Sequoia & Kings Canyon Guide

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Spring 2024 Trip Planner Park Maps Available on Pages 4-5 Road Conditions: (559) 565-3341, (Press 1, Then 1) 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, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect a spectacular elevational range. Dramatic shifts from warm foothills to cool forests to the cold High Sierra can be found here. The extremely varied conditions in the parks make it home to a wide diversity of plants and animals. 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. Current Conditions Look for evidence of past fires and storms. The 2021 KNP Complex Fire burned along much of the Generals Highway. Record-breaking precipitation in winter 2022-2023 fell on burned slopes that had been cleared of vegetation. The resulting mudslides caused significant damage to park highways and roads. www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Important Information Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center Crews continue to work on repairs in 2024. Road construction is likely to cause driving delays through the spring. In addition, some roads are still closed for the winter season. Please have patience as the parks work to safely maintain roads and continue recovery from past damage. EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 Emergency calls can be made on any cellular network, even if you do not have service for regular calls. Gasoline and Charging Stations There is no gas or charging station available in the parks. Gas may be available in Sequoia National Forest. Call ahead of time to check: Hume Lake (559) 305-7770 or Stony Creek Lodge (877) 828-1440. Find a Visitor Center Visitor Center Park Area Until May 24 Foothills Visitor Center Foothills 9 am to 4:30 pm Giant Forest Museum Giant Forest 9 am to 4:30 pm Kings Canyon Visitor Center Grant Grove 9 am to 4:30 pm Road Closures (subject to change) Getting Around the Parks • Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road is closed until snow melts off • Panoramic Point Road • Highway 180 into Cedar Grove • Mineral King Road • Redwood Mountain Road • Crystal Cave Road See page 8 for Generals Highway construction information. Vehicle Emergencies and Towing 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. Drive Distances and Times Foothills Visitor Center 26 mi (42 km) or 87 mi (139 km)* Foothills Visitor Center Grant Grove Village Grant Grove Village 50 min – 120 min 26 mi (42 km) or 87 mi (139 km)* 50 min – 120 min General Sherman Tree 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes Giant Forest Museum 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes 31 mi (49 km) 65 minutes General Sherman Tree Giant Forest Museum 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes 29 mi (47 km) 60 minutes 31 mi (49 km) 65 minutes 2 mi (3.5 km) 10 minutes 2 mi (3.5 km) 10 minutes Travel times can be longer than noted in this chart due to Generals Highway construction (see page 8) or when chain requirements are in effect due to snow or ice (see page 8). * Via Routes 180, 63, 216 and 198 when Generals Highway is closed due to construction (see page 8) or snow. Vehicle Length Restrictions and Recommendations Road Length Limit Generals Highway: Foothills Visitor Center to Potwisha Campground 24 feet1 7.3 m Generals Highway: Potwisha Campground to Giant Forest 22 feet1 6.7 m Moro Rock / Crescent Meadow Road 22 feet2 6.7 m Recommendation, 2Restriction (longer vehicles not allowed) 1 Table of Contents Visitor Center Hours 1 Drive Times 1 Vehicle Length Restrictions 1 Services and Facilities 2 Campgrounds 2 Experience Wilderness 3 Sequoia National Forest 3 Maps 4–5 Ranger Recommendations 4–5 Safety and Regulations 6 Accessibility in the Parks 6 Información en Español 7 Information in this newspaper can change at any time. Parking in Giant Forest 8 Highway Construction 8 Driving in Snow 8 Sequoia Parks Conservancy 8 Experience Wilderness National Park Service Sequoia and Kings Canyon U.S. DepParks artment of the Interior National NPS / NATHAN PEARSEY Welcome! Ask for printed Wilderness Safety NPS / TIMOTHY NG NPS / ERIC VICHICH National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior 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. Services and Facilities 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 Sequoia National Park Kings Canyon National Park Foothills Lodgepole Village Grant Grove Village Foothills Visitor Center • Park Store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Picnic area nearby Village Shops • Market and gift shop: through May 9, 10 am to 5 pm; starting May 10, 9 am to 6 pm. • Lodgepole Grill (tentatively opens May 10): 9 am to 6 pm Kings Canyon Visitor Center • Park Store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Self-issue wilderness permits Giant Forest Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center Giant Forest Museum • Park Store (SPC) • Self-issue wilderness permits Wuksachi Wuksachi Lodge Lobby open 24 hours • Gift shop: 8 am to 5 pm @sequoiakingsnps Emergency - Dial 911 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 Sequoia and Kings Canyon Pass Annual Pass ......................... $70 www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.htm Park Fees Ranger-led programs offered regularly. Services are subject to change based on conditions Annual Military Pass ............. Free Campsite Fee Lifetime Military Pass ............ Free $32 per night Annual Pass ......................... $80 Lifetime Senior Pass ............. $80 (for US Residents / Citizens aged 62+) (for US Residents / Citizens aged 62+) (for active-duty military and dependents) (for Gold Star family members or veterans) Make a reservation (877) 444-6777 (877) 833-6777 TDD Customer Service: (888) 448-1474 Install the Recreation.gov app www.recreation.gov/mobile-app Other Passes Honored Camping Information Golden Age, Golden Access, Volunteer, and 4th Grade (Every Kid Outdoors) Toilets Open campgrounds have flush toilets. 2 Quiet Hours (No Generator Use) Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am. Dump Stations Potwisha Campground, year-round Lodgepole Campground, opens May 22) Grant Grove Restaurant • Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am • Lunch: 11:30 am to 3 pm • Dinner: 4 pm to 8 pm Campfires Campfires must be out cold before you leave your campsite. John Muir Lodge Lobby open 24 hours Campground Status Azalea Until May 8: 20 firstcome, first-served sites. May 8 – May 21: 20 reservable sites. Campsites are not cleared of snow. Payment for first-come, first-served sites at Azalea is through the Recreation.gov app. Download the app before arrival. Payment can be made when no internet connection is available. Open May 22: Crystal Springs and Sunset Campgrounds, and all sites at Azalea Campground. Roadside Camping Roadside camping is not permitted in the parks. Camp only in designated campground sites. Sequoia National Park Campground Options Potwisha Open year-round Propane and Fuel Canisters Please recycle fuel canisters at home. Lodgepole Scheduled to open May 22 No Shows Sites that remain vacant by noon on the second day of a reservation may be released for new reservations. Due to winter storm damage in early 2023, access to some entry points to wilderness are different than past years. Foothills Open Hours Permit Station if assistance is needed Wilderness Office Follow the path south of the visitor center to the Wilderness Office across the rear parking lot. Variable from 8 am to 4 pm Giant Forest/ Giant Forest Museum Lodgepole See page 1 Grant Grove See page 1 Kings Canyon Visitor Center Due to road damage from 2022-2023 winter storms, Mineral King and Cedar Grove access is limited. Check with staff at an open permit station for the most current information. www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2931 Access Pass .......................... Free 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 Village Shops • Market: 9 am to 5 pm • Gift shop (some weekends): hours vary • Post office: weekdays, 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm Kings Canyon National Park Campground Options (for people with permanent disabilities) The Fees You Pay Make a Difference! Area SPC = Sequoia Parks Conservancy Camping Annual Senior Pass ............... $20 Interagency Annual and Lifetime Passes To inquire about lodging availability, call (559) 625-7700 or visit www.visitsequoia.com/lodging Until May 24, all overnight wilderness permits are self-issued in-person at a self-issue permit station. Permits are available 24 hours a day at kiosks outside the stations below. Open hours are listed if assistance is needed. Check visitor centers for schedules. Reservations are required except for 20 sites at Azalea Campground that are first-come, first-served until May 8. 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 are at noon. (access only to Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs) Wuksachi Lodge’s Peaks Restaurant & Pizza Kitchen • Open to the public • Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am • Lunch: 11:30 am to 3 pm • Dinner: 5 pm to 10 pm • Bar open for lunch & dinner Wilderness Permits Self-issue Wilderness Permitting Stations for Overnight Travel E-mail seki_information@nps.gov Web nps.gov/seki Wilderness is untrammeled, natural, and undeveloped. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are 97% designated Wilderness. Magnificent 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. With a wilderness permit solitude is just a long hike away. All other campgrounds are closed. See map on pages 4-5 for campground locations. Campgrounds are subject to closure due to weather or natural events. Food Storage Storing all food in an animalresistant storage container is highly recommended. These containers weigh less than 3 pounds (1.3 kg), hold up to 5 days of food, and fit in a backpack. Rent containers at park visitor centers. Rental Cost $5 for three nights $2 per additional night Water Park waterways may contain bacteria, including Giardia. Properly filter 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 in the parks are above 5,000 feet (1,524 m) in elevation. People unaccustomed to high altitudes may need to acclimate to 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 offers 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, fishing, biking, horseback riding, and more. Services and Facilities Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake District Office located in Dunlap, CA. Open 8 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (559) 338-2251 or visit their website: Montecito Sequoia Lodge (559) 565-3388 Closed through May 13 When open, this lodge has cabins, a restaurant, a hotel, and Wi-Fi. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sequoia/ recarea/?recid=79569 Hume Lake Village (559) 305-7770 Gas pumps are not always open. Call ahead before traveling here. Campgrounds Closed through May 9 • • • • • Big Meadows Hume Lake Landslide Princess Tenmile • • • • Stony Creek Upper Stony Creek Fir Group Cove Group Wilderness Camping Contact the Hume Lake Office. Dispersed Camping Dispersed camping is available, but restrictions apply. Contact the Hume Lake Office of Sequoia National Forest for more information. Permits for portable stoves or fires are required and are available online at: permit.preventwildfiresca.org Stony Creek Lodge (559) 565-3909 Closed through May 8 When open, this area has room rentals, a market, and a gas station. Boyden Cavern Boyden Cavern is closed until Highway 180 reopens in summer. Highway 180 Highway 180 is closed past the Hume Lake Road junction. Walking, hiking, and biking are not allowed on closed California highways. 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 firearms laws before entering the parks. Only seasonally with a license. Call 559-243-4005 or learn more online: Not allowed. Get over-snow-vehicle (OSV) route information at USFS Hume Lake Office in Dunlap. Wood cutting is prohibited, though campers may gather downed wood when not in sequoia groves. Allowed. Please contact the nearest Forest Service office for guidance and a permit. Not allowed within the parks. Restrictions apply. Snowmobiling Cutting Wood Dispersed Car Camping wildlife.ca.gov/hunting 3 Ranger Recommendations for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 180 10 5.2 miles Crescent Meadow Road (to end of road) 8.3 km Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot 11 Moro Rock Loop Road 0.9 miles 1.4 km Junction with Crescent Meadow Road 12 Amphitheater Point Overlook Viewpoint Parking area along Generals Highway 13 Paradise Creek Trail (to creek crossing) 3.6 miles 2.9 km Hospital Rock Picnic Area 14 Hospital Rock Cultural site Hospital Rock Picnic Area 15 Marble Falls Trail 6.4 miles 10.3 km Potwisha Campground, near site #14 16 Tunnel Rock 0.1 mile 0.2 km Parking area along Generals Highway Snowshoeing National Park Service winter US Forest Service image? Bar Traction device on footwear strongly recommended Post office Hiking Ranger recommendation Picnic area Interpretive exhibit National Park campground Gas stations Public telephone National Forest campground Scenic viewpoint ATM Parking lot Point of interest Drinking water Restroom Fire lookout Wilderness permit station Ash Mountain Entrance 16 Ge ne l ra r Hil l Tra il er erm an Tree Trail ail a Tr Alt off Cut rton Wo lve ut o ff Log M ead ow Log C il ra gT Lo ps Loop Th a r w ado High Me Sierra Log Tunnel s Tr Log ai Trail il Tra ra er Si High r ga Su Hanging Rock Moro Ro Loop ck Ro a 11 Pine l i Tra Trail Bobca t t in Po il Tra Climbing Moro Rock is very dangerous when snow or ice is present. Do not climb the stairs in Moro Rock these conditions. Amphitheater Point Overlook (Closed) 13 s Crescent Meadow Crescent Meadow Parking Lot Bea Tharps Cresc ent Huckleberry Meadow 10 11 Trail Moro Rock Parking Lot Buckeye Flat Potwisha Hospital Rock 14 H SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK North Foothills Visitor Center 0 0 198 Waterfall Moro Rock 15 Tunnel Rock h Tra il Low er NPS Food service and drinks (year-round | seasonal) Tunnel Log berry Loop Cross-country skiing CLOSED to vehicles until snow melts off road. Huckle Giant Forest Museum and Park Store ad ow Me Wheelchair accessible Roa d il Tra Trail GIANT FOREST 12 ee Tr n ashi gton W National Forest Winter recreation area To Three Rivers and Visalia. oo p Road Crescent Meadow Road and Moro Rock Loop 8 ee L Wi-Fi ill 9 Giant Forest Museum Marble Falls ow gt ow (year-round | seasonal) Winter recreation area Congress Trail d do w B H d Book and souvenir shop Big Trees Trail Generals Highway Construction Traffic Zone See page 8 for details Cross-country ski route markers Road subject to winter closure Winter recreation route Cross-country ski and snowshoe Crystal Cave Road is closed for 2024. re sc e Circle Meadow l (year-round | seasonal) Parking for Sherman Tree Trail General Sherman Tree Sherman Tree Accessible Parking Giant sequoias Lodging Wolverton Closed for 2024. Trail Secondary road Visitor center (Opens May 22) a il Main road Snow closure gate Crystal Cave 10 Lodgepole Wa sh Hazelwood Nature Loop Beetle Rock Tokopah Falls Columbine Picnic Area Kings Canyon Overlook Parking Area Lodgepole Village Big Trees Trail ck Tr Rock Moro Key Wuksachi Village Ro weah Tra il Ka as ad Just west of Redwood Mountain Road Dorst Creek (Closed) Trails can be snowy, icy, and slippery in the spring. Traction devices for footwear is strongly recommended. Ask a ranger for advice before your hike. he Se qu oi Me Viewpoint MUIR GROVE 9 Be ars Circle 6 Redwood Mountain Overlook LOST GROVE l rai aT Alt Tra i l Big Stump Picnic Area (Opens May 9) il Tra Snowplay Tra il o ft Co ng res s Tra il Tr 5 Big Stump Snowplay Area l rai aT Alt on 4 Columbine Snowplay Area ss Trail in Kings Canyon Visitor Center Parking Lot ay ls ub ht at 4.2 miles 6.8 km Rimrock l rai aT Panoramic Point Road era Gen Alt 3 Viewpoint Stony Creek Lodge Sunset Rock So l d i Grant Tree Parking Lot Snowplay (All open May 10) General Sherman Tree Trail hw Hig Me a nt 1.9 miles 3.1 km Generals Highway may temporarily close between Giant Forest and Grant Grove during storm events that bring large amounts of fresh snow. Stony Creek Upper Stony Creek Cove Group Fir Group Sherman Tree Accessible Parking and Trail Loo p Snow closure gate KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK 8 ng res s Montecito Sequoia Lodge (Opens May 14) May temporarily close if snow accumulates. Circle Mea ay Main Sherman Tree Parking Lot and Trail Co Horse Camp To Wolverton Road Lod gep ol e -to -S hw Wolverton Road, access to General Sherman Parking Lot Trail 6 Redwood Mountain Overlook Old 2 North Grove Trail (loop) (year-round | seasonal) Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot C Grant Tree Parking Lot Market and snacks 1.5 miles 2.4 km Sunset 1 0.5 miles 0.8 km (year-round | seasonal) Big Trees Trail (loop) Con gr e Big Stump Entrance NATIONA L PARK NATIONA L FOREST General Grant Tree Trail (year-round | seasonal) 9 Giant Forest Area Kings Canyon 7 Overlook h way Starting Point (seasonal, see page 3) Main Sherman Tree Parking Lot Sugar Pine To Sequoia National Park and Hwy 198 Roundtrip Distance (year-round | closed) 1.2 miles 1.9 km Trail erals Gen Quail Flat Snowplay ay Hi t c h cock Meado w s Trail Hi g Ranger Recommendation Park boundary General Sherman Tree Trail Big Meadows g rals ne Ge Big Stump Park Entrance Kings Canyon Overlook 8 (Opens May 10) Park Ridge Lookout Features 1 Not plowed in winter Hi op 180 7 Tenmile g Stu o p Lo p m Lo (Opens May 10) Grant Grove Village Big Stump Snowplay il Trail ea North end of Generals Highway Stum p BIG STUMP To Fresno SEQUOIA GROVE Starting Point Rimrock Columbine Snowplay 180 5 5 General Grant Tree e Tr a rk Ridg al Az 4 (Opens May 10) ra il et Trail Suns 3 Landslide ig hw ry T rai l th Sou Boun da oramic Pan th Nor n se Trail t Su nita Trail anza 2 T Roa d 1 Pa g Bi B yw a y Sc e n i c S E Q U O I A N A T I O N A L F O R E S T Cherry Gap Snowplay 3 Open May 22 Bi yo n (Opens May 10) (Opens May 10) Chicago Stump it a an Fire M CLOSED to vehicles until snow melts Grant Grove Village Big Stump K Point Man z Azalea Road Park Ridge Trail Columbine Sunset Can Hume Lake Princess CONVERSE BASIN GROVE ail Tr Open May 22 4 s Boun da Crystal Springs 1 in g Highway 180 to Cedar Grove is closed until sometime in June. ry l Trail rra p rt h No General Grant Tree 180 Panoramic Point NAT ION AL FOR EST NAT ION AL PAR K Co Loo 2 Boole Tree To Hume Lake 9 mi (14.4 km) GRANT GROVE Roundtrip Distance Bear Grant Grove Area Ranger Recommendation Features To Three Rivers 1 2 Kilometers 1 2 Miles Mineral King Road is closed at the park boundary for the season. NPS NPS / SCOTT TAYLOR 4 5 Lookout Point Entrance Keep Yourself and the Parks Safe Snow Play Safety Changing Weather When sledding: • Slide feet first • Consider wearing a helmet • Don’t slide near rocks, trees, branches, or people • After sliding, move out of the path of others coming after you • Avoid hard-packed snow or ice. Speed and direction can become out of control. Check weather forecasts before coming to the parks and keep an eye on the sky while here. Weather conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly. If clouds are rolling in or precipitation starts falling, consider returning to the trailhead earlier than planned. River Safety Be Mountain Ready When away from your vehicle, it is important to be prepared. Carry multiple layers of clothing, a warm hat, warm gloves, a rain jacket, and warm and waterproof footwear. Manage your clothing to avoid getting hot and sweaty while also not getting too cold. Wet clothes will not keep you warm – they often make you colder. !! Drones 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. Firearms Launching, landing, or operating remotely piloted aircraft (such as model airplanes, quadcopters, or drones) is prohibited. It is illegal to discharge a firearm within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks or to bring one into any federal building. Hunting and trapping are illegal in the parks. Keep Wildlife Wild You Are in Black Bear Country Even in winter bears can still be active, particularly in the foothills. 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 bold and persistent in attempts to obtain human food and may 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 50 yards (46 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. Report to the nearest ranger. 25 yards (23 m) 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, fight back! • Report all sightings. Bienvenido al país de los gigantes 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. 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. 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 flavored drinks. If a food storage box is unavailable, food items must be stored inside your car trunk or low in the vehicle, out of sight, and with all windows closed. Always keep a clean campsite and deposit all trash in dumpsters. While picnicking, never move away from coolers and tables when food is out. Stay within arm’s length of food. Assistive Listening Devices At Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove, assistive listening devices and audio description are available for the park film. Ask at the information desk for a receiver. www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm NPS Borrow a Wheelchair Borrow a manual wheelchair at Kings Canyon Visitor Center 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 to where they were borrowed by closing time. Exploring in the Digital Age We have an app for that! Download these apps to help plan your visit, find 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 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 and download content for offline 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. Jugando en la Nieve Cambios de Clima Venga Preparado Cuando estas en el trineo: • Deslizar pies primero • Considere usar un casco • No deslizar cerca de piedras, arboles, ramas, o gente • Después de deslizar, por favor despejar el camino para evitar los que siguen detrás. • Evite nieve compacta o hielo. Puede perder control de su velocidad y dirección. Cuando esta alejado de su vehículo es importante estar preparado. Lleve varias capas de ropa, un gorro abrigado, guantes abrigados, una chaqueta impermeable y calzado abrigado e impermeable. Maneja tu ropa apropiadamente para evitar el calor y el sudor y al mismo tiempo no pasar demasiado frío. Ropa mojada no te mantenera caliente, te hacen sentir frío. Armas de fuego Es ilegal disparar armas de fuego en los parques, así como introducirlas en cualquier edificio federal. Es ilegal cazar y atrapar animales en los parques. Drones Está prohibido lanzar, aterrizar y operar aeronaves de piloto remoto, como modelos de avión, cuadricópteros y drones. !! Por favor de revisar el clima antes de venir a los parques y estar atento a cambios en el clima cuando estes en el parque. El clima puede cambiar rápido e inesperadamente. Si se nubla o si empieza a llover, considere regresar al comienzo del sendero antes de lo planeado. 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. Observación de la fauna y seguridad NPS Braille Park Map Borrow a Braille version of the official 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. Manténgase usted mismo y el parque a salvo 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 refinado 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 sacrificados. Un oso alimentado es un oso muerto. Guardar los alimentos es la clave para proteger a humanos y osos. 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. El incendio KNP ardió a lo largo de casi toda el 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 significativos 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 tráfico durante todo el verano. Tenga paciencia mientras trabajamos para restablecer el acceso seguro a los parques. Conserve la fauna silvestre 50 yards (46 m) 25 yards (23 m) is about two bus-lengths 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. Recreation.gov App This app is your on-thego solution for making reservations or purchasing passes. Return to your favorite spot or find a new one by searching for the location that is right