portuguese-pass.html

Portuguese Pass
Giant Sequoia National Monument

Portuguese Pass is the most southern reach of the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The small communities of California Hot Springs, Poso, and Sugarloaf are all within or adjacent to Giant Sequoia National Monument. There are limited services in these communities and no gasoline, so if you head toward these beautiful but rural areas please go prepared! California Hot Springs can be accessed from County Road M-56 that travels east from the town of Ducor on Highway 65. Poso and sugarloaf are accessible via County Road M-109, which travels south from the town of fountain Springs on M-56.

In the small community of California Hot Springs the private, historic resort is still operated. For a small fee families can go swimming in the open air pool and spas which are heated with natural hot springs water. For more information: www.cahotsprings.com.

Poso Station. This historic cabin located in the small community of Posey can be reserved for overnight use. Built in 1933 it was a residence for the fire patrolmen. There is no electricity but the cabin is equipped with a propane water heater, cook stove, refrigerator and heater.

Frog Meadow is popular during the late summer and early fall hunting season. The campground has six primitive campsites. The historic guard station is available for overnight rental. Reservations are required.

Tobias Lookout can be reached after a 50-foot moderate climb, including the walkway. The tower was built in 1935 by the Civilian conservation Corps.

Forest Road 23S16 leads to the base of the tower (a high clearance vehicle is recommended). This is a working fire lookout and when the gate is open, visitors are welcome to come in and enjoy the spectacular 360-degree view of the forest below. The lookout may be closed due to lightning, fire, inclement weather and other emergencies because this is a working lookout. Please be respectful of the person staffing the tower.

Deer Creek Grove is a mixture of young and mature sequoias. This small grove grows further south than any other naturally occurring grove of sequoias. It is fairly easy to get to during the summer months taking Forest Road 23S04 east from California Hot Springs.