COMPLIMENTARY $2.95 2017/2018 YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE PARKS SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS

ACTIVITIES • SIGHTSEEING • DINING • LODGING TRAILS • HISTORY • MAPS • MORE

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PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY TRIM SIZE WELCOME LIVE AREA

Welcome to Sequoia and Kings Canyon you’ll find myriad fun activities in the parks! National Parks. The (NPS), Dela- Zion National Park Located in central , the parks ware North at Sequoia and Kings Canyon is the result of erosion, extend from the San Joaquin Valley foothills National Parks and Sequoia Parks Conser- to the eastern crest of the . vancy work together to ensure that your sedimentary uplift, and If trees could be kings, their royal realms visit is memorable. Stephanie Shinmachi. would be in these two adjoining parks. This American Park Network guide to 8 ⅞ Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is testify to nature’s size, beauty and diversity: provided to help plan your visit. It is made They are home to immense mountains, rugged possible by the support of the sponsors 8 ⅜ foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns and the whose messages appear inside. Enjoy your world’s largest trees. No matter the season, visit and come back again! 7 ⅜

FUN FACTS 5 ⅞ Established: was established in 1890. It was California’s first national park and is America’s second oldest (after Yellowstone). Kings Canyon National 5 ⅜ Park was established in 1940, incorporating the much smaller National Park, which was established in 1890. 4 ¾ Land Area: Sharing a common boundary,­ Sequoia and Kings Canyon measure 66 miles from north to south and 36 miles across at their widest point. Together, they cover 865,964 acres. Lowest & Highest Elevations: The lowest elevation is 1,370 feet (in the Ash Mountain area) and the ­highest is 14,494 feet at the summit of , the tallest peak in the ­contiguous 48 states. Plants & Animals: There are more than 1,530 species of vascular plants and more than 297 known native vertebrate species of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Popular Sights: In Sequoia, see Crescent Meadow; the Tree, Earth’s largest living tree; and ; all in , a magnificent sequoia grove. In Kings Canyon, see and the canyon that gives the park its name, the of sequoia trees, and Panoramic Point with views of the Sierra Nevada. Popular Activities: Free ranger-led walks and talks, fishing, hiking, horseback ­riding, pho- tography, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities. Hiking: There are more than 800 miles of marked trails. Nearly 97 percent of the parks is designated or managed as wilderness, accessible by foot or stock.

Camping & Lodging: Over 1,200 campsites and a variety of lodging accommodations are Join the community at found in the parks. nationalparks.org

2 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS |

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American Park Network® publishes What’s New! 6 OhRanger.com, Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder™ and Oh, Ranger!® guides —a collection of visitor Plan Your Visit 8 guides for public lands all across America. American Park Network is an official partner of the National Forest Foundation, National Parks Who’s Who At The Parks 13 Conservation Association, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, American Hiking Society and Park Regulations & Safety 15 the Student Conservation Association. History & Culture 17 Publisher & Editor-in-Chief MARK J. SAFERSTEIN Sights To See 22 Associate Publisher & Executive Editor Savings can take you to sights. Joel S. Saferstein Things To Do 27 Group Sales & Partnerships Director Savings can take you to amazing sights. Alex Frenkel Centerfold Map amazing EDITORIAL / PRODUCTION Lodging & Dining 32 Managing Editor: Kate Morgan Editors: Nell Alk, Monette A. Bailey, Scott Deckman, Cinnamon Janzer, Julie McCool, Walking & Hiking 36 Renee Sklarew, Andy M. Smith Proofreader: Shannon Kronstadt Camping 41 Graphic Designers: Mario Arce, Dennisse Cruz, Mike Dion, Yamileth Recinos, Tatiana Hurtado Nature & Wildlife 44 DIGITAL Technology Managers: Scott Falconer, Josh Eckstein Bears 47

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This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources geico.com | 1-877-434-2678 | Local Oce PEFC/29-31-75 www.pefc.org The publisher of this guide and the advertisers herein are not GET THE APP! geico.com | 1-877-434-2678 | Local Oce affiliated with, or endorsed by, the National Park Service. IT’S FREE! DOWNLOAD NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Distribution requests For answers to all your GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, , D.C. 20076; [email protected] questions, go to OhRanger.com Some discounts, coverages, paymenta Berkshire plans Hathaway and features Inc. subsidiary. are not available © 2017 in GEICO all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi™ installation/sponsorship a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2017 GEICO [email protected] PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY WHAT’S NEW! WHY PARKS MATTER

There is nothing so American as our national parks. – Delano Roosevelt ®

Access to parks is one of the things that’s truly great about life in America. Not just na- tional parks, like FDR stated, but all parks. Parks afford everyone, regardless of race, income, Mark, Joel & Alex – Support parks, stay healthy! social status or age, the opportunity to escape Take a deep breath in a park and you’ll immedi- the concrete jungle and step into the wild. It ately know the value of greenspace. doesn’t matter whether it’s a small step into a Health & Wellness Studies show a high local park or a giant leap into the backcountry. correlation between time spent in parks and The effect is the same. Time in nature feels improved health (and, in my view, happiness). good. Other values that parks bring may be You move more when you’re outside, which de- less obvious. Since we take care of the things creases stress, makes you more fit and reduces we value, I’d like to highlight a few other ben- the risk of many health issues, such as diabetes, efits we all receive from public lands: high blood pressure and heart disease. Exercise Economic Impact America’s federal, state (which parks inspire) also positively impacts your and local parks and public lands generate $200 cholesterol levels. A few years ago, I started bi- billion in annual economic activity and support cycling to work every day. A year later, my over- more than one million jobs! You might help a all cholesterol went down while my HDL—the dozen businesses during a weekend hiking trip. “good” cholesterol—went up. The results of Imagine the impact of a week-long national park a small change in your exercise routine can be adventure. Parks raise property values, too! amazing! Parks invite this change. Conservation Trees produce the oxygen The value of parks is undeniable, so follow we need to survive, but did you know that FDR’s lead and support our public lands. It’s they also help save money? It’s estimated that the all-American thing to do. (Congress, take trees in cities save $400 billion in costs to re- note!) You’ll save the country money while im- tain stormwater. A single tree can store 100 proving our nation’s health—and your own, too. gallons or more, which helps keep streets from Not a bad combination! flooding and reduces the need for artificial stor- age facilities. A tree can also absorb as much as three tons of carbon gas during its lifetime. [email protected] Five national parks GET CONNECTED AT YOUR FAVORITE PARKS! One iconic American road trip VisitUtah.com/itineraries Parks are about enjoying nature, but what if you want to share a great picture or are awaiting an important email? If you’re looking to add connectivity to your park, or if you already have Wi-Fi and would like help adding content or generating sponsor revenues, please let us know at [email protected]. ®

6 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS |

159 W. BROADWAY STE 200 TEL 801 531 0122 SALT LAKE CITY UTAH 84101 FAX 801 531 0123

Client: UOT Publication: American Park Network Magazine Job #: 16-UOT-1731 Road To Mighty Issue: Due to Vendor 4/7 File: 16-UOT-1731 RTM_Brothers_AmericanPark_170407.pdf Bleed: 5.875” w x 8.875” h File Created: 03/27/2017 Trim: 5.375” w x 8.375” h Agency Contact: Robyn Reynolds Live: 4.75” w x 7.375” h Phone: 801-531-0122 Colors: 4C Email: [email protected] PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY PLAN YOUR VISIT

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Parks are located in Central California, Air: The closest major airport is approximately four to five hours from Fresno Yosemite International Airport Los Angeles and San Francisco. In the (53 miles west of Kings Canyon). FUELED BY HYDROGEN summer, the city of Visalia operates a Bus: Greyhound/Trailways serves shuttle to Sequoia National Park that Visalia and Fresno. AND INNOVATION. connects with the free in-park shuttle Train: Amtrak serves Hanford (with

system in Giant Forest. bus connections to Visalia) and Fresno. WHITE CA CARPOOL EPA-ESTIMATED CALIFORNIA ZERO UP TO 3 YEARS’ WORTH OF Car: Rental cars are available at air- STICKER ELIGIBLE 312-MILE RANGE1 EMISSION VEHICLE COMPLIMENTARY FUEL2 GETTING TO SEQUOIA ports and in Visalia and Fresno. Car: Take Highway 99 to Visalia. From Shuttle: The city of Visalia operates there, take Highway 198 east (36 miles) two shuttles. The Sequoia Shuttle runs to the main park entrance. The 16 miles from Visalia to Exeter and Three Rivers, of road from the park entrance to Gi- and up to the Giant Forest Museum in ant Forest includes 130 curves and 12 the park. Round-trip costs $15 and no switchbacks. additional park entrance fee is required. Vehicles longer than 22 feet (6.7056 A free in-park shuttle, operated in meters) are not advised between Potwi- partnership with the National Park Ser- sha Campground and Giant Forest Mu- vice, runs in the Potwisha, Giant Forest, seum in Sequoia National Park. Vehicles Lodgepole, Dorst Creek and Wuksa- longer than 24 feet (7.3152 meters) are chi Lodge areas. Shuttles run regularly not advised between the Foothills Visitor from Memorial Day weekend through Center and Potwisha Campground in Se- Labor Day. For details and reserva- quoia National Park. tions, visit sequoiashuttle.com or call Note: Pay close attention to adviso- (877) BUS-HIKE (287-4453). ries, for your safety and the safety of others. The alternative: Take Highway HOURS $349/MO FOR 36 MONTHS 3 180 from Fresno to Grant Grove, then In general, the parks are open year- $2,499 DUE AT LEASE SIGNING turn south on the , the round, 24 hours a day, but several areas 12,000 mile/year limit. Excludes offi cial fees, taxes and dealer charges. No security deposit required. main road through the parks. and roads are closed in winter. Some closures are temporary, depending on GETTING TO KINGS CANYON snow. Car: Take Highway 99 to Fresno. Then Tire chains or cables may be required. take Highway 180 east (about 53 miles) High mountain trails are often snow- THE HYDROGENFUELED TOYOTA MIRAI. ITS ONLY EMISSION IS WATER. to the park entrance. The entrance to bound until­ July 1. Note: The roads to AVAILABLE NOW ON TOYOTA.COM/MIRAI Kings Canyon is also the “back door” to Cedar Grove, , Moro Rock Sequoia and is a straighter, less steep and Crystal Cave close during winter. 1. Actual mileage will vary. Range measurement pursuant to SAE J2601 standards (ambient temperature: 20°C; hydrogen tank pressure when fueled: 70 MPa). 2. Complimentary fuel for three years or $15,000 maximum, whichever comes fi rst. 3. Available only on approved credit to road than Highway 198. There are no The highway that runs between Se- qualifi ed applicants through participating Toyota dealers and Toyota Financial Services on new 2017 Mirai. Mirai offer based on MSRP of $58,385 including handling and 12,000 miles/year limit. Monthly payment may vary depending on fi nal negotiated price of vehicle and other amounts you qualify to fi nance, and your credit qualifi cations. See dealer for vehicle and lease program details. Offer only available in CA, east-west roads that cross the Sierra Ne- quoia and Kings Canyon may also close while supplies last, for customers residing in CA within close proximity of an operating hydrogen station. Must take delivery by 8/31/17. Terms are subject to change or termination at any time. Toyota Financial Services is a service mark of Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC). vada through Kings Canyon or Sequoia. in winter. ©2017 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

8 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS |

SAATCHI & SAATCHI LOS ANGELES • 3501 SEPULVEDA BLVD. • TORRANCE, CA • 90505 • 310 - 214 - 6000 SIZE: Bleed: 5-7/8" x 8-7/8" Trim: 5-3/8" x 8-3/8" Live: 4-3/4" x 7-3/8" Mechanical is 100% of final BY DATE W/C DATE BY DATE W/C DATE No. of Colors: 4C Type prints: Gutter: LS: Output is 100% of final Traffic Diversity Review Panel Print Producer Assist. Account Executive CLIENT: TMS EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTORS: F. Costa Studio Manager Account Executive JOB TITLE: FY18 MIR Fueled Hydrogen Resizes CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Production Director Account Supervisor PRODUCT CODE: 360811 MIR ASSC. CREATIVE DIRECTORS: Art Buyer Management Director AD UNIT: 4CB COPYWRITER: Proofreading CLIENT TRACKING NO: ART DIRECTOR: Art Director Ad Mgr./Administrator •Chief Creative Officer PRODUCTION DATE: May 2017 PRINT PRODUCER: G. Olegario Ph: 310.214.6347 National Ad Mgr. •Exec. Creative Director MECHANICAL NUMBER: ______STUDIO ARTIST: D. Marquez Ph: 310.214.6175 VOG •Creative Director SHOT NO: MIR_MY18_0001_V002 •Assc. Creative Director Corp. Mgr., Mkt. Comm. Copywriter V.P. Marketing •Assc. Creative Director Legal/Product PROOF NUMBER SPECIAL INFO: Bill to: Bill to B1194-007570-00 ––––––––––––– Product TMS Diversity Binder

S S O A PYIRR PS PS PS PS A PLAN YOUR VISIT PLAN YOUR VISIT

ENTRANCE FEES companying passengers in a private non- cleared, visitors with disabilities may still man Tree. The center features exhibits Entrance to the parks is $30 per pri- commercial vehicle to the park. need assistance. on the area’s scenic wonders, history, vate, non-commercial vehicle or $15 per You can obtain the pass by visiting Loaner copies of the park brochure wildlife and geology. It is open daily in person for pedestrians or ­cyclists for everykidinapark.gov and you must print it in Braille are available at park visitor summer and closed in winter. seven consecutive days. A fee for com- and present it at the park. The Every Kid in a centers. Mineral King Ranger Station is in mercial vehicles is based on vehicle ca- Park pass is valid until August 31, 2017. Sequoia on the Mineral King Road, which pacity. An annual pass for Sequoia and VISITOR CENTERS junctions with Highway 198 in Three Riv- Kings Canyon is offered for $50 and is WEATHER When you arrive, stop at a visitor cen- ers. It is located 25 miles southeast of good for one year from the month of pur- Temperatures vary quite a bit due to ter to get an overview of the parks. Wil- Three Rivers. Trailers and RVs are prohib- chase. For other fees and passes visit elevation differences throughout the derness/backcountry permits, ranger-led ited on the road. The station is open dur- nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.htm. parks. Mid-summer temperatures at program info, maps, books and other ing summer only, while the area is open lower elevations fluctuate from the 70s park literature are available. Visitor cen- summer to mid-fall, weather permitting. EVERY KID IN A PARK to 100°F+ and temperatures at middle ters also have restrooms and water To help engage and create our next elevations range from the 50s to the fountains. For more information, call VISITOR SERVICES generation of park visitors, supporters high 70s. Winter usually brings plenty of (559) 565-3341. Banking Services: ATMs are avail- and advocates, the Obama White House, snow, though temperatures seldom dip Cedar Grove Visitor Center in Kings able at Grant Grove, Cedar Grove and in partnership with the Federal Land below 0°F. Canyon is 0.25-mile west of Cedar Grove Lodgepole. Reedley is 45 miles west Management agencies, launched the Village and 30 miles east of Grant Grove of Kings Canyon, just off Highway 180. Every Kid in a Park initiative. The imme- SPECIAL SERVICES - Village. ­Access is via Highway 180 on a ATMs, foreign currency and other bank- diate goal is to provide an opportunity for Park activities and facilities that are 27-mile stretch of road in Sequoia Na- ing services are found there, as well as each and every 4th grade student across fully accessible to visitors with disabili- tional Forest. The visitor center is open in Fresno, Visalia and Three Rivers. the country to experience their federal ties are indicated by the - symbol. Many Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Camping & Picnic Supplies: These public lands and waters in person. programs and facilities are fully acces- Foothills Visitor Center is adjacent are available in summer at markets at All kids in the fourth grade have access sible, or accessible with assistance. In to Three Rivers on Highway 198, one Lodgepole in Sequoia and Grant Grove to their own Every Kid in a Park pass. This winter, access is difficult because of mile east of Sequoia’s Ash Mountain en- and Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon. pass admits the pass owner and any ac- snow and ice. Although some paths are trance. The center features exhibits on Emergencies: Call 911 for emergency Sequoia’s foothills ecosystem. fire, medical or police assistance, or to Giant Forest Museum is located report accidents or injuries. First-aid FEDERAL RECREATION LANDS PASSES in Giant Forest, 18 miles from the park facilities­ are available at park head- A federal recreation pass is helpful if you plan to visit many national parks, forests or other entrance on Generals Highway. There quarters, visitor centers and ranger sta- federal lands. For information, call (888) 275-8747 or visit store.usgs.gov/pass. are exhibits on giant sequoia ecology tions. The closest hospital to Sequoia Type Cost Availability Details and the trees’ relationship with man. The is in Visalia and to Kings Canyon is museum is open daily year-round. in Reedley. Annual This one-year pass is available on site, $80 General Public Pass by phone or online (see above). Kings Canyon Visitor Center is in Gift Shops: DNC shops are located at Grant Grove Village, three miles north- Wuksachi Lodge (year-round), Lodgepole Senior This lifetime pass is available on site $10 U.S. residents age 62+ Pass or via mail order. ID required. east of the Kings Canyon park entrance (year-round), Grant Grove (year-round) on Highway 180. The exhibits and movie and Cedar Grove (summer to mid-fall). Military U.S. military members This one-year pass is available on site. Free Pass and their dependents ID (CAC Card or DoD Form 1173) required. are bilingual and address Kings Canyon, Lost & Found: Report to a ranger sequoia trees and the high country. station or visitor center. Contact: Prop- Access U.S. residents with This lifetime pass is available on site or via Free Open daily year-round. erty Office, Sequoia and Kings Canyon Pass permanent disabilities mail order. ID and documentation required. Lodgepole Visitor Center is 21 miles National Parks, Ash Mountain, Three Riv- Volunteer 250 cumulative ­volunteer Inquire locally to obtain informa- Free north of the park entrance in Sequoia, ers, CA 93271; (559) 565-3341. Pass service hours tion about this one-year pass. and two miles north of the General Sher- Pay Showers & Laundry: Showers

10 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | | SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 11 PLAN YOUR VISIT PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY WHO’S WHO AT are located at Lodgepole, Cedar Grove for pre-postage letter-drop. Address visi- and Mineral King in the parks and at Stony tor mail and backpackers’ resupply pack- THE PARKS Creek in . Coin- ages to: Cedar Grove Visitor Center, operated laundry is available at Cedar 108417 Westside Drive, Kings Canyon The following organizations ensure that of the parks. For more information, con- Grove, Lodgepole and Stony Creek. Open NP, CA 93633. For more information, call the parks and public lands are protected and tact the NPS by calling (559) 565-3341 or seasonally. Fees vary. Check at the John (559) 355-2499. that your stay is enjoyable. visiting nps.gov/seki. Muir Lodge for public showers at Grant Recycling: Markets and stores oper- Grove. ated by Delaware North charge a five-cent DELAWARE NORTH AT Pets & Kennels: There are kennels lo- refundable deposit for recyclable contain- SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON cated in nearby Fresno and Visalia. Pets ers. Recycling bins are available through- SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS must at all times wear a leash no longer out the parks. The official concessioner for Se- than 6 feet and are not allowed on park Religious Services: In summer, vari- NATIONAL PARKS quoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, trails. Never leave pets in unattended ve- ous services may be conducted. Check Delaware North operates facilities and hicles or left tied. visitor centers, lodge front desks or lo- NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (NPS) offers services at Lodgepole, Wuksachi Post Offices: Two post offices offer cal bulletin boards for schedules and Since its founding in 1916, the Na- Lodge, Wolverton and Bear Paw High Si- varied services in the parks. The post of- locations. tional Park Service has endeavored to erra Camp (all in Sequoia National Park) fice at Lodgepole Village in Sequoia is Service Stations: Gasoline is not preserve America’s parklands for future and at Grant Grove Village—including open 24 hours, but isn’t staffed. Located available in the parks. Get gas outside generations. It is responsible for preserv- Lodge and Grant Grove Cab- behind the Lodgepole Visitor Center and the parks or at Hume Lake (year-round) ing and protecting the environmental and ins—and Cedar Grove Village (all in Kings Market, it allows for letter-drop only— or Stony Creek (summer only) in the Na- cultural values of our national parks, pro- Canyon National Park). Services offered mail must have postage. The post office tional Forest. For emergency services tecting the fish and wildlife therein, and include lodging, dining, markets, retail and at Grant Grove in Kings Canyon—north (lock-outs, jump-starts, out-of-gas) in Se- providing for public use and enjoyment rentals. For more information or to make of the visitor center and gift shop, in the quoia National Park, call (559) 565-4070. same building as the market—is staffed, For emergency car repairs, call but hours vary. The lobby is open 24 hours (559) 565-3341.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

General Park Information (24-hour recording) (559) 565-3341

nps.gov/seki North Delaware Emergencies 911 Lodging Reservations/ Cancellations (866) 807-3598 General Camping, Backpacking (559) 565-3341 & Wilderness/Back­country Information Campground Reservations (summer use at (877) 444-6777 Lodgepole, Dorst Creek, Potwisha & Buckeye Flat) recreation.gov Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe Information (559) 565-3341 (Wuksachi Lodge & Grant Grove) Special Services (559) 565-3341 Lost & Found (559) 565-3341

Road & Weather Information (recorded message) (559) 565-3341 Located approximately two miles from Wuksachi Lodge, the Lodgepole Market—open year-round— carries a wide variety of grocery supplies, as well as souvenirs and apparel.

12 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | | SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 13 WHO’S WHO AT THE PARKS PARK REGULATIONSPARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY document new species in park caves and support the Sequoia Field Institute. The & SAFETY Ernie Tyler Conservancy is committed to raising funds for other projects, including “Rangers in You can make the most of your visit to thers). If you encounter one, back away the Classroom,” to foster new environmen- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks slowly, wave or shout. Do not run. If tal stewards in California’s Central Valley. by planning ahead and becoming ac- attacked, fight back! Children should be For more information, call (559) 561-4803 quainted with some simple precautions, kept close by. or visit sequoiaparksconservancy.org. all of which are designed to enhance your • Be careful where you step or reach safety and enjoyment. Please review and because you may encounter the poison- observe the following park regulations and ous western rattlesnake, which is safety tips. common below 7,000-foot elevations and is occasionally found at elevations SEQUOIA as high as 11,000 feet. Snake bites, NATIONAL FOREST though rarely fatal, require a doctor’s STAYING SAFE attention. If bitten, avoid moving—to A Civilian Conservation Corps enrollee created UNITED STATES FOREST prevent the spread of venom—and this welcome sign in the 1930s. SERVICE (USFS) • Bears can cause severe property dam- send for help immediately. Snakes are The Sequoia National Forest, named for age while trying to get to people’s a native species and should not be reservations, contact Delaware North the world’s largest trees, celebrates the food. Park regulations require proper disturbed. at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National greatest concentration of giant sequoia storage of food to prevent bears from • If you camp or hike in the foothills, use Parks by calling (866) 807-3598 or visiting groves in the world. Protected within the accessing it. Never leave food or insect repellent and check your clothes visitsequoiakingscanyon.com. Giant Sequoia National Monument, these scented items in cars. Store all food frequently for ticks. Ticks can carry groves and the areas around them are and anything with an odor (including Lyme disease; if you are bitten, check SEQUOIA PARKS CONSERVANCY managed by the USFS for today and for fu- toiletries) in bear-proof food-storage for a rash at the bite and later for Founded in 1940, this nonprofit organi- ture generations. lockers where provided. Lodge guests flu-like symptoms. zation supports the educational, preser- A publicly owned treasure, visitors to must bring all items indoors. Keep a • Do not touch or feed ground squir- vation and scientific activities in Sequoia the Giant Sequoia National Monument clean camp and deposit garbage in rels or other rodents. They may carry and Kings Canyon National Parks. In addi- will find not only majestic trees, but also trash cans or dumpsters. Make loud disease. tion to publishing the park newspaper, The diverse geologic formations, ecosys- noises to scare bears away. • Learn to identify poison oak, which is Visitor Guide, it offers up-to-date seasonal tems, wildlife and lakes. For more in- • When hiking on wilderness/backcoun- widespread up to the 5,000-foot eleva- information about the parks. The Conser- formation, call (559) 784-1500 or visit try trails, let someone know your itiner- tion. The low-growing plant has glossy vancy sells books, maps and interpretive www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia. ary. For more hiking safety tips, please leaves that grow in clusters of three. or educational items relating to the parks. see the “Walking & Hiking” chapter. Follow the adage: “Leaves of three, let The Conservancy also operates tours of KINGS CANYON PARK • Keep valuables with you. it be.” Crystal Cave, (see “Sights To See” chap- SERVICES COMPANY (KCPS) • Be prepared for various weather con- • Giardiasis, an intestinal disorder ter for more information), EdVentures KCPS operates the Montecito Sequoia ditions. Summer temperatures in the caused by the protozoan Giardia lam- (outdoor classes in the parks), and hire-a- Lodge and the Stony Creek Lodge. Both foothills often exceed 100°F, so wear blia, can result from drinking water naturalist services for commercial groups facilities provide lodging and dining in the sunscreen and a hat, carry plenty of wa- taken directly from streams and lakes. and families. The Conservancy likewise Giant Sequoia National Monument, located ter and hike in the early morning. Bring Always carry sufficient drinking water. raises money for projects that enhance the between Sequoia National Park and Kings proper equipment (tire chains, clothing, If you haven’t, you must purify water preservation, restoration and enjoyment of Canyon National Park. For reservations or flares, etc.) in winter. taken from streams and lakes by boiling the parks. Contributions from the Conser- for more information, call (877) 828-1440 • Be on the lookout for mountain lions it for three to five minutes, or by using vancy have helped build accessible trails, or visit sequoia-kingscanyon.com. (also known as cougars, pumas or pan- an appropriately rated water filter.

14 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | | SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 15 PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY HISTORY & CULTURE

Anatoliy Lukich NATIVE PEOPLES tools). A little farther to the west of today’s Native peoples have traveled these parks lived the numerous groups of Yokuts mountains since prehistoric times. The Indians. Foothill Yokuts groups, such as most recent to inhabit the Kings Canyon the Wukchumni and the Choynimni, also area were the Monache, or Western Mono, used the areas within today’s parks. a Paiute group that migrated over the Sierra Nevada from the Owens Valley and Mono TRAPPERS & EXPLORERS Lake areas. They built semi-permanent In search of a mission site, Spaniard Ga- homes that consisted of conical frames of briel Moraga was the first European to en- willow poles covered with strips of cedar ter the Kings River area in 1806. The party bark. The Monache, like many other In- discovered a major river on January 6, the Climbing the 400 steps up to Moro Rock for a panoramic view of the High Sierra and dian groups in the area, moved into and out day of Epiphany, for which they christened it canyons is a favorite visitor activity. But be careful with those selfie sticks! of the mountains and forests seasonally. El Río de los Santos Reyes: The River of the Their year-round villages were located in Holy Kings (the three wise men who vis- • Don’t litter. Pack out all that you the lower elevations, close to the Kings and ited the infant Jesus). The name was later packed in. Take only pictures, leave only Kaweah Rivers. shortened to Kings River. (This is why Kings PARK REGULATIONS footprints. Acorns were the staple food of these River and Kings Canyon are never spelled • When hiking, please stay on the trails. people. Bedrock mortars, arranged close with apostrophes.) • Bicycles (including mountain bikes) are Trail-cutting tramples vegetation and together so that the women could social- Beginning in 1827, American trappers permitted only on paved roads and in promotes erosion. ize as they worked, are visible at different and explorers began to trickle through the campgrounds. They are prohibited on • Pets must always be leashed. They are points along the river between Cedar Grove lofty passes and deep valleys on both sides park trails or cross-country terrain. not allowed on trails, in public buildings and Bubbs Creek in Kings Canyon and at of the Sierra. It was the Gold Rush of 1849, • Camp only in designated campsites. To or in the wilderness/backcountry. Never Hospital Rock in Sequoia. Acorn meal was however, that drew thousands of outsiders camp in the wilderness/backcountry, leave them unattended. Service animals baked into cakes or boiled into mush by put- to California. These newcomers, searching you must obtain a wilderness permit, are allowed on trails and in public build- ting hot stones into baskets filled with wa- for mineral wealth, began the exploration of which is available at permit stations. ings. The nearest kennels are located in ter and meal. The Monache supplemented the mountains. • You can purchase wood at most conces- Fresno and Visalia. Pet sitting available their diet with numerous plants and game, The newcomers also brought smallpox sioner markets. Gather only dead and in Three Rivers. including fish and deer. and measles with them, which devastated downed wood (except giant sequoia • Swimming is not recommended in the In summer, the Monache traded with the native people living in the area. Many died wood) for firewood. Build fires only in parks’ rivers, streams and waterfalls be- Paiutes, who were still living in the Owens during an epidemic in 1862. Some moved established fire rings or fireplaces. No cause they are very cold and deceptively Valley on the far side of the mountains. A away, but some stayed in the San Joaquin fires above 11,000 feet. fast and dangerous, especially in spring well-developed trail—which ran east of Valley, where their descendants still live. • No fireworks are allowed in the park. and early summer. Bubbs Creek to the 11,823-foot-high Ke- The first scientific exploration of the area • Firearms are allowed as long as the • Vandalism and the removal of rocks, arsarge Pass and then dropped sharply into was conducted in 1864. Harvard geology person is legally allowed to have the plants or any natural feature, including the valley—served as one of the key trade professor, Josiah Dwight Whitney, direc- firearm. He or she must comply with sequoia cones, is strictly prohibited. Ev- routes between the tribes. They traded tor of the newly formed California Geologi- federal firearms laws and the laws of the erything plays a role in the natural cycle acorn meal, deer skins and arrow shafts cal Survey, sent a team of five men to map state in which the park is located. Dis- of the park. made of tule reeds for the Paiutes’ pine the region and identify its major features. charging the weapon is not allowed. • Don’t feed, chase or harass park wild- nuts, salt and obsidian (a volcanic glass Survey Field Director William Brewer, for • Hunting is strictly prohibited. life. You are visiting their homes. used to make arrowheads and other stone whom was named, led the

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decreased had it not been for mid-19th cen- tury conservationists. Among the leaders were John Muir, who chronicled the de- FUN FACTS struction of the sequoias at Converse Basin, Q. IS IT TRUE THAT and George W. Stewart, often called the BUILDINGS “Father of Sequoia National Park.” WERE REMOVED In 1877, Muir climbed to the Converse Ba- FROM SEQUOIA sin, six miles north of Grant Grove and once NATIONAL PARK? the home of the area’s largest grouping A. Yes. Nearly 300 build- of giant trees. Nearby, he found Hyde’s saw- ings, a gas station, a sewage treat- mill, one of five in the area. It was “booming ment plant, a hotel, two markets and moaning like a bad ghost,” he recalled. and over 24 acres of asphalt were Eventually, the loggers cut down most of removed during the Giant Forest the mature trees in the basin. Restoration Project in the late 1990s. NATIONAL PARK STATUS

For answers to all your questions, Clockwise top from Fillippo left: Bacci/iStock; Peieq/iStock m01229; In 1878, George Stewart, editor of the go to OhRanger.com Visalia Delta, began writing editorials condemning the wholesale cutting of se- group. Brewer named the highest peak quoias. In 1881, Muir and U.S. Senator “Mount Whitney” to honor his supervisor. John F. Miller of California joined Stew- art in an effort to enact a bill to protect the JOHN MUIR trees. It died in committee and Muir turned In 1873, John Muir, the famous natu- his attention to protecting Yosemite. ralist, visited Kings Canyon. Muir was The residents of Visalia, however, car- Clockwise from left: In the company of giants; The General Sherman Tree; Sequoia trees are so large impressed by its similarity to the ter- ried on the battle and eventually suc- that tunnels could be cut into them, a practice that the National Park Service ended many years ago. rain of Yosemite Valley. It was not long, ceeded. On September 25, 1890, however, before the pristine setting be- Benjamin Harrison signed the ciety, became Mather’s staunch allies. Gil- sequoias within the boundaries were for- gan to change. In the 1870s, ranchers bill that established Sequoia National Park. lett helped pass legislation to expand the ever protected from logging. grazed their cattle and sheep—“hooved It was America’s second national park. A park and Grosvenor’s National Geographic As a World War II economic measure, locusts”—among the Big Trees, and saw- week later, Congress increased the park’s Society provided the funds enabling the Sequoia and Kings Canyon were managed mills were built. size threefold and created General Grant acquisition of nearly 2,000 acres of land. jointly beginning in 1943, a successful pol- Ironically, sequoia wood is brittle and National Park to protect Grant Grove. This Sequoia National Park was expanded in icy that continues today. breaks across the grain when it falls, so it uniquely American invention—the creation 1926 to include Kern Canyon and Mount In the 1960s, the area was once again was limited for use as timber. Neverthe- of national parks and forest reserves—sig- Whitney. threatened by developers. After intense less, the early loggers proceeded to chop nified the government’s intentions to limit Forty-nine years after John Muir pub- debate, serious consideration of building down and carry away one-third of the unrestrained exploitation of the land. lished an article advocating the creation dams in the upper Kings River watershed ancient­ trees. Stephen T. Mather, who later became of “one grand national park” that included ended. In a separate issue, environmental- It’s amazing to think, today, that the se- the first director of the National Park Ser- Kings Canyon, his goal was finally real- ists thwarted a plan provided by the U.S. quoias were being cut down and the wood vice, led further efforts to preserve the ized. After a long and bitter debate, Kings Forest Service. The steep, glacier-carved used to make pencils and even grape stakes magnificent trees. Congressman Fred- Canyon National Park was established on valley of Mineral King was added to Se- in some early California vineyards. The erick Gillett and Gilbert Grosvenor, March 4, 1940. The new park absorbed the quoia National Park in 1978, and the re- number of Big Trees would have greatly president of the National Geographic So- tiny General Grant National Park, and the mote area remains protected today.

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GEOLOGIC HISTORY Chris Boswell Chris

400 million years ago During the Paleozoic era (the period when seed-bearing plants, amphibians and reptiles first appeared), a shallow inland sea flooded what is now eastern California and Nevada.

70 to 220 million years ago Part of the Pacific plate slid under the North American plate, a process that took 150 million years. Heat and pressure deep within the earth liq- You can help preserve uefied the plate into a vast underground pool of magma (or molten rock). The pool cooled the places you love to hike. and hardened into a crystalline block of granite. This subterranean block was folded and crushed into a mountain range by the movement of the plates. Join today and get a 20% discount on membership. 10 to 70 million years ago Wind and water eroded the mountains to an almost flat plain Use this exclusive Oh, Ranger! code APN20 for 60 million years, rivers carried tons of sediment from the mountains to the inland sea to create what are now the fertile San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys. AmericanHiking.org/join 5 to 10 million years ago Pressure within the earth’s crust fractured the eastern granite block. The Sierran block tilted westward in a series of small uplifts. The Sierra Nevada, California’s “backbone,” rose to become one of the world’s longest continuous mountain ranges. Streams raced through the uplifted rock, carving steep V-shaped canyons. The steep lower canyon in the Middle Fork of the Kings River was formed during this period.

2 to 3 million years ago The earth’s climate cooled, and glaciers sculpted and carved out hanging valleys, deep U-shaped canyons and glacial lakes in the Sierra Nevada. The big- gest and longest glacier, a 44-mile-long ice field, filled V-shaped Kings Canyon, widening it into a U-shaped valley.

Today The geologic past can be seen throughout the parks. Darwin Glacier hides in a basin on Mount Darwin in Kings Canyon. Roaring River Falls and Mist Falls cascade from hanging valleys. Glacial lakes dot the Monarch Divide and a glacial staircase climbs the Sixty Lake Basin. Hot springs indicate the presence of hot rock beneath the surface. Re- cent earthquakes demonstrate the continuation of the process.

20 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY SIGHTS TO SEE Connect With Your People In California Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks For information, ask at any park visitor are masterpieces created by nature. Here center, visit explorecrystalcave.com. Book early and you can see the world’s largest living organ- Tickets are not sold at the cave, but they ism or marvel at the wild Kings River. The are required. They may be purchased SAVE UP TO 20% following are just a few of the sights to see in advance at recreation.gov or at the in the parks. Lodgepole and Foothills visitor centers. H We recommend purchasing tickets online, as they can sell out, or check at a visitor center first thing in the morning.

SEQUOIA GENERAL SHERMAN TREE NATIONAL PARK This gargantuan sequoia tree, while neither the tallest nor the widest, is considered the CRESCENT MEADOW largest living tree in the world because of its John Muir is said to have called this volume. It weighs approximately 2.7 million lovely, grassy open area the “gem of pounds, and it is believed to be approximately the Sierra.” It is located 1.5 miles east 2,200 years old. Its height is nearly 275 of the Moro Rock parking area. A hike feet, and its circumference at ground level is on the trail around the meadow takes 102.6 feet. The diameter of its largest branch about an hour. is 6.8 feet. Every year, it adds enough wood to make a 60-foot tree measuring one foot in CRYSTAL CAVE diameter, and it’s still growing. It was named The parks protect more than 250 caves, in 1879 by James Wolverton, a pioneer cat- but only Crystal Cave is open to the public. Formed of limestone that metamorphosed into marble, it is decorated with curtains of icicle-like stalactites and mounds of FUN FACTS stalagmites. To reach it, you must drive Q. HOW BIG IS THE to the end of the twisting, seven-mile GENERAL SHERMAN Crystal Cave road heading west from the TREE? Generals Highway two miles south of the A. It is the largest tree Giant Forest Museum. Trailers, RVs and in the world! It contains buses are prohibited because the road is 52,508 cubic feet of wood extremely narrow. From the parking area, and is more than 2,000 years old. it is a 15-minute hike down a steep path At nearly 275 feet tall, it’s about the to the cave entrance. Sequoia Parks Con- same height as the Statue of Liberty! servancy offers daily 45-minute guided tours from Memorial Day Weekend to For answers to all your questions, September. A jacket or sweater is recom- go to OhRanger.com mended since it is about 50°F in the cave. Advance reservations required. Advance Purchase rate off er only available online and cannot be combined with any other discount or off er. Subject to availability at participating hotels throughout California. ©2017 Choice Hotels International. All rights reserved. 22 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS |

CHO112-16402 - Region 12 Full Page Ads_FINAL.indd 2 5/4/17 9:41 AM SIGHTS TO SEE SIGHTS TO SEE

tleman who had served under General Wil- best to stay at one of the two area camp- liam Tecumseh Sherman in the Civil War. grounds, Atwell Mill or Cold Springs (no daveynin The tree is accessed from Wolverton Road, trailers permitted). With 11 different trails, four miles north of the Giant Forest Museum Mineral King is a hiker’s heaven. Avalanches along the Generals Highway.  have mowed down trees on the valley floor, so lowlands are covered with wild mead- GIANT FOREST ows. Forests of Lodgepole pine, sequoias Named in 1875 by explorer and conserva- and white and red fir are at higher eleva- tionist John Muir, Giant Forest is celebrated tions. The rocky landscape is colorful: rusty- for its beautiful meadows and its sequoia red shales, white marble and granite, and grove, the park’s most famous attraction. black metamorphic slate. Alpine trails begin The first thing to do in Giant Forest is to go at the 7,500-foot elevation and most climbs to the Giant Forest Museum, where exhibits are steep. This road is closed in winter; it and park rangers will help you understand also prohibits RVs and trailers in any season. the story of this beautiful grove. The cin- The Mark Twain Stump is all that remains of a 1,700-year-old tree. namon-colored Big Trees, members of the MORO ROCK redwood family, may be seen today as Muir Moro Rock is a large granite dome also found them, “Giants grouped in pure tem- found in the Giant Forest area. Common mer to mid-fall; call (888) 965-8243 for ple groves, or arranged in colonnades along in the Sierra Nevada, domes are formed by more information. Note: Boyden Cavern the sides of meadows.” The northern fringe exfoliation, or the casting off in sheets of KINGS CANYON is currently closed due to fire sustained in of the grove is guarded by the General Sher- rock layers on otherwise unjointed granite. 2015. man Tree, the largest tree in the world. The Outward expansion of the granite results in NATIONAL PARK two-mile looping Congress Trail provides exfoliation. Taking the 0.25-mile trail, you can CEDAR GROVE & KINGS CANYON access to many of these trees. climb nearly 400 steep steps to the top of the BIG STUMP TRAIL Highway 180 ends 40 miles from the barren rock (6,725-foot elevation). It offers Near the entrance to Kings Canyon entrance to Kings Canyon National Park HOSPITAL ROCK an unparalleled view (especially at sunset) National Park, three miles southwest in the famous Kings Canyon itself. Ce- Hospital Rock, about six miles northeast of the and its verdant of Grant Grove Village, is Big Stump dar Grove, nestled in a mile-deep section of the Foothills Visitor Center, was home to canyons. Watch out for lightning. The Moro Basin Trail. The one-mile loop trail of Kings Canyon, is near two spectacu- a subgroup of the Monache people until the Rock parking area is 1.5 miles from the Giant reveals the remains of early logging. The lar granite formations: at 1870s. You can see pictographs as well as Forest Museum. The road may be closed in Mark Twain Stump is all that’s left of the 8,518 feet in elevation and North Dome more than 15 grinding holes used by Mona- winter and/or at other times. Check at park 26-foot-wide, 1,700-year-old tree that at 8,717 feet in elevation. The precipitous che women to grind acorns into flour, the visitor centers for more information. took two men 13 days to cut down in Grand Sentinel rises 3,500 feet above the staple of these American Indians’ diets. 1891. Also, because sequoia wood decays canyon floor. The best place in the park THARP’S LOG slowly, piles of sawdust created more than to see these features is on the Zumwalt MINERAL KING , the first non-American Indian a century ago still remain. Meadow Trail. On Highway 198, two miles before the settler in the area, established a cattle ranch park entrance, is a 25-mile winding road among the Big Trees. He also built a simple BOYDEN CAVE GRANT GROVE & leading to Mineral King. Because of the nar- summer cabin from a fallen, fire-hollowed You can’t miss the entrance to this THE GENERAL GRANT TREE row winding road, the drive takes approxi- sequoia log in the 1860s. It is the oldest pio- cave, found where Highway 180 crosses Grant Grove is located one mile beyond mately 1.5 hours. The glacial valley, added neer cabin remaining in the park. Muir called the South Fork of the Kings River. Lo- the Kings Canyon Visitor Center on the to Sequoia in 1978, was named by 19th- it “a noble den.” The cabin is located in the cated 18 miles east of Grant Grove, west side of the road. From the parking century prospectors searching for silver. Giant Forest area, a mile northeast of the the cave is in Sequoia National Forest. area, a 0.3-mile loop trail leads to the Gen- To see Mineral King at a leisurely pace, it is Crescent Meadow parking lot. Daily tours are conducted from sum- eral Grant Tree. The tree, which measures

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MOUNT WHITNEY THINGS TO DO

Crowning the Sierra Nevada, majestic Mount Whitney stands 14,494 feet tall. Throughout the year, you can enjoy nu- giant sequoia walk at the General Sherman It is the tallest mountain in the con- merous park activities from nature walks and General Grant trees. Consult the park tiguous United States. You can see it and horseback riding to cross-country ski- bulletin boards or check online at nps.gov/ only from the eastern reaches of the ing, snowshoeing and scenic drives. seki/planyourvisit/rangerprogsched. traveladventure/iStock wilderness of Sequoia or from Highway htm for times and topics. In the winter, 395, near Lone Pine, outside the parks. free snowshoe walks may be available. To reach Mount Whitney from western trailheads, backpackers take a 56- to OUTDOOR EDVENTURES 71-mile, multi-day trek, which requires a SPRING, SUMMER The Sequoia Field Institute (SFI) spon- wilderness permit from the National Park & FALL sors a program of natural history field semi- Service. Call (559) 565-3766 for more nars called EdVentures. Classes are taught information. The journey from the east- Spring brings flowering redbud, buck- by knowledgeable instructors. Subjects ern trailheads takes one to two days and eye and laurel to the foothills. Waterfalls include backpacking, creative arts, natu- requires a permit from the U.S. Forest and rivers are at their highest levels. ral history and winter sports. Participants Service, reachable at (760) 873-2483. Wispy fog often rolls through the forest may be responsible for their own personal canopy at this time. In the high country, transportation, food, equipment or lodging. ice and snow are just beginning to melt Custom programs and naturalist guides 268.1 feet tall and 107.5 feet around, was of the Middle and South forks of the Kings and the air is so thin and dry that the sky are also available. For more information, discovered by Joseph Hardin Thomas in River. Continuing from there, you enter appears almost purple. contact the Sequoia Parks Conservancy 1862 and named by Lucretia P. Baker in the narrow, river-carved canyon of the Summer is the busiest time of year at 47050 Generals Highway #10, Three 1867 to honor Ulysses S. Grant. While still South Fork at Horseshoe Bend, just before in the parks for both people and ani- Rivers, CA 93271; pick up a catalog at any a youngster at 1,800 to 2,000 years old, reaching Boyden Cave. This stretch of road mals. You’ll find high-country meadows park visitor center; call (559) 565-4251; or the beautiful behemoth is the star attrac- is outside the parks in Sequoia National brimming with vibrant wildflowers visit sequoiaparksconservancy.org. tion of a grove of 2,000 to 3,000-year-old Forest. A few miles past Boyden Cave, the throughout the season. sequoias. The General Grant tree is called canyon becomes much deeper and wider Fall is equally colorful, with oak, dog- FISHING “The Nation’s Christmas Tree,” and the as you enter the glacial-carved section wood, aspen and other trees turning gold, Anglers can try their luck fishing in the town of Sanger, California, hosts a special at Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon National scarlet and amber. The days are still warm, parks’ many lakes, streams and rivers. An- Yuletide celebration under its snow-laden Park. The road is generally closed from No- but the nights are cool—ideal for hiking and glers age 16 and older need a California branches every year. vember to April. backpacking. Fall is typically quiet, yet one fishing license, available for purchase at of the most beautiful seasons. Snow may the Hume Lake Store. Tackle is available at KINGS CANYON & THE KINGS RIVER PANORAMIC POINT fall any time from September to May, or Grant Grove and Cedar Grove markets, and “A rival to the Yosemite,” wrote Muir, At Grant Grove Village, you can take a even into June at higher elevations. at numerous locations outside the parks. describing the glacial canyon of the South steep and narrow 2.5-mile road that snakes State fishing regulations apply to all ar- Fork of the mighty Kings River. It is an awe- east to Panoramic Point. From the parking PARK PROGRAMS eas within the parks. The fishing season some sight to behold the white water of area, take the 0.25-mile trail to the 7,520- NPS naturalists offer talks, films, is open all year in the Kaweah drainage; this wild river as it rushes between steep foot ridge. The view is a magnificent stretch guided nature and history walks, and for most of the remainder of the parks, the canyon walls. On the 30-mile drive along of the High Sierra. You can see Hume Lake evening campfire programs for adults trout season is from the last Saturday in Highway 180 from Grant Grove to Cedar in Sequoia National Forest and, just beyond and children. Programs may range from a April through November 15. Check at visi- Grove, stop at Junction View Vista Point, a low ridge behind the lake, Kings Canyon. star talk program, during which you can en- tor centers for specific regulations regard- where you can look down at the confluence No RVs or trailers are permitted. joy the beauty of the Sierra night sky, to a ing open and closed waters for fishing.

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WALKING & HIKING WILDLIFE WATCHING Please see the “Walking & Hiking” chap- During the spring, summer and fall you Jeff Gunn ter for more information. can see many types of animals. In spring, the meadows filled with snow runoff be- WINTER HORSEBACK RIDING come ponds for a chorus of frogs. The Entry roads are plowed and kept open Horses are available for riding at the Ce- blue-gray scrub jay, which screeches at from Highway 180 to Grant Grove and from dar Grove pack station and at Grant Grove anything that moves, and the California to- Highway 198 to Wuksachi Lodge, weather stables in Kings Canyon. The concessioner- whee, which sings an accelerating series permitting. The Generals Highway be- operated pack stations offer hourly, half-day of high “teek” notes, are found at lower el- tween Wuksachi and Grant Grove may be and day rides, as well as extended over- evations. The Steller’s jay, with a black head closed during the winter. For updates, call night-guided trips into the wilderness/back- and blue body, is commonly seen flying (559) 565-3341. Roads to Cedar Grove in country. The stables provide day rides only. through campgrounds and picnic areas at Kings Canyon and Mineral King in Sequoia The minimum age limit to ride may vary. higher elevations. You will hear chipmunks are closed in winter. Tire chains may be re- Reservations are highly recommended. and ground squirrels chatter and see them quired at any time of the year, but generally Availability depends on weather conditions. dash across the forest floor. If you are lucky, between October and June. Visitor cen- Please call the Cedar Grove pack sta- you may even glimpse mule deer feeding at ters are open daily at Ash Mountain, Grant tion at (559) 565-3464 and Grant Grove dusk, gray fox hunting in the foothills or pos- Grove and Giant Forest Museum. The stables at (559) 335-9292. For more infor- sibly even bear lumbering through the for- Lodgepole Visitor Center is closed during mation, visit nps.gov/seki. est. Please do not feed any wildlife. winter. Concession facilities are available at Wuksachi and Grant Grove year-round. SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS’ DARK SKY FESTIVAL PARK PROGRAMS Naturalist programs may be given on

July 21, 22 and 23, 2017, marks the third NPS weekends during winter. For details, visit annual Dark Sky Festival at Sequoia and nps.gov/seki or check park bulletin boards Kings Canyon National Parks. Aiming to for dates and times. educate visitors about this important park Park rangers may also offer snowshoe resource, the three-evening event features nature walks on weekends for up to 18 The red bark of the park’s giant trees is even more striking against the snow. constellation tours, telescope viewings, people, weather conditions permitting. If solar observations, astronaut speakers, you’ve never tried this invigorating activity, to four- to-six feet deep. When this hap- nature walks, photography presentations The Milky Way, clearly visible over Sequoia it’s a great way to learn about the parks’ pens, skis and snowshoes replace hik- and much more. National Park. winter transformation. It’s easy to learn ing boots. Winter activities in the Giant This scheduled festival reminds us how of light can impact human perception of the how to walk with snowshoes, which en- Forest and Grant Grove areas include special dark skies truly are, as they have night sky, natural landscape and other faint able you to access areas where you’d oth- cross-country skiing and snowshoe- become a rarity on our planet. With over features of the night. As the human eye can- erwise sink up to your hips in snow. Walks ing. There are approximately 70 miles of half the world population living in urbanized not fully dark-adapt, the more light there is at average about two hours, cover one or two marked cross-country trails in the parks. areas, “light pollution”— the introduction of night the less we can see. miles and are not recommended for chil- Rental equipment (including snowshoes) artificial light, either directly or indirectly, into Set aside time to visit a national park dren under 10. Snowshoes are provided. are available for participants of all ages. For the natural environment — is a mounting or other remote location less affected by For more information, call (559) 565-3341. more information on cross-country skiing, concern. Due mostly to sky glow (brighten- manmade light sources to get a feel for sledding or snowshoeing in Grant Grove, ing of the night sky from human-caused light the intricate world over our heads. please call (559) 565-4307; for Giant For- scattered in the atmosphere) and glare (the For information on the Dark Sky Festival, WINTER SPORTS direct shining of light), even a small amount visit exploresequoiakingscanyon.com From December to April, the parks est, call (559) 565-4480. Kids may be able may be covered in a mantle of snow up to sled and play in the snow-play areas

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SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS: EDITOR’S PICKS

If time is limited, self-guiding walks are a great way to explore the parks in spring, summer and fall. Most have interpretive signs explaining the natural history of the area.

Hazelwood Nature Trail, Giant Forest is an easy, one-mile loop hike that takes about one hour. The trail features excellent stands of giant sequoias. Trailside exhibits tell about the relationship of the trees to fire and to humans.

Cold Springs Nature Trail, Mineral King is a one-mile, 45-minute walk that in summer shows off wildflowers and birds. From the east end of Cold Springs Campground, walk along the East Fork of the and under the leafy shade of cottonwoods and aspens. Exhibits point out native plant life, including red and white firs, gooseberry bushes, junipers and willows. The area is open through mid-fall, weather permitting.

Big Trees Trail is a 1.5-mile, one-hour loop nature trail that starts at the Giant Forest Museum and circles the lovely Round Meadow. Trailside exhibits explore the factors that make this area prime sequoia habitat. -

near Big Stump, Columbine and Wolver- bags, propane, food and water purifica- ton. Note: Winter barbecuing is allowed in tion supplies. Advanced wilderness/back- designated picnic areas only. country skills are required. The Sequoia Parks Conservancy oper- ates the high-country Pear Lake Winter WILDLIFE WATCHING Hut for advanced wilderness/backcoun- In winter, black bears are in a deep try cross-country skiers and snowshoers. sleep at higher elevations, but a few may The cabin can accommodate 10 people. be active at lower levels. Mule deer move

Use of the facility, open from approxi- to the valleys to forage and avoid the snow. Clockwise top from nstanev/iStock; left: NetaDegany/iStock; Joel Henner; surpasspro/iStock; yenwen/iStock; NPS mately mid-December to late April, is by The white-tailed jackrabbit—which is re- reservation. ally a hare—and the deer mouse are pri- The trail to the hut begins at Wolverton marily nocturnal, so you’ll only see their (2.5 miles south of Lodgepole) and from tracks in the snow. You may spot rac- there it is a strenuous six-mile overland coons on the prowl for food, or a chicka- trek. Contact: Sequoia Parks Conservancy, ree looking for stored cones. The Steller’s Attn: Pear Lake, 47050 Generals Highway jay, the only western jay with a crest, and #10, Three Rivers, CA 93271; or visit ex- the raven, a raucous, glossy black bird, ploresequoiakingscanyon.com/pear- are other common winter inhabitants. lake-winter-hut.html for information Four little birds also flock together hunt- and availability. Cooking utensils, a wood ing for insects in the trees: the mountain pellet-burning heater, propane-operated chickadee, the golden-crowned kinglet, lanterns and a stove are provided. Note: the brown creeper and the red-breasted Clockwise from top left: Winter conditions won’t prevent you from exploring the park’s trails; A child Guests must be prepared for avalanche nuthatch. Coyotes remain active. Do photographs a sequoia; Snow covers the mountains above Seville Lake; Hiking along a fallen conditions and pack in their own sleeping not feed the animals! redwood; Heavy snow blankets the park; Spot southern mountain yellow-legged frogs.

30 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | | SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 31 PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY LODGING & DINING

A range of comfortable accommo- and more. Call (866) 807-3598 or visit dations are available in and around Se- visitsequoiakingscanyon.com/stay. quoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Advance reservations for lodging are THE PEAKS RESTAURANT has soar- strongly recommended, especially dur- ing glass windows, offering beautiful MORE ing summer and holidays. All major credit views of the mountains. The menu fea- cards and traveler’s checks are accepted. tures American and regional Sierra al- In Sequoia and Kings Canyon, dining op- pine cuisine. Call (559) 565-4070 or visit SIERRA tions range from deli and to-go items, visitsequoia.com/the-peaks-restau- perfect for picnicking, to sit-down dinners rant.aspx.  in dining rooms with stunning views of ADVENTURES the park. Lodging and dining is also avail- BEARPAW HIGH SIERRA CAMP This Discover tons of outdoor fun for the whole family and everything else able outside the park. For information, wilder­­ness/backcountry tent hotel is the Eastern Sierra has to offer with a visit to Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy contact these chambers of commerce: ­available for up to 18 hikers and is lo- the 360˚ views from 11,053 ft. when you book the Stay & Gondola Sequoia Foothills: (559) 561-3300, cated 11.5 miles from Crescent Meadow Package – available at all Mammoth Lodging Collection properties. threerivers.com; Exeter: (559) 592-2919, via the . The tents have exeterchamber.com; Visalia: (559) 734-5876, wooden floors, canvas siding and two visaliachamber.org; Sanger: (559) 875-4575, twin beds. Open from mid-June to mid- FREE GONDOLA TICKET WITH EVERY NIGHT YOU STAY sanger.org; Fresno: (559) 495-4800, September, weather permitting. Reser- fresnochamber.com; Central Sierra: vations are required and are accepted (559) 336-9076, centralsierrachamber.org; by phone only, starting January 2. Ame- as well as the Sequoia Tourism Council: nities include bedding, towels, linens, discoverthesequoias.com. homestyle meals, showers and flush toilets. The camp provides family-style meals for guests during summer only.   Call (866) 807-3598 or visit SEQUOIA ­visitsequoiakingscanyon.com/stay. NATIONAL PARK LODGEPOLE MARKET CENTER Here you’ll find a grocery store, the Watchtower WUKSACHI LODGE Guest rooms Deli and the Harrison Grill—all perfect for are located in three detached build- on-the-go meals and picnic items. Open year- ings near this beautiful cedar and round. Visit visitsequoia.com/lodgepole- stone lodge, with views of Mount Silli- market-center.aspx.  man and Silver Peak in the High Sierra. Amenities include 102 spacious guest rooms, full-service restaurant, cock- WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT tail lounge, retail and ski shop, confer- OF YOUR TRIP? ence facilities. Rooms have phones, TELL US! @OhRanger flat screen TVs, Wi-Fi, private baths

32 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | LODGING AND DINING LODGING AND DINING

Amenities include the village gift shop, CEDAR GROVE SNACK BAR This coun- STONY CREEK LODGE RESTAURANT market and post office. The lobby fea- ter-service restaurant, located in the lodge Enjoy casual dining and pizza inside or on tures a stone fireplace and is a great registration building, offers light meals the patio.  KINGS CANYON gathering place for games and con- and snacks, and has both indoor and out- NATIONAL PARK versation. Call (866) 807-3598 or visit door seating. Visit visitsequoia.com/ MONTECITO SEQUOIA LODGE ­visitsequoiakingscanyon.com/stay. - Cedar-Grove-Snack-Bar.aspx.  & SUMMER FAMILY CAMP Located Lodging and dining are available in two in Sequoia National Forest on Generals locations in Kings Canyon National Park: GRANT GROVE VILLAGE RESTAU- Highway, 10 miles south of Grant Grove, RANT Due to a new 8,000 square-foot this award-winning family-oriented Grant Grove Village lies within 1.5 restaurant—featuring a fully modern resort offers packages that include miles round-trip walking distance of the kitchen and a beautiful dining room—be- OUTSIDE THE PARKS lodging, meals and activities. Amenities Grant Grove of Giant Sequoias and the ing built, anticipate limited food ser- STONY CREEK LODGE Located in include lodge buildings with rooms with General Grant Tree. Originally part of vice through mid-summer 2017. Grant Sequoia National Forest on the Generals private baths. Winterized cabins have ­General Grant National Park, established Grove dining options during construc- Highway between Sequoia and Kings nearby bathhouses. Swimming pool. in 1890, it was a popular camping site tion include grab-and-go meals from Canyon National­ Parks, this quaint lodge Buffet-style meals are included in the for early visitors to the Big Trees. Here the Grant Grove Market; a themed food offers 12 motel rooms with private baths. room rate.  Call (800) 227-9900 or you’ll find the Kings Canyon Visitor Cen- truck; or traveling 45 minutes to Peaks It is open May through early October. visit mslodge.com.

IFORN AL IA ter. Free ranger-led programs are offered Restaurant at Wuksachi Lodge. Call Amenities includeC a lodge, constructed 58 during summer. There is no gasoline at (559) 335-5500 or visit visitsequoia.com/ of river rock and timber, which has a stone ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS

IFORN AL IA Grant Grove, but it can be found at Hume Grant-Grove-Restaurant.aspx. fireplace, giftC shop, market, ATM and There are many other lodging options IFORN 99AL IA C Lake (year-round) and Stony Creek Village­ gas station. Call58 (877) 828-1440 or visit in Three Rivers adjacent to the south en-

IFORN AL IA ­(summer only). GRANT GROVE CABINS Nine of sequoia-kingscanyon.com.C trance to the park and in Fresno and Visalia. 4 IFORN AL IA C

IFORN 99 AL IA C IFORN AL IA these historic, rustic cabins with private C 58 IFORN AL IA 58 C

Cedar Grove provides a quieter setting baths are open year-round. Twenty-four OR IF N 88AL IA C IFORN AL IA C 4 LIFORNI A A C IFORN AL IA and is located on the Kings River, deep cabins and 17 tent cabins, with a central C 58 IFORN AL IA C 99 89 99 in the heart of Kings Canyon. The Ce- bathhouse, are available in summer. Ame- LIFORNI IFORN A A AL IA C C IFORN AL IA IFORN C 88 AL IA C O 58 LIFORN LIF RNI A IA A A dar Grove Visitor Center is open late May nities include cabins that can accommo- C C 99 108 4 IFORN AL IA to early September and offers exhibits, date up to four people in two double beds. C IFORN AL IA C IFORN 89 AL IA C IFORN AL IA LIFORNI C IFORN 99 A A AL IA books, maps and first aid. Free ranger- Additional beds are available. The village C C88 4 IFORN 120IFORN AL IA L I 88 A A C C 58 LIFORNI 108 led programs are offered in summer. The has a restaurant, gift shop, market and A A C IFORN IFORN AL IA AL IA C IFORN C AL IA 4 C Roads End Wilderness Permit Station, six post office. Call (866) 807-3598 or visit US 89 88 IFORN IFORN AL IA AL IA 39C 5 C

120 LIFORN FOR FOR 99I I N I N A A L AL IA C FOR A IA miles down the road, distributes wilder- visitsequoiakingscanyon.com/stay. C LI NI C A A 88 10C 8 89 10LIFOR8N A IA ness permits. Maps and bear canisters are C IFORN US AL IA 58C US FOR IFORN LI NIA AL IA A C 50 LIFORN C 4IA A C IFORN AL IA also available here. CEDAR GROVE LODGE This small, 395C 108 89 120 IFORN IFORN AL IA AL IA C C Nearby sights to see include ­Canyon quiet lodge in Cedar Grove Village offers LIFORN A IA IFORN C AL IA 99 58 C IFORN AL IA 108 US 88 C Viewpoint, Knapp’s Cabin, Mist Falls, Roar- motel rooms from early May to mid-Octo- US 120 50 US 39LIFORN5I FOR A A I N C AL IA 395IFORN C AL IA ing River Falls and Zumwalt Meadow. ber. Amenities include 18 standard hotel C IFORN AL IA 4 C 89 99 rooms and three additional rooms offering 120 US US 395 LIFORN IUSFORAN IA IFORN AL C IA AL IA C 50 C JOHN MUIR LODGE Located in an outdoor patio near the river. The lodge 8850108 4 US Grant Grove Village, this lodge offers has a gift shop, ATM, snack bar and mar- 395 US IFORN AL IAIFORN C AL IA C IFORN A50L IA C renovated rooms with mountain décor. ket. Showers and laundry facilities are 89120 88 US IFORN AL IA C Guests also have access to balconies nearby. Call (866) 807-3598 or visit visit- OR IF N 50 AL IA 108 C US 89 with outdoor seating and a forest view. sequoiakingscanyon.com/stay 395

IFORN AL IA IFORN C AL IA C 120 108 34 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | US | SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 35 50 IFORN AL IA US C 395 120

US US 50 395

US 50 PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY WALKING & HIKING

Whether you’re a casual day hiker, back- challenging, especially for backpackers packer or determined mountaineer headed with heart or respiratory problems. for the summit of Mount Whitney, there’s a • To prevent blisters, the most common trail for you. ailment on the trail, wear comfortable More than 800 miles of marked trails shoes or boots that suit your needs and may be accessed from 25 trailheads across the terrain. Likewise, choose quality out- the parks. Trails below 10,000 feet are nor- door socks that will cushion and protect mally snow-free by midsummer. Please your feet. see the “Park Regulations & Safety” and “Camping” chapters for more details about • Leave a copy of your itinerary with a obtaining wilderness/backcountry permits. reliable person. Include such details as For maps, trail conditions and other infor- the make, year and license plate of your mation, stop at any visitor center. car, the equipment you’re bringing, your destination, the weather you anticipate HIKING SAFETY TIPS and when you plan to return. • Don’t overexert yourself in the effort • It’s safest to hike or camp with at least to view park sights. Several hikes, es- one companion. If you’ll be entering a pecially in the high, thin air of the parks’ remote area, your group should have a wilderness/backcountry, can be quite minimum of four people; this way, if one is m01229

Descend the stairs of the Moro Rock Trail. But step carefully! It’s steep.

36 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | WALKING & HIKING WALKING & HIKING

KINGS CANYON TRAILS hurt, another can stay with the victim while and wild animals. two go for help. If you’ll be going into an Round-Trip Difficulty area that is unfamiliar to you, take along FUN FACTS Trail Distance Elevation someone who knows the area or speak Trailhead Description Time Gain Q. ARE THERE ANY with those who do before you set out. TRAILS THAT • Lightning can be a special danger GRANT GROVE AREA ARE OPEN during sudden summer storms. Hik- YEAR-ROUND? General Grant Interpretive signs on this paved trail de- 0.3 mile easy ers are warned against climbing to any Tree Trail scribe the forest features on this pleas- 30 minutes 50 feet heights, such as Moro Rock, if a storm is A. Yes. Many trails— Grant Tree ant walk to the General Grant Tree. A expected. including Marble Falls, parking area pamphlet is available for a small charge at • Snow and ice may delay use of the Middle Fork, Ladybug and —are open year- visitor centers. (Partial accessibility) - higher wilderness/backcountry trails, round. Autumn brings cooler North Grove Loop Travel through groves of giant sequoia, 1.5 miles moderate and stream crossings may be hazardous temperatures for hiking and, in end of lower Grant sugar pine, white fir and dogwood. Se- 1 hour 400 feet into July or later. Occasional trail clo- spring, the foothills are clothed in a Tree parking area quoias thrive in the wet meadow and a sures may occur due to fire activity. glorious array of wildflowers. Ask large dead sequoia shows fire marks. • Review the equipment, supplies and at a park visitor center for up-to- Big Stump Trail The trail traverses an area cut for timber in 1 mile easy skills that you’ll need. Always remember date trail information. picnic area near the 1880s, when early lumberjacks threat- 1 hour 300 feet to carry extra food and water in case Kings Canyon’s Big ened to eliminate giant sequoias. Huge of an emergency. For answers to all your questions, Stump entrance sequoia stumps are still visible. • Always maintain a safe distance of go to OhRanger.com 100 yards minimum between your group Park Ridge Trail Walk south along the ridge for stunning 4.7 miles easy Panoramic Point vistas. On a clear day, you can see Hume 3 hours 200 feet parking area (2.5 Lake in Sequoia National Forest, San Joa- miles east of Grant quin Valley and Coast Range 100 miles Grove Village. No away. Return via the dirt fire road or re- vehicles in winter.) trace your steps. Sunset Trail This trail provides views of forest, rocks, 6 miles fairly across the road streams, two waterfalls and a lake. It also 3.5 hours strenuous from Grant Grove passes Viola Falls and the old park en- 1,400 feet Visitor Center trance near Camp Redwood. Our best rates, free nights, perks CEDAR GROVE AREA and partner offers at over 1,000 hotels Zumwalt Meadow The trail provides scenic views of the 1.5 miles easy Zumwalt Meadow meadow, which was named for D. K. 1 hour 50 feet parking area, Zumwalt, a railway attorney who was one mile before instrumental in saving the area. (Partial Roads End accessibility) - Mist Falls-Paradise This popular backpacking trail is named for 9-13 miles mod- Valley Trail its two main destinations. You can head 5-8 hours erately Roads End short- back after reaching Mist Falls (4 mi.) or con- strenuous ©2017 RLH Corporation. All Rights Reserved term parking area tinue on to Paradise Valley (6.5 mi.). 1,500 feet

38 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | | SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 39 WALKING & HIKING PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY

SEQUOIA TRAILS CAMPING

Round-Trip Difficulty Trail Distance Elevation Trailhead Description Time Gain Over 1,200 campsites—1,168 regular cessible facilities, visit nps.gov/seki/ sites (1–6 people), 26 medium group sites planyourvisit/accessibility.htm. Contact GIANT FOREST AREA (7–19 people) and 11 large group sites the nearest visitor center or call the park at CONGRESS TRAIL Popular paved loop through 2 miles easy (12–50 people)—are located in the parks. (559) 565-3341 for more information. General the heart of Giant Forest Grove 1.5 hours 200 feet Many campgrounds are near visitor cen- Sherman Tree and into Alta Plateau, home ters, which offer interpretive exhibits and REGULATIONS to the giant President, Chief prompt first aid if needed. Several sites All food must be stored in bear-proof Sequoyah, General Lee and are shaded by evergreens in the thick co- boxes where provided. Digging or leveling McKinley trees. nifer forests, while others lie in the oak and ground is not permitted. Wildlife and veg- Big Trees Trail This self-guided paved trail is 1.5 miles easy chaparral covered foothills. etation may not be disturbed. Pets must Giant Forest graded for accessibility. It cir- 1 hour 60 feet be leashed at all times. Only dead and Museum or museum cles Round Meadow and fea- FACILITIES downed wood may be used for fires. Bi- parking lot tures trail-side exhibits about Most campgrounds have tables, fire cycles and pets are not permitted on trails. the sequoia habitat. - grills, bear-proof food storage boxes, drink- Music should be audible only in your camp- ing water, garbage cans and either flush site. Check bulletin boards for quiet hours Crescent If you follow the signs for 1.8 miles easy or pit toilets. Parking for extra vehicles is and further information. Meadow/Log Tharp’s Log, you will see 2 hours 200 feet available nearby. Showers may or may not Meadow Loop meadows, giant sequoias, the be available to the visitors in the camp- RESERVATIONS Crescent Meadow park’s oldest cabin, dense fir grounds, depending upon construction. Individual campsites at Lodgepole, parking lot / picnic forest and wildflowers (when Dorst Creek, Potwisha and Buckeye Flat area they are in season). ACCESSIBILITY - campgrounds may be reserved in Sequoia Moro Rock/ Climb 400 steps up Moro 4.6 miles moderately A limited number of accessible camp- National Park and at Sunset Campground sites are available. For details about ac- in Kings Canyon National Park. Group Soldiers Trail Loop Rock, a huge granite dome, for 3 hours difficult Moro Rock views of the Great Western 300 feet Divide. Trail passes Roosevelt Tree, Triple Tree, Tunnel Log and historic Soldiers Camp. bjdizx/iStock

MINERAL KING AREA

Hikers must drive to reach the Mineral King trails. The drive over the 25-mile winding road takes about 1.5 hours from Highway 198 in Three Rivers. Eagle Lake Trail Gentle incline becomes steep 6.8 miles moderately Eagle-Mosquito near Spring Creek, where great 4 hours difficult parking area views can be had. At Eagle Sink 2,170 feet Hole, where flowing water dis- appears into the ground, turn around or continue for 1.5 miles to Eagle Lake. The parks have 13 campgrounds, most of which are first-come, first-served.

40 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | | SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 41 CAMPING CAMPING

CAMPGROUNDS sites in Kings Canyon available by reser- per permit plus $5 per person between May vation are Sunset, Sentinel and Canyon 27 to September 24, 2017. Bear-resistant View, and mid-sized group sites in Crystal food canisters are strongly recommended

Springs. To make reservations, please call in all areas and required in others. They are (877) 444-6777 or visit recreation.gov. available for rent or purchase at concession markets or visitor centers throughout the RESTRICTIONS park. For complete camping information, call

Campground of Months Operation Fee Per Night Sites Individual Sites Group Reservations in Summer Toilets Water Drinking Trailers and RVs Showers Store Camp Camping is available on a first-come, first- (559) 565-3341 or visit nps.gov/seki. SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK served basis at most sites and is limited to 14 days from mid-June to mid-September, RVS & TRAILERS Giant Forest/Lodgepole Area (Elevation 6,700’) with 30 days total per year. Most camp- Most campgrounds permit RVs and trail- Dorst Creek Summer $22 218 4 • Flush • • • grounds permit a maximum of one vehicle, ers, but site size varies and many sites are two tents and six people per campsite. not suitable for long RVs. Only a few sites Lodgepole Summer $22 214 • Flush • • • • will accommodate RVs and trailers longer Foothills Area (Elevation 2,100’ – 3,600’) WILDERNESS/BACKCOUNTRY than 30 feet. However, your most direct Spring – CAMPING route to the campground may not allow for Buckeye Flat $22 28 • Flush • Fall Wilderness/backcountry camping per- more than a 22-foot length limit. For informa- Potwisha All Year $22 42 • Flush • • mits are available year-round at permit sta- tion on RV camping outside of the parks, visit tions in Foothills and Grant Grove. During gocampingamerica.com. Part South Fork All Year $12 10 Vault • the winter, obtain permits at the Giant Forest Year Museum. And in summer, pick up a permit at Mineral King Area (Elevation 6,550’ – 7,500’) Lodgepole May 26 through September 23. Atwell Mill Summer $12 21 Vault • • Wilderness/backcountry camping permits are available on a quota system and cost $10 Cold Springs Summer $12 40 Vault • •

KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Grant Grove Area (Elevation 6,500’) Azalea All Year $18 110 Flush • • • • FUN FACTS Part Crystal Springs $18 36 14 Flush • • • • Summer Q. IS IT HARD Sunset Summer $22–$50 157 2 Flush • • • • TO GET A CAMPING SPOT Cedar Grove Area (Elevation 4,600’) IN SUMMER? Sheep Creek Summer $18 111 Flush • • • • A. Campgrounds often fill on Part Sentinel $18 82 Flush • • • • weekends. Sunday afternoons Summer through Friday afternoons offer the Part best chance of finding a campsite. Canyon View $40–$60 16 Flush • • • Summer

Moraine Summer $18 120 Flush • • • • For answers to all your questions, go to . For details about accessible facilities, please visit nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm. OhRanger com

42 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | | SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 43 PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY NATURE AND WILDLIFE

NATURE & WILDLIFE WATCHABLE WILDLIFE

Sequoia and Kings Canyon country has a The park also teems with a variety of rich assortment of plant and animal life. animal life, including mountain lions, coy- The rolling foothills are home to Cali- otes, weasels, badgers, mule deer and fornia black oak, mariposa manzanita, skunks, several types of rodents (includ- chaparral pea and yucca. Wildflowers, ing Douglas squirrels and yellow-bellied 1 2 3 such as lupine, splash the hills with color in marmots) and various snakes (including spring. the two-foot-long rubber boa, which looks The mixed-conifer forest boasts the like an overgrown earthworm). mighty sequoia, incense cedar, various The evergreen forests also provide a pines and white fir. Ferns, mosses and home for nearly 216 species of birds. The mushrooms also flourish. Clark’s nutcracker is a light-gray, crow-like The high country is a land of lakes, mead- bird with black wings and tail. It feeds on the 4 5 6 ows, open forest and bare granite. Foxtail seeds found in pinecones, which it stashes 1 STELLER’S JAY (Cyanocitta stelleri) 4 CHICKAREE (Tamiasciurus douglasii) pine and white-bark pine are two of the in hiding places. Closely related to the blue A close relative of the blue jay, the Steller’s Jay The chickaree, also known as the Douglas few trees that survive at these heights. jay, Steller’s Jay are also a common site. is the only crested jay found west of the Rocky squirrel, primarily eats the seeds of conifer- Mountains. They live in flocks of 10 or more ous trees, in addition to berries, mushrooms birds, and are known for their varied vocal- and even some birds’ eggs. Chickarees hoard MOUNTAIN LIONS izations, the most common of which sounds food in one location, discarding the scales of exactly like an old-fashioned pump handle. • pinecones as they eat the seeds. A pile of Mountain lions serve an important role Weight 3–5 oz. • Size 11–14 in. long • Active scales can grow to more than a meter across. in the park ecosystem because they pre- year-round. Photo Credit: Old Mister Crow • Weight 5–11 oz. • Size approx. 30 cm. vent the over-population of deer and other long • Active year-round. Photo Credit: Eric small mammals. Generally, these big cats 2 BOBCAT (Lynx rufus) Sonstroem are calm, quiet and elusive. Sightings are This wide-faced feline is recognizable by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife rare, so if you spot one, consider yourself tufts of hair below its pointy, black-tipped ears 5 DIPPER (Cinclus mexicanus) privileged! and its stubby, or bobbed, tail. Bobcats travel The dipper, or water ouzel, is a stocky, slate- A mountain lion attack is extremely un- extensively—territory can exceed 125 square gray bird with yellow feet. It sits on rocks in likely. However, to increase your safety, miles—in search of prey, like rodents or deer. the middle of streams and bobs up and down, follow these suggestions: They are most active at twilight and dawn. • then dives into the water in search of insects • Watch children closely. Never let them Mountain lions help control the population of Weight 8–24 lbs. • Size 20–35 in. long • Ac- or larvae. It catches prey by swimming or walk- run ahead or lag behind on the trail. deer and other animals. tive year-round. Photo Credit: R. Runtsch ing along stream bottoms. • Weight 1–3 oz. • Talk to children about lions and teach Size 6–8 in. long • Active year-round them what to do if they meet one. ground or back away slowly. Face 3 CALIFORNIA MULE DEER • Avoid hiking or walking alone. the lion and stand upright. Do all you (Odocoileus hemionus) 6 WESTERN RATTLESNAKE • Store food per park regulations. can to appear larger: Grab a stick, These deer are most active at dawn and dusk. (Crotalus viridis) • Do not leave pets or pet food outside raise your arms, open your jacket and Their large, mule-like ears are like a satel- The sound of a rattle announces the presence or in a vehicle and unattended, spread it as wide as you can above lite dish, collecting noises and alerting them of this venomous reptile. Heat-sensitive sen- especially at night. Pets attract your head. And, if you have small of danger. Mule deer are capable of moving sory organs on the sides of its head allow this mountain lions into developed areas. with great speed over rough terrain by taking viper to locate and strike prey with incredible • Never approach a lion, especially one children with you, pick them up. bounding leaps and landing on all fours simul- accuracy. Adults eat small mammals, while that is feeding or with kittens. Most • Wave your arms, shout and throw taneously. • Weight 70–475 lbs. • Size 4–7.5 juveniles prefer lizards and mice. • Weight lions will try to avoid a confrontation, objects to convince the lion that you 2–10 lbs. • Size 16–64 in. long • Active spring so always give them a way to escape. are not prey and may be dangerous. ft. long • Active year-round. Photo Credit: Yu- • Don’t run. Stay calm. Hold your • If attacked, fight back! val Helfman through fall. Photo Credit: Tavi Photo

44 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | | SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 45 NATURE AND WILDLIFE PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY

SEQUOIA VS. REDWOOD: COMPARING TWO TREES BEARS

Fossil remains show that ancestors of the redwood family of trees grew worldwide at least 175 million years ago. The Ice Age, however, wiped out most of them. California is FOOD STORAGE lucky enough to have two types of these unusual trees. Bears can cause severe property damage The Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron The taller and more slender California while trying to get to people’s food. Park

giganteum), found in Sequoia and Kings Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervi- Jitze Couperus regulations require proper storage of food rens) is more conifer-like in profile. It has Canyon, is also called “Sierra redwood” to prevent bears from getting it. “Food” is or the “Big Tree.” It has a column-like a large base and reddish-brown bark. considered any item with a scent, including trunk, stout branches and fibrous, red- Coast redwoods often grow to be taller dish-brown bark. than sequoias.­ Redwoods can reach up canned goods, bottles, drinks, soap, cos- This stately evergreen is one of the old- to about 370 feet, while sequoias metics, toiletries, trash, ice chests (even est living trees on Earth. Because of ideal rarely top 300 feet. when empty) and unwashed food items or The California coast red- growing conditions (mild, wet winters and utensils. dry, warm summers), it is also one of the woods naturally grow in a nar- row band along the coast of • Never leave food or scented items in fastest-growing trees. Black bears are the only species of bear found Its dense bark, sometimes two feet California and Oregon, where in the parks. cars. thick, is the sequoia’s main de- fog provides moisture to the • Store all food and anything with an odor fense. It is virtually impervious to growing trees. They also While their color may vary from black (including toiletries) in bear-proof food- brush fires and insect invasions. need abundant winter rain to cinnamon to blond, all bears found in storage lockers where provided. Giant sequoias only grow and moderate year-round the park are black bears (Ursus ameri- • Keep a clean camp and deposit garbage naturally on the west slope of temperatures. canus). The typical adult male weighs in trash cans or dumpsters. the Sierra Nevada. You’ll find The world’s first-, second-, them in over 70 locations, third- and sixth-tallest trees about 250–300 pounds and adult females • When camping, hiking or picnicking, including 36 groves in Sequoia are redwoods. They grow within can weigh in at 150–200 pounds. When always keep food within arms reach and and Kings Canyon and three in a mile of each other on Red- standing upright, an adult bear can be up never leave it unattended. wood Creek along the northern Yosemite National Park. They also to five feet tall. Black bears are the largest • Always stay with your food and treat your grow in Sequoia National Forest and California coast. You’ll find them at Sierran predator, but only a small percent- food locker like a refrigerator—keep it a few other isolated spots. Of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, world’s 37 largest sequoias, 21 Redwood National and State Parks, age of their natural diet is meat. They are closed unless you’re actively putting food are giant sequoias growing in and Big Basin Redwoods State omnivores, feeding mostly on plants and in or taking food out. Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Park, all in California. insects. • When backpacking, use an approved Bears are most active in spring and sum- bear resistant food canister. GIANT SEQUOIA CALIFORNIA COAST REDWOOD mer and, even if you don’t catch a glimpse To 311 feet Height To 367.8 feet of one, you will likely find signs of them. SAFETY TIPS To 3,200 years Age To 2,000 years Look for claw scratches on tree trunks, • If you see a bear in a developed area which indicate a place where a bear has (like a campground or parking lot), To 2.7 million lbs. Weight To 1.6 million lbs. marked its territory. You may also see bear make as much noise as possible by To 31 in. thick Bark To 12 in. thick tracks and droppings, or rocks they have yelling or banging pots and pans to- To 8 ft. diameter Branches To 5 ft. diameter moved while hunting for grubs. gether to scare it away. If you see a bear To 40 ft. diameter Bases To 22 ft. diameter Black bears have a keen sense of smell, in the wild, stay at least 100 yards away By seed only Reproduce By seed or root sprout are highly intelligent and excellent learn- and allow the bear to continue its natural As large as oat flakes Seed Size As large as tomato seeds ers. They are opportunistic feeders and behavior. will seek out food wherever it can be eas- • Follow the speed limit. Cars are the most Shaped like a chicken’s egg Cones Shaped like a large olive ily found. You can stay safe in bear country common human-related cause of black Small, overlapping, Foliage Single needles that and help keep bears wild and alive by fol- bear deaths in the park. awl-shaped needles fall off in sprays lowing these food storage and safety tips. • For more information, visit nps.gov.

46 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | | SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 47 PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY PRESERVATION

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National served the scenery” with a policy of total Parks are better protected, yet more en- fire suppression. Eventually, the NPS be- dangered, than ever before. gan to research and document the effects They are protected by law, by the Na- of fire on giant sequoia ecology. What tional Park Service (NPS) and by count- they found was that the trees were not less committed citizens. The parks reproducing and that fire was necessary are endangered by the environmental for the continued success of the giant changes caused by visitors to the parks, sequoia. as well as by the growth of nearby urban In 1968, Sequoia and Kings Canyon in- centers. stituted a three-pronged fire management Threats to the park include air pol- plan that was unprecedented in NPS his- lution, pesticide drift, drought, tory. The plan called for carefully moni- global climate change and over- tored and prescribed burns to remove crowding—all threaten the resources logs and tons of other woody litter that of the Sierra. accumulate in the forest. In doing so, the Ultimately, the fate of the parks small prescribed burns would help prevent will depend on the wisdom and fore- large destructive wildfires that explode sight of everyone involved. Please do into roaring infernos when the buildup is your part by respecting these valuable too great. The plan also encouraged con- natural resources.

FIRE MANAGEMENT Fire management is a tool by which the parks are protected for future genera- FUN FACTS tions. For eons, lightning has ignited for- est fires, which generally tend to burn in Q. HOW IS POLLUTION AFFECTING small areas. These recurrent fires used to SEQUOIA AND occur naturally every three to 35 years. KINGS CANYON? Fires can actually offer many benefits to A. Sequoia and Kings Can- forests. Not only does it eliminate forest yon suffer from one of the floor debris and low-growing competi- worst air-pollution problems of any tors, but the ashes also act as a natu- national park! Pollution—particularly ral fertilizer for new growth. Fire heats ozone—from the Central Valley and sequoia cones and dries out the cone the Bay Area is carried into the moun- scales, thus releasing seeds to germi- tains by warm winds. It challenges all nate. It also creates openings in the of us to help reduce air-pollution! canopy for sunlight to reach seedlings. In this way, sequoias have adapted and sur- For answers to all your questions, vived for thousands of years. go to OhRanger.com Until the mid-1960s, the NPS “con-

48 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

fined natural fires and lightning-caused parks. To protect these beautiful places, NPS forest fires to burn for the first time. Fire consider using the free in-park shuttle suppression was the third part of the plan, during the busy summer season, or con- but with a focus of preventing fires from sider making a reservation on the Se- campgrounds, cigarettes and unwanted quoia Shuttle, which during the summer naturally caused blazes. transports visitors to and from Visalia, From 1968 through 1989, 156 Exeter and Three Rivers. prescribed burns and 410 natural fires were allowed to burn and clear RECYCLING out the underbrush in the parks. As the parks’ concessioner, Delaware Over the past two decades, scientists North at Sequoia & Kings Canyon Na- have been measuring reproduction be- tional Parks accepts glass, aluminum and fore and after the fires and are reporting plastic materials at in-park markets for remarkable regeneration. recycling. Markets charge a five-cent de- If you see a fire in the forest, by all posit for each recyclable container they means report it. You may learn, though, sell. They do not, however, give refunds that trained crews are actually monitoring for cans and bottles purchased outside the fire as part of the fire management the park. Nevertheless, they will accept plan. containers for recycling. To continue the recycling efforts of the parks, Delaware LIVE LIGHT ON THE LAND North makes a point of using recycled pa- In 1903, only 450 people visited Se- per whenever possible. Many items that quoia and Kings Canyon. Last year, al- are sold in the markets and gift shops are most 1.7 million visitors came to the produced from recycled or environmen- tally friendly materials. HOW LONG DOES Delaware North plans to expand their LITTER LAST? recycling program to include aluminum, glass, cardboard, paper, newspaper, Glass bottles 1,000,000 years magazines, plastics and tin used in their operations and by employees living in the Aluminum cans up to 100 years parks. These recyclable materials repre-

Rubber boot soles up to 80 years sent more than 25,000 pounds a month in the summer season. There is hope Leather up to 50 years that these numbers will increase with ad- ditional contributions. Nylon fabric up to 40 years

Plastic film containers up to 30 years ECOTOURISM You can become an ecotourist! To Plastic bags up to 20 years explore volunteer opportunities in the

Plastic-coated papers 5 years parks, log on to volunteer.gov. Enter “Sequoia and Kings Canyon” in the key- Wool socks up to 5 years word box. Apply for volunteer opportuni- Clockwise from top left: Rangers work to eradicate illegal marijuana grow sites in the backcountry; Biologists work to restore high-elevation water systems; The Muir Hut was constructed by the ; ties online. Scientists track frog numbers in the park’s waterways; All stages of the tree life cycle are on display.

50 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | | SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 51 PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY PHOTOGRAPHY

The ecosystems of America’s national behavior so that you can be prepared for and state parks and public lands are among what it will do next. the most diverse on the planet—from the • The eyes have it. Capturing your subject’s wetlands of the Everglades to the temper- eyes will lead the viewer into the picture ate rain forests of Olympic National Park and make your image more impactful. and the deserts of Death Valley to the Always keep the eyes in focus and try to mountains of Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. place them in the power points (the inter- For both aspiring and experienced photogra- section of rule of third guidelines). phers, the goal of any trip to a national park • Keep a safe distance. You’ll want to keep is to capture its endemic wildlife. a minimum of 25 yards between you and Taking photographs of animals presents a •your subject and more than 75 yards for unique set of challenges. Landscapes cooper- larger predators. That means that you’ll ate; wildlife does not. Not only are animals need a big telephoto lens if you want to get likely to react to a photographer’s presence, up close and personal. but they are also driven by their own instincts • Shoot in burst mode. Instead of taking a and behavior, which can make capturing them single frame, increase the probability that difficult. The tips below will help you compose you’ll capture the behavior, head position or better wildlife images of all creatures great angle by capturing multiple frames. and small—from the bison to the tiniest hum- • Be prepared. Wildlife, and particularly birds, mingbird and everything in between. move quickly and without provocation. • Use a tripod. If you are using a large tele- Practice your panning skills to better catch photo lens, consider investing in a gimbal birds when they alight. head, which will make it easier to track your • Timing is everything. The best time to subject. photograph wildlife is during the golden • Know your subject. Before you take out hours—at dusk and dawn—when the light your camera, understand your subject’s is soft and less likely to cast harsh shadows across your subject’s face. • Keep it simple. The easiest way to draw attention to your subject is to use a simple background. Use a shallow depth of field to JPecha/iStock blur any distracting backgrounds. • Aim for the action. Make your image more compelling by capturing your sub- ject exhibiting its natural behavior—flying, hunting, eating or caring for young. The best way to take better photographs is to practice, and you don’t need to go far. Buy a bird feeder and build a studio in your backyard, where you’ll be able to create Don’t miss your shot! Be aware of your surroundings. your own version of A Star(ling) is Born.

52 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY JUST FOR KIDS JUST FOR KIDS

Energizing There are several seasonal activities These trips are not recommended for adventure in partnership with and programs you and your family can children younger than 10 years of age. the National Parks Conservation enjoy at Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Visit Association. nps.gov/seki more information. PARTICIPATE IN A CAMPFIRE PROGRAM BECOME A JUNIOR RANGER Listen to rangers, who come to camp- Children ages 5 and up earn a badge grounds many nights during the summer by discovering nature and history and to educate guests about the park’s his- learning how to protect parks. Sign up tory, culture and wildlife. GO AND CONQUER at a visitor center. The WebRanger pro- gram, available at nps.gov/webrangers, TOUR THE DEPTHS allows kids to play games and learn OF CRYSTAL CAVE about national parks at home. Follow a naturalist’s lead, venturing SAVE 20% into the dark to learn about cave forma- PLUS EARN 1,000 WYNDHAM REWARDS GO HORSEBACK RIDING tions. Obtain tickets in advance, online Leave from either Grant Grove or at recreation.gov or check in the morn- BONUS POINTS WHEN YOU BOOK 2 NIGHTS* Cedar Grove on a steed to ing at the Foothills or Lodgepole visitor AT TRAVELODGE.COM/GO view the ranges of Kings Can- centers. yon. For more information, call (559) 335-9292 for Grant Grove; or call CREATE YOUR OWN (559) 565-3464 for Cedar Grove; or ADVENTURE visit nps.gov/seki. Check visitor centers for books and games that will help children learn more RIDE THE FREE about the park environment. IN-PARK SHUTTLE Ride a free in-park shuttle in Sequoia GO SLEDDING OR TUBING National Park. In the summer, plan a In the winter, kids may be able to walk with your family or ride the in-park romp, stomp and fly down snow-cov- shuttle to a point away from your car, ered hills on their sleds and inner tubes campsite or lodging and enjoy a leisurely at designated snow-play areas in Big stroll back. Always carry a map, water Stump, Columbine, Quail Flat, Big Mead- and all the items you need to be comfort- ows and Wolverton. Check with a visitor able and safe during your walk. center for current weather conditions. The difference between a trip and an adventure? TAKE A SNOWSHOE WALK WALK WITH A PARK RANGER The can-do, can-conquer attitude that can only come from a good night’s sleep. While bears may be sleeping, the rest If you are in Cedar Grove, Grant Grove, of Sequoia and Kings Canyon teems with Mineral King, Foothills, Giant Forest, or Stay Close to Adventure.® Travelodge and Go. animal life and activity during the winter Lodgepole, check for programs led by months. Park rangers may lead snow- rangers. For more information, contact a *Subject to availability at participating hotels. Wyndham Rewards members only. Book online by September 4, 2017 & complete the 2 night minimum stay by September 10, 2017. Sunday– Thursday arrivals only. Offer subject shoe walks when conditions are right. visitor center or visit nps.gov/seki. to change/cancellation at any time, as well as full terms at www.travelodge.com/go. Void where prohibited.

54 SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS | | SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS 55

68274_LWP_F2_APN_Mag_MechR2.indd 1 3/29/17 6:18 AM PARK REGULATIONS AND SAFETY IF YOU ONLY HAVE A DAY

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National eral Grant is the second-largest tree Parks cover 865,964 acres. To maximize on Earth. From the parking area, take a your experience, choose one region to gently graded 0.3-mile, self-guiding trail explore. To help you plan your visit to the that passes by other impressive giant se- parks, first stop at a visitor center to get quoias, historic Gamlin Cabin and Fallen an overview, then decide whether you will Monarch Tree, in which the cavalry visit Mineral King, Foothills, Giant Forest, guarding the park in the 1890s stabled Grant Grove or Cedar Grove. their horses (partial accessibility).

GIANT FOREST CEDAR GROVE By visiting Giant Forest, you can see If you decide to visit Cedar Grove in the famed Big Trees, including the Gen- Kings Canyon, you will be treated to a lush eral Sherman Tree. The big tree—a place of tumbling waterfalls, meadows 15-minute walk along a steep paved trail and miles of quiet trails. Half the excite- with stairs from the main parking area— ment is the 1-hour drive getting there on is more than 2,000 years old and has the Highway 180, which zigzags down into distinction of being the largest living tree the canyon through Sequoia National For- in the world. Accessible parking is adja- est. Be sure to stop at Junction View cent to the Generals Highway. on the way. Sheer canyon walls seem The 1.5-mile, one-hour Big Trees Trail to close in around you as the wild South - features trailside exhibits and is fully Fork of the Kings River surges over rapids accessible to those with disabilities. The far below. trail begins at the Giant Forest Museum, Cedar Grove attractions include an interesting and informative stop before North Dome, which some say resem- you begin your hike, featuring exhibits on bles Yosemite’s Half Dome, noisy and Sequoia ecology. powerful Roaring River Falls and scenic In less than an hour, on a seasonal ba- Zumwalt Meadow. sis, you can drive the Moro Rock-Crescent Roaring River Falls is less than a five- Meadow Road. Stop at Moro Rock, a minute stroll from the parking area. Dur- large granite dome; Tunnel Log, a fallen ing years of heavy runoff, the river pours sequoia that you can drive through; and through the gorge and over the falls with a Crescent Meadow, a lovely mid-eleva- tremendous roar. Even during the dry sea- tion meadow. Add 60 minutes to climb son the falls are impressive, thundering WSD-F20 Moro Rock and 60 minutes to walk around into a cold, green pool. *1 Original Casio criteri *2 •Drop: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 516.7 Procedure IV. •Random Vibration: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 514.7 Procedure I. •Humidity: Tested in the meadow. If you have an hour, walk around Zum- conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 507.6 Procedure II. •Solar-Radiation: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 505.6 Procedure II. •Non-Operating Altitude: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 500.6 Procedure I. •Operating Altitude: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method500.6ProcedureII. •Non-Operating High Temperature: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 501.6 Procedure I walt Meadow, a lovely meadow dotted •Non-Operating Low Temperature: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 502.6 Procedure I. •Temperature Shock: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 503.6 Procedure I-C. •Icing Freezing Rain: Tested in conformance with MIL-STD-810G Method 521.4 Procedure I. (The performance of this instrument has been confirmed under various test environments, but its operation in actual use is not guaranteed for every environment. Freedom from breakage or failure can also not be guaranteed.) •This product conforms to the JIS C 61000-3-2 harmonic electrical current standard. •This product is in conformity with or certified to the Radio Law, GRANT GROVE with ponderosa pine. The striking rock Telecommunications Business Law and VCCI. •The screen design shown is correct at the time of development. Actual design may vary. •The final specifications may differ from those shown. *Bluetooth® and Bluetooth SIG are registered trademarks. *Wi-Fi are Wi-Fi Alliance registered trademarks. *Android, Android Wear and other terms are trademarks of Google Inc. *Other service and product names are, in general, trademarks or registered trademarks At Grant Grove, near the Kings Can- formations of Grand Sentinel and North of the companies concerned. yon entrance, you’ll want ample time to Dome rise protectively on opposite sides see the General Grant Tree. The Gen- of the meadow. protrek.casio.com

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