Sequoia & Kings Canyon Guide

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Trip Planner Fall 2019 Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument Sequoia Parks Conservancy Our Changing Parks As you travel through the parks, you may notice standing dead trees, or recently cut tree stumps and logs. Many trees of difering species and sizes died during our recent drought. While droughts are a natural part of our climate, the recent drought was made worse by rising temperatures due in part to greenhouse gas emissions. Giant sequoias were also afected and sufered from unprecedented beetle attacks. We are working with USGS and other researchers to learn more about beetle infestations and other threats. Other, less noticeable changes are also occurring. For example, over 200 species of California birds now nest earlier each spring. Research suggests that these species are avoiding warming temperatures, which disrupts their natural (established) nesting patterns. These changes, both seen and unseen, surprise us, and make us In This Issue General Information............ 2 uneasy about what the future holds for our national parks. on sensitive species like sequoias and bighorn sheep. Recent studies suggest that our most treasured places, national parks, are also among the most vulnerable to warming temperatures. Because national parks protect large mountain ranges, expansive deserts, and other sensitive natural habitats, future temperature and rainfall changes in parks will have a greater impact than in other parts of the United States. Given the elevated risks to our parks, we are working with researchers to study possible impacts of climate change We are already seeing the efects of climate change in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and it concerns us. But it is not too late for each of us to make a positive diference. What are ways you can think of to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during your visit here, and when you return back home? Show your passion for these parks by joining us in the movement to protect them so that giant sequoias will be here for generations to come. FAQ ...................................... 2 Activities .............................. 3 Camping .......................... 4–5 Bear safety ........................... 5 Food Storage ....................... 5 Foothills................................ 6 Mineral King ........................ 6 Giant Forest & Lodgepole ... 7 Grant Grove ......................... 8 Cedar Grove ......................... 8 Wilderness Trips................... 9 U.S. Forest Service................ 9 Nature & Ecosystems ......... 11 Fire ..................................... 11 Getting Around ................. 12 Shuttles ................................ 7 Researchers monitor the response of mature giant sequoias to severe drought by measuring water content in the needles at the top of the tree. Photo © Wendy Baxter. Vehicle Length Limits ........ 12 2 General Information Contacts Frequently Asked Questions Accessibility Cell Service Pets Assistive Equipment & Technologies Cell service is extremely limited here, and mainly is available for some networks near entrance stations. Pets are not permitted on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times, or appropriately crated or caged. Pets cannot be left tied and unattended at any time. The leash must be less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. We are committed to a continuing effort to improve the accessibility of our trails and facilities so they can be enjoyed by all. If you have questions or suggestions about accessibility, please email us at SEKI_Information@nps.gov or call us at (559) 565-3341. EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 No coins are needed in payphones for 911 calls. Sequoia & Kings Canyon (NPS) 559-565-3341 (24 hour): Recorded information is available for road conditions, weather, current fires, camping, lodging, wilderness, and more. Drones Unmanned aircraft are not allowed in these parks. This includes drones and other remotely piloted vehicles. Marijuana GPS GPS programs often misdirect travellers here. Use maps and signs, or ask for directions. Web & Social Media www.nps.gov/seki @SequoiaKingsNPS @SequoiaKingsNPS @SequoiaKingsNPS Sequoia National Forest/Monument (USFS) 559-338-2251, fs.usda.gov/sequoia Yosemite National Park (NPS) 209-372-0200, nps.gov/yose Possession or use of marijuana and other controlled substances inside the national parks is prohibited. While California law provides for limited possession and use of marijuana, it remains an illegal drug under federal law, which is enforced within the parks. Firearms in these National Parks People who can legally possess firearms under federal, California, and local laws may possess firearms here. You are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable California, local, and federal firearms laws. Discharge of firearms in the parks is prohibited. Driving Through the Parks Give yourself plenty of time to travel through the parks. Allow at least two hours, plus additional time for sightseeing stops, to drive the Generals Highway from the southern entrance to the northern entrance. Check last page of this paper for seasonal road closure information. California Road Conditions (CalTrans) 800-427-7623, dot.ca.gov Free Public WiFi Locations Available at Foothills Visitor Center (near the Sequoia National Park entrance) and Kings Canyon Visitor Center (Grant Grove). No password is needed. Translations Welcome - You may borrow a Braille copy of the park map & guide at visitor centers. Bienvenidos - Hay un folleto en español disponible en los centros de visitante. Bienvenue - Une guide officielle est disponible dans les centres d’information. Wilkommen - Eine Landkarte ist auch in deutscher sprache im Besucher-zentrum erhaltlich. Benvenuti - La traduzione in lingua Italiana della mappa e’ disponibile in tutti i centri di informazioni. Wheelchairs may be borrowed at no cost at Lodgepole Visitor Center and Giant Forest Museum. They can be used anywhere in the parks but must be returned by the end of the day, before each visitor center closes. Be prepared to provide your address and phone number. Assistive listening devices and open captioning are available for park films. Borrow a receiver at park visitor centers where films are shown. Visitor Centers All visitor centers and museums have paved, flat paths leading from parking areas to information desks, exhibits, bookstores, water bottle filling stations, and restrooms. Cedar Grove Visitor Center is small, and may be difficult for people in wheelchairs to navigate. Mineral King Ranger Station has steps leading to the entrance and may not be accessible to people with mobility impairments. Wheelchair-Accessible Trails General Sherman Tree Trail (Giant Forest): This short trail leads a few hundred feet from an accessible parking area to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on earth. Big Trees Trail (Giant Forest): This level trail is a 0.75-mile (1.2 km) loop. It circles a meadow surrounded by giant sequoias. Panoramic Point Trail (Grant Grove): This paved trail leads to views that reach deep into park wilderness. Roaring River Falls (Cedar Grove): A 528 foot (160 m), shady walk features a powerful waterfall rushing through a granite chute. Park 3 miles (4.8 km) east of the Village road. Paved, relatively accessible. Muir Rock Trail (Cedar Grove): This short trail leads to the Kings River and Muir Rock, a large granite boulder at the river's edge named in honor of famed naturalist John Muir. Programs, Events, and Activities Formations in Crystal Cave A ranger program in the Giant Forest Free Ranger Programs Crystal Cave Tours Free programs are offered in the Foothills, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, Grant Grove, Mineral King, Cedar Grove, and other locations! They include evening programs, walks, demonstrations, talks, living history, and other activities. Check visitor centers, at bulletin boards, or online for schedules of ranger-led activities. Crystal Cave is open until September 29, and then closes for the winter season. Reserve tickets online at www.recreation.gov at least 48 hours in advance. A tour is necessary to see the cave and a ticket is needed for the tour. Need a ticket today? Check first thing in the morning at Lodgepole or Foothills visitor centers (not at the cave). The cave will reopen next year on May 22. Free Junior Ranger Program Crystal Cave Road is 15 miles (24 km) from Sequoia's entrance at Hwy 198; 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Sherman Tree. Maximum vehicle length on this narrow road is 22 feet. Use parking lot restrooms; the cave has none. Wear sturdy shoes for the steep 0.5-mile (0.8 km) trail to the cave. Wear a jacket; it’s 50°F (10°C) inside. To protect bats from disease, avoid wearing clothing you've work in other caves. No strollers, tripods, or bags/packs are permitted inside the cave. (They can be used on the trail from the parking area but must be left outside unattended during the tour.) No flash, lighted photography, or video. Not wheelchair accessible. Tour times are subject to change. For school tours & large groups, visit sequoiaparksconservancy.org/crystalcave. Pick up a free booklet at any visitor center, complete the activities, & earn your badge! Teachers & Parents, Take Note! Expand your classroom: Invite a ranger to your class, visit the parks with your school group, download lesson plans, and participate in distance learning. All education programs are standardsbased and free! Visit nps.gov/seki/learn/education. Exploring on Horseback Travel by horse on hourly rides, spot trips, or guided trips that leave from two locations. Grant Grove: Closed for the season. The stables reopen in summer 2020. Stables: (559) 335-9292 Off-season: (559) 799-7247 Cedar Grove: Daily until September 30, 2019, weather permitting, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Pack Station: (559) 565-3464 Off-season: (559) 337-2413. The stables reopen in summer 2020. 3 Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC) welcomes you to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks! As the official nonprofit partner to these parks, we do more than just provide tours and retail services. We help you make a deeper connection to the parks and share your experiences with others. We would love for you to visit us online and learn more about everything we do. We’ve saved a place for you—come join us. @SequoiaParksConservancy @SequoiaParksConservancy @SeqParksCon Family Cave Tour Daily — 45 minutes Extra tours on holiday weekends (Friday–Monday). August 26-September 29 · Weekends: Tours on the hour 10:00 am–4:00 pm, and on the half hour 11:30 am-1:30 pm · Weekdays: Tours on the hour 10:00 am–2:00 pm Ticket prices: Age 5–12 $8; 13–61 $16; 62 and up $15. Ask about Sequoia Parks Conservancy member discounts! National Park and Interagency passes do not apply. Tire chains or cables are essential when chain control is in effect and roads are snowy. Rent or buy chains in nearby towns before you get here. Photo by Alison Taggart-Barone. 4 Camping Each standard campsite has a table, food storage box, and a fre ring with a grill. Each accommodates up to six people and one vehicle. There are no RV hook-ups in the parks. RV and Trailer Length Limits If you're driving an RV, trailer, or a longer vehicle, check length limits on park roads and at campsites. Group Sites Reservations are strongly recommended for group sites. Reservations Reservations are strongly recommended and are available from six months to two days before your stay. In fall, there are more first-come, first-served sites. • • www.recreation.gov (877) 444-6777 (877) 833-6777 TDD Mid-size group sites for 7–19 people are reservable at Crystal Springs and Canyon View campgrounds. Large-group sites for 15–40 people are reservable at Dorst Creek, Sunset, or Canyon View. National forest campgrounds also have group sites. (888) 448-1474 customer service Public showers are available seasonally at Lodgepole and Cedar Grove villages, and in some national forest areas. Showers are no longer available in Grant Grove. Roadside Camping Roadside camping is not permitted in the park. Camp only in designated sites in campgrounds. In the national forest, it's permitted unless posted otherwise. Campfres and Firewood Gather only dead and down wood; do not cut limbs off trees. Please don’t transport firewood. It can carry insects and diseases that threaten living trees. Find or buy wood close to where you will use it. Please burn any wood you brought in. Fires must be out cold before you leave. Quiet and Generator Hours Showers If you don't have a reservation, check for first-come, first-served campgrounds. Many campgrounds will close soon for winter. prohibited in South Fork Campground, as well as in Hospital Rock and Ash Mountain Picnic Areas. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in wilderness areas below 6,000 feet. Restrictions are subject to change. Check for updates on bulletin boards, at visitor centers, or by visiting go.nps.gov/sekifirerestrictions. Fire Restrictions Are In Effect Because of dry conditions, the parks are in Stage 1 fire restrictions. Wood and charcoal fires are Music and noise should be audible in your site only. Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (no generators). At Lodgepole and Dorst, generator use is permitted only from 8:00 to 11:00 am and 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Propane and Fuel Canisters Recycle fuel canisters at home. Do not put them in park trash cans or leave them here. Campgrounds open year-round Campground Location Nightly fee Toilets Dump station Showers Food nearby Potwisha Foothills $22 Flush Yes – – Azalea Grant Grove $18 Flush – – Yes South Fork South Fork $6 Vault – – – Other information Reservations recommended until 9/24. Near sequoia groves. First come, frst served sites. Remote camping away from services. Campgrounds closing in fall Campground Location Nightly fee Toilets Dump station Showers Closing date Buckeye Flat Foothills $22 Flush – – 10/23 No RVs or trailers. Reservations recommended until 9/24. Atwell Mill Mineral King $12 Vault – Silver City 10/30 No water is available after 10/18. Bring drinking water. Cold Springs Mineral King $12 Vault – Silver City 10/30 No water is available after 10/18. Bring drinking water. Lodgepole Lodgepole $22 Flush Yes At village 12/04 The closest camping to the Giant Forest. Dorst Creek Lodgepole $22 Flush Yes – 9/25 First come, frst served sites. Crystal Springs Grant Grove $18 Flush – – 9/25 Near sequoia groves. First come, frst served sites. Moraine Cedar Grove $18 Flush – See note 10/16 Near the river. First come, frst served sites. Sentinel Cedar Grove $22 Flush – See note 11/12 Near the river. First come, frst served sites. Canyon View Cedar Grove $40-60 Flush – See note 9/25 Group sites for tents only. Reservations required. Other information Sunset and Sheep Creek campgrounds and group sites at Crystal Springs Campground are closed for the season. They will reopen in spring 2020. Keep Bears Wild and Safe Other camping options Sequoia National Forest (U.S. Forest Service) Near Grant Grove HUME LAKE AREA Bears can grab unattended food or break into cars where food is visible. They become bold and aggressive if they get human food. Too often, these bears must be killed. Food storage is key to keeping humans safe and bears alive. In Wilderness Princess Campground Hanging food often fails! Store all food in a bear-resistant storage container. These containers weigh less than 3 pounds (1.3 kg), hold up to 5 days of food, and fit in a backpack. Rent bear-resistant storage containers at park visitor centers. A list of approved containers can be found on our website. Metal boxes are located in a few wilderness locations. Hume Lake Campground Tenmile Campground Landslide Campground Convict Flat Campground BIG MEADOWS AND STONY CREEK AREAS Stony Creek Campground Everyone Upper Stony Creek Campground Horse Camp Campground Big Meadow Campground DISPERSED CAMPING Self-contained camping, with no water, restrooms, trash cans, or other amenities is permitted in the national forest (not in the national parks). Check with Sequoia National Forest for time and group size limits. Free fre permits are required. Ask about them at Hume Lake Offce, Kings Canyon Visitor Center (Grant Grove), with a USFS ranger, or get them online at www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia. Lake Kaweah (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Near Three Rivers Campgrounds Store food day and night in the metal boxes provided (avoid using coolers that won’t fit; most boxes are 47" long x 33" deep x 28" high. Store ALL food, coolers, related items, and anything with an odor. Even non-food items must be stored 24 hours a day when not in use. This includes unopened cans and bottles. Make sure food storage boxes are completely latched. Food not properly stored will be impounded. Keep a clean campsite. Deposit garbage immediately in trash cans or dumpsters. Do not leave garbage unattended! Take child safety seats out of cars—the smells they absorb may attract bears. Lodges Remove all food and child safety seats from your vehicle. Don’t let bears approach you, your food, picnic area, or campsite. Wave your arms, make loud noises, and throw small rocks toward them (avoid hitting the face or head). Keep a safe distance, but be persistent. Abandoning your food teaches bears that foods come from humans; the bear may hurt a person in the future to get food. If a bear does get your food, NEVER try to get it back. Touring and Picnicking Food items MUST be stored in food storage boxes when provided. If no food storage box is available, food items must be inside your car trunk. If your vehicle doesn't have a trunk, place food items low in the vehicle, out of sight, and keep windows closed. While picnicking, never move away from coolers and tables when food is out. Stay within arm's length of food. Bears can smell anything with a scent—such as cosmetics, toiletries, trash, and cleaning supplies—and will mistake these items for food. Store anything with an odor. Horse Creek Campground Cold Springs Campground, Mineral King 5 Wildlife Viewing & Safety Keep Wildlife Safe Mountain Lions and Bobcats Do not feed or touch ANY wild animals. All animals in the park are wild. View animals at safe distances (the length of two city buses) or through binoculars. Never disrupt, approach, or disturb animals from behaving normally. Rarely seen, bobcats are larger than house cats and have short tails. Mountain lions (cougars) are much larger and have long tails. Cats usually run when seen. If you see a mountain lion that doesn’t run: • Do not run; running may trigger pursuit. • Pick up children. • Try to appear as large as possible—don’t crouch down. • Hold your ground or back away slowly while facing the mountain lion. • If the mountain lion acts aggressively, wave your hands, shout, and throw stones or sticks at it. • If attacked, fght back! Report any sightings. 6 Foothills Explore the golden foothills, home to more species of plants and animals than the rest of these parks combined. Chaparral, oak woodlands, and river canyons offer warmer days, year-round waterfalls, and clear, starry skies. Marble Falls Paradise Creek Services and Facilities Foothills Visitor Center Open 8:00 am–4:30 pm through September 30, then open 9:00 am–4:00 pm. Browse exhibits on life in the low elevations and the Sequoia Parks Conservancy park store. A payphone and free WiFi are available here. Ask about free ranger programs! Muchas veces hay rangers aqui quienes hablan Español. Wilderness Offce Local permits for overnight travel are issued from 8:00 am–4:00 pm at the Wilderness Office on weekdays and Saturdays, through September 20. To reach the Wilderness Office, follow the dirt path to the left of the Foothills Visitor Center. Go to the Fire Management and Wilderness Office on the far side of the parking lot. Beginning September 21, self-registration permits are available outside of the visitor center. ô Tunnel Rock ô Hospital Rock Picnic Area Snap a picture at this iconic pullout off the Generals Highway. Walk on the old road under this rock formation, but do not climb. Poison oak is common here. See rock paintings and explore exhibits about the California Native Americans who lived here, and still visit and live nearby. A short trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps leads to a waterfall. Be careful; drownings occur here. Store your food from bears. Marble Falls Trail For a short walk along canals or a long walk to a waterfall, park across the highway from Potwisha Campground (not in the campground). Near site #14, follow the dirt road along canals. Climb 3.7 miles (6 km) through to the waterfall. Paradise Creek Trail For a creekside stroll, park at Hospital Rock Picnic Area (not in campground). Walk 0.6 miles (0.9 km) to Buckeye Flat Campground. Take the path across from site #28 and cross a footbridge over the river. Follow Paradise Creek (not the river) for 1 mile (1.6 km) until the trail grows faint. Mineral King Climb the steep, winding road to its 7,800 feet (2,377 m) peak. Enjoy this remote, rugged place, or follow a trail into a vast wilderness. The road to this area closes for the season on October 30. Services and Facilities Mineral King Ranger Station Open 8:00 am–4:00 pm until September 24. Get trail local information. Payphones are nearby at Cold Springs Campground and the Sawtooth Trailhead parking area. Ask about free ranger programs! Mineral King Valley Wilderness Permits Local wilderness permits for overnight travel are issued at the Ranger Station 8:00 am– 3:45 pm until September 24. After September 24, a self-registration permit station is available outside of the ranger station. Silver City Mountain Resort (private) Stop here for cabins, gifts, showers, store, and a restaurant with a bakery and wifi. No gas is available. Open 8:00 am–8:00 pm Friday– Saturday, and 8:00 am–7:00 pm Sunday– Thursday. Closes for the season on October 23. (559) 561-3223. Cold Springs Nature Trail Paradise Ridge Stroll through meadows and aspen groves on this slightly sloped, 1-mile (1.6 km) trail. Start at Cold Springs Campground. Hike through sequoias to a ridge with views of the Great Western Divide. Park in the lot east of Atwell Mill Campground and walk past the campground to the trailhead. Climb 3.3 miles (5.3 km) to the peak of the ridge, or continue into wilderness. Eagle Lake Ascend the west side of the Mineral King Valley to a glacially carved tarn. This steep trail is 3.4 miles (5.4 km) one way, and begins at the end of Mineral King Road. After 2 miles (3.2 km), the trail splits. Turn left for Eagle Lake, or take the right-hand trail another 1.6 miles (2.5 km) for Mosquito Lake. Atwell-Hockett to Deer Creek Along this trail, walk through sequoias and an old sawmill to a waterfall. Park in the lot east of Atwell Mill Campground and walk toward the campground to the trailhead. This trail heads far into wilderness. Turn back in 2.4 miles (3.8 km) at Deer Creek for a day hike. Giant Forest and Lodgepole 7 Welcome to the big trees. Here, enjoy the world's biggest unlogged sequoia grove and largest tree. Park your car and discover serene meadows, rocky streams, and towering forests. General Sherman Tree ô Big Trees Trail General Sherman Tree A level, paved loop with trailside exhibits about sequoias. Start your walk at Giant Forest Museum for a 1-mile (1.6 km) round-trip walk. If you have a disability placard, park at the trailhead for a 0.75mile (1 km) loop. Two trails lead to the world’s largest tree: Main Trail - This 0.5-mile (0.8 km) trail down to the tree has some stairs; the walk back is uphill. Benches provide rest points along the way. Drive 2 miles (3 km) north of Giant Forest Museum (past the small Sherman Tree accessible parking lot). Turn right on Wolverton Road and follow signs. Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road This 3-mile (4.8 km), dead-end road begins at Giant Forest Museum. The road closes for the season once snow accumulates. ô Wheelchair-accessible trail from the Generals Highway - Wheelchair-accessible trail from the Generals Highway- Parking here is only for those with disability placards. If you don't have a placard, but can’t walk the hill on the main trail, ask at a visitor center for a temporary permit. Moro Rock - Climb a steep stairway to the top of this granite dome for spectacular mountain views. Tunnel Log - Go under a fallen sequoia that was tunneled through. This is the only “tree you can drive through” in these parks. Congress Trail - From the Sherman Tree, continue along this fairly level 2-mile (3.2 km) loop through the heart of the Giant Forest sequoia grove. Upcoming Free Holiday Shuttle Wuksachi Lodge & Restaurant Lodgepole Village Wolverton Snowplay Area Thanksgiving: 11/21 - 11/24 December holidays: 12/21-1/1 Shuttles will run 10:00 am - 4:30 pm between Giant Forest Museum, the Sherman Tree parking area along the Generals Highway, Wolverton, Lodgepole, and Wuksachi Lodge. Plan a holiday visit to your parks! Crescent Meadow - Sequoias surround this fragile wetland. Stay on designated trails. Several trails start here, such as the 1-mile (1.6 km) route to Tharp’s Log, a historic cabin made from a fallen sequoia; and the High Sierra Trail (60 miles/97 km) to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Shuttle stop opens with snow Sherman Tree Main Trail Road & shuttle stop close with snow Sherman Tree To the foothills, Three Rivers, and Giant Forest Museum Tokopah Falls This walk along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River begins in Lodgepole Campground. The 1.7mile (2.7 km) trail starts just beyond the Marble Fork Bridge. Walk along the river to the impressive granite cliffs and cascading waterfall of Tokopah Canyon. Tokopah Falls is 1,200 feet (365.8 meters) high, and is most impressive in early summer. Be careful around the water; cold and swift currents are difficult to escape. Services and Facilities Giant Forest Museum Open 9:00 am–4:30 pm. Browse exhibits, trail information, and the SPC park store. Ask about free ranger programs! Lodgepole Visitor Center Open 7:00 am–4:30 pm until September 22. From September 22-October 14, 8:00 am–4:30 pm. Closes for season on October 14. Watch a movie about bears, learn about the forest ecosystem, get trail information, and browse the SPC park store. Ask about free ranger programs! Wilderness Permits Local permits for overnight travel are issued at Lodgepole Visitor Center from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, until 9/21. Beginning 9/22, self-registration permits are available outside of Giant Forest Museum. Lodgepole Market* Open daily. Monday–Thursday 8:00 am-6:00 pm. Friday-Sunday 7:00 am–8:00 pm through 10/19, then hours shorten 9:00 am–5:00 pm. Supplies, clothing, groceries, grab-and-go food, ATM, payphone. LODGEPOLE GRILL: Open with market through October 20, then closed for the season. SHOWERS & LAUNDRY: Open with market through 11/03, then closed for the season. Closed daily for cleaning 12:30 pm; 2:30 pm. Wuksachi Lodge* The lodge sits at 7200’ elevation, 2.3 miles (3.7 km) north of Lodgepole Visitor Center. Open yearround, 24 hours. Payphones, WiFi, and ATM. Ask about naturalist programs. (866) 807-3598. PEAKS DINING ROOM: Open 7:00–10:00 am, 11:30am - 3:00pm, & 5:00–9:00 pm. Reservations recommended for dinner. Box lunches available. (559) 625-7700. WUKSACHI PIZZA: Currently open daily from 11:00 am–9:00 pm; hours will change in late October. GIFT SHOP: Open 8:00 am–6:00 pm. Souvenirs. *Operated by Delaware North 8 Grant Grove Wander through shady sequoia groves and hike to bird's-eye views of distant wilderness. From lively Grant Grove Village to lofty Big Baldy Ridge, Grant Grove offers a chance to explore with amenities nearby. Grant Tree Trail This 0.3-mile (0.5 km) paved trail leads to the world’s second-largest living tree. Along the trail are tactile exhibits about sequoias. Trail head is 1 mile (1.6 km) from Grant Grove Village. Grant Grove Village* MARKET: Open 8:00 am-8:00 pm through 10/19 then 9:00 am-6:00 pm. Grab-&-go food, groceries, supplies, ATM, payphone. ô Panoramic Point Stumps in this meadow from late 19th-century logging include the Mark Twain Stump. Climb the steps to see the growth rings of this giant. Start the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) loop trail from the Big Stump Picnic Area. Until 10/14: Open 8:00 am–5:00 pm. Beginning 10/15: Open 9:00 am–4:00 pm. Watch a park film, and browse exhibits in English and Spanish and the park store. Payphone and free WiFi. Ask about ranger programs! Available in the visitor center until 9/21. Beginning 9/22, pick up self-issue permits outside. This lightly traveled, 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop offers a close look at sequoias and a quiet forest walk. Start at the Grant Tree bus and RV parking area. Big Stump Basin Kings Canyon Visitor Center Wilderness Permits North Grove Loop A narrow road leads to an accessible short trail to a viewpoint with beautiful Sierra vistas. RVs and trailers are not permitted on the road, which begins behind the John Muir Lodge. This road closes when it becomes impassable due to snow. Services and Facilities Panoramic Point Big Baldy Ridge Climb to 8,209 feet (2,502 m) for great views over Redwood Canyon. You'll gain 600 feet (183 m) in elevation over the 2.2-mile (3.5 km) trek to this granite peak. From Grant Grove Village, go 8 miles (13 km) south on Generals Highway to the trailhead. RESTAURANT: Open 7:00–10:00 am; 11:30 am–4:30 pm; 4:30-9:00 pm through 10/19, then hours shorten. GIFT SHOP: Open 8:00 am–8:00 pm through 10/19, then 9:00 am-6:00 pm. POST OFFICE: Open Monday–Friday 9:00 am–4:00 pm; 24-hour lobby. John Muir Lodge* Make a reservation to stay in the lodge or in a cabin. (866) 807-3598. Cedar Grove Quiet and remote, Cedar Grove sits deep in the Kings Canyon, surrounded by sheer granite cliffs. Canyon View Mist Falls The “U” shape of this canyon, apparent from this viewpoint, reveals its glacial history. This feature is 1 mile (1.6 km) east of Cedar Grove Village Road. Head through forest and chaparral to one of the parks' largest waterfalls. The 4-mile (6.4 km) trip begins at Road’s End and climbs 800 feet (250 m) to a viewing area for the cascade. Knapp’s Cabin In the Roaring Twenties, a California businessman stored gear in this small cabin for lavish fshing trips. Stop two miles east of Cedar Grove Village. ô Roaring River Falls Take a very short, shady walk to a powerful waterfall rushing through a granite chute. The paved, moderately sloped trail begins 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Cedar Grove Village road. Zumwalt Meadow The north side of this 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop is closed due to food damage, but the south side still ofers views of high granite walls, the lush meadow, and the Kings River. Park at the trailhead 4.5 miles (7.2 km) east of Cedar Grove Village road. Sheep Creek Cascade Climb the Don Cecil Trail to a small waterfall. At that point, turn around or continue for a longer hike. Park at Cedar Grove Visitor Center and look for the signs. The trail to the waterfall is 1 mile (1.6 km). Zumwalt Meadow Services and Facilities Cedar Grove Visitor Center Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm through 9/22. Get trail information and browse the park store. Payphone. Beginning 9/23, the visitor center is closed for the season. Wilderness Permits Issued at Road's End from 7:00 am-3:30 pm through 9/21/19. Beginning 9/22, permits are available at the self-registration station outside. Cedar Grove Village and Lodge* Make a reservation to stay at the Cedar Grove Lodge. (866) 807-3598. GRILL: Limited food service from 7:00–10:00 am, 11:30 am–2:30 pm; and 5:00–9:00 pm. GIFT SHOP/MARKET: Open 7:00 am–