Visitor Guide for the Sequoia National Forest

Sequoia National Forest & Giant Sequoia National Monument

Prepare for a monumental adventure! The Sequoia National Forest, named for the world’s largest trees, celebrates the greatest concentration of giant sequoia groves in the world. Protected within the Giant Sequoia National Monument, these groves and the areas around them are managed by the forest Service for you and the benefit of generations to come. These giants may be enjoyed as you hike, ride horse back or mountain bike one of many trails.

The Sequoia’s landscape is as spectacular as its trees. Soaring granite monoliths, glacier-carved canyons, limestone caves, roaring world-class white water, and scenic lakes and reservoirs await your discovery at the Sierra Nevada’s southern reach. Elevations range from 1,000 feet in the lower canyons to peaks over 12,000 feet on the crest of the Sierra, providing panoramic views in dramatic range of setting. These mountains stand in contrast to California’s San Joaquin Valley, providing cool relief from the scorching heat of summer and welcome blue skies and sun during the cold fog of winter. These spectacular features provide an attractive overnight destination and backdrop for your favorite outdoor activity.

Sequoia National Forest. If the land could speak, it would tell many stories of Native Americans, cattle, gold prospecting, lumber camps, sheep drives, early day resorts, hot springs, pack stations, and isolated forest guard stations and fire lookouts. In July 1908, the Sequoia National Forest was formed and the Forest Service became responsible for the perpetuation of the natural and cultural assets within the national forest boundary.

Today many of the same human activities exist alongside the newest and latest trends in outdoor recreation and natural resource use.

Water energy is harnessed by hydroelectric operations on several major rivers in the Forest. These same rivers provide white water opportunities for rafters and kayakers, some of the best trout fishing, scenic setting for picnics and camping trips, and water for valley communities and croplands. Ranchers, under permit, still graze cattle on open rangeland in the National Forest.

Pack animals carry visitors and supplies into the back country to wilderness and remote work sites. Boaters and jet skiers play on the surface of Lake Isabella reservoir. Ancient giant sequoia trees still stand in the most expansive groves in the world.

Giant Sequoia National Monument. On April 15, 2000, President William J. Clinton, by proclamation, created the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The Giant Sequoia National Monument is located within Sequoia National Forest. Gateways are Highway 180 east of Fresno, Highway 190 east of Porterville, County Road M-56 east of California Hot Springs, and Highway 178 east and north of Bakersfield. The Monument encompasses approximately 328,000 acres of federal land managed by the Sequoia National Forest, Western Divide and Hume Lake Ranger Districts.

Our Partners in Service

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
You may see signs for Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and wonder what is the difference between these places? All are on federal land. However each has a different purpose resulting in different regulations.

If you are traveling with a pet, camping, building a campfire, riding a bike, hunting, fishing, riding an off-highway vehicle or collecting a forest product such as pine cones, please know whether you are in the National Park, on private land, or in the National Forest. Many of the rules are different.

If you are visiting the portion of the Hume Lake Ranger district traveling through the Park Entrance stations at Big Stump or Ash Mountain, you will be expected to pay an entrance fee for the National Parks. Through a partnership with the Park Service, some of the money collected by the Park Service is used to improve visitor services in this portion of the Monument.

Interagency Pass Program

America the Beautiful Pass. Visitors who will be touring national parks, national forests, or other federal lands this year can benefit from the interagency pass program, “America the Beautiful.”

The $80 pass covers many recreation opportunities on public lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Forest Service.

Senior or Access Passes. A lifetime Senior Pass can be purchased for $10 for any citizen or permanent resident of the United States over the age of 62 years. The Access Pass is available at no charge for persons that are permanently disabled. Both passes have all the benefits of the Interagency Pass and may be obtained at a Forest Service Office or National Park Visitor Center.

Prepare For An Amazing Adventure

Call Ahead to the nearest Forest Service Office to find out current local weather, road, and trail conditions.

Plan for longer travel times. Many roads are steep, winding, and can only be traveled safely at low speeds.

Gas stations and other services. Many areas are remote. Come prepared with a full gas tank and extra food, water, and clothing in your vehicle during the winter months.

Winter and Emergency closures. Mountain roads and recreation facilities can be closed at any time due to snow, fire, rocks or washouts. Carry tire chains in your vehicle during the winter months.

Check the fire restrictions by calling ahead or stopping in the nearest Forest Service Office or online at www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia. When fire danger is very high, campfires and stoves may be restricted or banned. Free campfire permits are required.

Cell phones rarely work well in the mountains; don’t rely on them.

Other agencies and private lands. The Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument share borders with several federal, state, county, and local land owners. Be aware that our neighbors can have different rules and regulations.

Staying Overnight? There are many developed campgrounds offering a wide variety of amenities. Check the charts throughout this guide for details. Most campgrounds have a fee and can be reserved by calling 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov.

For a unique experience, reserve one of 6 historic guard stations (Big Meadows, Camp 4 ½, Poso, Frog, Quaking Aspen, Wishon) or Oak Flat fire lookout. Several resorts and lodges operate on the Forest under special use permits and are identified throughout this guide by location.

Primitive Camping is allowed in many remote and undeveloped areas in the Sequoia National Forest. Check the area you have chosen for fire restrictions and come prepared to provide all your amenities including drinking water, and waste disposal.

Fees help pay for your fun! If you often visit National Forests, National Parks, and other federal recreation areas, ask about the annual, senior or access pass that may provide you a discount!

Fishing/Hunting. California Department of Fish and Game issues licenses and stocks lakes and streams. See www.dfg.ca.gov.

Wise Choices For A Safe Trip

Drowning is a leading cause of death in the National Forest! Be extra careful along rivers and streams; falling in is as dangerous as swimming. Rocks are smooth and slippery; swift, cold water rapidly saps your strength.

When driving remember to save your brakes by using lower gears when going up or down steep roads. Always stay in your lane and watch for falling debris, other vehicles, and animals on the road.

Hypothermia. Becoming too cold can lead to this life-threatening condition that can occur year-round, especially if you fall into cold water. Stay warm, dry, and well nourished.

Rattlesnakes. Watch were you put your hands and feet! Most bites result from teasing, startling or handling snakes. Very few people die, but tissue damage can be severe. If bitten, avoid panic, call 911, and seek medical attention.

Lightning. If you see dark clouds, lightning or hear thunder, get inside a large building or a vehicle. Do not stand under trees or in shallow caves. Avoid standing on ridge topS, rocks, in the water, or in open meadows.

Please Be Considerate

Other visitors. Solitude is an important part of many people’s forest experience. Prevent conflicts by letting nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid boisterous behavior and loud noises especially at night or in remote places.

Pack out what you pack in. Many picnic areas and campgrounds do not have trash service. Please help by bringing a trash bag and taking you trash home with you.

Leash pets in developed recreation sites such as trail heads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. On trails, pets must be on a leash or under voice control. Pets must not be allowed to chase or disturb wildlife or other visitors.