Park Planning

Where can I learn about the General Management Plan for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks?

The Record of Decision for the "General Management Plan & Comprehensive River Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)" was finalized at the end of 2007. You can review the entire plan and the planning process by clicking here. 

Sequoias

Are sequoia trees really the largest living things on earth?

It depends on how you define largest living thing. Some claim that an aspen grove covering more than 100 acres in Utah holds that title because the trees all appear to share the same root system. But it might be argued that these are colonies of clones rather a single organism. If you restrict your definition to single-trunked trees, then the General Sherman sequoia tree in Giant Forest holds the title as the largest living specimen on earth. more...

Where is the famous sequoia tree that has a tunnel that I can drive through?

The famous tunneled sequoia tree was never in these parks, but rather 100 air-miles north in the Mariposa Grove of Yosemite National Park. Visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon can drive through Sequoia Park's fallen "Tunnel Log" located along the Crescent Meadow Road in Giant Forest. more...

Since the mission of the parks is to protect sequoias, why would the parks deliberately set fires in sequoia groves?

For more than 70 years, the parks did their best to put out every fire in the sequoia groves. But during those seventy years, the parks learned something startling. Sequoias are well-adapted to natural fire. In fact, they need fire to reproduce. Periodic fires help to create an ideal habitat for young sequoias to grow by removing competing trees and duff, leaving a bare mineral soil for sequoias to grow. Learn more about fire in the parks...

Caves

What is special about Sequoia and Kings Canyon caves?

The caves in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are marble caves. Most caves, such as Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, are limestone caves. So far, over 200 caves have been discovered in the parks. Some contain creatures found nowhere else on earth.

Mt. Whitney

When I'm driving through the park, where can I best see Mt. Whitney?

Actually, you cannot see Mt. Whitney at all from park roads which are all on the west side of the park. The Sierra Nevada range has an unusual double crest at its southern end. Since Mt. Whitney is on the eastern crest, the peaks of the Great Western Divide block views of the eastern crest from the west side of the park. Mt. Whitney is most easily seen from a car driving along Hwy. 395 in the Owens Valley east of the parks.

But if you climb to the top of Alta Peak (a strenuous but exhilarating day hike from Wolverton or Giant Forest), you might see the top of Mt. Whitney over the Great Western Divide—weather permitting.

Bears

Where can I see a grizzly bear in the parks?

Although the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) is on the California flag, grizzly bears no longer live in California. The bears in Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks are all black bears (Ursus americanus). Black bears are more shy and less aggressive than brown bears (grizzlies). But all bears can become a danger—especially if they are allowed to obtain human food or garbage. Please store your food properly at all times and pick up all trash. You will help keep our bears safe and wild. more...

Where can I...?

You are visiting two different areas—a National Park (NPS) and a National Forest (USFS). Some activities may be illegal in the Park but legal in the Forest.

•WALK A PET? In Parks: Not on trails but it’s ok in developed areas ( picnic areas, campgrounds, roads). In National Forest: Pets can go on trails. In both areas: Pets must be on a leash less than 6 feet (1.8m) long. Don’t leave pets in hot cars.

• FEED WILDLIFE? Not in either area! Animals become unnaturally dependent. Some can be dangerous and may have to be killed. Some can carry disease. Roadside beggars get hit by cars. • GO CAMPING? In Parks: Only in numbered sites in designated campgrounds. In National Forest: In campgrounds or, unless posted otherwise, near roadsides. Pull safely off the road & no further.

• HAVE A FIRE? In Parks: Only in fire grills in campgrounds & some picnic areas. In National Forest: Fire permits are required outside picnic area grills & campgrounds. Get one at Grant Grove Visitor Center or the USFS office in Dunlap on Hwy 180.

• COLLECT THINGS? Not in Parks: Leave everything to play its natural role in the ecosystem. In National Forest: Gathering a few cones or rocks for personal use is permitted. In both areas: Archeological sites & artifacts are protected by law. •DRIVE OFF-ROAD? Not in either area. Stay on roads.

• CUT WOOD? Not in the Parks. In National Forest: Call Hume Lake Ranger District for permit & guidelines: 559-338-2251.

• GO FISHING? In both areas: Permitted during the season; a California fishing license is required for ages 16 & up. Get copies of park-specific regulations at any visitor center.

• RIDE SNOWMOBILES? Not in the Parks. In National Forest: Only on designated snowmobile routes. Snowmobile trailheads are at Big Meadows, Quail Flat & Cherry Gap.

• GO PICNICKING? See picnic symbols on map (back page). Never leave food unattended! Most sites have tables, restrooms & fire grills, except: No fire grills at Foothills & Sandy Cove. No fires permitted at Lodgepole & Crescent Meadow. No water at Grizzly Falls, Halstead, & Powdercan.

• RIDE A BICYCLE? In Parks: Keep bikes on roads only, not on any trail. In National Forest: Ask a ranger which trails permit bicycles. In both areas: Be careful & courteous near pedestrians & horses. People under 18 must wear a helmet.