Sequoia & Kings Canyon Guide

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Summer 2023 Trip Planner ANGIE OLSEN Information in this newspaper can change at any time as we work to safely increase access to the parks. Welcome to the Land of Giants Rising from 1,300 feet (396 m) to 14,494 feet (4,418 m), the highest elevation in the lower 48 states, these parks protect a spectacular elevational range. Within our boundaries are dramatic shifts from warm foothills to cool forests to the cold High Sierra. Diverse plants and animals living in extremely varied conditions call the parks home. The parks encompass steep roads, trails that climb mountains, and cold rivers that plunge down from epic heights. This is not one, but two national parks—Sequoia and Kings Canyon— managed by the National Park Service as one unit. As you travel, look for evidence of past fires and storms. The 2021 KNP Complex Fire burned along much of the Generals Highway. Last winter’s record-breaking precipitation fell on burned slopes that had been cleared of vegetation. The resulting mudslides caused significant damage to park highways and roads. Crews are working on repairs. Road construction is likely to cause driving delays throughout the summer, and highways leading to Cedar Grove and Mineral King may remain closed all summer. Please have patience as we work to safely restore access to the parks. Park Area May 27 to September 4 September 5 to October 9 Foothills Visitor Center Foothills 8 am to 5 pm 8 am to 5 pm Giant Forest Museum Giant Forest 9 am to 6 pm 9 am to 5 pm Lodgepole Visitor Center Lodgepole 8 am to 5 pm Tentative July Opening 8 am to 5 pm Kings Canyon Visitor Center Grant Grove 8 am to 5 pm 8 am to 5 pm 26 mi/42 km 50 minutes General Sherman Tree 29 mi/47 km 60 minutes Giant Forest Museum 31 mi/49 km 65 minutes EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 Emergency calls can be made on any cellular network, even if you do not have service for regular calls. Road Conditions (559) 565-3341, (press 1, then 1) Gas may be available in the Sequoia National Forest. • Hume Lake (559) 305-7770 • Stony Creek Village (559) 565-3909 Road Closures • Generals Highway from Hospital Rock to Giant Forest (tentative July opening) • Highway 180 into Cedar Grove • Mineral King Road • Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road (closed weekends & holidays) • Crystal Cave Road Emergency Car Repairs Drive Times and Distances (Miles/Kilometers) Lodgepole Visitor Center Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center Gasoline Find a Visitor Center Grant Grove Village Important Information Road Rules Getting Around the Parks Grant Grove Village Current Conditions The parks do not tow or repair vehicles. If you are blocking traffic, call 911 or contact the emergency communications center at (559) 565-3341, ext. 9. Lodgepole Visitor Center General Sherman Tree Giant Forest Museum Foothills Visitor Center 26 mi/42 km 50 minutes 29 mi/47 km 60 minutes 31 mi/49 km 65 minutes 46 mi/74 km 170 minutes due to construction Tentative July Road Opening 3 mi/5 km 10 minutes 5 mi/7 km 15 minutes 20 mi/32 km 120 minutes due to construction Tentative July Road Opening Vehicle Length Restrictions Start Finish Length 4 mi/6 km 15 minutes 20 mi/ 32 km 120 minutes due to construction Tentative July Road Opening Foothills Visitor Center Potwisha Campground 24 feet 7.3 m Potwisha Campground Giant Forest 22 feet 6.7 m Giant Forest Grant Grove No limits 3 mi/5 km 10 minutes 5 mi/7 km 15 minutes 4 mi/6 km 15 minutes 16 mi/26 km 105 minutes due to construction Tentative July Road Opening Table of Contents Welcome 1 Visitor Center Hours 1 Drive Times 1 Road Rules 1 Facilities and Services 2 Campgrounds 2 Explore Wilderness 3 Sequoia National Forest 3 Ranger Recommendations 4 and 5 Safety and Regulations 6 Accessibility in the Parks 6 Download an App 6 Spanish Information 7 Park Areas and Driving Map 8 Free Sequoia Shuttle 8 Sequoia Parks Conservancy 8 Sequoia andPark Kings Canyon National Service National Parks U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Welcome! Ask for printed information in other languages. ¡Bienvenido! Solicite información impresa en español. Bienvenue! Demandez des informations imprimées en français. Wilkommen! Fordern Sie gedruckte Informationen in deutscher Sprache an. Benvenuti! Richiedi informazioni stampate in italiano. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (559) 565-3341 Mailing Address Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs 47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA 93271 NPS / BRITTANY BURNETT Services and Facilities Sequoia Kings Canyon Foothills Lodgepole Village Grant Grove Village Foothills Visitor Center • Park Store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Picnic area nearby Lodgepole Visitor Center Tentative Opening in July • Park Store (SPC) • Shuttle stop Kings Canyon Visitor Center • Park Store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Wilderness permits Giant Forest Village Shops - opening date TBD • Market and gift shop: 8 am to 8 pm Village Shops • Market: 8 am to 8 pm • Gift shop: 10 am to 7 pm • Post office: weekdays, 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm E-mail seki_information@nps.gov Web nps.gov/seki Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center @sequoiakingsnps Giant Forest Museum • Park Store • Water bottle filling station • Shuttle stop • Wilderness permits Wuksachi Emergency - Dial 911 Wuksachi Lodge Lobby open 24 hours • Gift shop: 8 am to 8 pm Park Fees Pay your entrance fee at park entrance stations. Annual and lifetime passes cover this fee. Pass and photo ID are required for access. 7-day Passes Single Vehicle .................... $35 Motorcycle ......................... $30 Individual ........................... $20 Fare-free Park Shuttles Through September 10 Daily from 8:30 am to 6 pm throughout Giant Forest and Lodgepole, with pickups every 10 to 15 minutes. Wuksachi Lodge’s Peaks Restaurant • Open to the public • Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am • Lunch: 11:30 am to 3:30 pm • Dinner: 5 am to 9 pm • Bar open for lunch & dinner Grant Grove Restaurant • Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am • Lunch: 11 am to 4 pm • Dinner: 4 pm to 8 pm John Muir Lodge & Cabins Lobby open 24 hours Grant Grove Stables June 10 to September 7 9 am to 4 pm, daily To inquire about lodging availability call (559) 625-7700 or visit www.visitsequoia.com/lodging Sequoia and Kings Canyon Pass Annual Pass........................ $70 (access only to Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs) Interagency Annual and Lifetime Passes Annual Pass........................ $80 Lifetime Senior Pass .......... $80 (for US Citizens aged 62+) Annual Senior Pass ............ $20 (for US Citizens aged 62+) Annual Military Pass ......... Free (for active-duty military and dependents) Access Pass ........................ Free Reservations are required. Campsites are $28 per night. Campsites hold up to six people and each site has a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a metal food-storage box. Check-in and checkout is at noon. Campground Location Make a Reservation Azalea Grant Grove Recreation.gov or Crystal Springs Grant Grove Sunset Grant Grove Recreation.gov App (877) 444-6777, (877) 833-6777 TDD (888) 448-1474 Customer Service (for people with permanent disabilities) Camping Information Other Passes Honored Golden Age, Golden Access, Volunteer, and 4th Grade (Every Kid Outdoors) Toilets Open campgrounds have flush toilets. Propane and Fuel Canisters Please recycle fuel canisters at home. Quiet and No Generator Hours Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am. Dump Stations Potwisha and Lodgepole Campgrounds The Fees You Pay Make a Difference! The parks use these funds for projects that protect and improve visitor services such as: • Maintaining campgrounds • Educating students • Improving accessibility • Fare-free Sequoia Shuttle 2 Find a Campground Roadside Camping Roadside camping is not permitted in the parks. Camp only in designated campground sites. Campfires - when restrictions allow Campfires must be out cold before you leave your campsite. Kings Canyon National Park No Shows Sites that remain vacant by noon on the second day of a reservation may be released for new reservations. Due to road damage from winter storms, Cedar Grove campgrounds are closed for the 2023 season. Sequoia National Park Dorst Closed for the 2023 season Lodgepole Lodgepole/ Giant Forest Potwisha Foothills Buckeye Flat Closed for the 2023 season South Fork Closed for the 2023 season Mineral King Campgrounds may be closed due to ongoing road repairs of damage from winter storms. Experience Wilderness Wilderness Safety NPS / NATHAN PEARSEY NPS / TIMOTHY NG NPS / ERIC VICHICH Wilderness is untrammeled, natural, and undeveloped, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are 97% designated Wilderness. Magnifcent glacial canyons, broad lake basins, lush meadows, and sheer granite peaks—hallmarks of the most rugged portion of the High Sierra—form the core of the largest expanse of contiguous wilderness in California, which is visited and valued by people from around the world. Get a wilderness permit and solitude is just a long hike away. Wilderness Permits Due to winter storm damage, entry points to wilderness will look diferent this year. During the summer quota period, May 26 to September 23, there are limits on the number of people each day that may enter the wilderness at an entry point and a fee is required. Most trailheads allow advance reservations on Recreation.gov. Unused quota permits are available frst-come, frst-served for walkups at permit issuing stations. Wilderness Permit Station locations can be found below. Wilderness Permits for Overnight Travel Foothills Wilderness Offce Follow the path south of the visitor center to the Wilderness Offce across the parking lot. 8 am to 3:30 pm Giant Forest/ Lodgepole Giant Forest Museum 7 am to 3:30 pm Grant Grove Kings Canyon Visitor Center 8 am to 4 pm Due to road damage from winter storms, all Cedar Grove wilderness permit reservations through July 31 have been canceled. If you have reservations for Cedar Grove after August 1, 2023 or for Mineral King after June 29, they will be reevaluated as road work progresses. Food Storage Store all food in a bearresistant 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. Rental Cost $5 for three nights $2 per additional night Water Park waterways may contain bacteria, including Giardia. Properly flter or treat water before drinking. Hypothermia Hypothermia can occur yearround. Stay warm and eat snacks. 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, or shelter. Hiking at Altitude Most trails here are above 5,000 feet (1,524 m) elevation. People not accustomed to high altitudes may need to acclimate to the low oxygen levels, which can cause shortness of breath and dehydration. Plan for a slow ascent and drink lots of water. Leave a Detailed Itinerary Create a detailed itinerary of your backpacking trip. Your itinerary should include your start date, time, name of trailhead, camping locations, and your estimated return date. Leave this itinerary with a trusted responsible person. Emergency - Dial 911 Sequoia National Forest Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument have over 1.1 million acres (4,452 sq km) of recreational opportunities. The forest ofers 52 developed campgrounds, more than 1,147 miles (1,846 km) of trails, over 314,448 acres (1,273 sq km) of wilderness, 222 miles (357 km) of Wild and Scenic Rivers, 2,617 rivers and streams, world-class whitewater rapids, 158 ponds and lakes, boating, fshing, biking, horseback riding, and more. Services and Facilities Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake District Hume Lake Ofce Open 9 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (559) 338-2251 or visit their website Campgrounds • Big Meadows • Horse Camp • Hume Lake • Landslide • Princess • Tenmile • Upper Stony Creek Wilderness Camping Contact the Hume Lake Ofce. Dispersed Camping Dispersed camping is available, but restrictions apply. Contact the Hume Lake Ofce of Sequoia National Forest for more information. Permits for portable stoves or fres are required and are available online. Montecito Sequoia Lodge (559) 565-3388 This lodge has cabins, a restaurant, hotel, and Wi-Fi. Hume Lake Village (559) 305-7770 Gas station, market, and snack shop are available. Gas pumps may close. Call ahead before you travel here. Stony Creek Resort (559) 565-3909 This area has camping, room rentals, a market, and gas station. Gas pumps are credit card only when market is closed. Boyden Cavern Boyden Cavern is closed for the 2023 season. Walking, hiking, and biking are not allowed on closed California highways, like Highway 180 past the Hume Lake Road junction. NPS/KIEL MADDOX NPS/KIEL MADDOX National Parks vs National Forests Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Sequoia National Forest Pets Pets are not allowed on trails. Pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m) are allowed in parking lots, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Pets are allowed in developed areas and on trails. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m). Collect Resources Collecting objects is not allowed in parks. This includes natural objects, such as pine cones, rocks, plants, animals, and cultural artifacts such as arrowheads, beads, or pottery shards. You may keep a few cones or rocks for personal use. Collecting artifacts such as arrowheads, beads, or pottery shards is prohibited. Hunting Not in the parks. You are responsible for understanding & complying with all applicable state, local, and federal frearms laws before entering the parks. Only seasonally with a license. Call 559-243-4005 or learn more online. Not in the parks. Stay on the roads. Get off-highway-vehicle (OHV) route information at USFS Hume Lake Offce in Dunlap. Wood cutting is prohibited, though campers may gather downed wood when not in sequoia groves. Allowed. Please contact the nearest Forest Service offce for guidance and a permit. Off-Road Driving Cutting Wood Not allowed within the parks. Dispersed Car Camping Restrictions apply. 3 Ranger Recommendations for Sequoia and Kings Can Grant Grove Area t Nor y ar No r Park Ridge Trail th il Tra n se Trail t Crystal Springs Columbine Su 2 3 Landslide 4 Tenmile S E Q U N A T I O F O R nita Trail anza General Grant Tree nd ita Sunset n ar Roa d 1 Grant Grove Village y Trai l Fire M Hume Lake Chicago Stump Manza South Bou Azalea 180 Princess CONVERSE BASIN GROVE 1 Tra il Pa Tr rk Ridge et Trail Trail Sequoia Grant Grove Village N at i onal Fore s t/ G i ant S e quoia N at i ona l QU A IL F L Monume nt AT a ale Az Ella Viola Falls Falls ail Suns Boole Tree Highway 180 to Cedar Grove is closed due to winter storm damage 3 h B oun d l Trail rra Grov Panoramic Point NAT ION AL FOR EST NAT ION AL PAR K Co General Grant Tree e Loop To Hume Lake GRANT GROVE North 2 180 s Trail 180 Big Stump Entrance Redwood 5 Mountain 6 Kings Canyon Overlook & Buena Vista Trail Generals Highway ends Main Road ay way Big Stump Park Entrance gh 4 To Sequoia National Park and Hwy 198 Hi Ge rals High ne w ls 180 Key m asin Lo op pB BIG STUMP SEQUOIA GROVE ra S tu Park Ridge Lookout ne Big Monteci Lodge Ge Hitch cock Mea do w Overlook Secondary Road NATIONA L PARK NATIONA L FOREST Closed Road Stony Creek Village (closed in winte Trail Accessible Trail Ranger Recommendation Roundtrip Distance Starting Point Park Boundary 1 General Grant Tree Trail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Grant Grove Parking Lot National Park Service 2 North Grove Trail (loop) 1.5 miles 2.4 km Grant Grove Bus Parking Lot 3 Panoramic Point Trail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Panoramic Point Parking Lot 3 Park Ridge Trail 4.7 miles 7.6 km Panoramic Point Parking Lot Picnic Area 4 Big Stump Basin Trail 1 mile 1.6 km Big Stump Picnic Area Market and Snacks 5 Redwood Mountain Overlook Viewpoint Just West of Redwood Mountain Road 6 Buena Vista Trail 3.2 miles 5.1 km Kings Canyon Overlook Parking Area 6 Kings Canyon Overlook Viewpoint Kings Canyon Overlook Parking Area 7 Lost Grove Viewpoint Rest Area along the Generals Highway Muir Grove Trail 4 miles 6.4 km Dorst Creek Campground Tokopah Falls Trail 3.4 miles 5.5 km Lodgepole Campground Features 8 9 MUIR GROVE US Forest Service NPS Visitor Center Restroom Crystal Closed for the 202 Food and Drinks Post Office Accessible Area Accessible Parking 1 Ranger Recommendation Park Campground Generals Highw Once it is open, drive with caution Forest Campground Lodging Gas Stations Shuttle Stop Parking Lot Wi-Fi Tu R Giant Sequoias Hiking Ash Mounta Entran Scenic Viewpoint Point of Interest Fire Lookout Waterfall Stables 198 NPS/ S. TAYLOR 4 Three Rivers Highway 198 to Three Rivers nyon National Parks K in g s Can yo n Byw ay S ce nic U O I A O N A L E S T Features Ranger Recommendation Roundtrip Distance Starting Point 10 Congress Trail (loop) Sherman Tree Parking Lot or Shuttle Stop 10 10 Sherman General Tree Trail 2.9 miles 4.7 km 1.2 miles 1.9 km Sherman Tree Parking Lot or Shuttle Stop 11 General Sherman Tree Accessible Trail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Sherman Tree Accessible Parking Lot, or Shuttle Stop 12 Big Trees Trail (loop) 0.7 miles 1.1 km Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot 13 Tunnel Log On roadway Along Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road 14 Moro Rock Trail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Along Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road 15 Amphitheater Point Overlook 12 Viewpoint Parking area along Generals Highway 16 Hospital Rock Cultural site Hospital Rock Picnic Area 17 Marble Falls Trail 6.2 miles 10 km Potwisha Campground, near site #14 18 Tunnel Rock 0.1 mile 0.2 km Parking area along Generals Highway Big Meadows Giant Forest Area Lod gep ol e -to -S ito Sequoia KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK General Sherman Tree Trail (Placard Required) l Trail rai aT Tra Alt il o ft Co he ng Trail p o shington Wa ee Tr oi eq u eS eadow as off Log M Loop 13 Crescent Meadow Parking Lot and Trail Tr og sL p’ L ar h T w oop High ado Sierra Me Trail Log Tunnel Log il Si er ra Tra High 13 il a Tr M or o Pine l i Tra Trail Bobca t t n oi P Ro iers Hanging Rock r ga Su Sold 14 Crescent Meadow Huckleberry Meadow t Log Cu ad ow Me il Cresc ent Tharp’s Trailof th il Tra l Tra Trail ai l Low er Circle w ay ea d hw Circle Tr a il Moro Rock 14 Parking Lot SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK ine ar P Sug Trail Moro Rock ig (Closed) Trai l Buckeye Flat il Tra 16 ton Tr r Hil ck ck Amphitheater Point Overlook Hospital Rock berry iers Trail Bea Ro Moro Rock Potwisha Huckle G I A N T F ORES T il Tra Tunnel Log 15 Lo So ld 11 To Three Rivers and Visalia. Closed until sometime in July. Moro GIANT FOREST 17 o (Closed weekends and holidays) 10 12 Giant Forest Museum Marble Falls GIANT F ORES T M ee Old Bear Giant Forest Museum Hill Road and Park Store er 2023) Congress Trail way closed from Hospital Rock to Giant Forest until July. n through construction zones. ng s Big Trees Trail ub ht at ed os Summer parking for Sherman Tree Trail General Sherman Tree Sherman Tree Shuttle Stop and Accessible Parking and Trail as ea M B hi e Roa d (C l Wolverton 23 season. Circle Meadow l al Cryst Cav l Cave um m Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road Wa s Hazelwood Nature Loop Beetle Rock Tokopah Falls 9 Big Trees Trail rai aT (Closed) ck Alt Wuksachi Village Ro Trail Dorst Creek Lodgepole Visitor Center and Village weah Tra il Ka Rimrock Sunset 8 Be ars oi o Lo r aT 12 qu do w ail Alt Se p res s Tra il Wo lve Rimrock rton Cut Pinewood Picnic Area 7 18 off Co ng res s Co Alt ng a Tr res s l Tra i G I A N T F ORES T ail Tra i l 11 LOST GROVE er) ain nce Sherman Tree Parking Lot and Trail 10 Sherman Tree Shuttle Stop and Accessible Parking and Trail Sunset Rock e unnel Rock To Wolverton Road h Horse Camp erm an Tree Trail Wolverton Road, access to General Sherman Parking Lot Ge n a er ls H North Foothills Visitor Center 0 0 Mineral King Road is closed at the park boundary for road repairs during summer 2023. 1 2 Kilometers 1 2 Miles Mineral King Ranger Station NPS 5 Lookout Point Entrance Keep Yourself and the Parks Safe 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. Don’t linger under dead, cracked, or broken hanging branches or trees with rotten bases. Fire Restrictions Fire restrictions may be in place at any time and at any elevation. Prohibited locations for wood or charcoal fres will be posted. Restrictions change as conditions change. Check for information on park bulletin boards or at visitor centers. Air Quality In summer months, ozone concentrations often exceed federal health standards. Ozone can have negative health efects. Fishing Fishing is permitted in most areas of the parks, and on adjacent national forests. People 16 years of age or older are required to have a California fshing license. Get copies of park-specifc regulations at any visitor center. River Safety Drowning is the primary cause of death in the parks. Rivers present a great danger due to their swift currents and slippery rocks. Do not leave children unattended. Wear sturdy shoes, and never swim alone. Drones Launching, landing, or operating remotely piloted aircrafts (such as model airplanes, quadcopters, or drones) is prohibited. Firearms It is illegal to discharge a frearm within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks or to bring one into any federal building. Hunting and trapping are illegal in the parks. Pets Pets are not permitted on any trails in the parks. Pets in designated areas must be kept on a maximum 6-foot (1.8 m) leash at all times. Pick up and dispose of all pet waste. Do not leave pets unattended or in vehicles where they can easily overheat. Keep Wildlife Wild You Are in Black Bear Country Bears will grab unattended food and break into cars when food is visible. Bears have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to human food as well as hand sanitizer, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, cleaning supplies, and child safety seats. Bears that have had human food can become aggressive and dangerous and have to be killed. A fed bear is a dead bear. Food storage is the key to protecting humans and bears. Wildlife Viewing Safety Wildlife Viewing Viewing wildlife is an amazing opportunity that comes with responsibility. Give animals room to move. Stay a minimum distance of 25 yards (23 m) from most wildlife and 100 yards (91 m) from predators like bears and mountain lions. In general, if a wild animal reacts to your presence, you are too close. Remember that wildlife are wild and can be unpredictable when they are disturbed or surprised. Use binoculars or a zoom lens from a safe distance and move back if an animal approaches you. Keep Wildlife Wild and observe from a safe distance. NPS / ALISON TAGGART-BARONE Black Bears If you see a black bear, don’t let it approach you, your food, picnic area, or campsite. Wave your arms, make loud noises, and throw small rocks towards it. Keep a safe distance but be persistent. Mountain Lions and Bobcats These animals normally run away when seen. However, if you see one and it does not run away, follow these tips for a safe encounter: • Do not run; running may trigger a pursuit. • Pick up children. • Try to appear as large as possible, do not crouch down. • Hold your ground, or back away slowly, while facing the animal. • If it acts aggressively, wave your hands, shout, and throw stones and sticks at it. • If attacked, fght back! • Report all sightings. 25 yards (23 m) Food Storage Metal food storage boxes are provided to properly store food and odorous items, when not in use. Store all food, coolers, and anything with an odor, including child safety seats and favored drinks. If no food storage box is available, food items must be stored inside your car trunk or low in the vehicle, out of sight, and keep windows closed. Always keep a clean campsite and throw away all trash in dumpsters. While picnicking, never move away from coolers and tables when food is out. Stay within arm’s length of food. NPS 100 yards (91 m) 25 yards (23 m) is about two bus-lengths NPS Accessibility: Parks for All Accessibility Guide Looking for information about accessibility accommodations for people with disabilities? Ask for a free Accessibility Guide at any park visitor center or download it online. Assisted Listening Devices At Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove, assisted listening devices and audio description are available for the park flm. Ask at the information desk for a receiver. Braille Park Map Borrow a Braille version of the ofcial 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. Borrow a Wheelchair Borrow a manual wheelchair at Lodgepole or Kings Canyon visitor centers or at Giant Forest Museum. Be prepared to provide your address and phone number. Wheelchairs may be used anywhere in the parks but must be returned where they were borrowed by closing time. National Park Service (NPS) App Find maps, information, and an events calendar on this app. Once downloaded, search for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, download content for ofine use. UniDescription App This app translates the map of the parks into acoustic media, designed for people who are blind, visually impaired, print dyslexic, or who prefer learning through sound. Recreation.gov App This app is your on-thego solution for making reservations or purchasing passes. Return to your favorite spot or fnd a new one by searching for the location that is right for you. Exploring in the Digital Age We have an app for that! Download these apps to help plan your visit, fnd the perfect hike, or reserve a campsite. Need Wi-Fi to download? Find free public Wi-Fi at Foothills and Kings Canyon Visitor Centers. 6 Bienvenido al país de los gigantes A una altitud de 1,300 pies (396 m) a 14,494 pies (4,418 m), la mayor elevación en los 48 estados contiguos, estos parques protegen una espectacular cordillera elevada. Dentro de nuestros límites se encuentran impresionantes transiciones, desde las cálidas estribaciones hasta los bosques frescos y la fría High Sierra. En esos parques tienen su hogar diversas plantas y animales, que viven en condiciones extremadamente variadas. Los parques abarcan empinados caminos, senderos que trepan por las montañas y ríos que se desploman desde alturas épicas. En sus recorridos, busque evidencias de incendios y tormentas pasadas. El incendio KNP ardió a lo largo de casi toda la Generals Highway en 2021; después, el invierno de 2022-2023 trajo una precipitación sin precedentes. La lluvia y la nieve que cayeron en las laderas quemadas causaron daños signifcativos a las carreteras y caminos del parque. Ahora hay cuadrillas trabajando en la reparación pero es probable que la construcción de caminos cause demoras en el tráfco durante todo el verano. Tenga paciencia mientras trabajamos para restablecer el acceso seguro a los parques. Manténgase usted mismo y el parque a salvo Peligros con los árboles Pueden caer ramas y árboles, ya sea muertos o vivos, y cuando no haya viento. Tenga los ojos abiertos y escuche con atención. Corra si escucha crujidos o chasquidos de raíces, troncos o ramas. No se entretenga debajo de ramas muertas, rajadas o rotas y colgantes, ni de árboles con la base podrida. Armas de fuego Es ilegal disparar armas de fuego en los parques, así como introducirlas en cualquier edifcio federal. Es ilegal cazar y atrapar animales en los parques. Restricciones de hacer fuego En cualquier momento y en cualquier elevación puede haber restricciones de hacer fuego. Se publicarán los lugares donde está prohibido hacer fogatas de madera o de carbón. Las restricciones cambian conforme cambien las condiciones. Busque la información en los tableros de anuncios del parque o en los centros de visitantes. Drones Está prohibido lanzar, aterrizar y operar aeronaves de piloto remoto, como modelos de avión, cuadricópteros y drones. Calidad del aire En los meses de verano, la concentración de ozono en ocasiones supera las normas federales de salud. El ozono puede tener efectos negativos en la salud. Mascotas No se permiten mascotas en ningún sendero de los parques. Pueden tenerse mascotas en las áreas designadas, con una correa de máximo 6 pies (1.8 m) en todo momento. Recoja y deseche todos los desechos de su mascota. No deje desatendidas sus mascotas ni adentro de vehículos que puedan sobrecalentarse fácilmente. Conserve la fauna silvestre Está en tierra de osos. Los osos se apoderan de la comida desatendida y entran a la fuerza en los autos donde ven alimento. Los osos tienen un refnado sentido del olfato y se sienten atraídos por la comida de los humanos, así como por el desinfectante de manos, los cosméticos, los artículos de tocador, la basura, los artículos de limpieza y los asientos de seguridad para niños. Los osos que han probado alimento humano pueden volverse agresivos y peligrosos, y tienen que ser sacrifcados. Un oso alimentado es un oso muerto. Guardar los alimentos es la clave para proteger a humanos y osos. Observación de la fauna y seguridad Observar la fauna Observar la fauna es una oportunidad maravillosa que implica responsabilidades. Dé espacio a los animales. La mejor forma de estar a salvo al observar la fauna es darles a los animales espacio para moverse. Manténgase a por lo menos 25 yardas (23 m) de distancia de la mayoría de los animales y a 100 yardas (92 m) de depredadores, como osos y pumas. En general, si un animal salvaje reacciona a su presencia, usted está demasiado cerca. Recuerde que los animales salvajes pueden ser impredecibles cuando se sienten perturbados o sorprendidos. Use binoculares o una lente de zoom a una distancia prudente y retroceda si el animal se le acerca. Conserve la fauna silvestre y obsérvela desde una distancia prudente. Los osos negros Si ve a un oso negros, no permita que se le acerque a usted, a su comida ni a su área de picnic o de campamento. Agite los brazos, haga ruidos fuertes y arroje piedras pequeñas en su dirección. Mantenga una distancia prudente, pero sea persistente. 25 yardas (23 m) Los pumas y los gatos monteses normalmente corren cuando son vistos. Sin embargo, si usted ve a un puma o un gato montés y éstos no corren, siga estos consejos para que el encuentro sea seguro: • No corra; correr podría provocar una persecución. • Recoja a sus niños. • Trate de aparecer lo más grande posible; no se acuclille. • Manténgase frme o retroceda lentamente, dándole la cara al animal. • Si el animal actúa agresivamente, agite los brazos, grite y arroje piedras o palos en su dirección. • ¡Si lo ataca, deféndase! • Reporte todas las observaciones. Pesca La pesca está permitida en la mayoría de las áreas de estos parques y en los bosques nacionales adyacentes. A las personas de 16 años o más se les requieren que tengan una licencia de pescar de California. Obtenga los reglamentos específcos del parque en el centro de visitantes. Seguridad en ríos El ahogamiento