy a more in-depth tour of this fabulous cave! for 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th , and 6 th grades in spring Limited to 16 people aged 13 & up. Fee: $20 each (SNHA members $18). and fall. Topics include geology, sequoias, 1 • 1 ⁄2-hour Historic Candle-Light Cave Tours through 9/25 Native Americans, and other cultural his - tory. For details or to reserve a date: Thursday-Friday at 5:30 pm; Saturday-Sunday 6pm. Limited to 15 people, ages 12 1-559-565-4303. and up. Experience Crystal Cave in a different light. Explore using candle lanterns and see Crystal Cave as its discoverers did! Fee: $20 each (SNHA members $18).

parks . Stay on roads. In the wilderness. In the National National For est : Off-highway- Forest : Free fire permits are WHERE CAN I... vehicle (OHV) routes available. required, even for gas stoves Get specific information at USFS and lanterns. Get permits at vis - Your visit may include both a People younger than 18 must Hume Lake office (in Dunlap on itor center in Grant Grove or National Park (NPS) and a wear helmets. Hwy 180) or Kings Canyon USFS in Dunlap. National Forest (USFS). Some • COLLECT THINGS: Not in Visitor Center (Grant Grove). • CUT WOOD: Not in the Parks . activities that are illegal in Parks : Leave everything to play • GO PICNICKING: See picnic In the National Forest : Call the Park may be legal in the its natural role in the ecosystem. Hume Lake Ranger District for Forest (see page 2 for details). symbols on back-page map. In the National Forest : Due to bears, never leave food permit and guidelines: 559-338- Know which one you are in Keeping a few cones or rocks 2251. (see page 12)! unattended! Most sites have for personal use is permitted. tables, restrooms and fire grills, • GO FISHING: In both areas : In both areas : Archeo logical •WALK A PET: In the Parks : except: No fire grills at Foot- Permitted during fishing sea - sites and artifacts are protected Not on any trails but it’s o.k. 100 hills and Sandy Cove. No fires son. Cal ifornia fishing licenses by law. feet from roads in developed permitted at Lodgepole & are re quired for ages 16 & up. areas (picnic areas, camp - • HUNT: Not in the Parks . Crescent Meadow. No water at Ask for cop ies of park reg u la - grounds, roads). In the Visitors are responsible for Halstead, Powdercan, Lodge- tions. National Forest : Pets can go understanding and complying pole, and Crescent Meadow. with all applicable state, local, • RIDE HORSEBACK on trails. In both areas : Pets • HAVE A FIRE: Restrictions Hourly rides, backcountry spot must be on a leash less than 6 and federal firearms laws before change; always check first. trips or guided trips. Fall closing feet (1.8m) long. Never leave entering this park. In the In the Parks : Below 6000 feet: dates depend on weather. pets in cars as they overheat National Forest : Only during No wood or barbecue fires, • Cedar Grove quickly. the season with a license: including in picnic areas and 1-559-565-3464 summer 1-559-243-4005. • RIDE BICYCLES: In the Parks : wilderness areas; ok in desig - 1-559-337-2314 off season • Grant Grove Keep bikes on roads only, not • GO CAMPING: In the Parks : nated campgrounds only. Gas Only in numbered sites in des - or propane stoves may be used 1-559-335-9292 summer on any trail (other than the 1-559-799-7247 off season designated bike trail in Cedar ignated campgrounds. In the at all elevations. No smoking except in developed areas, • Horse Corral Grove). In the National National For est : In camp - at Big Meadows in Forest : Ask a ranger which grounds or, unless posted other - campgrounds, or enclosed vehi - Sequoia National Forest trails permit bicycles. In both wise, near roadsides. Pull safely cles. Above 6000 feet: Only in 1-559-565-3404 summer areas : Be careful & courteous off the road, no further. fire grills in campgrounds and 1-559-564-6429 off season near ped es trians & horses. • DRIVE OFF-ROAD: Not in the some picnic areas, and in 1-559-679-3573 cell

& SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST / GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT LATE SUMMER 2010 3 WILDERNESS Change: Natural & unnatural OVERNIGHTS Each park trail has a daily entry quota for overnight trips, and We often think of parks as outdoor museums. Caretaking a living ecosystem, between late May and late however, is very different than protecting unchanging objects. September a wilderness camping fee of $15 is required. The quota Both natural features and human facilities may be different each time you visit Both are changing all and fee are used to help protect the time. How we take care of those features and facilities may also affect your visit. You won’t notice your wilderness environment and the ozone monitor that works 24 hours a day, but you will see other activities such as revegetation, road experience. (They are not required work, painting, or trail maintenance. Some activities may unavoidably affect you, such as smoke from a for day hikes, or for overnights in prescribed fire, campsite closures due to revegetation, or bear management. the adjacent Monarch and Jennie Lakes wildernesses in US Forest The park staff uses such actions as tools to maintain the landscape and protect its inhabitants and Service. However, a free fire permit visitors. Your visit gives you but a snapshot of this process; Nature decides the timing of many of these is required for any open flame on actions. They all share one goal: preservation of these parks for us all, now and in the future. USFS land.) A permit is required for each overnight trip. Reserved and first- come, first-served permits are Fire: A natural change issued the morning of your trip or Years ago, we tried to banish fire from the land - after 1pm the day before at the park permit station/visitor center scape, believing it was destructive. In sequoia groves, nearest your trailhead (see pages 8 that meant putting out lightning-caused fires that & 9). If the quota for your prefer- naturally start as frequently as every 5 to 15 years. red trail is full, you can choose As time passed, we saw unanticipated conse - another trail for that day or anoth - quences from this. Fire suppression blocked impor - er day to start, if space is available. tant ecological processes and caused many prob - Permits are not issued after mid- afternoon as minimum distances lems. Two problems were glaring: must be reached before you camp. First, sequoias were not reproducing. We learned Requests to reserve a permit for that fires create the conditions that sequoias need to a certain date are accepted begin - regenerate: Fires create a fertile ash seedbed and ning March 1 and at least 2 weeks open the forest canopy, allowing sunlight to reach before your trip's start date. Reserved permits must be picked the seedlings. up either the afternoon before or Second, the amount of dead wood and dense by 9am on the day of departure. If growth of small white-fir trees increased tremen - delayed, call the Wilderness Office dously. Natural fires used to burn these away fre - or you may lose the reservation. quently. Now, after fire’s long absence, these fuels Camping in the park's "front - feed bigger, hotter blazes that are more dangerous country" is permitted only in camp - grounds. Camping or sleeping in for people, plants, and wildlife. vehicles is not allowed in parking For over 40 years at Sequoia and Kings Canyon, lots, pull-outs, picnic areas, or trail - we have studied fire and its effects on the land. Now, heads in the park. to protect human safety and benefit giant sequoia trees, the National Park Service works with fire to Wilderness Permit Reservations Sequoia & Kings Canyon N.P. restore the benefits it brings. 47050 Generals Highway #60 We still put out fires that threaten life and proper - Three Rivers, CA 93271 ty but, when and where it’s appropriate, we may 1-559-565-3766; Fax 565-4239 ignite prescribed fires or allow lightning fires to For more details, visit Wilderness spread naturally, reducing fuels and improving Information at www.nps.gov/seki/ resource conditions. Strong evidence shows that we planyourvisit/wilderness.htm or call. are succeeding. Fire in the Sierra usually hugs the ground. Its low flames clear dangerous built-up fuels. Why is this important? The National Park System HIGH SIERRA LODGE Without it, these fuels would feed intense, exists to conserve resources “unimpaired for the • BEARPAW HIGH SIERRA CAMP hard-to-control wildfires. The natural burn enjoyment of future generations.” We once thought (DNCPR) www.visitsequoia.com pattern includes occa sion al hot spots. These that aggressive fire suppression met this goal. A more Reservations required: leave important openings in the forest — complete understanding of fire tells us that excluding 1-888-252-5757. Open mid-June, the sunny, bare places where sequoia trees this important natural agent of change only hurts weather permitting, to mid- September. This tent hotel is regenerate best. ©NPS Photo what we are trying to protect. at 7800´ on the High Sierra Trail, an 11-mile hike from Unnatural change: Alien invaders! Giant Forest. Plants and animals evolve together in com - Two immediate threats: munities over time. Often they keep each other Star thistle is one of the most damaging in check. When species get brought in from non-natives in the state. Dense, thorny patch - other places, the newcomers may multiply wildly es completely exclude native plants and limit since the competitors, predators, and diseases wildlife movements. It is not yet established they evolved with in their home communities are here! If you recognize it from your home or not here. They break links in the local web of travels, make sure not to bring it in. life, badly disrupting species that depend on each other. Sometimes they completely replace native New Zealand Mud Snails completely take plants and animals. over and change waterways that they invade. Practice alien hygiene! Look for seeds and tiny Due to their biology, just one snail can start a NEW animals attached to shoes, clothes, waders, huge population! They stick on gear; check ZEALAND equipment, tires, and pet fur. Wash mud from boots & waders thoroughly for this tiny MUD under cars and on tires before coming into the invader. Common just east of the parks, they SNAIL parks. The natives will thank you! STAR THISTLE could easily be carried into the High Sierra. 4 LATE SUMMER 2010 SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY! RATTLESNAKES , found in much CELL PHONES rarely work well in of these parks, are especially com - these mountains; don’t rely on Natural areas present hazards. Rocks roll, trees topple, and mon in the foothills and near water. them. Note where pay telephones limbs drop without warning. Wild animals, uneven or icy ground, Watch where you put your hands are available (see pages 8 & 9). and changing weather can pose dangers. People may create other and feet! Do not harass or kill them; hazards through campfires, traffic, snowplay, and poor decisions. COUGARS roam throughout the this is when most bites occur. Bites Water is the main cause of death here. Many drowning victims parks, but you are unlikely to see are rarely lethal, were walking or climbing near rivers and unexpectedly fell in. one. Attacks are rare, but be aware. but tissue dam - The Park Service works to reduce risks, but your safety is in your Watch children closely; never let age can be own hands. Keep alert. Read warnings and ask a ranger for advice. them run ahead. Cautiously severe. If bit - move away if you find a par - ten, avoid tially buried animal carcass. panic; call a If you see a cougar, the goal is ranger or 911. to convince it that you are not prey: LIGHTNING : If you • Don’t run; it may trigger pursuit. see dark clouds or lightning or hear • Try to appear as large as possi - Be Safe! thunder, get inside a large build ing or ble. Don’t crouch or try to hide. a vehicle (not convertible), if possible. • Hold your ground or back away Do not stand under trees or in shal - slowly while facing the cougar. low caves. Avoid projecting above • Pick up children. the surrounding landscape such as • If the mountain lion acts ag gres - DROWNING : The #1 cause of TICKS : Common in foot hill and standing on a ridge, on Moro Rock, sively, wave your hands, shout, death in national parks! Be extra Kings Canyon grasses; check your - or in open mea dows. Stay away and throw stones or sticks at it. careful around waterways; falling in self after a walk. Their bite from open water, wire fences, and • If attacked, fight back! is as dangerous as swimming. Once is painless, but a small per - metal railings, which can carry light - • Report any cougar sightings. ning from a distance. in a river, getting out can be nearly centage carry Lyme disease. EXPLORE SAFELY : Avoid going impossible: Rocks are smooth and Remove them carefully with WEST NILE VIRUS is passed by alone. Tell someone your plans and slippery; swift, cold water rapidly tweezers; seek a doctor’s advice. bites from infected mosquitos. return time. Watch and listen for saps your strength. Currents are GIARDIA in lakes and streams can Human illness is not common, but potential hazards above you, around always stronger than they appear. cause intestinal upset. Iodine and take steps to avoid mosquito bites. you, and on the ground. Slow down to share roads and trails with people PLAGUE : Please do not feed or other chemicals may not be as reli - CARBON MONOXIDE : This odor - and wildlife. touch ANY park animals. Fleas on able as heat in killing bac teria and less, colorless gas can be fatal. rodents can carry plague. Deer mice Giardia, but can be effective if used Never burn charcoal in closed SAFE DRINKING WATER : The feces can carry hantavirus. properly. Boil drinking water at least spaces, e.g. a tent, camper, or RV. 13 park water systems are tested to 3 minutes. ensure that they meet federal and POISON OAK : This OZONE POLLUTION : See air-quali - state standards. Annual Consumer common shrub grows up HYPOTHERMIA : This life-threaten - ty forecasts in visitor centers. Most Con fidence Reports are available at to 5000 feet eleva - ing condition can occur year-round. ozone rises into the Sierra on warm visitor centers. tion: Red leaves Stay dry; snack often. If others don’t winds. Levels of this colorless gas with whitish berries respond to the need for warmer are highest May to October, peaking OPERATION NO-GROW in fall, bare in win - clothes or are stumbling, forgetful, in late afternoon. The peaks some - Prevent illegal marijuana growing! ter; shiny green or extremely tired and drowsy, get times reach “unhealthy” state/feder - Keep parks safe, natural, and free leaves in groups of three in spring. If warm sugary drinks into them al. standards, and can affect respira - from illegal activities! Report suspi - you touch any part of the plant, immediately. Get them into dry tory systems. Ozone forms from cious activities: 1-888-NPS-CRIME. wash skin and clothes right away. clothing, sleeping bags, and shelter. gases in car and factory exhaust.

BICYCLES NARROW, WINDING ROADS RRuulleess ooff tthhee rrooaadd Ride on roads (not trails), single IN KINGS CANYON & N ATIONAL file, and with traffic. Wear light FOREST /S EQUOIA MONUMENT - colors after dark. People under In Park: Hwy 180 East to Cedar EXPECT TRAFFIC DELAYS PREVENT CAR FIRES 18 must wear a helmet. Grove; Panoramic Point Road ; in several areas this summer. Hot brakes & mufflers can FINDING GASOLINE & unpaved Redwood Mountain See page 12 for details. Use easily start fires. Stop only No gas stations within the park. Road . low gears in construction zones. on paved areas, not on grasses. Only Grant Grove market sells In Forest: Big Meadows ; Quail 32’ VEHICLE LENGTH LIMIT AVOID OVERHEATING cans of emerg ency gas. Fill up in Flat/Ten Mile, Converse Basin : on Generals Hwy from Hospital Watch your engine temperature Three Rivers, Clingan’s Junction, all unpaved. Rock to Giant Forest Museum gauge or light. If it goes up, or in the National Forest at: IN SEQUOIA – due to single-lane road. Maxi- especially when going uphill, • Hume Lake Christian Camp: Crystal Cave Road : Maximum mum limit on other parts of the turn off the air conditioner 559-335-2000. Year-round vehicle length 22’ (6.7m). Gen er als Highway is 40 feet (12 and turn on the fan. If the 24 hours with credit card. Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow : engine fails, pull into a paved m) for single vehicles, 50 feet 11 miles (18 km) north of During shuttle season (5/27- area, lift the hood, and wait (15 m) for veh i cl e + towed unit. Grant Grove via Hwy 180. 9/20), single vehicles more than awhile for it to cool. If the DON’T LOSE YOUR BRAKES • Stony Creek Village: 22 feet long and vehicles tow - problem is vapor lock, this 1-559-565-3909. Gas available Frequent braking causes over - may take care of it. ing anything are prohibited. heating and brake failure. 24 hours with credit card. Exception: display of valid dis - Instead, always down shift when LENGTH ADVISORY Between Wuksachi & Grant abled-parking placard. On holi - going downhill. In automatic On 12 narrow miles from Pot- Grove on the Generals Hwy. day weekends (9/3-6),private vehicles, put the gear shift on 1, wisha Campground to Hospital • Kings Canyon Lodge: 1-559- vehicles prohibited on this road. 2 or L. The en gine gets louder, Rock Picnic Area in Sequoia 335-2405. Gas usually sold Mineral King Road : RVs & trail - but it will save your brakes. Park, advised maximum vehicle 9am-dark. 17 mil es (27 km) ers not recommended (not per - length is 22 feet (6.7m). Alter n - north from Grant Grove on mitted in campgrounds). EMERGENCY CAR REPAIRS ative: Hwy 180 from Fresno is Hwy 180. South Fork & Middle Fork roads : For a tow: 565-3341 then press straighter, less steep, & wid er. GO SLOW FOR WILDLIFE! Partially unpaved. Slippery zero (24 hours). In Sequoia Park Towing a car? Stay in the Never feed animals by the road. when wet. only, AAA available 24 hours for foothills; use the car to explore. lock outs, jump starts, out-of- Cars often hit them if they wait MOTORCYCLES gas, minor repairs : call 565-4070 . for handouts on roadsides. Avoid oil buildup on pavement. & SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST / GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT LATE SUMMER 2010 5 GIANT FOREST ROUTE (green) : Free. Giant Forest Museum to Lodgepole, stopping at the Sherman Tree. Every 15 minutes. First bus 9am, last bus around 6pm. SEE SEQUOIA BY SHUTTLE! 1 Through September 20th ⁄2-hour ride one way. To Grant Grove, Kings Canyon • Giant Forest Museum Be sure to check what National Park, and Hwy 180 & All-Shuttle Transfer Point time the last bus • Sherman Tree wheelchair-accessible trail leaves to get you back Dorst Campground  Parking with disabled-placard only to your car. Lodgepole Market Wuksachi & Visitor Center • Sherman Tree - Main Trail & Parkin g Shuttles run through Lodge & Restaurant Park here to walk down to tree. MÖCwQäfô September 20th. ^CWä"ô • 2 stops: Lodgepole Campground, Lodgepole Visitor Center Lodgepole Campground & MORO ROCK / CRESCENT MEADOW ROUTE (gray): Free. Leaves Giant Forest Shuttle Parking Museum every 15 minutes; stops at Moro Rock only on the outbound trip. Al First bus 9am, last bus around 6pm. 15-minute ride one way. Sherman Tree - Main Trail & Parking u^ • Giant Forest Museum Sherman Tree - Wheelchair • Moro Rock - See description below. Accessible Trail uô

• Crescent Meadow - See description below. Giant Forest Museum ^Muô

1 LODGEPOLE / WUKSACHI / DORST ROUTE (purple): Free. Every ⁄2 hour. Crescent Meadow b First bus 9am, last bus 5:30pm. Moro Rock u • 3 stops: Lodgepole Market , Lodgepole Campground, Lodgepole Visitor Center To the Foothills, Three • Wuksachi Restaurant & Lodge Rivers, and Hwy 198

• Dorst Creek Campground (Stops here through 9/9) Giant Forest Route - Free Lodgepole / Wuksachi / Dorst Route - Free

GIANT FOREST TO VISALIA ROUTE (blue): $15 round trip. No additional park Moro Rock / Crescent Visalia Route - entrance fee. Reservations required; call 1-877-BUS-HIKE or www.sequoiashuttle.com. Meadow Route - Free Reservations required Two-hour ride each way. Buses leave Visalia for Giant Forest at 7am, 8am, 9am, & 1pm. Transfer points: Giant Forest Museum and Lodgepole stops Buses leave Giant Forest for Visalia every hour starting 2:30pm through 6:30pm. MORO ROCK/ NEARBY TRAILS CRESCENT MEADOW TOKOPAH FALLS : 1.7 miles (2.7 No drinking water is available km) along the Marble Fork of the along this 3-mile (5 km), dead-end Kaweah River, ending at granite road that begins at Giant Forest cliffs and a waterfall. Be careful Museum. During shuttle season by the water! Start in Lodgepole Highlights (through 9/20), single vehicles Campground (a shuttle stop). For more than 22 feet long and vehi - the 500-foot/152-meter elevation cles towing anything are prohib - gain, allow 2-1/2 to 3 hours. SEQUOIA PARK ited. Exception: display of valid disabled-parking placard. On THE FOOTHILLS holiday weekends (9/4-6), all The lower elevations offer more private vehicles are prohibited. different kinds of plants and animals Highlights include : than the conifer forests or highcoun - Giant Forest Museum (past the GIANT FOREST MORO ROCK : Shuttle stop. A try. Watch for ticks, poison oak, and small Sherman Tree parking lot granite dome with a steep 1/4-mile rattlesnakes. BE CAREFUL. Review safety advice for those with disabled placards (.4 km) staircase to the summit : on page 5. You are on your own in only ) to Wolverton Road. Turn HOSPITAL ROCK PICNIC AREA the parks; travel safely! Let someone (300 foot /91 m elevation gain) and Exhibits about the Western Mono right, then follow signs. If you else drive — try the shuttle. a spectacular view. Two miles (3.2 people who once lived here, and a can walk down but the walk GIANT FOREST MUSEUM km) from the Generals Highway. very short trail built by the Civilian back up is too difficult, through Conservation Corps leads to a water - Shuttle stop. The best place to 9/20 you can continue from the TUNNEL LOG : A fallen sequoia that was tunneled through, and the fall. Careful; drownings often occur learn about sequoias! tree down the accessible trail to only “tree you can drive through” here! Always store food from bears. BIG TREES TRAIL the shuttle stop on the Generals in these parks. There is a by-pass MARBLE FALLS TRAIL climbs 3.9 A paved, level, 2/3-mile (1 km) Highway, then ride the north - for larger vehicles. 2.7 miles (4.3 miles (6 km) through chaparral to a loop with colorful trailside panels bound shuttle (toward Lodge- describing sequoia ecology. Start km) from the Museum. cascade. Park across the main road pole) back to your car. from Potwisha Campground. (No at Giant Forest Museum; parking • Wheelchair-accessible trail CRESCENT MEADOW: Shuttle at the trail is only for cars with stop. Summer wildflowers in a non-camper parking in camp - from Generals Highway to ground). From the trailhead near site placards. 1 hour round trip. Sherman Tree - Parking for those fragile meadow. Stay on designated trails; use only fallen logs to walk #14, follow dirt road across the GENERAL SHERMAN TREE: with disabled placards only . If into meadows. Try the 1-mile (1.6 concrete ditch; the trail starts along Two trails go to the world’s largest you have no placard but won’t be km) route to Tharp’s Log (a cabin the steep bank to the right. tree. The shuttle stops at the able to make the walk down the in a fallen sequoia) or the High PARADISE CREEK : At Buckeye beginning of each one: main trail, ask for a temporary Flat Camp ground, take the path • Main Sherman Tree Trail & Sierra Trail (71 miles/114 km to Mt. permit at a visitor center or take Whit ney, at 14,494 feet /4417 m, across from site #26 across the foot - Parking - The trail, 1/2 mile down the shuttle. the highest peak in the 48 states). bridge over the Middle Fork. Fol l ow to the tree, has some stairs. It is CONGRESS TRAIL : A fairly Paradise Creek (not the Middle an uphill walk back to your car. level 2-mile loop (3.2 km) from MINERAL KING Fork) for 1-1/2 miles (1.6 km) until Drive two miles (3.2 km) north of the Sherman Tree into the grove. See p age 8 for information. the trail grows faint. 6 LATE SUMMER 2010 SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS BIG BALDY RIDGE: Great TAKE A HIKE! views out and down into Red- wood Canyon. Two-mile trail MIST FALLS: One of the park's (3.2km) to the summit at 8209 largest waterfalls. Allow 4-5 feet (2502m). From Grant Grove, hours; 9 miles (14.4 km) round go 8 miles (13km) south on trip. Fairly flat at first; 600-foot Generals Highway to trailhead. elevation gain in the last 2 miles Highlights Elevation gain 600 feet (183m); (3.2 km). Park at Road’s End. round trip 4 miles (6.4km). DON CECIL TRAIL : The main KINGS CANYON OVER - route into the canyon prior to the KINGS CANYON LOOK: View the High Sierra 1939 completion of Highway wilderness from this overlook 180. It starts .2 miles (.3 km) east about 6 miles (9.5km) south of of the village, climbs a north-fac - Grant Grove. ing slope past Sheep Creek Cascade (1 mile/1.6 km up) to REDWOOD MOUNTAIN good views. Lookout Peak (13- OVERLOOK: Six miles mile/21-km round trip, 4000 (9.6 km) south of Grant Grove, foot/ 1220 m elevation gain) has across the Generals Highway a great panorama. Stren uous; from Quail Flat junction, it allow all day. looks west over one of the world’s largest sequoia groves. HOTEL CREEK TRAIL : Starts Studies here proved the positive .2 mile (.3 km) north of the mar - relationship between fire and ket at the intersection with the sequoia reproduction. pack station road. Climbs through chap arral to forest and THE KINGS views from Cedar Grove Over- look. 5 miles (8 km) round trip; CANYON & 1200-foot/365 m elevation gain. CEDAR GROVE Strenuous; allow 3 -4 hours. NOTE: The Kings River Bridge Return via Lewis Creek Trail for an 8-mile (12.9 km) loop.

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shape of this can yon, apparent o t Forest (see page 2 for Park or Forest ). o from this viewpoint, reveals its h P glacial history. 1 mile (1.6 km) CONVERSE BASIN : Virtually east of Cedar Grove Village road. every mature sequoia in this BE CAREFUL . Review safety NEARBY TRAILS & KNAPP’S CABIN: During the huge grove was felled early in the advice on page 5. You are on your POINTS OF INTEREST Roaring ’20s, a Santa Barbara 1900s. Walk the 2-mile (3.2 km) Boole Tree loop to see a own in the parks, so travel safely! businessman commissioned lav - PANORAMIC POINT ROAD: monarch they spared (6 miles Drive or hike this steep, narrow ish fishing expeditions here, north of Grant Grove), or the road to a High Sierra vista. storing gear in this small cabin. 1 ⁄2-mile (.8 km) loop to the GRANT GROVE Trailers/RVs not recommended. A short walk from a turnout 2 Chicago Stump, a tree cut for GENERAL GRANT TREE: Go east through visitor-center miles (3.2 km) east of Cedar exhibit at the 1893 World’s Fair One of the world’s largest living parking, left around the mead - Grove Village road. (2 miles north of Grant Grove) . trees. President Coolidge pro - ow, right at the sign “Panoramic claimed it the Nation’s Christ- Point, 2.3 miles (3.7km).” Walk ROARING RIVER FALLS: A INDIAN BASIN : Closed this 1 very short, shady walk to a pow - mas Tree in 1926. It is also a ⁄4 mile (.4km) up to viewpoint. summer due to construction in National Shrine, the only living The 4-mile (6.4 km) round-trip erful waterfall rushing through Princess Campground. A one-mile me morial to those who died in Park Ridge Trail begins here. a granite chute. 3 miles (4.8 km) accessible trail and one-mile east of the Village road. Paved, war. Visit historic Gamlin Cabin BUENA VISTA PEAK: South of unpaved trail. Take Highway 180 relatively accessible. and the Fallen Monarch along Kings Canyon Overlook on west 7 miles north of Grant Grove; 1 this ⁄3-mile (.5 km) paved trail. side of Generals Highway, 7 ZUMWALT MEADOW: This turn into Princess Campground. A trail guide is sold at the visitor miles (11 km) south of Grant 1.5-mile (2.4 km) trail passes Trail begins by the host’s site. center. North and west of the Grove. Trail to 360° vista of high granite walls, lush mead - HUME LAKE , formed by a rare, visitor center 1 mile (1.6 km). Redwood Canyon, Buck Rock ows, and the Kings River. Trail- historic, multiple-arch dam, sup - 1 NORTH GROVE LOOP: This Lookout, and High Sierra. 2 head parking is 4 ⁄2 miles (7.2 km) plied water to a flume that float - 1 lightly traveled, 1 ⁄2 mile (2.4 km) miles (3.2 km) round trip. east of Cedar Grove Village road. ed lumber 67 miles (108km) to 1 trail provides a close look at the REDWOOD CANYON: Rough Purchase a trail guide at the visi - Sanger. An easy 2 ⁄2-mile (4 km) Big Trees and a quiet walk dirt road to one of the world’s tor center. Allow trail circles it. Page 9 lists facili - through conifer forest. Starts at largest sequoia groves. Acres 1 hour. ties. Eight miles (12.8 km) north lower Grant Tree parking area. of Grant Grove on High way 180; of rejuvenating forest from 30 ROAD’S END: DEAD GIANT LOOP: years of prescribed fires show 3 miles (4.8 km) south on Hume High granite Lake Road. Speculate on what killed this the positive relationship walls and trails between fire and sequoias. sequoia, and enjoy a pictur - to the river, Muir BUCK ROCK LOOKOUT :A Across Generals Highway esque view of an historic mill Rock, and the 1916 tower, still used for spotting pond. Follow the old road from from Quail Flat/ Hume Lake fires, offers 360 ° views. Approx- High Sierra. East the lower Grant Tree parking junction (7 miles/ 11.3km imately 6 miles (9.6 km) off Big of the Village area for about a mile. The trail south of Grant Grove), to Meadows Road 14S11 then Forest 1 turnoff 5-1/2 branches off, creating a 1 ⁄2 mile Redwood Saddle. Turn right Road 13S04. (2.4 km) round trip. (west) and go 2 miles (3.2km) miles (8.8 km). to parking lot. & SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST / GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT LATE SUMMER 2010 7 FACILITIES IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK Giant Forest Sequoia Grove Foothills Area 6400’ (1950m) elevation. This sequoia grove is the home of the 500-3500’ (457-1067 m) elevation. Oaks, chaparral, & river can- world’s biggest trees. It offers 40 miles (64 km) of walking trails. yons; hot summers & snow-free winters; & the greatest biological For nearby picnic areas see page 3 and the map on page 12. diversity in these parks. Park headquarters is at Ash Moun tain. See highlights on page 6 and traffic-delay information on page 12. • Visitor Center (NPS) : Daily 8am-6pm through 9/6 then 8am- 4:30pm. Exhibits, books, maps, bear canisters, first aid, local • Giant Forest Museum (NPS) : Daily 9am-7pm through 8/21 then wilderness permits. Crystal Cave tickets sold only here and at 9am-5pm. Exhibits about the Big Trees. Books, maps, first aid. Lodgepole Visitor Center. 1-559-565-3135. 1-559-565-4480. No payphone; closest are at Lodgepole & • Camping (NPS) : At Potwisha & Buckeye Flat. Details on page 11. Wolverton (don’t rely on cell phones). • Pay Telephones (cell phone signals are usually poor): Foothills • Beetle Rock Nature Center (NPS) : Open through August 15, Visitor Center near front door; Potwisha Campground, Hospital across the Generals Highway from Giant Forest Museum. Stop in! Rock Picnic Area (on restroom wall). Crystal Cave Mineral King Area One of the park’s highlights! See page 3 for details & schedule. 7800’ (2380 m) elevation. A subalpine valley at the end of a steep, narrow, difficult road. No RVs, buses, or trailers, please. No elec - Lodgepole Village tricity or gasoline. Beware : Ask about marmot damage to cars. 6700’ (2040 m) elevation. A few miles north of Giant Forest, in • Ranger Station (NPS): Daily 8am-4pm through 9/25, then beautiful Tokopah Canyon along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah self-issue wilderness permits outside. Books, maps, first aid. 1-559-565-3768. River. For nearby picnic areas see page 3 & the map on page 12. • Pay Telephones: Cold Springs Campground, Sawtooth parking INFORMATION (NPS) area, Silver City Resort. Cell phone signals are extremely poor. • Visitor Center : Daily 7am-6pm through 9/6, then 8am-5pm. Bears • Silver City Mountain Resort : Through 10/31. Cabins, chalets, of the Sierra movie; exhibits on geology & forest life; books; maps; showers, small store: gifts, limited supplies, ice (not always), no first aid. Crystal Cave tickets sold 8am-4pm. Pay phone. 1-559-565- gasoline, no fishing licenses. Restaurant/store: Thursday-Monday 4436. Wilderness permits , required for overnight trips, issued 8am-8pm; Tuesday-Wednesday 8am-5pm pie & coffee only. After 7-11am & noon-3:45pm through 9/12, then self-register outside. 9/20 dessert and drinks only 8am-5pm. 1-559-561-3223; Details on page 4. 1-559-565-3766. www.silvercityresort.com. On private land. FOOD, SHOPS & OTHER SERVICES (DNCPR) • Camping (NPS): No RVs or trailers. Details: page 11. • Market & Gift Shop (DNCPR) : Daily 8am-8pm through 9/5, then 9am-6pm through 9/26, then 10am-4:30pm. Groceries, pre-made Wuksachi Lodge & Dining sandwiches, supplies, bear canisters, ice cream, souvenirs. 7200’ (2160 m) elevation. DNCPR: Year-round center for lodging • Watchtower Deli (DNCPR): Daily 11am-6pm through 9/5 then & food service in Sequoia 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Sherman Tree. closed. Sandwiches, salads. • Snack Bar (DNCPR): Daily 8am-7:45pm through 9/5, then week - Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts (DNCPR) and the National Park Foundation ends only 9am-6pm. Closed starting 9/27. make it easy for Wuksachi Lodge guests to • Laundry (DNCPR) : Same hours as Market. Last load in 1 hour contribute to these parks. Ask about the before closing. Guest Donation Program when you check in! • Showers (DNCPR): Daily 8am-1pm & 3-7:45pm through 9/5, then • Dining Room: Daily 7-10am, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-10pm through 9am-5:30pm through 9/26, then 9am-4pm. Closed starting 10/25. 9/5, then 7:30am-9:30pm, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-8:30pm. Dinner • Post Office : Weekdays 8am-1pm & 2-4pm. 1-559-565-3678. reservations required. Box lunches available. 1-559-565-4070. Lobby open 24 hours. Address mail to visitors: c/o General Delivery, Lounge 5-10pm through 9/5, then until 8:30pm. Sequoia National Park, CA 93262. • Gift Shop: Daily 8am-8pm. Film, souvenirs, crafts, clothing. • Lodgepole Campground (NPS) : Open all year. Details on page 11. • Wuksachi Lodge: See page 10 for details. Front desk 24 hours. • Pay Telephones: Outside visitor center & market (cell-phone • Pay Telephones : At main lodge. Cell-phone signals are poor. signals are usually poor). • Wolverton BBQ : Outside at Wolverton Meadows, 7200’ (2160 m) elevation, north of Sherman Tree 2 miles (3.2km). Nightly at 5:30pm through 9/5, weather permitting. All-you-can-eat. Enjoy a night-sky program or living history: A mule skinner, a ranger, and a FREE NATURE PROGRAMS local share tales about life in early Sequoia National Park. Join us! Non-campers are welcome at programs in campgrounds! Check bulletin boards and visitor centers for times, topics, and meeting locations. IN THE FOOTHILLS IN GIANT FOREST & LODGEPOLE IN MINERAL KING A variety of programs are • Campfire Programs: Nightly at Through Sunday, 9/5: offered, depending on the Lodgepole Campground through 9/6 • Evening Programs: Thursday day and time: campfire pro - then reduced offerings. through Saturday. grams, walks, and talks. Campfires at Wuksachi several • Saturday Morning or Afternoon Check local bulletin boards or nights/week through 9/4. Walks & Junior Ranger Programs ask at visitor centers for details and join us. • Daily talks at General Sherman Tree, • Short Talks: Friday & Saturday, 5pm. Lodgepole Visitor Center plaza, and atop • Sunday Morning Walks: 10-11am. Moro Rock, among other locations . Meet at Atwell Mill Campground. 8 LATE SUMMER 2010 SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS FACILITIES IN KINGS CANYON PARK & USFS Grant Grove Village Area Paying Your Entrance Fee at 6600’ (2008 m) elevation. This was originally General Grant National Park, created in 1890 to protect sequoias from logging. Kings Canyon in Grant Grove Here are both a pristine grove & one that was logged in the 1800s. Please stop at Big Stump, just off Highway 180, to pay the required park and forest entrance fee or to show your INFORMATION • Kings Canyon Park Visitor Center (NPS) : Daily 8am-6pm pass. One fee covers both parks and the forest! through 9/5, then 8am-5pm. Exhibits, movie in English & Spanish. Books, maps, first aid, bear canisters. Local wilderness permits USFS: National Fores t & Monument issued until 5:30pm through 9/5, then 8am-4:30pm. 1-559-565- Hume Lake & Big Meadows Areas (FS) 4307. Giant Sequoia National Monument, part of Sequoia National FOOD, LODGING & OTHER SERVICES Forest, borders much of the western edge of these National Parks. • Restaurant (KCPS): Daily 7am-2pm & 5-9pm through 9/5, then You are in National Forest when you drive from the park area of 9am-2pm & 5-7pm (8pm Friday-Saturday). Lodgepole to Grant Grove and from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove. • Gift Shop & Market (KCPS) : Daily 8am-9pm through 9/5, then 9am-6pm (7pm Friday-Saturday). Souvenirs, film, clothing, ATM. PAY TELEPHONES (cell-phone signals are usually poor): Food, supplies, sandwiches, bear canisters, emergency gasoline. • Between Wuksachi Village & Grant Grove: Summer only at Stony Creek Resort & Big Meadows trailhead. • Camping & Lodging : See page 10-11. Lodge front desk in restau - • Between Grant Grove & Cedar Grove : Hume Lake (year round; rant building: 7am-midnight through 9/5, then 7am-10pm. see Hume Lake below); Kings Canyon Lodge (summer only). • Post Office : Hours may vary. Monday-Friday 9am-3:30 pm; Satur- INFORMATION day 10-noon. Lobby open 24 hours. Send mail for visitors to: c/o • USFS Hume Lake District Office (FS): 35860 Kings Canyon Road General Delivery, Kings Canyon NP, CA 93633. 1-559-335-2499. (Hwy 180) in Dunlap, 19 miles (31 km) west of Kings Canyon park • Showers (KCPS) : Daily 11am-4pm. entrance at Big Stump. Weekdays 8am-4:30pm. Maps & books sold. • Stables - Horseback Riding : See page 3. 1-559-338-2251; www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia. • Pay Telephones : Kings Canyon Visitor Center (booth by front LODGING & OTHER SERVICES door) & outside gift shop & market. Cell phone signals are poor. • Camping (FS) & Lodging (private): See pages 10 & 11 for details. • Montecito Lake Resort (FS permittee): Open all year. A resort on Cedar Grove Village public land. On Generals Highway 9 miles (14.5km) south of Grant Grove. Meals 7:30-9am, 12-1:30pm, & 5:30-7pm (8-9am, noon- in the Kings Canyon 1pm, 6-7pm after 9/5). Cabins, hotel, children’s activities. 1-800- 4600’ (1410 m) elevation. This glaciated valley features towering 227-9900 or 1-559-565-3388. granite cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and the powerful Kings River — • Hume Lake: Open all year. Facilities on public land open to the “a rival to the Yosemite,” according to John Muir. public: 24-hour laundry (coin operated) & gas station (with credit INFORMATION card). Market & snack shop . North of Grant Grove 8 miles (13km) • Visitor Center (NPS) : Daily 9am-5pm through 9/6, then Fridays- on Hwy 180, then right on Hume Lake Road 3 miles (5km). 1-559- Sundays through 9/26. Books, maps, first aid, bear canisters. 335-2000. 1-559-565-3793. • Boyden Cavern : On Highway 180 between Grant Grove & Cedar • Wilderness Permits (NPS) : At Road’s End, 6 miles (9.6km) east Grove. Daily tours on the hour 10am-5pm; 11am-4pm starting mid- of the village. Daily 7am-3pm through September 26, then self reg - September. Gift shop. Ask about evening flashlight tours & guided ister. No permits issued after 2:45pm. Maps, bear canisters. canyoneering trips. Ages 14 & up $13; 3-13 $8; under 3 free. AAA 10% discount. Senior and Access Interagency Pass discounts do not FOOD & LODGING - Daily through 10/16, then closed: apply. Schools & other group reservations: 1-559-338-0959. • Restaurant (KCPS) : Counter-service meals & snack bar; not a • Stony Creek Resort (FS): On Generals Highway south of Grant full-service restaurant. Weekdays 8-10:30am & 5-7pm; weekends Grove. Open 1 hour later Friday-Saturday: restaurant 11am-2pm & 8am-2pm & 5-7pm. 4-7:30pm; market 7am-8pm; showers 9am-6pm. Laundry. Gasoline • Gift Shop & Market (KCPS) : Lunch supplies, salads, sandwiches, 24 hours with credit card. 1-866-KCANYON; 1-559-565-3909. bear canisters, souvenirs. 8am-7pm. GASOLINE SALES IN THIS AREA • Lodging : Last night 10/16. See page 10. Front desk 7am-8pm • At Hume Lake & Stony Creek (USFS permittees) and Kings Canyon through 8/14 then 8am-7pm. Lodge (private facility on private land). See page 3 for details. • Showers : 8am-1pm & 3-6pm. OTHER SERVICES • Pay Telephones : Outside lodge & ranger station. FREE NATURE PROGRAMS • Camping : See page 10-11. • Horseback Riding : Details on page 3. Rangers lead a wide variety of programs at areas throughout the parks. Check bulletin boards and visitor centers for times, topics, and meeting locations.

IN GRANT GROVE: IN CEDAR GROVE: • Grant Tree Walk: Daily 2pm through 9/5, then • Walks, Talks, & Campfire Programs led by rangers Saturdays & Sundays. explore this canyon of the Kings River and other • E vening Programs: Nightly through 9/5, then check aspects of the park. Through mid-September. locally for schedule. At Sunset Campground • South Fork Clean Up: Sponsored by Friends of the Amphitheater. Non-campers are welcome! South Fork Kings River - September 18. Contact (916)601-9954 or [email protected] for details.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST / GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT LATE SUMMER 2010 9 LODGING SEQUOIA PARK • Wuksachi Village (DNCPR) Reservations: 1-888-252-5757 Staying Overnigh t Front Desk: 1-559-565-4070 www.visitsequoia.com. Open all year. North of Giant Forest Museum 6 miles (9.6 km). Lodge, restaurant, lounge, gifts. * Silver City Mountain Resort * CAMPING DO S & DON’T S: These rules protect the park & you! Summer: 1-559-561-3223 NOTE: Rules may vary between the Park and the National Forest. Check page 3 for details. Winter: 1-805-528-2730 www.silvercityresort.com. Open KEEP FOOD FROM BEARS! GROUP SITES & RVS & TRAILERS May 28 to mid-October. Cabins, It’s required all year! Learn how to MAXIMUM GROUP SIZES Length limits & advisory : See chalets, supplies, restaurant, gifts, do it correctly — see below. UP TO 6 : Many campgrounds allow Rules of the Road (page 5) and bakery, showers. No gas. CAMPFIRE RESTRICTIONS only one vehicle & six people per Road Delays & Detours (page 12) KINGS CANYON PARK Always check bulletin boards for site. Check locally for slight varia - for vehicle-length limits and advi - • Grant Grove Lodge & changes. Gather only dead & tions in these limits & parking sories. Dump stations: See chart John Muir Lodge (KCPS) down wood; do not cut limbs locations for extra vehicles. on page 11. Reservations: 1-866-522-6966 Front Desk: 1-559-335-5500 off trees. Better yet, bring wood 7 TO 19 : In summer, Crystal Springs Trailers are permitted in all but www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com. with you. Fires must be out cold (Grant Grove) has first-come, four park camp grounds; check Open all year. In Grant Grove. before you leave. first-served sites for groups of 7- the chart on page 11. Many sites 15. Canyon View in Cedar Grove are not suitable for trailers or Hotel all year, cabins (5/14-11/27), In the national forest & monument restaurant, showers, store, gifts. you must get a free campfire has sites for 7-19; $35/site. RVs. Sites may not be level. permit from the Hume Lake LARGER : Call in advance for infor - Vehicles over 30 feet long can fit • Cedar Grove Lodge (KCPS) mation on requesting summer in a small number of sites. Reservations: 1-866-522-6966 District Office, Kings Canyon Front Desk: 1-559-565-0100 Visitor Center (Grant Grove), or group tent-camping sites: For No hookups are available. Sunset or Canyon View 1-559- www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com a Forest Service ranger. QUIET & GENERATOR HOURS May 13 to October 16. In the 565-4335 (5/1-10/31: 565-3792 for 10pm-6am. Generator use: At ROADSIDE CAMPING? Canyon View). To reserve a group Kings Canyon. Motel, public show - Lodgepole & Dorst only 8-11am ers, res tau rant, laundry, store. It’s not permited in the park. site in Dorst or in the national Camp only in designated sites in & 5-8pm; at other campgrounds SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST/ forest/monument: 1-877-444- 9am-9pm only. Music should be campgrounds. In the National 6777 or www.recreation.gov. MONUMENT AREA Forest & Monument, roadside audible in your campsite only. • Montecito Lake Resort (formerly TIME LIMITS ON CAMPING camping is permitted unless BE A VOLUNTEER HOST! Montecito-Sequoia Lodge) Camping stays are limited to 14 days post ed otherwise. Ask a ranger Live in the park, take care of camp - Reservations: 1-800-227-9900 between June 14 and Sep tem ber for possible locations. grounds & resources, & meet Front Desk: 1-559-565-3388 14, with 30 days total per year. NO HOLDING CAMPSITES great people! Learn about volun - www.mslodge.com. Open all year. PROPANE CANISTERS teer opportunities here and On Generals Hwy 9 miles (14.5 km) You may not hold a site for some - south of Grant Grove. Cabins, one who has not arrived. Sites Do not put propane or other fuel nationwide at www.volunteer. canisters in park trash cans or gov/gov. restaurant, hotel, lodge, seasonal & not occupied for 24 hours are children’s activities. considered abandoned; proper - leave them in the parks. Take • Stony Creek Lodge (KCPS) ty may be impounded. them with you when you leave. Reservations: 1-866-522-6966 Front Desk: 1-559-565-3909. www.sequoia-kingscanyon.com PROPER FOOD STORAGE IS THE LAW! Open May 6 - mid-October. On ears often get unattended food and even break into cars that Generals Highway between Grant have food in them. They be come bold and sometimes ag gres sive Grove & Lodgepole. Hotel, restau - Bin attempts to get more. Too often these bears must be killed. rant, market, showers, gas. This is why you may be fined if you do not store food properly. The • Big Meadows Cabin (FS) following reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of a bear break-in: 1-877-444-6777; www.recreation. • DRIVERS - Never leave any food or scented item in cars. gov. Open mid-June to mid- • CAMPERS - Store food day and night in the metal boxes provided October. An historic guard station (see page 11 for box sizes; avoid bringing coolers that won’t fit). in the National Monument Store ALL food, coolers, related items, and anything with an odor between Grant Grove & Lodgepole. (even if it’s not food) — including unopened cans and bottles. Latch * Kings Canyon Lodge * the box completely. Food not stored properly will be impounded. Reservations: 1-559-335-2405 Where boxes are not provided, seal food to reduce odors, cover it Open mid-April to mid-November. well, and close the windows. Keep a clean campsite. Deposit garbage On Hwy 180, 13 miles (21 km) east immediately in bear-proof containers or store it like food. Take infant of Grant Grove. seats out of cars; the smells they absorb may attract bears. Sales of Note: These two facilities are on • PICNICKERS - Never leave food unattended. * private land and cannot be evaluat - • LODGE GUESTS - Keep cabin doors closed any time you leave. Save-a ed, regulated, or endorsed by the • BACKPACKERS - Hanging food is not effective in these parks! Store National Park or National Forest. all food in a portable canister. Less than 3 pounds, it holds up to 5- -Bear day’s food for one and fits in a pack. Metal boxes in a few back - kits & pins in N E I G H B O R I N G T O W N S country locations offer backup storage. Rent or buy a canister at park Three Rivers, Lemon Cove, Squaw visitor centers or markets. visitor centers Valley & others offer year-round • EVERYONE - Don’t let bears approach you or your food. Wave your directly support lodging, camping, & services. Ask at arms, make loud noises, and throw small rocks toward them (avoid visitor centers or check www.nps.gov/ hitting the face or head). Keep a safe distance but be persistent. bear seki, click PLAN YOUR VISI T then link Abandoning your food teaches bears that approaching humans is management. to LODGING . acceptable, but if a bear does get food, never try to take it back. WILDERNESS LODGE & PERMITS See page 4 for details. 1S0EQULOAITAE N SAUTMIOMNEAR L F2O0R1E0ST & G I A N T S E Q U O I A N A T I O N A L M ONSUEMQEUNOT IA & KINGS CANYON SNUAMTMIOENRA L2 0P0A1 RK1S 0 Each campsite has a table & fire ring with grill; no hook-ups. C A M P G R O U N D S Food-storage is required! : Always read & follow instructions on bul - KEY TO SYMBOLS: FOOD STORAGE: Avoid bringing items that won’t fit. letin boards to help save a bear! Symbols on the chart tell the size of bear-proof food-storage “Nearby”-Within 2 miles/ 3.2 See other rules on page 10. boxes available in each campground: ✔ *Summer reservations for Dorst & -Year-round # One small box per site (47” long x 17”deep x 16”high); Lodgepole (in Sequoia NP) & for ❂ -Summer only ✦ One large box per site (at least 47”long x 33”deep x 28”high); reservable campgrounds (marked * ✠ A mix of box sizes; below) in the National Forest + Additional boxes available for sites to share. (USFS) may be made up to 6 Food Showers Laundry Dump Nature Riding River Sequoias months in advance of the date # of Daily Rest- within within within Station Programs Pay within within within desired. Contact www.recreation. sites Fee rooms 2 miles 2 miles 2 miles Nearby Nearby Phone 2 miles 2 miles 2 miles gov or 1-877-444-6777 (7am -9pm PST from 3/1-10/31). Customer serv - # ice: 888-448-1474. $ IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK (NPS) FOOTHILLS AREA Elevation 2100’-3600’. Lowest in elevation, therefore warmest, often hot. Potwisha : ✦ Open all year. 40 $18 Flush ✔❂✔ ✔ Buckeye Flat : ✦ Open until 9/29. 28 $18 Flush at ❂✔ Potwisha No trailers or RVs. South Fork : # Open. 10 $12 May Vault ✔ No drinking water; non-potable water only . -Sept. MINERAL KING AREA Elevation 6650’ - 7500’. No RVs or trailers. Atwell Mill : # Open through 10/31 . 21 $12 Vault ❂❂ ❂ ✔✔ Cold Springs : # Open through 10/31 . 40 $12 Vault at Silver at Silver ❂ ✔✔ City City LODGEPOLE AREA Elevation 6700’. *= reservable in summer up to 6 months in advance ( see Reservations above.) *Lodgepole : ✠ + Open all year. 205 $20/18 Flush ❂❂❂❂✔ ❂ ✔✔ Reservation period 5/26 through 9/29. $20 during summer reservation period then $18. *Dorst : ✠ + Open 6/25 through 9/9. 210 $20 Flush ❂❂❂ ✔✔ IN KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK (NPS) GRANT GROVE AREA Elevation 6500’. Azalea : ✦ Open all year. 110 $18/10 Flush ✔❂ ✔at village ❂✔ Crystal Springs : ✦ Open through 9/15. 36 $18 Flush ✔ ❂ ✔ “ ❂ ✔ Sites for groups of 7-15 (see page 10): 14 $35 Sunset : ✦ Open through 9/9. 157 $18 Flush ✔ ❂ ✔ “ ❂ ✔ CEDAR GROVE AREA (ON THE FLOOR OF THE KINGS CANYON ) Elevation 4600’. Sentinel : 4600’ ✦ + 83 $18 Flush ❂❂❂ ❂at visitor ❂ center ✔ Last night open 9/28. Sheep Creek : 4600’ ✦+ Last night 11/11. 111 $18 Flush ❂❂❂ ❂“ ❂✔ Canyon View : 4600’ ✦+ Last night 10/11. 12 $35 Flush ❂❂❂ ❂“ ❂ ✔ All sites are for groups of 7-19 people. Moraine : 4600’ ✦ Last night 9/6. 120 $18 Flush ❂❂❂ ❂“ ❂ ✔ SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST/GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT (FS) HUME LAKE AREA Elevation 4000’ - 5900’. *= reservable in summer. *Princess : Closed for construction. 88 $18 Vault ❂$7 ❂✔✔ single Dump station not recommended for vehicles over 30 feet long. *Hume Lake : + 74 $20 “ Flush ✔✔❂✔✔ Tenmile : No water. 13 $16 Vault ✔✔ Landslide : 9 $16 Vault ✔✔

Convict Flat : Open. No water. 5 Vault ✔ BIG MEADOWS & STONY CREEK AREAS Elevation 6400-7500’. *= reservable in summer. *Stony Creek : # 49 $20 single Flush ❂❂❂ ❂at lodge ✔✔ *Upper Stony : # 18 $16 Vault ❂❂❂ ❂at lodge ✔✔ Horse Camp: No water. 5+ Vault ✔ Buck Rock: No water. 11 Vault Big Meadow: No water. 40 Vault by trailhead ✔✔ & SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST / GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT LATE SUMMER 2010 11

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

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d C Twin Winter Roads Hume Lost C IN GOOD WEPrAincTesHs ER: K iver ors 1412m

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Cove r e k k Basin Grove e Sheep Creek e Grove Village & Lodge via a detour on Northside FROM FOOTHILLS TO : e re S CANYO k C AREA ING N N N K N ATI GIANT SEQUOIO A K Sentinel Road. Use LewOis Creek TrailheadO aNs a turn-around Giant Forest - 1 hour. Y R Y A Powdercan N A K Canyon N L A P R for large vehicles and trailers. PA

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AT A AL N C Moraine o P Visalia - 1G ahp our. N O Falls AR Big Bir d I Creek Visitor Center a K Landslide T Starting September, expect short delays on week - A 6720ft r Lak e N i & Village n Mineral King - 1-1/2 (Sequoia National FA or est) 2048m days on 9 miles between Wolverton Road and Little OI 6720ft g EQU Wuksachi hour. Road closed S 2048m Baldy SuTokmompaiht. Tenmile Village R Crystal er Falls v i i v B R Nov 1 to late May. e Springs o • Generals Highway reconstruction - Amphi- u r l Halstead GENERAL Grant Grove Giant Forest detail map d theater Point to Deer Ridge: 5/2010 - 5/2012 FROM GIANT FOREST TO e r y a GRANT Village & Kings h w a h ExpectH 1ea-thheor ur delays on weekdays through late LODGEPOLE & e g Moose GRO VGE rant Grove C- a1n yhono Vuisri. tor w i Lak e a H Wolverton October; pass through on thLaek ehour. Probable night Center Crystal Cave GIANT FOREST K

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CSeundseat r Grove - 1 hour. NATIONAL General C GRANT GRO VE G Azalea Roads close Big Meadows an FOREST r k Sherm control passage during non-working hours. here in e e ek Road closedA RmEiAd- e e KINGTree S r r e winter k r Vehicles more than 22’ long cannot travel e C C v Nov to lTahet Wey eApril. Kings Canyon i SIERRA R395 Giant Forest Museum GIANT between Hospital Rock and Giant Forest NATOIveOrlNooAk L Horse Fresno - 1-1/2 hours. Camp 6409ft FOREST Museum due to Federal Highways construction KINGS a 180 FOGREST 1954m Crescent en cc CAAuNto YON Yosemite south entry e CANYON h u Meadow limits, through 12/31/2010. Vehicles more than

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Big Meadows Road a a Tunnel SEQUOIA P ARK K M lo one-lane construction zone. Lak e r Log (closed in winter) a NA ug MoTro R oIck ONAL S 6725ft • Other Road Repairs 180 2050m k R e ExNpectA occTasioInivaeOl weNekdaAy deL lays in other areas. e ork Kaweah r r F Eshom SEQ UOIA C LIFE ZONES: NATION AL H k Hospital See bulletin boards at visitor centers for i r P ARK g 180 FOREST o Jennie Lak e Potwisha Se ville e h Rock dl F 2080ft id updates and details. Thank you for your High Sierra - Montecito Lake w Lak e M a 634m P ARK y y patienceF while we work to improve park Resort n e o Buckeye Flat r 9,000 to 14,500 feet. t g h roads. u S t 2820ft 245 s r o Summer: Warm to chilly o 860m SEQUOIA n

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

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

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

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