Sequoia & Kings Canyon Guide

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Winter 2024-2025 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 park is home to a wide diversity of plants and animals due to a highly varied set of conditions. 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 Visiting giant sequoia groves in winter can be a snowy, beautiful experience. Notice that tall mature sequoias have branches that are not very long. Why do you think these tall trees have short branches? Hint: consider that they live at elevations that receive several feet of snow in winter. www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Important Information Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center Look for evidence of past fires and storms. The 2021 KNP Complex Fire burned along much of the Generals Highway. Record-breaking precipitation in the winter of 2022-2023 fell on burned slopes that had been cleared of vegetation. The resulting mudslides caused significant damage to park highways and roads. 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 stations available in the parks. Gas may be available in Sequoia National Forest. Call ahead of time to check: Hume Lake (559) 305-7770 Find a Visitor Center Visitor Center Park Area Until January 2 January 2 – March 29 Foothills Visitor Center Foothills 9 am to 4:30 pm 9 am to 4:30 pm Giant Forest Museum Giant Forest 9 am to 4:30 pm 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Kings Canyon Visitor Center Grant Grove 9 am to 4:30 pm 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Road Closures (subject to change) • Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road closed when snow accumulates • Generals Highway between the parks usually closed early January til mid-March • Panoramic Point Road • Highway 180 into Cedar Grove • Mineral King Road • Crystal Cave Road Getting Around the Parks 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 Foothills Visitor Center Giant Forest Museum General Sherman Tree Grant Grove Village 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 2 hours 2 mi (3.5 km) 10 minutes 118 mi (189 km)* 3 hours Giant Forest Museum 16 mi (25 km) 60 minutes General Sherman Tree 18 mi (28 km) 70 minutes 2 mi (3.5 km) 10 minutes Grant Grove Village 87 mi (139 km)* 118 mi (189 km)* 3 hours 2 hours 87 mi (139 km)* 120 mi (194 km)* 3 hours 10 min 120 mi (194 km)* 3 hours 10 min When chain requirements are in effect due to snow or ice (see page 8), speed limits are reduced to 25 mph. Travel times can be much longer than noted in the table. * Via Routes 180, 63, 216 and 198 when Generals Highway is closed between the parks. 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 Services and Facilities 2 1 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 Winter Driving 8 Holiday Shuttle 8 Sequoia Parks Conservancy 8 National Park Service Sequoia and Kings Canyon U.S. Department of the Interior National Parks 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. 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 Wuksachi Grant Grove Village Foothills Visitor Center • Park Store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Picnic area nearby Closed January 6—March 14 Kings Canyon Visitor Center • Park Store (SPC) • Free public Wi-Fi • Self-issue wilderness permits E-mail seki_information@nps.gov Wuksachi Lodge Lobby open 24 hours • Gift shop: 8 am to 5 pm Snowshoe rentals when snow allows: 9 am – 5 pm Web nps.gov/seki Giant Forest Free Public Wi-Fi Foothills Visitor Center Kings Canyon Visitor Center Giant Forest Museum • Park Store (SPC) • Shuttle stop (holidays only) • Self-issue wilderness permits @sequoiakingsnps Wuksachi Lodge’s Peaks Restaurant & Pizza Kitchen • Open to the public • Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am • Lunch: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm • Dinner: 5 pm to 9 pm • Bar open for lunch & dinner 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 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 (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) Lifetime Military Pass ............ Free (for Gold Star family members or veterans) Access Pass .......................... Free (for people with permanent disabilities) www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.htm Park Fees Lodgepole Village To check for lodging availability, call (866) 807-3598 or visit www.visitsequoia.com/lodging Lodgepole services are CLOSED. Tentatively scheduled to open April 18. Fare-free holiday park shuttles Available in the Giant Forest area during winter holidays (see page 8). Ranger-led programs offered regularly. Check visitor centers for schedules. SPC = Sequoia Parks Conservancy Winter Camping Reservations are required except for Azalea Campground, which has 20 first-come, first-served sites. Campsites hold up to six people and each site has a picnic table, fire ring with a grill, and a metal food storage box. Check-in and checkout are at noon. Campsite Fee Make a reservation 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 Kings Canyon National Park Campground Options Campground Status Azalea 20 first-come, first-served sites. Campsites are not cleared of snow. www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2931 (877) 444-6777 (877) 833-6777 TDD Customer Service: (888) 448-1474 Install the Recreation.gov app www.recreation.gov/mobile-app $32 per night Payment at Azalea Campground is through the Recreation.gov app. Download the app before arrival. Payment can be made even when no internet connection is available. All other campgrounds are closed Other Passes Honored Golden Age, Golden Access, Volunteer, and 4th Grade (Every Kid Outdoors) Services are subject to change based on conditions Camping Information Toilets Open campgrounds have flush toilets. Quiet Hours (No Generator Use) Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am. Dump Stations Potwisha Campground only Campfires Campfires must be out cold before you leave your campsite. Roadside Camping Roadside camping is not permitted in the parks. Camp only in designated campground sites. Propane and Fuel Canisters Please recycle fuel canisters at home. No Shows Sites that remain vacant by noon on the second day of a reservation may be released for new reservations. Sequoia National Park Campground Options Potwisha Open year-round 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. 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. 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. Get a wilderness permit and solitude is just a long hike away. Wilderness Permits During the winter and early spring all overnight wilderness permits are self-issued in-person at a self-issue permit station. Self-issue permits are available at any time of day at the three self-issue permit stations listed below. Hours are listed if assistance is needed. Self-issue Wilderness Permitting Stations for Overnight Travel Permits are available any time at kiosks outside the stations below. Open hours are listed if assistance is needed. Areas Open Hours For Assistance Permit Station Wilderness Office Foothills Follow the path south of the visitor center to the Mineral King Wilderness Office across the rear parking lot. Variable from 8 am to 4 pm Giant Forest/ Giant Forest Museum Lodgepole See visitor center hours on page 1. Grant Grove Cedar Grove See visitor center hours on page 1. Kings Canyon Visitor Center 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 food 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 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 NPS / KIEL MADDOX Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake District Hume Lake Office Open 8 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (559) 338-2251 or visit their website: Montecito Sequoia Lodge (559) 565-3388 Closed for the season. When open, this lodge has cabins, a restaurant, a hotel, and Wi-Fi. National Parks vs National Forests www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia Hume Lake Village (559) 305-7770 Gas pumps may be closed. Call ahead before traveling here. Campgrounds Closed for the season. Wilderness Camping Contact the Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake District Office listed above. 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 for the season. When open, this area has room rentals, a market, and a gas station. Boyden Cavern Boyden Cavern is closed during the winter. Highway 180 East of Hume Lake Road Junction Walking, hiking, and biking are not allowed on closed California highways. NPS/KIEL MADDOX 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 Can Grant Grove Area ry th ry T rai l th Sou Boun da Grant Grove Village Sunset e Tr a rk Ridg il Trail ea s Trail Hi t c h cock Meado w Bi BIG STUMP SEQUOIA GROVE Lo op 180 Ge Big Stump Park Entrance rals ne Hi g To Sequoia National Park and Hwy 198 1 General Grant Tree Trail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Grant Tree Parking Lot 2 North Grove Trail (loop) 1.9 miles 3.1 km Grant Tree Parking Lot 3 Panoramic Point Road 5.1 miles 8.2 km Kings Canyon Visitor Center Parking Lot 4 Columbine Snowplay Area Snowplay Columbine Picnic Area 5 Big Stump Snowplay Area Snowplay Big Stump Picnic Area 6 Redwood Mountain Overlook Viewpoint Just west of Redwood Mountain Road 7 Kings Canyon Overlook Viewpoint Kings Canyon Overlook Parking Area Key (year-round | seasonal) Road subject to winter closure Winter recreation route Cross-country ski and snowshoe Book and souvenir shop Winter recreation area Wi-Fi National Forest Winter recreation area Wheelchair accessible Park boundary Food service and drinks Snowshoeing Bar Traction device on footwear strongly recommended Post office National Park campground Gas stations National Forest campground Scenic viewpoint Parking lot Point of interest Restroom Fire lookout (year-round | seasonal) Tu R Hiking Picnic area Market and snacks Cross-country skiing (year-round | seasonal) Ranger recommendation (year-round | closed) Closed for th Cross-country ski route markers (year-round | seasonal) Trail winter image? Crystal Trails can be snowy, icy, and slippery in winter. Traction devices for footwear is strongly recommended. Ask a ranger for advice before your hike. Giant sequoias Lodging Secondary road Stony Creek Lodge MUIR GROVE Visitor center Main road (year-round | seasonal) Monteci Lodge NPS Starting Point (year-round | seasonal) ay Snow closure gate NATIONA L PARK NATIONA L FOREST Roundtrip Distance (closed for winter) hw h way Ranger Recommendation U.S. Forest Service 6 Mountain Overlook Park Ridge Lookout Features National Park Service Kings Canyon 7 Overlook g Stu o p Lo p m B Stum p ig Quail Flat Snowplay g North end of Generals Highway Not plowed in winter Hi 5 Tenmile Redwood Big Stump Entrance Big Stump Landslide 5 180 To Fresno 4 4 Sequoia Grant Grove Village Columbine Snowplay N at i onal Fore s t/ G i ant Se quoia N Big at i Stump ona l Snowplay erals Monume nt Gen Pa al Az 3 General Grant Tree ra il (Closed) et Trail Suns 1 2 T Roa d 1 3 nita Trail anza S E Q U N A T I O F O R E Cherry Gap Snowplay it a an Fire M CLOSED to vehicles after snow accumulates on roadway Hume Lake Chicago Stump Man z Azalea oramic Pan No r Su n se Trail t Columbine Park Ridge Trail (Closed) 1 Road Point Princess CONVERSE BASIN GROVE ail Tr Crystal Springs 4 Highway 180 to Cedar Grove is closed for the winter season. Boun da l Trail rra p 180 Panoramic Point NAT ION AL FOR EST NAT ION AL PAR K rt h No GRANT GROVE General Grant Tree Boole Tree To Hume Lake 9 mi (14.4 km) Co Loo 2 180 Holiday shuttle stop (see pg 8) Ash Mountain Entrance Interpretive exhibit Public telephone ATM Drinking water 198 Waterfall NPS / SCOTT TAYLOR Three Rivers To Three Rivers nyon National Parks Ranger Recommendation Roundtrip Distance Starting Point 8 General Sherman Tree Trail 0.5 miles 0.8 km Winter Sherman Tree Parking, or Shuttle Stop 9 Big Trees Trail (loop) 1.5 miles 2.4 km Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot 10 5.2 miles Crescent Meadow Road (to end of road) 8.3 km Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot 11 Moro Rock Loop Road 3.3 miles 5.3 km Giant Forest Museum Parking Lot 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 B yw a y Sc e n i c O I A O N A L E S T Big Meadows To Wolverton Snowplay Area Giant Forest Area For parking and holiday shuttle information see page 8 h General Sherman Tree Trail ls off Sunset Rock ss Rimrock rton Cut era Gen l Trail rai aT Tra Alt il o Wo lve ft Co he ng L Trail Bear il Tra l Tra il er Loop r Hil ff ad ow Me Crescent Meadow Parking Lot ut o Log C ra gT Lo ps Loop Th a r w ado High Me Sierra Log il Low er Rimrock ee Tr n ashi gton W H Crescent Meadow Huckleberry Meadow Bea Tharps Cresc ent Roa d Tunnel s Tr Log ai Trail il Tra er ra Si High r ga Su Moro Ro Loop ck Ro a 11 Pine l i Tra Trail Bobca t t in Po il Tra Sugar Pine Hanging Rock d 14 Trail 11 Moro Rock Parking Lot (Closed) Hospital Rock Circle Mea ow berry l ay ad Tra i l Huckle Giant Forest Museum CLOSED to vehicles once snow accumulates. as Me Tr Road So l d i To Three Rivers and Visalia. Amphitheater Point Overlook 13 ig hw on ow il Tra in Me a nt d l Old a il ne C Ge H ill oi oo p Crescent Meadow Road and Moro Rock Loop Buckeye Flat Potwisha s 10 re sc e gt Moro Rock 15 l ra Tr Rock Moro Tunnel Log 12 16 8 er 2023) GIANT FOREST Marble Falls um m 9 Congress Trail Giant Forest Museum Crystal Cave Road is closed for the winter. 10 s Big Trees Trail ed os Parking for Sherman Tree Trail General Sherman Tree Sherman Tree Parking and Trail and Shuttle Stop qu do w B ee rai aT Wolverton e Roa d (C l l Cave Wa sh Hazelwood Nature Loop Beetle Rock al Cryst Cav Snow closure gate Big Trees Trail ck Alt Tokopah Falls Ro weah Tra il Ka Trail Lodgepole Village Circle Meadow Circle Closed January 6 through March 14 (Closed) Be ars ub ht at Dorst Creek Alt 9 Sunset Wuksachi Village l rai aT Se Loo p res s Tra il Log M ead ow LOST GROVE Co ay hw Alt ng a Tr res s ail Tra i l 8 Hig he winter. unnel Rock CLOSED when snow accumulates. Trail e Main Sherman Tree Parking Winter Sherman Tree Parking and Trail Con gr e Stony Creek Upper Stony Creek Cove Group Fir Group To Wolverton Road Lod gep ol e -to -S KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK Generals Highway is usually closed between Giant Forest and Grant Grove from early January to mid-March, depending on conditions. The highway can also close temporarily during large storm events in December or in the spring. Wolverton Road, access to General Sherman Parking Lot erm an Tree Trail Horse Camp ito Sequoia n e 10 as yo n oi Can eq u s eS K in g Trailof th Features Climbing Moro Rock is very dangerous in winter. Do not climb if ice or snow is present Moro Rock on the stairs. SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK North Foothills Visitor Center 0 0 1 2 Kilometers 1 2 Miles Mineral King Ranger Station Mineral King Road is closed at the park boundary for the winter. NPS Lookout Point Entrance 5 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 especially important to be prepared. Carry multiple layers of clothing, a warm hat, warm gloves, a rainjacket, 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 anything scented, including 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 Don’t let a black bear approach you, your food, picnic area, or campsite. Make yourself appear large: wave your arms, clap your hands, and yell at the bear. 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. 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 child safety seats and 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. NPS 50 yards (46 m) NPS 25 yards (23 m) is about two bus-lengths 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. 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 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. 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. 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 find 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, 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. Bienvenido al país de los gigantes Visitar los bosques de secuoyas gigantes en invierno puede ser una experiencia hermosa. Observe que las secuoyas altas y maduras tienen ramas que no son muy largas. Por que crees que estos arboles altos tienen ramas cortas? Una pista: Considere que viven en elevaciones que reciben varios pies de nieve en invierno. 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 en 2021 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. Manténgase usted mismo y el parque a salvo Jugando en la Nieve 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. !! Cambios de Clima 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. 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 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. Observación de la fauna y seguridad Observar la fauna Observar la fauna es una oportunidad maravillosa que implica responsabilidades