"Deadman Canyon, Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness, 8/4/2011" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
Sequoia & Kings Canyon GuideLate Winter 2023 |
Late Winter Visitor Guide to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NP) in California. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
featured in
National Parks Pocket Maps | ||
California Pocket Maps |
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Trip Planner
Late Winter 2023
Photo by NPS/Alison Taggart-Barone
Roads in the parks may close at any time due to storms, snow, debris fows, or other conditions.
Giant Sequoias, Wildfre, and You
Giant sequoias are icons of resilience. They are
well-adapted to survive thousands of years in
a landscape visited by fre, drought, and beetle
attacks, but human-caused climate change and
past management practices are putting trees at
risk from all three.
Although these parks have one of the oldest
prescribed burning programs in the national
parks, after over a century of fre suppression
across the landscape many groves have become
choked with dead wood and small trees, creating
dangerous fre conditions.
Climate change is causing rising temperatures,
earlier snowmelt, and drier conditions, leading
to higher-severity fre and fre seasons that are
substantially longer and more extreme than even
20 years ago. The 2020 Castle Fire and 2021 KNP
Complex Fire burned so intensely that thousands
of large sequoias were killed. In 2022 there were
no major fres in the parks, but extreme drought
conditions continue.
Expect Delays Along the
Generals Highway
Most wildfre-killed sequoias die from high heat
and crown-burning fames. However, some trees
that survive fres have died a few years later while
still standing. Researchers found branches riddled
with tunnels made by tiny, native cedar bark
beetles which had not previously been known to
kill sequoias.
Drought conditions and hotter temperatures over
most of the past decade have meant there is less
water for trees. Additionally, damage from severe
fres may reduce water fow to the tree’s crown.
In those conditions, beetle tunneling could turn
from harmless to fatal for a weakened tree.
Park managers fear that despite sequoias’
incredible toughness, without action, more of the
magnifcent giants may die in alarming numbers.
More prescribed fre and other approaches to
reduce unnatural accumulations of fre fuel
can help restore groves to healthier conditions,
though further research may provide other
helpful management tools. But perhaps the most
powerful defenders of sequoias are those who
come to the parks and learn, teach others, and
take steps toward a world where today’s sequoias
stand for hundreds or thousands of years more.
Mature sequoias can usually survive low or medium
severity fres, but modern high severity fres can be
deadly.
© Kirke Wrench
After severe January storms, we've been working
to restore access to the Giant Forest. One-lane
access has been established on portions of the
Generals Highway while we monitor the road.
Please use extreme caution as you drive in areas
where new road signs, barriers, and traffc lights
have been installed. At the traffc light, expect
delays of at least fve to ten minutes. Delays could
increase depending on traffc. Two-lane traffc
in this area is not expected until late spring or
summer.
General Information ........... 2
Wildlife Safety ........................5
Grant Grove ...........................8
Información en español ..... 10-11
Camping............................... 3
Foothills ..................................6
Wilderness Trips .....................9
Información de seguridad ...... 10
Safety ................................... 4
Giant Forest ...........................7
National Forest Lands ............9
Winter Roads & Driving .......... 12
2
General Information
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessibility
Cell Service and WiFi
Pets
Cell service is extremely limited here, and can be
available for some networks near entrance stations.
WiFi connectivity is sparse in Sequoia and Kings
Canyon National Parks. Public WiFi is available at
Foothills and Kings Canyon visitor centers.
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 no longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long.
These parks are committed to a continuing effort to
improve the accessibility of our trails and facilities so
they can be enjoyed by all. Questions or suggestions
about accessibility can be emailed to
SEKI_Information@nps.gov or call us at
(559) 565-3341.
EMERGENCY — DIAL 911
In an emergency, contact a ranger at any visitor
center or museum, or call 911.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon (NPS)
(559) 565-3341 (24 hours): Recorded information is
available for road conditions, weather, current fres,
camping, lodging, wilderness, and more.
Drones
Uncrewed aircraft are not allowed in these parks. This
includes drones and other remotely piloted vehicles.
Marijuana
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
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
California Road Conditions (CalTrans)
(800) 427-7623, dot.ca.gov
Campground Reservations
Visit Recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777
TDD: (877) 833-6777.
Delaware North
(Authorized Concessioner)
Visit www.visitsequoia.com or call
(866) 807-3598 for lodging reservations.
People who can legally possess frearms under federal,
California, and local laws may possess frearms here.
You are responsible for understanding and complying
with all applicable California, local, and federal
frearms laws. Discharge of frearms in the parks is
prohibited.
Getting Directions to the Park
GPS devices and online map services often misdirect
travelers here. Use maps and signs, or ask for
directions. If using GPS or online maps, don't use the
"avoid toll roads" option.
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 offcielle 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.
Free Mobile App
Install the new free National Park Service app for
more trip-planning information. Search for National
Park Service in the iTunes or Google Play stores. Once
downloaded, choose Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks. Be sure to download content for use
offine during your visit. WiFi may not be available in
the parks, so install the app before you get here.
Accessibility Guide
Ask at any visitor center for a printed accessibility
guide. This booklet offers details about accessible
park features by area and for different user groups.
The information in the guide is also available online at
www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Borrow a Braille version of the offcial
park map at park visitor centers. Outdoor
exhibits along the Grant Tree Trail have
Braille text and tactile features. Kings
Canyon Visitor Center and Hospital Rock Picnic Area
have tactile interpretive exhibits.
At Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant
Grove, assistive listening and audio
description are available for the park flm.
Ask at the information desk for a receiver.
Visitor Centers
All visitor centers and museums have paved, fat paths
leading from parking areas to information desks,
exhibits, bookstores, water bottle flling stations, and
restrooms.
Wheelchairs may be borrowed at no cost at Kings
Canyon Visitor Center or 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.
Wheelchair-Accessible Trails
Trails may be snowy or icy. Some trails are plowed
but winter conditions may prevent trails from
being wheelchair-accessible. People with mobility
impairments may want to consider using traction
devices if conditions are icy, and trekking poles may
help with balance.
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.
Hazelwood Nature Loop (Giant Forest)
This frm-packed loop is 0.3 miles (0.5 km) and leads
through a quiet area within the Giant Forest.
3
Camping
Nightly
Fee
Toilets
Dump
Station
Showers
Potable
Water
Grant Grove
$28
Flush
–
–
Yes
20 snowy sites are first-come, first-served basis until
spring, then make reservations at Recreation.gov.
Potwisha
Foothills
$28
Flush
Maybe
–
Yes
Sites are usually snow-free and reservations are required.
Visit Recreation.gov to reserve a campsite.
South Fork
Foothills
Flooding and landslides caused by recent heavy rain events
have to
impacted
South Forkis Road
and Campground.
The road
this campground
very rough,
especially
$6
Vault
–
–
–
This road and campground are extensively damaged and
therain.
campground
is closed
until further
notice.
after
High-clearance
vehicles
are recommended.
Campground
Location
Azalea
Other information
The following campgrounds are closed until spring or summer: Buckeye Flat,
Lodgepole, Dorst Creek, Crystal Springs, Sunset, Canyon View, Sheep Creek,
Sentinel, Moraine, Cold Springs, and Atwell Mill campgrounds.
First-come, First-served for Winter
This winter, camping is available on a first-come, first
served basis at Azalea. Paying for only one night at a
Check in and Check out
Dump Station
time due to weather, road conditions, or other causes
The Potwisha dump station is under construction and
will be closed for part of the winter.
up to 24 hours after a heavy winter storm. Consider
checking out prior to a major storm, or prepare for an
extended campground stay due to impassable roads.
Reservations
John
Muir
Lodge
Check in and check out is at noon.
time is recommended. Campgrounds may close at any
and refunds cannot be issued. Snow removal can take
Azalea
Campground
180
180
GRANT
GROVE
Wuksachi
Lodge
Campsite Amenities
Each campsite has a table, food storage box, and
accommodates up to six people and one vehicle. There
are no RV hook-ups in the parks.
Roadside Camping
pass online at Recreation.gov, or call (877) 444-6777
(TDD: (877) 833-6777).
Roadside camping is not permitted in the park. Camp
only in designated sites in campgrounds.
RV and Trailer Length Limits
Quiet and Generator Hours
Check length limits on park roads and at campsites if
Noise should be audible in your site only. Quiet hours
are 10 pm–6 am (no generators).
Potwisha
Campground
G
Make camping reservations or purchase an entrance
LODGEPOLE
driving an RV or trailer.
to South Fork
Campground
e
en
GIANT FOREST
y
wa
gh
Hi
ls
ra
FOOTHILLS
198
180
High-clearance
vehicles recommended
Activities and Programs
All ranger activities are free of charge.
Sequoia Parks Conservancy
SPC Adventures
Ranger-led Walks & Talks
Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC) is the official nonprofit partner of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National
Parks. SPC works hand-in-hand with the National Park
Service to provide tours and retail services. SPC funds
critical projects
that help protect
and preserve
the treasures
of our great
parks for future
generations.
Stop into any
park store or visit
us online to learn
more about what
we do.
SPC Adventures can help you have a fun and
memorable journey in Sequoia and Kings Canyon
National Parks. Join private group tours and connect
with the biggest trees, the darkest skies, and the
wildest wilderness. Everything is here waiting. The only
thing missing is you.
Free programs may be offered in the Foothills, Giant
Forest, and Grant Grove. Check bulletin boards for
schedules of ranger-led activities.
Junior Ranger Program
Pick up a free booklet at any visitor center, complete
the activities, and earn your badge.
Interested in Volunteering?
Log in to volunteer.gov and enter keywords “Sequoia
and Kings Canyon” to see available opportunities, or
call the volunteer office at (559) 565-4232. Volunteers
are needed for invasive plant control, special events,
and routine clerical and maintenance tasks. Individuals
and groups are welcome
For more information, call (559) 565-4251, or visit
www.sequoiaparksconservancy.org/adventures.
@SequoiaParksConservancy
@SeqParksCon
Shop our
online
store!
4
Be Safe
You Are Responsible for Your Safety
Explore Safely
Beautiful, yet remote and rugged, these parks present hazards. Mountain weather
changes quickly, trees fall without warning, and wild animals pose dangers. People
create other hazards by driving poorly, leaving campfres burning, and making bad
decisions. Cell phones can’t be relied on and GPS directions may send you in the
wrong direction. Every day, we help visitors who have emergencies.
•
Avoid traveling alone. Tell someone
your plans and expected return time.
•
Take a map, water, fashlight, and extra
layers of clothes. Do not rely on your
map or fashlight.
Please help us by being prepared—review these safety warnings. Your safety is in your own hands!
•
Be alert for potential hazards above,
around, and on the ground.
River Safety
While swimming in
the parks' lakes and
rivers can be tempting,
drowning is the primary
cause of death here.
Rivers present great danger due to
their swift currents and slippery rocks.
In river-related deaths, many people
did not intend to swim, but fell in.
Currents are strong even during low
water. Drop-offs and undertows are
ever-present. Be vigilant.
Once in a river, getting out can be
nearly impossible. Cold water rapidly
saps your strength and hypothermia
can set in quickly even if it is warm
outside.
•
Do not swim in areas with strong
currents, or steep drop-offs.
•
DO NOT leave children unattended.
•
Swimming and alcohol or drugs do not
mix. Swim sober.
•
Wear sturdy shoes. Sharp objects in
the water can cut bare feet.
•
During storms, get out of the water
and exit beach areas.
•
NEVER SWIM ALONE.
Tree Hazards
Branches and trees may fall,
whether dead or alive, and when
there is no wind. Keep eyes and
ears open. Run if you hear cracks
or snapping from roots, trunks, or branches (sometimes
there is no sound). Don't linger under dead, cracked,
broken, or hanging branches. Avoid spending any time
under trees that are rotten at the base or have cracked
bark that is peeling off the trunk.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia can occur year-round.
Stay dry and snack often. Symptoms
include: shivering, exhaustion,
confusion, memory loss, slurred
speech, and fumbling hands. If
symptoms appear, drink warm sugary drinks and get
into dry clothes, sleeping bags, and shelter.
Snow Play Safety
In an emergency, contact a ranger
at Kings Canyon Visitor Center or
Giant Forest Museum, or call 911.
When sledding:
• Slide feet frst.
• Consider wearing a helmet.
• Make sure the path is clear — don’t slide near rocks,
trees, branches, or people.
• After sliding, look uphill. Move out of the way of
people coming downhill next.
• Avoid hard-packed snow or ice, where speed and
direction get out of control.
Poison Oak
This shrub grows up to 5,000 feet
(1,524 m) in elevation, and can
cause an itchy rash if touched.
Poison oak has leaves in groups
of three. In fall, leaves are red and
berries whitish, it is bare in winter, and has shiny green
leaves in spring. If you touch any part of it, wash skin
and clothes with soap and warm water right away.
Changing Weather
Prior to driving to the parks check
the weather forecast for current
conditions. Weather changes quickly
and unexpectedly. Know when it is
time to call it quits and head back to
the trailhead. If it starts to get cloudy, consider returning
to the trailhead earlier than intended. Roads can close
at any time due to winter storms.
Winter Driving
Winter driving on roads within the
parks can be a pleasant adventure
or it can be frustrating, tiring, and
sometimes even hazardous. Follow
these tips to have a safe visit:
• Slow down!
• Always carry tire chains in fall, winter, and spring.
• Beware of poor visibility and reduced traction.
• Allow extra distance between vehicles.
• Use low gears, especially when driving downhill
• Watch out for snow plows.
Keep Pets Safe
To keep pets and wildlife safe, pets
are not allowed on any trails. Pets
are vulnerable to tick and snake
bites. Bears and deer have also been
known to charge or attack dogs.
Leashed pets are allowed in campgrounds, parking lots,
paved roads, and picnic areas. Pick up all pet waste and
properly dispose.
Plague & Hantavirus
Plague and hantavirus are associated
with wildlife here, but cases of
human infection are rare. Rodents
and their feas may carry plague,
which may infect humans when
bitten. Hantavirus is an airborne virus that comes from
infected deer mice. Typically people contract hantavirus
after they clean areas or are in enclosed spaces with
deer mice feces.
Safety in Burned Areas
Watch for falling trees.
Branches and trees may fall, whether dead or alive,
even when there is no wind. Keep eyes and ears
open. Listen for cracks or snapping from roots,
trunks, or branches. Don't linger under dead, cracked,
broken, or hanging branches. Avoid spending any
time under burned trees.
Keep Bears Wild
Bears will grab unattended food and break into cars when food is visible. Some bears
have become bold and aggressive because they have obtained human foods. Too
often, these bears must be killed as they become dangerous. Food storage is key to
keeping humans safe and bears alive.
In Wilderness
Hanging food often fail. 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 ft
in a backpack. Rent bearresistant 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.
Don't enter closed areas.
There are identifed risks in these areas, including
burned bridges, hazard trees, and sections of trail that
are unstable due to erosion. Many of these hazards
may be hard to spot.
Drive carefully.
Rocks, debris, and even downed trees may be present
on roads at any time. Be alert and drive slowly,
especially during rainy or windy weather. Yield to
snowplows that are clearing roads, and follow tire
chain requirements when they are in place. Watch out
for animals.
Stay on trails.
Though it may be tempting to wander, off-trail areas
have hazards such as rolling rocks, holes, and unstable
soils.
Be careful if it's rainy or windy.
Storms and wind make many of the hazards even
more dangerous. Consider waiting until the weather
is better before traveling in a burned area.
If you encounter dangerous conditions,
turn back.
Conditions in burned areas can change quickly. Turn
around if you see a problem and you're not sure if it's
safe to continue. Report dangerous conditions to park
staff.
Be safe around rivers.
Rivers present great danger due to their swift currents
and slippery rocks. In river-related deaths, many
people did not intend to swim, but fell in. Currents
are strong even during low water.
Check at trailheads
for information about
potential hazards or
closures.
5
Everywhere
Campgrounds
Store food day and night in the metal food storage
boxes provided (avoid using coolers that won’t ft;
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 hand sanitizer, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, and
cleaning supplies—and will mistake these items for food. Store anything with an odor.
Wildlife Viewing & Safety
Keep Wildlife Safe
Mountain Lions and Bobcats
Do not feed or touch ANY wild animals. All animals
in the parks are wild. View animals at safe distances
(the length of two city buses) or through binoculars.
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:
Never disrupt, approach, or disturb animals from
behaving normally. Keep a minimum distance of 25
yards (two bus lengths) from most wildlife and 100
yards from predators like bears and wolves.
• Do not run; running may trigger pursuit.
• Pick up children.
• Try to appear as large as possible and 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 foothills, home to more species of plants and animals than the rest of these parks combined.
Chaparral, oak woodlands, and river canyons offer mild winter trails.
Things to Do
Foothills Visitor Center and Sequoia
Parks Conservancy Park Store
Open 9 am–4:00 pm, daily (hours subject to
change). WiFi available. Maps, books, and other
items sold here. Aveces hay guardabosques aqui
quienes hablan español.
Wilderness Permits
Self-register at the permit station at the building
behind the Foothills Visitor Center. Follow the trail
behind the visitor center and look for the permit
station just across the lower parking lot.
Potwisha Campground and
Day Use Area
The campground is situated along the Marble Fork
of the Kaweah River, just four miles from the Ash
Mountain entrance, in the Sierra Foothills. Nearby
trails lead to oak woodlands, river canyons, and
spring wildfowers.
Wildfower Viewing
Spring wildfowers are being spotted on trails
throughout the foothills. Stop by the Foothills
Visitor Center to fnd out what is blooming and
which trails are ideal for wildfower viewing.
© Kirke Wrench
ô Hospital Rock Picnic Area
Highway Closures
See rock paintings and explore exhibits about the
California Native Americans who lived here and still
visit and live nearby. If you fnd an artifact, leave it in
place and notify a ranger. Take a short walk to the
river or a longer walk on the Middle Fork Trail. Be
careful; drownings have occurred in the nearby river
and bears are active here. Store your food in a food
storage box or keep it within arm's reach.
Winter storms may close the Generals Highway at any
time. If the highway closes at Hospital Rock, features
in the Foothills area may still be open, but there will
be no access to the Giant Forest, including snowplay,
sequoia groves, and the General Sherman Tree.
Tunnel Rock
The historic Generals Highway once went through
this tunnel (pictured below), created by the Civilian
Conservation Corps. Now, it’s a popular photo spot
with iconic views. Access to the base of the rock and
the tunnel is level and paved.
Mineral King
January storms caused extensive
damage to Mineral King Road.
Though the Mineral King area is usually open in
winter to people who ski, snowshoe, or hike into the
area, the road is closed due to severe damage from
winter storms. Three sections of the roadway are
unstable. Search and rescue efforts may be delayed
in Mineral King until repairs are completed. Consider
visiting another area for winter activities.
The Grant Grove area, two hours from the entrance
to Sequoia National Park, may be open. Check road
conditions before you travel there: (559) 565-3341
(press 1,1).
Snowplay in Sequoia National Park
Snowplay at Wolverton
Wolverton Road starts just north of
the Sherman Tree. Turn on this road
to reach the snowplay area. Sledding
is at the end of the road. It is plowed
during daylight hours Fridays through
Sundays plus Wednesdays and
holidays, through mid-March. After
storms, it may take hours or even days
to open this road as plows must clear
the main road frst.
Wolverton
Snowplay Area
General Sherman Tree
Giant Forest Museum
Leave No Trace
Please don't leave broken sleds and
trash behind. Too often, spring melt
reveals piles of trash left in the snow.
Foothills Visitor Center
Giant Forest
Welcome to the big trees in winter. Winter trail maps can be purchased at
Giant Forest Museum. Road may close to this area at any time.
D Wolverton
Visiting the General Sherman Tree
Main Sherman
C Tree Parking (Closed,
Main Sherman Tree Trail and Parking
B
This parking area has closed for the season due to
snow accumulation. The 2023 tentative opening date
is March 24, depending on weather conditions.
Wheelchair-Accessible and Winter
Sherman Tree Trail
A
With the accumulation of snow, this parking area is
open to all. Check signs at the parking area before
parking here if you don't have an accessibility placard.
Do not park in the roadway.
Once the main parking area opens, 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.
Giant Forest
Museum
Giant Forest Museum
B
Accessible and Winter Sherman
Tree Parking
C
This lot usually flls early in the day.
Main/Summer Sherman
Tree Parking
This parking area has closed for the season
due to an accumulation of snow. The
2023 tentative opening date is March 24,
depending on weather conditions.
Park only in designated spots in parking areas or in
paved pullouts. Vehicles parked in unpaved areas
along the highway pose a danger to traffc and may
be ticketed.
This level, paved loop has trailside
exhibits about sequoias. Start your
walk at Giant Forest Museum for
a 1-mile (1.6 km) round-trip walk.
Ski or snowshoe once snow gets
deep. There are no yellow ski-trail
markers along this trail. If you have
a disability placard, park at the
trailhead for a 0.75-mile (1 km)
loop. Check signs at the parking
area before parking here if you
don't have a placard. In winter, this
trail may not meet standards for
accessibility.
Sherman Tree Trail
accessible parking
This parking area is on the main park
highway. When the main parking area
closes, this parking is open to all.
From the Sherman Tree, continue along this fairly
level 2-mile (3.2 km) loop through the heart of the
Giant Forest sequoia grove. Follow the yellow triangle
markers posted on trees.
ô Big Trees Trail
tentative opening date of March 24)
A
Congress Trail
If parking in the lower Sherman Tree parking lot is
full, consider coming back later in the day, or visiting
sequoias in a quieter area. Options for seeing the
Giant Forest sequoia grove include Big Trees Trail,
Hazelwood Nature Loop, and hikes beginning at Giant
Forest Museum.
7
D
Photo by NPS/Alison Taggart-Barone
Open 10 am–4 pm, daily (hours subject to change).
Winter trail maps, books, and other items are sold
here. Aveces hay guardabosques aqui quienes
hablan Español.
Wilderness Permits
Self-register outside Giant Forest Museum.
Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road
This road has closed for the season due to snow
accumulation. But is open year-round for hiking.
Stay safe by fnding an alternate hiking trail if the
Moro Rock stairs are icy or snowy.
Wuksachi Lodge & Restaurant
Snowshoe rentals are available here.
Wolverton Picnic and Snowplay Area
Have a relaxing picnic or play in the snow at
Wolverton Snowplay Area. The Wolverton Snowplay
Area is located at the end of Wolverton Road at an
elevation of 7,250 feet (2,160 meters).
This area is at the end of Wolverton Road.
If you use this area for snowplay, have fun
and stay safe.
Paradise Creek
Things to Do
Giant Forest Museum and Sequoia
Parks Conservancy Park Store
Wolverton Snowplay Area
Snowplay Safety
Sled Safely
Every winter, people get hurt badly while sledding in
the park. Sledding accidents send over 20,000 people
to emergency rooms each year in this country.
Don’t let an accident ruin your winter
fun.
•
When sledding, slide feet frst.
•
Consider wearing a helmet.
•
Make sure your path is clear. Don’t slide near rocks,
trees, branches, or other people.
•
After sliding, look uphill. Move out of the way of
people coming downhill after you.
•
Don’t slide into roads or parking lots.
•
Avoid hard-packed snow or ice, where speed and
direction get out of control.
•
Sliding devices that can be steered may be safer
than others.
In an emergency, contact a ranger at any visitor center
or museum, or call 911.
8
Grant Grove
Wander through snowy sequoia groves or snowshoe through a forest logged at the turn of the century. The
Grant Grove area offers a chance to explore, with some amenities nearby.
Grant Tree Trail
This is the only intermittently plowed trail in the area.
Beware of slippery ice and packed snow. This 0.3-mile
(0.5 km) paved loop trail leads to the world’s secondlargest living tree. Drive 0.1-mile (0.16 km) north of
Grant Grove Village and look for road signs leading to
the parking area and trailhead. On the trail, look for
tactile exhibits about sequoias.
North Grove Loop
This lightly traveled, 2-mile (3.2 km) loop with a
400-foot (120 m) elevation change offers a close look
at sequoias and a quiet forest walk or snowshoe. Start
at the Grant Tree bus and RV overfow parking area.
Follow the round red markers on trees.
Visitor Center to Grant Tree Trailhead
Snow Play Areas
Grant Grove Snowplay Areas
Big Stump and Columbine picnic areas are designated
for snowplay. Big Stump may close due to facilities
maintenance. Snowplay is prohibited in all other areas
in Grant Grove, including Azalea Campground, which
is for campers only.
Nearby Forest Service Areas
Snowplay is allowed at Cherry Gap Trailhead and
Quail Flat (when the Generals Highway is open).
Other national forest areas offer opportunities for
skiing and snowshoeing.
Cherry Gap
Snowplay
Area
General
Grant Tree
Columbine
Snowplay
Area
Kings Canyon
Visitor Center
GRANT
GROVE
180
180
Big Stump
Entrance
Big Stump
Snowplay
Area
Quail Flat
Snowplay
Area
K IN G S
CANYON
N A T IO N A L
PARK
ne
Ge
This 2-mile (3.2 km) round-trip forested trail passes
through Azalea Campground and Columbine Picnic
Area and has a 400-foot (120 m) elevation change.
Start from the Grant Tree parking area or across the
highway from the visitor center. Follow the green and
yellow diamond markers on trees.
Snowshoe Panoramic Drive
Panoramic Drive, which closes to vehicles in winter,
is open for hiking or snowshoeing. This strenuous
5-mile (8 km) round trip to Panoramic Point climbs
almost 1,000 feet (300 m) in elevation. Snowshoes or
traction devices are