dicoverthesequioas.com Comfort SUITES VISALIA CONVENTION CENTER 210 E Acequia Ave. Visalia, California, 93291 559.738.1700 • www.visaliacomfortsuites.com Our graciously appointed all-suite hotel is conveniently located in historic downtown Visalia, gateway to Sequoia National Park. Enjoy unique cuisine, shops and cultural experiences throughout the year. by CHOICE HOTELS VISALIA 4747 W. Noble Ave. Visalia, California, 93277 559.732.3900 • www.visalia.hamptoninn.com Hillstone Inn TULARE 1183 N. Blackstone St. Tulare, California, 93274 559.686.0985 • www.hillstoneinn.com Visitors to Hampton Inn Visalia enjoy close proximity to casual dining and family entertainment. Explore Tulare’s local attractions, then relax and recharge in the serenity of our tastefully decorated rooms. Publisher & Editorial Inquiries Sequoia Tourism Council discoverthesequoias.com (559) 691-4198 Contributing Photographers JJ Fry, Sam Allen, Peter Amend, BeeGreen Farm, Bettina Birch, Robert Borba, Paul Breski, Joanna Carnes, City of Exeter, John Greening, Nancy Hamill, Ken Hebert, Taylor Johnson, Ryan Krauter, Topograph, Shirley Kirkpatrick, Gary Kunkel, Ivan Mendoza, Beckie Ballew Nava Rondii Nieto, Salazar Photography, Sequoia High Sierra Camp, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, Jess Stryker, Shidan Tofiq, Esta Willman, Tulare County Farm Bureau, Tulare County Film Commission, U.S. Forest Service, CA Land Management Advertising Inquiries Contact: 324 S. Santa Fe St. Visalia, CA 93291 Phone: 559.471.0700 info@tpgrph.com Design & Layout Topograph Every effort has been made to ensure the information within this publication is complete and accurate at the time of publication. The Sequoia Tourism Council and all parties associated with producing this publication do not warrant such accuracy or the claims of its advertisers. Reproduction or reuse of any photos and/or written material contained within this publication without the expressed written consent of the publisher is prohibited. The Sequoia Visitor Guide is published and distributed by The Sequoia Tourism Council and sequoiavisitorsguide.com. About the Sequoia Tourism Council The Sequoia Tourism Council is a collaborative effort designed to promote tourism within the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument, and the communities of Tulare County. The Council is funded primarily by the county and various cities, and includes representatives from Chambers of Com- merce, visitor bureaus, government agencies and tourism-focused community organizations. © 2022 The Sequoia Tourism Council Nobe Young Creek Falls SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 1What’s Inside Your Adventure Starts Here Come play in our backyard and you’ll discover the biggest trees, tallest mountains and charming downtowns full of live entertainment, rich history and stunning art. Tulare County welcomes you with open arms. We can’t wait to show you all we have to offer. We’re home to magnificent mountains, spectacular giant sequoia trees and charming towns. The region boasts abundant choices for camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, climbing, boating, mountain biking and many more outdoor activities. National parks, a national monument and a national forest, plus state, county and city parks, provide a variety of places to explore. From history to art, shopping and entertainment, to some of the most thrilling adventures on your bucket list, you’ll have an unforgettable vacation. We have dozens of ideas for your next getaway. In the following pages, we’ll take you on a whirlwind tour – com- plete with must-sees, itinerary ideas, and a look at the people and places that make the Sequoia region a destination you just can’t miss. See more of our favorites online at sequoiavisitorsguide.com. Travel Confidently #RecreateResponsibly to Protect Yourself, Others, and the Outdoors. The Recreate Responsibly guidelines offer a starting point for getting outside to keep yourself healthy and to maintain access to our parks, trails, and beaches. For tips on how to travel safely, visit recreateresponsibly.org. Big Meadows Into the Sequoias . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Northern Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Getting to the Sequoias . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Southern Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Discover Tulare County . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Lodging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48T o walk into a grove of giant sequoias for the first time is to enter a magical landscape. Trees of incomparable size and age tower over the forest floor, their cinnamon- colored columns — some exceeding 100 feet in circumference — stretching 300 feet or more to reach the sky. Able to survive through fire, drought, snow and freezing temperatures, the hardy trees live for millennia; the oldest is thought to be some 3,000 years old. Simply, a sequoia grove is nature’s cathedral, timeless and sublime. Given the feelings of awe and inspiration these ancient trees evoke, it’s no wonder that the communities of our region — with the influence of naturalist John Muir and associate editor of the local newspaper, George Stewart — advocated for establishment of the nation’s second national park. Sequoia National Park, dedicated in 1890, is truly our backyard, and we love to share it with visitors. Home to six of the 10 largest trees on Earth, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are a national treasure. The undisputed king of the forest is the General Sherman Tree, not only the largest living tree in the world, but also the largest living organism, by volume. Estimated at 2,100 years old and weighing 2.7 million pounds, it tops out at 275 feet high and 102 feet in circumference at its base. It’s accessed by a half-mile trail, which is lined with benches along the way. In Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest, visitors will find a playground for all seasons. With six wilderness areas, two wild and scenic rivers, a scenic byway, snow play area and other attractions, there is no shortage of activities or vistas. While the mammoth trees are the main attraction, there is more to explore: Hike deep into the wilderness, climb rocks, and enjoy the wildlife, beautiful meadows, historical sites, lakes, mountains and streams. In the land of the giant sequoias, perched on a granite dome at 8,502 feet, Buck Rock Lookout offers a spectacular 360-degree view stretching from the Coast Range across the San Joaquin Valley to the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest are timeless landscapes preserved by people who understand what truly special places they are. Welcome to our backyard! The Land of Giants Ancient and awe-inspiring, these trees are at the root of our history. Into the Sequoias 4 | The Sequoia VisitorNational parks are intended to preserve the natural habitat in its purest form for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Parks are barely altered, and many activities are restricted, such as off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, hunting and most commercial activities. National forests are established to manage the health, productiv- ity and diversity of forests and grasslands to meet the needs of current and future genera- tions. National forests are viewed as a resource, so more activities are usually permitted in designated areas. These include OHV use, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, logging and grazing. Dogs are welcome! National monuments are established through the American Antiquities Act of 1906 by order of the president, and can be managed by the Park Service, Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. Rules and regulations vary; however, most monuments are intended to protect objects of interest for future generations. Similar to the Forest Service, our local monument allows hunting, OHV use and dispersed camping. A wilderness is an area of undeveloped land that is protected to preserve its natural, primeval condition. Development or maintenance of roads and structures, use of mechanical vehicles, commer- cial enterprises and human habitation are generally prohibited. The only way to explore these wild areas is on foot or horseback, but is well worth the effort. Hume Lake Grant’s Grove Marble FallsPopular Attractions Giant Forest Museum is a great starting point for you to explore. Learn the story of the giant sequoias and the Giant Forest on a stroll around beautiful Round Meadow. Trail-side exhibits help tell the story of the park on this 1-mile, paved, wheelchair-accessible looped trail. Big Meadow is located a short drive off the Generals Highway in Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest. Hiking or horseback riding into the Jennie Lakes Wilderness and fly fishing in Big Meadows Creek are popular activities. Horse Corral Pack Station provides horses for rent and Horse Camp provides overnight camping with horses and mules. Hume Lake, only 15 miles away, offers fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities. The Northern Regions: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument 198 VISALIA WOODLAKE THREE RIVERS TULARE Tulare County is in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley LINDSAY SPRINGVILLE PORTERVILLE STRATHMORE DUCOR CAMP NELSON DINUBA LEMON COVE Mineral King Giant Forest Museum Attractions covered in this section of the guide are in this region of the county 99 TULARE COUNTY N MAP NOT TO SCALE FARMERSVILLE EXETER T he combined lands of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the Sequoia National Forest and the Giant Sequoia National Monument have a dramatic presence and undeniable beauty. Start- ing in the foothills and stretching across the Great Western Divide, these diverse areas promise to inspire with towering, old-growth forests of giant sequoias, plunging glacial canyons, deep river valleys, pristine alpine lakes, massive granite monoliths and soaring mountain peaks, including the highest point in the contiguous 48 United States – Mount Whitney, at 14,494 feet (4,418 meters). A lifetime of adventure, exploration and awe- inspiring moments await in this vast national treasure. So, let us help you get started. “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” —John Muir, Conservationist 6 | The Sequoia VisitorBuck Rock Lookout can be accessed along the road into Big Meadows. Perched atop a granite dome at 8,502 feet, this lookout offers a stunning 360-degree view across the San Joaquin Valley to the Coast Range, and across the mountains to the Great Western Divide, featuring some of the highest peaks in the Sierra Nevada. Built in 1923 and accessed by a series of stairs, this working fire lookout is one of three existing 4-A-style live-in cabs in the world. Open daily to visitors during the summer season (except during extreme weather or fire activity); for more information, visit buckrock.org. The Congress Trail is a 2-mile, mostly paved loop that wanders through some of the most magnificent giant sequoias. After visiting the General Sherman Tree, hop on the Congress Trail and prepare to be amazed by the size and beauty of the trees, including “The President” (third-largest giant sequoia) and the House and Senate trees. Keep an eye out for deer and bears. They appear to enjoy the Giant Forest as much as we do. Crescent Meadow was one of John Muir’s favorite places and, when you see it, you’ll understand why. The Crescent Meadow Trail is well maintained and not strenuous, so even the little ones can enjoy it. This serene meadow is surrounded by giant sequoias that stand watch and provide some great photo opportunities. Take a short side trip to nearby Log Meadow. The trail will take you to Tharp’s Log, where a pioneer once lived inside the trunk of a fallen giant sequoia. Visit at sunset and watch deer grazing in the meadow as the last light of the day illuminates the tops of the giant sequoias. Moro Rock is a giant granite dome located near the center of the park. It offers spectacular views of the Great Western Divide, Castle Rocks and the eastern half of Sequoia National Park. Climb to the summit of Moro Rock following a steep quarter-mile railed staircase, where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Crystal Cave Explore the underground world of Sequoia National Park with a Sequoia Parks Conservancy Field Institute naturalist leading you through this naturally adorned cave of impressive chambers and magnificent formations. Crystal Cave is open late May through November (weather permitting). First discovered by Sequoia National Park employees in 1918, this spectacular cave has been a visitor favorite since tours began in 1940. A variety of tours are offered through the season. Tickets are available by reservation only. For more information, visit sequoiaparksconservancy.org. Mineral King is a pristine alpine valley, so appealing that in the 1960s, Walt Disney decided it was the ideal setting for a swiss chalet-themed ski resort. His plans were abandoned in 1978 when Congress passed legislation making Mineral King part of Sequoia National Park, protecting the area’s beauty for future generations to enjoy. Mineral King provides day hikers and backpackers with some of the most direct access to Sierra high country. There are numerous opportunities for day hikes to alpine lakes, with great fishing and towering mountain peaks, but be prepared for a climb as these mountains are steep and rugged. Looking for something a little easier? Just take a stroll up this magnificent valley and turn around whenever you please. Two campgrounds are located along Mineral King Road, with only tent camping allowed. The road to Mineral King is winding and has vehicle restrictions. Access is not possible during winter months. For more information, visit: nps.gov/seki. The General Grant Tree estimated to be between 1,800 and 2,000 years old, is the centerpiece of Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. At 267 feet tall and nearly 29 feet wide at its base, it is the second-largest tree in the world. It was named in 1867 to honor Ulysses S. Grant and was designated “the Nation’s Christmas Tree” by President Calvin Coolidge. On Veteran’s Day 1956, the Eisenhower administration dedicated the General Grant Tree as a living shrine to all who have fought and died protecting our country. Hospital Rock Between the entrance to Sequoia National Park and the Giant Forest Museum is the Hospital Rock picnic and day use area, known to local tribal communities as Pah-din. From the parking lot, cross the road to explore the enormous shelf-like granite boulder supported by several lesser rocks. This natural formation served as a hospital for early area inhabitants. Below the rocks, find a short trail to the river. Just be careful, as the water may be swift, cold, and dangerous, especially in the spring! Moro Rock General Grant Mineral King SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 7 Northern RegionsNext >