Sequoia & Kings Canyon Guide

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Trip Planner Spring 2022 Information in this newspaper can change at any time as we work to safely increase access to these parks. Visiting after the KNP Complex Fire Masks May Be Required in Buildings In 2021, the KNP Complex Fire burned over 88,000 acres in and around the parks. Many areas of the parks have reopened or are opening soon. New plants are sprouting in burned areas and the landscape is shifting from brown and black tones, to a more colorful mosaic with new green growth. Mask requirements are based on the CDC's COVID-19 Community Level tool. When local counties are at low or medium risk, masks are optional in buildings. Please check signage outside visitor centers and other buildings for the current status. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus. While renewal is taking place in park woodlands and forests, some areas in the parks remain closed for safety reasons. Trees can fall at any time and heavy rains can cause mudslides. Use caution during your visit. Travel within the speed limit, do not stop in the road, stay in your lane, and watch for falling rocks and landslides. Spring Construction Projects This spring, three construction projects are underway to improve park facilities, roads, and utilities. In the parking area across from Giant Forest Museum, we're installing new accessible restrooms and paving the parking lot. The parking lot may be closed Tuesdays–Thursdays, in spring. Availability of Services Camping is available year-round at Potwisha and Azalea campgrounds. Buckeye Flat Campground opens March 31, and several other campgrounds open April 25. Reservations are usually needed (reserve at Recreation.gov). Wuksachi Lodge opens in summer. John Muir Lodge opens in late March. Make reservations at visitsequoia.com. Grant Grove Market is open daily in Kings Canyon National Park. There is no food service in Sequoia National Park; bring everything you need for your visit. No gas sold in the parks. Foothills and Kings Canyon visitor centers and Giant Forest Museum are open for information and travel planning. Park stores in visitor centers are open for sales of maps, books, and gifts. Most exhibits are open. Beginning in May, work is scheduled along the road corridor in Cedar Grove, where we'll replace sections of underground electrical lines. Expect delays of up to 30 minutes, with traffic control. Finally, in an effort to preserve and maintain the condition of park roads, a resurfacing project is planned throughout the parks. Work is scheduled to begin in the Foothills this spring. Short stretches of road will be sealed and resurfaced; if you encounter one of these areas, plan on a delay of up to 30 minutes. Expect changing road surface conditions and loose gravel. Slow your speed in construction zones and yield to heavy equipment. Stop at Foothills or Kings Canyon visitor centers to find out whether construction will impact Early road repaving in the parks. NPS Photo your drive. General Information ........... 2 Wildlife Safety ........................5 Grant Grove & Cedar Grove ...8 Información en español ..... 10-11 Safety ................................... 3 Foothills ..................................6 Wilderness Trips .....................9 Información de seguridad ...... 10 Camping & Activities .......... 4 Giant Forest & Lodgepole .....7 National Forest Lands ............9 Spring Driving ......................... 12 2 General Information Contacts Frequently Asked Questions Accessibility Cell service Pets Cell service is extremely limited here, and is mainly available for some networks near entrance stations. Pets are not permitted on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times, or appropriately crated or caged. Pets cannot be left tied and unattended at any time. The leash must be no longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters). We are committed to a continuing effort to improve the accessibility of our trails and facilities so they can be enjoyed by all. If you have questions or suggestions about accessibility, please email us at Seki_ Information@nps.gov or call us at 559-565-3341. EMERGENCY — DIAL 911 No coins are needed in pay phones for 911 calls. Sequoia & Kings Canyon (NPS) Call 559-565-3341 (24 hours). Recorded information is available for road conditions, weather, current fires, and more. Drones Unmanned aircraft are not allowed in these parks. This includes drones and other remotely piloted vehicles. Marijuana GPS GPS programs often misdirect travellers here. Use maps and signs, or ask for directions. Web & Social Media www.nps.gov/seki @sequoiakingsnps @sequoiakingsnps @sequoiakingsnps Possession or use of marijuana and other controlled substances inside the national parks is prohibited. While California law provides for limited possession and use of marijuana, it remains an illegal drug under federal law, which is enforced within the parks. Fire Restrictions Fire restrictions may be in place at any time to reduce the possibility of accidental human-caused fire. Prohibited locations for wood or charcoal fires will be posted, especially in park campgrounds. Restrictions may increase in late spring as fire danger increases. Check for updates on park bulletin boards, at visitor centers, or by visiting go.nps.gov/sekifirerestrictions. Firearms in these National Parks Sequoia National Forest/ Monument (USFS) 209-372-0200, nps.gov/yose People who can legally possess firearms under federal, California, and local laws may possess firearms here. You are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable California, local, and federal firearms laws. Discharge of firearms in the parks is prohibited. California Road Conditions (CalTrans) Free Public WiFi Locations 800-427-7623, dot.ca.gov WiFi available at Foothills Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove. No password is needed. 559-338-2251, fs.usda.gov/sequoia Yosemite National Park (NPS) Campground Reservations Visit Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777). Delaware North (Authorized Concessioner) Visit www.visitsequoia.com or call (866) 807-3598 for lodging reservations. Cedar Grove Pack Station (Authorized Concessioner) Grant Grove: 559-335-9292 https://grantgrovestables.com Cedar Grove: 559-565-3464 https://cedargrovepackstation.com Translations Welcome - You may borrow a Braille copy of the park map & guide at visitor centers. Bienvenidos - Hay un folleto en español disponible en los centros de visitante. Bienvenue - Une guide officielle est disponible dans les centres d’information. Wilkommen - Eine Landkarte ist auch in deutscher sprache im Besucher-zentrum erhaltlich. Benvenuti - La traduzione in lingua Italiana della mappa e’ disponibile in tutti i centri di informazioni. Accessibility Guide Ask at any visitor center for a printed accessibility guide. This guide offers details about accessible park features by area and for different user groups. The information in the guide is also available online at www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm. Visitor Centers All visitor centers and museums have paved, flat paths leading from parking areas to information desks, exhibits, bookstores, water bottle filling stations, and restrooms. Cedar Grove Visitor Center is small, and may be difficult for people in wheelchairs to navigate. Mineral King Ranger Station has steps leading to the entrance and may not be accessible to people with mobility impairments. Wheelchairs may be borrowed at no cost at Kings Canyon and Cedar Grove visitor centers, or at Giant Forest Museum. They can be used anywhere in the parks but must be returned by the end of the day, before each visitor center closes. Be prepared to provide your address and phone number. Open captioning is available for films. Assistive listening and audio description are also available at Kings Canyon Visitor Center when the theater is open. Ask for a receiver at the information desk. Wheelchair-Accessible Trails Some trails are not plowed in spring and may not be accessible to wheelchair users. General Sherman Tree Trail (Giant Forest) This short trail leads a few hundred feet from an accessible parking area to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on earth. Big Trees Trail (Giant Forest) This trail is a 0.75-mile (1.2 km) loop that circles a meadow surrounded by giant sequoias. Panoramic Point Trail (Grant Grove) This paved trail leads to views that reach deep into park wilderness. The road there opens with snowmelt. Roaring River Falls (Cedar Grove) A 528-foot (160 m), shady walk ends at a powerful waterfall rushing through a granite chute. Park 3 miles (4.8 km) east of the Village road. The trail is paved and relatively flat. Be Safe You are Responsible for Your Safety 3 Explore Safely Beautiful, yet remote and rugged, these parks present hazards. Mountain weather changes quickly, trees fall without warning, and wild animals pose dangers. People cause other hazards by driving poorly, leaving campfires burning, and making bad decisions. Cell phones can’t be relied on and GPS directions may send you in the wrong direction. Every day, we help visitors who have emergencies. • Avoid traveling alone. Tell someone your plans and expected return time. • Take a map, water, flashlight, and extra layers of clothes. Do not rely on your phone's map or flashlight. Please help us by being prepared—review these safety warnings. Your safety is in your own hands! • Be alert for potential hazards above, around, and on the ground. River Safety á While swimming in lakes and rivers can be tempting, drowning is the primary cause of death here! Rivers present great danger due to their swift currents and slippery rocks. In river-related deaths, many people did not intend to swim, but fell in. Currents are strong even during low water. Drop-offs and undertows are ever-present. Be vigilant. Once in a river, getting out can be nearly impossible. Cold water rapidly saps your strength and hypothermia can set in quickly even if it is warm outside. • Do not swim in areas with strong currents, or steep drop-offs. • Do not swim near submerged trees or vegetation. They can trap you underwater. • DO NOT leave children unattended. • Swimming and alcohol or drugs do not mix. Swim sober. • Wear sturdy shoes. Sharp objects in the water can cut bare feet. • During storms, get out of the water and exit beach areas. • NEVER SWIM ALONE. Tree Hazards Air Quality Branches and trees may fall, whether dead or alive, and when there is no wind. Keep eyes and ears open. Run if you hear cracks or snapping from roots, trunks, or branches (sometimes there is no sound). Don't linger under dead, cracked, broken, or hanging branches. Avoid spending any time under trees that are rotten at the base or have cracked bark that is peeling off the trunk. Poor air quality often affects the parks, especially during the summer. In summer months, ozone concentrations often exceed federal health standards. Ozone can have negative health effects, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, older people, and those with heart or lung disease. For air quality forecasts, visit the park website or follow @SequoiaKingsAir on Twitter. West Nile Virus & Tick Bites West Nile virus is passed by bites from infected mosquitos. Human illness is not common but take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Ticks are common in grassy, brushy low-elevation areas. They can carry diseases that harm humans. Check yourself for these insects after walks; their bite is painless. Remove them carefully with tweezers and seek a doctor’s advice. j Rattlesnakes Rattlesnakes are common in the Sequoia foothills and in the Kings Canyon at low elevations. Watch where you put your hands and feet! Do not harass or kill them; this is when most bites occur. Bites are rarely lethal, but tissue damage can be severe. If bitten, don’t panic and call 911. Poison Oak This common shrub grows up to 5,000 feet (1,524 m) in elevation, and can cause an itchy rash if you touch it. Poison oak has leaves in groups of three. Leaves are red and berries whitish in fall. The plant is bare in winter, and has shiny green leaves in spring. If you touch any part of it, wash skin and clothes with soap and warm water right away. Plague & Hantavirus Plague and hantavirus are associated with wildlife here, but cases of human infection are rare. Rodents and their fleas may carry plague, which may infect humans when bitten. Hantavirus is an airborne virus that comes from infected deer mice. Typically people contract hantavirus after they clean areas or are in enclosed spaces with deer mice feces. ` Keep Pets Safe D Don't Lose Your Brakes To keep pets and wildlife safe, animals must be on a leash at all times. Pets are vulnerable to tick and snake bites. Bears and deer have also been known to charge or attack dogs. Pick up all pet waste and dispose of properly. Pets are not allowed on any park trails. Do not leave pets unattended or in vehicles where they can easily overheat. If you keep a foot on the brake for too long, brakes may fail. Instead, always downshift when going downhill. In automatic vehicles, put the gearshift on 1, 2, or L. The engine gets louder, but your brakes won't overheat. 4 Camping in Spring Reservations & Additional Information Location Reservation Required Nightly Fee Toilets Dump Station Showers Open Dates Grant Grove After May 25 $22 Flush No No year-round Potwisha Foothills Yes $22 Flush Yes No year-round Make camping reservations at Recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777 (TDD: (877) 833-6777). Reservations can be made up to one month in advance, with same day reservations allowed subject to availability. With the exception of South Fork Campground, all campgrounds are reservation only. Buckeye Flat Foothills Yes $22 Flush No No 3/31–9/28 Check-in and Check-out Sentinel Cedar Grove Yes $22 Flush No Nearby 4/22– Atwell Mill (tents only) Mineral King Yes $22 Vault NA No 5/25–10/12 Cold Springs Mineral King Yes $22 Vault NA No 5/25–10/12 Lodgepole Lodgepole Yes $22 Flush Yes Yes 5/25–11/30 Sunset Grant Grove Yes $22 Flush No No 5/25–9/7 Crystal Springs Grant Grove Yes $22 Flush No No 5/25–9/7 Sheep Creek Cedar Grove Yes $22 Flush No Nearby 5/25–9/21 Canyon View Cedar Grove Yes $22 Flush No Nearby 525-9/7 Moraine Cedar Grove Yes $22 Flush No Nearby 5/25–6/1; 6/29-9/7 Foothills No $6 Vault NA No year-round Campground Azalea First-come, firstserved until 5/25, then reservation only. Check-in and check-out is at noon. South Fork (tents only, no water) All opening dates are subject to change. Campgrounds may close at any time due to weather, road conditions, or other causes. RV and Trailer Length Limits If you're driving an RV or trailer, check length limits on park roads and at campsites. Dump Stations Sequoia: Potwisha dump station is open. Lodgepole dump station opens with campground opening. Kings Canyon: No dump stations are available here. A dump station at Princess Campground on the Sequoia National Forest is scheduled to open May 15. Campsite Amenities Each campsite has a table, food storage box, and accommodates up to six people and one vehicle. There are no RV hook-ups in the parks. Quiet and Generator Hours Noise should be audible in your site only. Quiet hours are 10 pm–6 am (no generators). Activities Ranger Walks & Talks Free programs may be offered in the Foothills, Giant Forest, Grant Grove, and other locations. Check bulletin boards for schedules of ranger-led activities or ask a ranger at a visitor center. Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC) Crystal Cave SPC is the official and trail that lead to Crystal Cave, it will be closed for nonprofit partner to the 2022 season. We look forward to welcoming you Sequoia and Kings back in 2023 when repairs are completed! Junior Ranger Program Canyon National Parks, Pick up a free booklet at any visitor center, complete the activities, and earn your badge! welcomes you! SPC Interested in volunteering? with the National Park To learn more about volunteering in the parks, please contact the Volunteer Office at (559) 565-4232 or at SEKI_Volunteer@nps.gov. Volunteers are needed for invasive plant control, special events, routine clerical and maintenance tasks, and much more! Individuals and groups are welcome. Teachers & Parents, Take Note! Invite a ranger to your class, visit the parks with your school group, or download lesson plans. We also have activities for students and families that can be used before and after your visit, creating a more immersive experience. All education programs are standardsbased and free! Visit nps.gov/seki/learn/education for more information. And ask about the Every Kid Outdoors free pass for 4th-graders and their families! work hand-in-hand Service to provide tours and retail services, fund critical projects, and protect and preserve park treasures for future generations. We help you make a deeper connection to the parks, so visit us online to learn Due to impacts from the KNP Complex Fire to the road Sequoia Parks Conservancy Adventures We're here to help you have a fun and memorable journey in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Join one of our park Adventures and we'll connect you to the biggest trees, the darkest skies, and the wildest wilderness. Everything is here waiting. The only thing missing is you. more about everything we do. We’ve saved a place for For more information, call (559) 565-4251, or visit you—come join us! www.sequoiaparks.org/adventures. @SequoiaParksConservancy @SeqParksCon Shop our online store! Keep Bears Wild and Safe Safety in Burned Areas Watch for falling trees. Branches and trees may fall, whether dead or alive, even when there is no wind. Keep eyes and ears open. Listen for cracks or snapping from roots, trunks, or branches. Don't linger under dead, cracked, broken, or hanging branches. Avoid spending any time under burned trees. Bears will grab unattended food and break into cars where food is visible. Some bears have become bold and aggressive because they have obtained human foods. Too often, these bears must be killed as they become dangerous. Food storage is key to keeping humans safe and bears alive. In Wilderness Hanging food often fails! 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 fit in a backpack. Rent bearresistant storage containers at park visitor centers. A list of approved containers can be found on our website. Metal boxes are located in a few wilderness locations. Don't enter closed areas. There are identified risks in these areas, including burned bridges, hazard trees, and sections of trail that are unstable due to erosion. Many of these hazards may be hard to spot. Drive carefully. Rocks, debris, and even downed trees may be present on roads at any time. Be alert and drive slowly, especially during rainy or windy weather. Follow tire chain requirements when they are in place. Watch out for animals. Stay on trails. Turn back if dangers are present. Though it may be tempting to wander, off-trail areas have hazards such as rolling rocks, holes, and unstable soils. Conditions in burned areas can change quickly. Turn around if you have difficulty following the trail, or encounter a problem that makes it unsafe to continue. Burned stumpholes or bridges may be common on some trails. Report dangerous conditions to park staff. Be especially careful if it's rainy or windy. Whether you plan an auto tour, a walk around the sequoias, a wilderness trip, or camping, storms and wind make many burned area hazards even more dangerous. Consider waiting until the weather is better before you travel. If you encounter dangerous conditions, turn back. Conditions in burned areas can change quickly. Turn around if you see a problem and you're not sure if it's safe to continue. Report dangerous conditions to park staff. Check at trailheads for information about potential hazards or closures. 5 Everyone Campgrounds Store food day and night in the metal food storage boxes provided (avoid using coolers that won’t fit; most boxes are 47" long x 33" deep x 28" high. Store ALL food, coolers, related items, and anything with an odor. Even non-food items must be stored 24 hours a day when not in use. This includes unopened cans and bottles. Make sure food storage boxes are completely latched. Food not properly stored will be impounded. Keep a clean campsite. Deposit garbage immediately in trash cans or dumpsters. Do not leave garbage unattended! Take child safety seats out of cars—the smells they absorb may attract bears. Lodges Remove all food and child safety seats from your vehicle. Don’t let bears approach you, your food, picnic area, or campsite. Wave your arms, make loud noises, and throw small rocks toward them (avoid hitting the face or head). Keep a safe distance, but be persistent. Abandoning your food teaches bears that foods come from humans; the bear may hurt a person in the future to get food. If a bear does get your food, NEVER try to get it back. Touring and Picnicking Food items MUST be stored in food storage boxes when provided. If no food storage box is available, food items must be inside your car trunk. If your vehicle doesn't have a trunk, place food items low in the vehicle, out of sight, and keep windows closed. While picnicking, never move away from coolers and tables when food is out. Stay within arm's length of food. Bears can smell anything with a scent—such as hand sanitizer, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, and cleaning supplies—and will mistake these items for food. Store anything with an odor. Wildlife Viewing & Safety Keep Wildlife Safe Mountain Lions and Bobcats Do not feed or touch ANY wild animals. All animals in the parks are wild. View animals at safe distances (the length of two city buses) or through binoculars. Rarely seen, bobcats are larger than house cats and have bobbed tails. Mountain lions (cougars) are much larger and have long tails. Cats usually run when seen. If you see a mountain lion that doesn’t run: Never disrupt, approach, or disturb animals from behaving normally. • • • • • • Do not run; running may trigger pursuit. Pick up children. Try to appear as large as possible—don’t crouch down. Hold your ground or back away slowly while facing the mountain lion. If the mountain lion acts aggressively, wave your hands, shout, and throw stones or sticks at it. If attacked, fight back! Report any sightings. 6 Foothills Explore the foothills, home to more species of plants and animals than the rest of these parks combined. Chaparral, oak woodlands, and river canyons offer spring wildflowers, hot summers, and mild winters. Marble Falls Currently Open or Available Paradise Creek Foothills Visitor Center Visitor center staff are available daily for information and trip planning. The exhibit area is open with limited capacity. Free WiFi is available here—no password required. Sequoia Parks Conservancy's Park Store At Foothills Visitor Center, open daily. Maps, books, and other items are available. ô Tunnel Rock Marble Falls Trail Reservations are required, with the exception of South Fork Campground. See page 4 for camping information. Snap a picture at this iconic pullout off the Generals Highway. Walk on the old park road under this rock and pose for a photo. Beware of heavy traffic as you are crossing the road. Also note, poison oak is common here. Wilderness Permits ô Hospital Rock Picnic Area Until May 26, self-register for wilderness permits at the Wilderness Office. To reach the Wilderness Office, follow the dirt path to the right of the visitor center, cross the parking lot, and look for the Fire Management and Wilderness Office sign. See rock paintings and explore exhibits about the California Native Americans who lived here, and still visit and live nearby. A short trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps leads to a waterfall. Be careful; drownings occur here. Also, instead of leaving food in your vehicle, use the metal food-storage boxes to store your food from bears. Campgrounds Mineral King The road to this area is closed until May 25, 2022. In early spring, trails often require snowshoes or skis, and skill with a map and compass. If you're interested in a wilderness trip in this area, ask for a gate code at Foothills Visitor Center. The closest parking is 2 miles (3.2 km) before Atwell Mill Campground, 7 miles (11.3 km) before most trailheads. Opening Soon Mineral King Ranger Station Closed until May 25. Snowplay at Wolverton Wolverton Road starts just north of the Sherman Tree. Turn on this road to reach the snowplay area. Sledding is at the end of the road. Spring is here, and as is gets warmer outside, snow conditions deteriorate and snowplay becomes hazardous. Sledding may not be available here. Sled Safely • Consider wearing a helmet. • Don’t slide near rocks, trees, branches, or other people. Wilderness Permits • Until May 26, self-register for permits either at the Foothills Visitor Center or the Wilderness Office (see directions in Foothills section above). After sliding, move out of the way of people coming downhill. • Don’t slide into roads or parking lots. • Avoid hard-packed snow or ice, where you are more likely to lose control. Silver City Mountain Resort (private) Lodging, dining, and gifts available. Opening May 27. For a creekside walk, park at Hospital Rock Picnic Area and walk 0.6 miles (0.9 km) to Buckeye Flat Campground. Take the path across from site #28 and cross a footbridge over the river. Follow Paradise Creek (not the river) for 2 miles (3.2 km) until the trail grows faint; hike out by retracing your steps. Wuksachi Lodge Lodgepole Wolverton Snowplay Area General Sherman Tree Please don't leave broken sleds behind! When sledding, slide feet first. Area campgrounds are scheduled to open May 25. Advance reservations are required. Paradise Creek Trail Snowplay in Sequoia National Park • Campgrounds For a walk that offers short or longer options, park across the highway from Potwisha Campground (not in the campground). Near site #14, follow the dirt road along canals. Climb 3.7 miles (6 km) to reach the waterfall. On hot days, high temperatures and the lack of shade or water can make this trail dangerous. Giant Forest Museum Foothills Visitor Center Giant Forest 7 Enjoy the world's biggest unlogged sequoia grove and largest tree. Park your car and discover serene meadows, rocky streams, and towering forests. Expect trail closures in burned areas. Moro Rock/Crescent Meadow Road Visiting the General Sherman Tree Two trails lead to the world’s largest tree: Main Sherman Tree Trail and Parking This 0.5-mile (0.8 km) trail down to the Sherman Tree has some stairs; the walk back is uphill. Benches provide rest points along the way. Drive 2 miles (3 km) north of Giant Forest Museum (past the small Sherman Tree accessible parking lot). Turn onto Wolverton Road and follow signs to the parking area. Note: In early spring, the parking area here may close temporarily during snowstorms. Use this map to find parking and hiking options for the General Sherman Tree until shuttle service is available (scheduled to begin May 26, 2022). Main Sherman Tree Parking A Take Wolverton Road and follow signs. This parking area is scheduled to open on March 25, 2021. Accessible Sherman Tree Parking B This parking area is located along the Generals Highway. When the main parking area is closed, this parking is open to everyone. Wheelchair-Accessible Sherman Tree Trail from the Generals Highway Parking here is only for those with disability placards, unless the Main Sherman Tree parking lot is closed due to snow. If you don't have a placard, but can’t walk the hill on the main trail, ask at a visitor center for a temporary permit. Wolverton Picnic Area & Trailhead C The Wolverton Trail leads to the Sherman Tree. Check a trail map for details. D Lodgepole Campground Lot E Wuksachi Lodge Lot Opens after snow melts. A 2.8-mile (4.5 km) trail leads from here to the General Sherman Tree. The trailhead is near the amphitheater. Check signs at the parking area before parking here if you don't have an accessibility placard. Congress Trail From the Sherman Tree, continue along this fairly level 2-mile (3.2 km) loop through the heart of the Giant Forest sequoia grove. Park only in designated parking areas or in paved pullouts. Parking in unpaved areas along the highway is dangerous and may be ticketed. Continue past the lodge for additional parking. Opening scheduled for mid-May. Wuksachi Lodge E If parking areas for the Sherman Tree trails are full, consider coming back later in the day, or visiting giant sequoias trees located in a quieter area. Options for seeing the Giant Forest sequoia grove include Big Trees Trail, Hazelwood Nature Loop, and hikes beginning at Giant Forest Museum. Lodgepole Campground D C Wolverton Main Sherman A Tree Parking You may encounter snow-packed trails, icy walkways, bare pavement, or dirt trails. Be prepared for any conditions. B Sherman Tree Trail accessible parking Currently Open or Opening Soon This 3-mile (5-km), dead-end road opens after the snow melts, typically before Memorial Day. If snow is present, be prepared to walk or snowshoe. The road begins at Giant Forest Museum. Please don't walk or snowshoe in packed ski tracks; the footprints can trip skiers. Ask at the museum about snow conditions along the road. Tunnel Log - Go under a fallen sequoia that was tunneled through. This is the only “tree you can drive (or ski) through” in these parks. Crescent Meadow - Sequoias surround this fragile wetland. Stay on designated trails. Several trails start here, such as the 1-mile (1.6 km) route to Tharp’s Log, a historic cabin made from a fallen sequoia. The High Sierra Trail begins here, leading 60 miles (97 km) to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Colonel Young Tree - Park at the Auto Log and walk to a sequoia named for a notable Buffalo Soldier. Charles Young was the park's first Black superintendent, and was recently promoted (posthumously) to Brigadier General. ô Big Trees Trail This level, paved loop has trailside exhibits about sequoias. Start your walk at Giant Forest Museum for a 1-mile (1.6 km) round-trip walk. Snowshoe if snow is present. There are no ski-trail markers along this trail. If you have a disability placard, park at the trailhead for a 0.75-mile (1 km) loop. Check signage before parking here if you don't have a placard. Tokopah Falls The 3.4-mile (5.4 km) round-trip hike starts in Lodgepole Campground and ends at viewpoint near Tokopah Falls. Return the same way you came. Be careful around the water; cold, swift currents are difficult to escape, and ice and snow make rocks near the water's edge slippery. Park at the large lot just beyond the campground kiosk or at the visitor center. Not Yet Open Giant Forest Giant Forest Museum Wilderness Museumpermits Lodgepole Campground The museum will be open most days for information and trip planning. Exhibits are also open, with limited indoor capacity. Until May 26, self-register Crescent at Giant Forest Museum. Meadow Opens on May 25, reservation only. To Sequoia entrance (1 hour) Sequoia Shuttle Operating beginning May 26. Moro Rock Sequoia Parks Conservancy's Park Store at Giant Forest Museum Wuksachi Lodge, Food, and Gifts When visitor center is open, store is open for sales of maps, books, and other ite