< PreviousCamping Whether it’s a weekend or a weekday, numerous campgrounds are available for RV and tent campers. Lodgepole Campground nestled at the mouth of a deep glacial valley, is minutes from the Giant Forest and on the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. The campground is the trailhead for many day hikes, including to Tokopah Falls and high glacial lakes. Bring your fishing pole and catch some trout for dinner. Other campgrounds in the area include: Big Meadow, Stony Creek, Hume Lake, Princess and Dorst Creek. At lower elevations are Buckeye Flat and Potwisha. Feel like getting off the beaten path? Atwell Mill and Cold Springs campgrounds, just minutes from the gorgeous Mineral King Valley, provide tent-only camping. Enjoy day hikes and fishing at the alpine lakes surrounding this pristine area. For more camping information, visit: • fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/camping-cabins • nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/campgrounds • recreation.gov Venturing Out Do you need some blood-pumping fun to clear your mind and escape the daily grind? How does some hiking, running, rock climbing, back- packing, trekking, horseback riding, cycling, kayaking, OHV riding, skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the Sequoias sound? Read on to learn about some popular ways to venture out. Fishing For some, no trip is complete without fishing. The Sierra Nevada offers some of the best trout fishing in California. Cast a line at Hume or Kaweah lakes, or fly fish just steps away from your campsite on the Kings or Kaweah rivers, or hike to more secluded alpine lakes in Mineral King, Jennie Lakes Wilderness, or the glacial Heather and Pear lakes out of Wolverton. A fishing license is required for anyone over 16 in the parks, and other restrictions apply. go.nps.gov/sekifishing Hiking & Trail Running Looking for some fun away from base camp? Here are a few trails you might be interested in for day hiking or trail running. For wilderness permits, visit recreation.gov/permits/445857/ Tokopah Falls Trail This is a 3.4-mile out-and-back trail that follows a deep, glaciated canyon out of Lodgepole Campground on the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. Standing guard over this canyon to the south is the Watchtower, a granite monolith rising almost 2,000 feet above the canyon floor. Rising 630 feet in total, this trail is an easy and scenic hike. You can enjoy the river as it makes its way along the canyon, but it’s not recommended when the current is swift from snowmelt. The falls are seasonal, so enjoy them in the warmer months as water plunges 1,300 feet in a little over half a mile. In summer, enjoy the cliffs and slick granite playground along the river. The Lakes Trail This strenuous 11.5-mile out-and-back trail, with about 2,700 feet of altitude gain leads to the top of the Watchtower and four glacial lakes. Reach the Watchtower at mile 3.4, Heather Lake at 4.1, Aster and Emerald lakes at 4.7, and Pear Lake at 5.75 miles. Weaver Lake is a popular destination in the Jennie Lakes Wilderness, Sequoia National Forest. The trail begins at the Big Meadows trailhead and is well marked and easy to follow. At 7 miles round trip, this can be a day hike or an overnight trip, a perfect backpack trip for families, first-timers or more seasoned backpackers looking for a short journey. Activities Let’s break it down by things to do. Our parks and forests are a natural playground, with opportunities for every traveler to enjoy Tulare County’s northeast region. Hume Lake Weaver Lake 8 | The Sequoia VisitorMountain Biking Ready to get your pedals turning? Then come enjoy your National Forest land from the seat of a bicycle! Any official trail on Forest Service land allows bicycles, with the exceptions of designated trails in wilderness areas and the Pacific Crest Trail. There are literally hundreds of miles of trails and roads to explore in the Sequoia National Forest, and a bike is a great way to see much of them. Many trails are steep or rocky and may be for advanced riders only; we recommend you contact the local Forest office before choosing a trail to ride. Hume Lake area has a number of biking opportunities on roads and trails that venture through giant sequoia groves and include many stunning views. Converse Basin is crisscrossed with unmaintained mining and logging roads that wind through a giant sequoia grove and offer some great vistas. Take Highway 180 toward the Chicago Stump and Converse Basin. Please note: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks do not allow bikes on trails. fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/bicycling Rock Climbing Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Sequoia National Forest have some of the best climbing in California. Much of the rock in the region is similar in quality to that found in Yosemite National Park, but without the crowds and pressure. Most climbs require at least a day’s hike in, including Angel Wings, a majestic granite monolith with an 1,800-foot granite face 18 miles down the High Sierra Trail. For information on rock climbing, visit nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/rockclimb.htm. Backpacking Hamilton Lakes Trail This week-long trek is a 31-mile out-and-back trail that leads to some of the best scenery and lakes in Sequoia National Park. The trail takes you past stunning granite formations such as Sugarbowl Dome, Angel Wings and Valhalla Towers, and ends at Hamilton Lake, which has excellent fishing and memorable vistas. Plan ahead to enjoy hot showers, hearty meals and the comfort of a tent cabin on the first night at Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp. For more info, go to: visitsequoia.com . Jennie Lakes Wilderness The 10,500-acre Jennie Lakes Wilderness is a lovely mixture of lakes, meadows, forests and streams. Mostly above 7,000 feet in elevation, this wilderness contains scenic variations of alpine and subalpine forests of white and red fir, lodgepole pine, western white pine, and jeffrey and ponderosa pine with an abundance of wildflowers in the spring and summer months. The summit of Mitchell Peak is the highest point at 10,365 feet. Located in the Sequoia National Forest, four trailheads access 26 miles of trails within the wilderness. The High Sierra Trail is a 62-mile point-to-point trail that traverses the Sierra Nevada between the big trees of the Giant Forest and Mount Whitney. It winds through soaring peaks, glacial alpine lakes and plunging canyons. You’ll need to arrange a shuttle from one side of the Sierras to the other, but the effort is worth it. For more information, visit: • www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/outdooractivities • www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/hiking Horseback Riding Explore the Sequoias in the saddle like a true pioneer. Enjoy single- or multi-day guided rides offered by stables at Horse Corral in Sequoia National Forest, as well as Grant Grove and Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. Horse camping is permitted at Big Meadow, Wolverton and Kaweah Lake. Visit: • nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/stockuse.htm • hcpacker.com • visitsequoia.com/explore/spring-summer-fall-activities/ horseback-riding • grantgrovestables.com • cedargrovepackstation.com Water Activities There are plenty of opportunities for water recreation, including whitewa- ter rafting, kayaking, canoeing and swimming. Whitewater offerings are seasonal on the wild Kaweah and Kings rivers because they are not dammed until they reach lower elevations. These rivers are appropriate for experienced and expert kayakers, who will find them technically challenging and rewarding. Watercraft use is restricted in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, but is allowed in Sequoia National Forest. Visit: • kaweahwhitewateradventures.com • mountaindescents.com • sequoiaadventures.com • kaweahmarina.com Hume Lake is a fantastic place for non-motorized, flat-water activities, including kayaking and canoeing. Swimming can be enjoyed at Hume Lake or along rivers where water current is minimal. Fed by snowmelt, water temperatures are very cold. Water levels run high during the spring runoff and are unpredictable. Please be cautious when you and your family are near rivers, lakes and streams. Even when water appears warm or slow moving, there are sometimes strong currents moving below the surface. Take care when walking on slippery surfaces around or in the water. Slippery and uneven river bottom, swift currents, debris and other potential underwater hazards can cause you to lose your balance and sweep you downstream. Water safety for children is especially important even if they are far from the water, as they can quickly enter it when your attention is diverted for only a moment. Kaweah River SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 9 Northern RegionsJohn Muir Lodge is nestled in the midst of Grant Grove Village, surrounded by towering sequoias and just a quick walk from the General Grant Tree. The lodge has provided an authentic Kings Canyon experience for two decades. But as of late 2014, even longtime loyalists can get a new perspective on the year-round destination, courtesy of a comprehensive renovation. Guests can now enjoy everything from new soft goods, such as carpeting and bedding, to fresh furniture, lounge chairs and headboards. visitsequoia.com Cedar Grove Village is located in the heart of Kings Canyon National Park. This lodge is the perfect base camp for exploring the canyon. Nestled on the banks of the powerful Kings River, the lodge offers 21 cozy rooms, a snack bar, a general store and laundry facilities to keep you comfortable with all the amenities of home, while you take in the grandeur of this deep glaciated canyon. Cedar Grove is a 35-mile drive through the Sequoia National Forest from Grant Grove Village. visitsequoia.com Wuksachi Lodge is Sequoia National Park’s newest and most modern hotel accommoda- tion. This lodge has spacious rooms, a full-service restaurant, and a retail and ski shop in its impressive stone and cedar lodge. It is open year- round. visitsequoia.com Stony Creek Lodge is nestled in the Giant Sequoia National Monument between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Stony Creek is a great location for guests to explore the area. This small rustic lodge offers 11 rooms with private baths, and has a snack bar, market and seasonal gas station on-site. Montecito Sequoia Lodge Located off the Generals Highway in the Giant Sequoia National Monument, this lodge has cabins and lodge rooms available. Set on a private lake, enjoy swimming and paddling, or soak in a hot tub. Meals are provided, so you can just relax and enjoy the scenery. mslodge.com Sequoia High Sierra Camp This is the perfect place to get a taste of the backcountry without having to rough it. You will discover 32 luxurious tent cabins overlooking Kings Canyon after a short, mile-long hike through stands of red fir and lodgepole pine. Wake up to a hearty breakfast buffet and get a picnic lunch to enjoy later whether you’re on a trail, fishing a stream or reading a book at camp. Enjoy a five-course dinner prepared by the camp chef, and retire to a comfortable bed in your private tent cabin suite whenever you please. sequoiahighsierracamp.com Bearpaw High Sierra Camp This rustic tent cabin camp is located 11.5 miles down the High Sierra Trail, deep into the Sequoia National Park backcountry. Bearpaw offers six tent cabins perched atop a granite saddle overlooking the Great Western Divide. A home-style breakfast and dinner are served daily, so you’ll have all the energy you need to explore some of the finest alpine terrain in the Sierra Nevada. visitsequoia.com Silver City Mountain Resort For those who want to unplug and unwind, this remote getaway is just a few minutes from Mineral King Valley. A historic mountain settlement, Silver City is off the grid and, for 10 hours each day, generates its own power. At 10 p.m., the lights go out and the lanterns are lit. A variety of chalets and family cabins with full kitchens are available to suit any need. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a store is available for your convenience. Guided hikes and fly fishing trips into Mineral King by local experts are also available. silvercityresort.com Closer to Civilization If you like staying closer to civilization, Three Rivers is just down the hill, and offers quiet, riverside getaways and lodging. An abundance of lodging and fine dining are also available in Exeter, Tulare and Visalia, just under an hour’s drive from Sequoia National Park. Relaxation Want to put your feet up and enjoy the scenery with all the comforts of home? We’ve got you covered! Stay in a lodge or rent a rustic cabin. You might want to bring a good book. 10 | The Sequoia VisitorJohn Muir Lodge & Wuksachi Lodge John Muir and Wuksachi lodges include great snow play areas and also offer ski and shoe rentals. Free ranger-guided snowshoe tours are available (weather permitting). Wolverton Meadow is a fantastic area for sledding, and is also the winter trailhead for cross-country ski and snowshoe excursions to Pear Lake Ski Hut. visitsequoia.com/explore/winter-activities Pear Lake Winter Hut This historic cabin is available to the public from December to April (weather and trail conditions permitting). The advanced-level ski/ snowshoe trail offers a chance to explore the beautiful wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountain range during the winter months, with a cozy cabin waiting at the end of your day. Begin your trip at Wolverton (7,200 feet) and ascend a steep seven miles east to the Pear Lake area (9,200 feet). The hut sleeps 10 people and offers many amenities to lighten your load. Advance reservations are required. sequoiaparksconservancy.org Snowmobiling Snowmobilers will find their paradise within Sequoia National Forest at the Cherry Gap, Big Meadow and Millwood winter trailheads. Plow through the snow among the giant sequoias, and savor the breathtaking scenery of the High Sierras in winter. Make sure to check regulations and stay on designated routes. For more information on winter recreation, visit: fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/wintersports/ Winter Recreation Explore some of the most gorgeous winter scenery in the world, and be inspired by the majesty of snow-cov- ered giant sequoias. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding can all be enjoyed within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument. Wolverton SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 11 Northern RegionsWHO’S UP FOR A ROAD TRIP? Mileage and Drive Times to the Sequoias From Yosemite 170 miles 3 hours From Los Angeles 205 miles 4 hours From San Francisco 270 miles 4.75 hours From Las Vegas 380 miles 6.5 hours E scape to a world of pristine beauty, majestic mountains and the largest living things on earth— the giant sequoia trees. Along the way, enjoy the orchards, vineyards and hillsides covered in oak trees. Tulare County is located in the Central Valley of California, about 3 hours north of Los Angeles and 3.5 hours south of San Francisco on the 99 freeway. With the Sierra Nevada mountains as a stunning backdrop, the county serves as a gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument and many other outdoor destinations, and welcomes visitors with hotels, restaurants, attractions, shopping and more. Air service is available through Fresno-Yosemite Interna- tional Airport or Meadows Field in Bakersfield. Amtrak and Greyhound also provide service to the region, dropping and picking up at the Visalia Transit Center in downtown Visalia. The Sequoia Shuttle offers seasonal, affordable and convenient round-trip shuttle bus service (wheelchair-ac- cessible) to Sequoia National Park from Visalia, Exeter, Lemon Cove and Three Rivers. Reservations are required. For more information, visit sequoiashuttle.com. GETTING TO THE SEQUOIAS Moro Rock 12 | The Sequoia VisitorONE EXTRA STEP MAKES a the di ence. Visit Visalia is the first destination marketing organization in California to be named a Certified Autism Center. This means it’s our priority to help adventurers of all kinds feel welcome, so everyone can explore with confidence. Learn more at VisitVisalia.com/autism-travel Visalia Marriott | Comfort Suites Visalia | Hampton Inn Visalia | Valley Oaks Golf Course | Wyndham Visalia | Lamp Liter Inn | Naturally Nuts | Adventure Park | Best Western Visalia | Fairfield Inn Visalia Holiday Inn Express Visalia | Downtown Visalians | Farmer Bob’s World | Tulare County Museum LOCAL BUSINESSES COMMITTED TO BECOMING CAC PARTNERST his spectacular region in the central-eastern portion of Tulare County is often less crowded, and offers so much for those looking for adventure, exploration and a diverse landscape — with rolling foothills skirting the western edge of the Sierra, to majestic giant sequoia groves, high mountain peaks, steep river valleys, alpine lakes and the high desert in the east. Regardless of the season, this area has much to offer. Popular Attractions The Trail of 100 Giants is a paved, fully accessible hiking path that meanders through a stand of giant sequoias, some aged as many as 1,500 years. A self-guided tour offers 20 interpretive stations. Walk alongside a fallen giant and gain a true appreciation for the size of these trees. Stroll at your leisure along the 1.3-mile-long trail within Long Meadow Grove on the Western Divide Highway. Dome Rock a granite monolith just off the Western Divide Highway, offers a breath- taking view. Although it is accessible to all ages, be careful at the top. There is no railing and it’s a 400-foot drop to the valley below. Bald Mountain Lookout provides a stunning, 360-degree view of the southern Sierra Nevada, including Mount Whitney and the Domeland Wilderness. During the summer months, this lookout tower can be accessed from the Sherman Pass Road above Johnsondale in the Sequoia National Forest. Belknap Grove made up of three smaller groves, is accessible along the moderate 3.7-mile Nelson Trail, starting from either Camp Nelson or the Quaking Aspen area. The 1,500-foot elevation change along the Tule River makes for a perfect afternoon hike. Fishing is available along most of the trail, and a campground is available for overnight stays. The Southern Regions: Sequoia National Forest & Giant Sequoia National Monument This area is comprised of the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument, making it one of the most geographically diverse and remote in the country. 198 VISALIA WOODLAKE THREE RIVERS TULARE Tulare County is in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley LINDSAY DUCOR DINUBA LEMON COVE Mineral King Attractions covered in this section of the guide are in this region of the county 99 N Map not to scale TULARE COUNTY FARMERSVILLE EXETER PORTERVILLE Balch Park SPRINGVILLE CAMP NELSON STRATHMORE 14 | The Sequoia Visitor Southern RegionsCamping Whether it’s a weekend or a weekday, there is plenty to see and do for the whole family. Many improved campgrounds are available in the Sequoia National Forest. For a list of campgrounds and regulations, visit fs.usda.gov/main/sequoia or recreation.gov. Belknap Campground is nestled in the Camp Nelson community on the South Fork of the Tule River. Enjoy camping out under the giant sequoias, fishing and hiking. Quaking Aspen Campground is located just off the highway. Minutes away from many attractions, this is an ideal base camp for exploring the Sequoia National Forest. Camp in style by reserving a yurt or even the Quaking Aspen Cabin. Wishon Campground is open year-round with family campsites available by reservation, and the Wishon Cabin is available for rent. Located in the Sequoia National Forest at an elevation of 4,000 feet, the campground straddles two forks of the Tule River with many hiking and fishing opportunities. Hiking & Trail Running Dozens of day hikes are possible in this vast region. Some favorites: The Freeman Creek Trail meanders through one of the largest giant sequoia groves with more than 800 trees greater than 10 feet in diameter. It’s an 8.6-mile round-trip. To reach the area from the bottom, take Lloyd Meadow Road from Johnsondale to the trailhead near the George Bush Tree; from the top, take the North Road off Highway 190 to the trailhead. The Needles Trail is a 5-mile hike out and back to Needles Ridge, a formation of granite spires. The lookout burned down in 2011, but the scenery is breathtaking, including a view of Mount Whitney, the Golden Trout Wilderness and the Kern River Valley. Backpacking & Fishing Maggie Lakes is a wonderful series of lakes nestled in the cirques of Maggie Mountain. Enjoy climbs to the numerous peaks, great fishing and pristine water. Leave from Summit Trailhead and go 13 miles each way through picturesque meadows and great vistas. Backpack, ride horses or fish to your heart’s content in the Golden Trout Wilderness, named for California’s brightly colored and elusive state fish native to the area. This 304,000-acre wilderness area is located in the southern end of the Sierra Nevada with several hundred miles of scenic trails and the North and South forks of the Kern River running through it. The easiest access is from Lloyd Meadows. A wilderness permit is required and special restrictions apply. The Domeland Wilderness has awe-inspiring domes, spires and crags rising out of conifer forests. Domeland is perfect for those seeking a remote and crowdless getaway. Hike or ride horseback into Manter Meadow, the largest meadow in the area. Great fishing, rock climbing and wildlife viewing are available. Rock Climbing World-class rock climbing can be found throughout Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument. The Needles and Dome Rock offer some of the best crack and face climbing in the Sierra that are easily accessible and without the crowds. Check out Church Domes in the Domeland Wilderness. fs.usda.gov.activity/sequoia/recreation/climbing OHV Riding Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) recreation is just one of the many uses allowed on National Forest lands. The Sequoia National Forest offers many opportunities for OHV recreationists. State law requires registration of all motor vehicles before being operated on public lands. You must have either a current Green Sticker or Highway license, both issued by the state Department of Motor Vehicles. If highway-licensed, the vehicle must meet all standards for operating on a public highway. fs.usda.gov/activity/sequoia/recreation/ohv Activities Our forests are a natural playground, with opportunities for every traveler to enjoy Tulare County’s eastern region. Dome Rock SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 15 Southern RegionsVenturing Out You have just discovered one of the most exciting natural playgrounds in the world, with more than 1 million acres for fishing, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, rock climbing, biking, whitewater rafting and OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) riding. Mountain Biking The Giant Sequoia National Monument is one of the only places in the world where you can bike along trails through groves of giant sequoias. A network of trails accommodates cyclists of all experience levels. Relaxation Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy nature’s bounty. Take your seat on a deck, or huddle next to a campfire as wind rushes through the trees, bringing with it the distant trickling of a mountain stream. Great Places to Stay Cabins and Rooms Fully outfitted cabins and rooms are available for rent in various mountain communities along Highway 190 and the Western Divide Highway, including Camp Nelson and Ponderosa. They are located amid numerous trails and attractions with general stores nearby. Don’t worry about having to rough it; you can explore the wilderness and enjoy all the comforts of home. The Sequoia National Forest also has cabins for rent. Some have electricity and are furnished. Find out more at: fs.usda.gov/activity/ sequoia/recreation/camping-cabins. Cozy Yurts at Quaking Aspen and Redwood Meadow Enjoy the combined advantages of tent camping and cabin life; stay in a cozy yurt at Quaking Aspen Campground or Redwood Meadow. Modeled after the ancient shelters used by Central Asian nomads, the yurts will insulate you from the elements; they contain a bunk bed and futon for comfy nights. The Needles 16 | The Sequoia Visitor Southern RegionsWinter Recreation Winter is one of the best times to visit the area. Cross-coun- try skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular activities. Snowmobiling is limited to designated routes in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Quaking Aspen Meadow is a popular area for snow play, and a network of roads nearby offers great cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. For those wanting to snowmobile the Western Divide Highway during winter months when closed by Tulare County, there is a trailhead located at the Ponderosa Lodge. The Forest Service provides snow grooming in many areas through a grant from the California Off-Highway Vehicle Commission. For winter recreation maps, visit ponderosa.ca.com/index.php/winter-recre- ation-routes-trails . Kern Plateau is equally accommodating for snowmobiles as it is for off-highway vehicles. More than a dozen well-marked trails are open for over-snow vehicles, and hundreds of miles of trails and roads are open for snowshoeing and cross-coun- try skiing. For information, visit fs.usda.gov/activity/ sequoia/recreation/wintersports. SequoiaVisitorsGuide.com | 17 Southern RegionsNext >