GENERAL SHERMAN, THE KING OF THE SEQUOIASGENERAL SHERMAN, THE KING OF THE SEQUOIAS
The result of the work of several engineers gave the following comparative volumes of the trunks of the four largest trees measured, exclusive of limbs:
Board feetGeneral Sherman Tree600,120General Grant Tree542,784Boole Tree496,728Hart Tree410,952
The General Sherman Tree was shown to contain 57,336 board feet more in volume than its nearest competitor and the King of the Sequoias retained his crown.
The Chimney Trees.—There are two well-known Chimney Trees, one being on the east side of Sherman Creek close to the trail from Sherman Tree to Alta Peak, which is now the best preserved. The other Chimney Tree is at the northeast end of Crescent Meadow and was badly burned several years ago through the carelessness of somebody who left a campfire burning. The Chimney Tree near Sherman Camp is a remarkable example of vitality, as it is thrusting out new branches despite the fact that its vitals are eaten away by fire.
The Black Chamber.—This is probably the most notable example of vitality on the part of a Sequoia in the forest. About one-thirtieth of the bark remains, and the whole interior has been eaten away by fire; nevertheless, the tree still lives and thrusts out new branches each year. It is located along the Crescent Meadow Road.
OTHER FAMOUS TREES
Washington.—Very impressive as to size.
Abe Lincoln.—Thirty-one feet in diameter, 259 feet high, a rugged, ancient-looking tree.
Auto Log.—A huge fallen giant upon which an auto may be driven with ease and safety.
William McKinley.—Twenty-eight feet in diameter, 291 feet high.
The President.—Twenty-nine feet in diameter, 250.2 feet high, wider at 120 than at 60 feet.
Keyhole.—Burned out "keyholes."
Room Tree.—Cavernous room within a standing tree.
Stricken Tree.—Rent by lightning, but still alive.
Window Tree.—Filigree appearance and many windows.
Chief Sequoyah.—Old with huge burls.
Black Arch.—Trail leads through charred, living giant.
Roosevelt Tree.—One of the most perfect in the forest.
Pershing Tree.—Named for Gen. John J. Pershing, has very richly colored bark.
Cloister.—Four trees in a square.
Pillars of Hercules.—Trail leads between two standing giants.
Bear's Bathtub.—A cavity between two trees, containing water, frequented by bears.
The naming of the Big Trees of California "Sequoia" is a fitting tribute to that native American, a Cherokee Indian, who spelled his name Se-quo-yah. An uneducated, non-English-speaking Indian, he perfected a phonetic alphabet of 86 symbols with a character representing every sound in the tongue of his tribe. It was said that with this alphabet, sometimes characterized as one of the greatest ever invented, a Cherokee child might learn to read and write the Cherokee language in a few days, and that within a remarkably short time after the official acceptance of the alphabet by the tribe every one of its members was able to read and write.
The change brought about in the Cherokee Tribe by the introduction of this means of expressing thought on paper was equally remarkable. A printing press was established, type made of the various symbols, and the news of the day printed in two newspapers. Their laws were printed in Sequoyah's alphabet, and also the Gospels and many other books both useful and interesting to the Cherokee people, who thus made rapid advance in general knowledge and in civilization.
The Sequoias are sometimes found in groups or groves. Such is the number of those near Giant Forest that it is scarcely an exaggeration to say that many other known groves of the Big Trees in California might be hidden in the Sequoia National Park and pass unnoticed. The principal groves easily reached in Giant Forest are the Parker Group, Congress Grove, Amphitheater Group, Founders' Group, and Huckleberry Meadow Grove. There are 32 distinct groves or areas of Big Trees in the park.
Descriptions of the Big Trees and of the other forest trees are found in two pamphlets, The Secret of the Big Trees and The Forests of Yosemite, Sequoia, and General Grant National Parks. These are for sale at the naturalist's office for 5 and 10 cents, respectively.
Persons desiring to fish in the waters of the Sequoia National Park must secure a fishing license, as required by the laws of California. These laws provide that every person over the age of 18 who obtains fish without procuring a license is guilty of a misdemeanor. The license fee for residents is $2; for nonresidents, $3; and for aliens, $5. These licenses may be obtained from any county clerk, from the State board of fish and game commissioners, or from the representative of the commission at the general store in Giant Forest.
Fishing bulletins for the current year pertaining to park fishing regulations may be obtained at entrance checking stations, park headquarters, or from rangers.
Park regulations as to daily catch, etc., are identical with those of the State for the district by which the parks are surrounded, excepting in some areas where excessive demand necessitates reduction of the daily limit. Fishermen should obtain special bulletins at the park entrance stations.
Fishing is permitted in all the streams and lakes of the Sequoia National Park except in a few waters which are closed in order to increase the supply of fish. Information as to these closed waters will be found posted at ranger stations and near the waters.
In the early part of the season excellent fishing may be had in an hour's hike from Giant Forest. Later in the season it is necessary to go farther afield, but the skillful angler is generally able to take the limit.
Rainbow, Loch Leven, eastern brook, German brown, and golden are the varieties of trout found in the park. The golden trout of Golden Trout Creek has been introduced into several creeks and has done well.
In the Giant Forest district bathing may be enjoyed at Bridge Camp, Lodgepole Camp, and at Heather Lake. Bathing pools are especially marked, and on account of the danger of pollution of streams used for domestic purposes, bathers must confine themselves to designated areas.
The largest pool is located in the upper Lodgepole district.
An excellent bathing pool is available at Hospital Rock Camp, and many visitors stop here for a plunge en route to Giant Forest.
The National Park Service maintains campgrounds for visitors traveling in their own automobiles. The largest campgrounds are at Giant Forest, Lodgepole, and Dorst Creek, where water is piped and modern sanitary and garbage-disposal facilities are furnished at about 600 camp sites. Camping is limited to 30 days in any area each year.
Inquiries about free public campgrounds should be addressed to the Superintendent, Sequoia National Park, Calif.
Reservations or inquiries regarding hotel, housekeeping, and pay auto-camp accommodations should be directed to Giant Forest Lodge, Sequoia National Park, Calif., specifying, in detail, number of persons, types ofaccommodations required, and particular lodge or camp desired. Telephone or telegraph messages should be sent to Manager, Giant Forest Lodge, Sequoia National Park.
Visitors to Sequoia should have mail addressed to Sequoia National Park, Calif. Guests of the Giant Forest Lodge or Camp Kaweah should have their mail addressed care of either resort, but Sequoia National Park must be added as the post-office addressed.
There is long-distance telephone and telegraph service from all main points in Sequoia National Park.
Telegrams should be addressed Sequoia National Park, Calif., bearing in addition the particular camp or lodge address.
A resident physician is on duty at Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park, during the summer months, and a small hospital is maintained at Giant Forest.
Both Catholic and Protestant services are held regularly on Sundays during the summer season. Times and places of all services are announced on the bulletin boards and at Saturday evening camp fires.
From about June 15 to September 1 a branch of the Tulare County Free Library is maintained at Giant Forest. Books on subjects related to the park, especially its history, fauna, flora, etc., are available or will be secured upon request. In addition, a large library of books on fiction and nonfiction subjects is maintained.
Full winter conditions exist at Lodgepole and at Giant Forest during the months of December to March, when the Big Trees are surrounded by a blanket of snow from 2 to 12 feet deep. The snow sports common to northern climates and resorts are indulged in here during these months. Skis, toboggans, and snowshoes may be rented from the operating company,as well as heavy clothing desirable for this climate. The winter sports have become so popular that it is advisable that reservations for accommodations be made in advance.
Cuesta photo.WINTER MAGIC
For those who desire to make the day trip only, the National Park Service maintains public camps or picnic grounds at Beetle Rock. A ranger is on duty at all times and is anxious to show the park and make the stay of visitors as enjoyable and profitable as possible.
The operating company issues a leaflet advising people of accommodations, prices, etc. This can be obtained on application to the superintendent.
It is always advisable when driving in the mountains during the winter to carry tire chains, although even in midwinter it is often possible to drive to the Big Trees without them.
Every effort is made by park authorities to keep the Big Trees accessible during the winter months. Sequoia Park is now well known as one of the few places in California where winter vacationists from other sections of the country may be sure of seeing the giant Sequoias.
"Bear Hill" is the name given to the spot near the incinerator, where many bears gather to feed daily. The best time to see them is from noon to 7 p. m., when an attendant is on hand, but they are frequently there throughout the day. A ranger naturalist gives a 10-minute talk daily on the habits and characteristics of the bears. The road to Bear Hill branches from the Moro Road near the new village site.
Padilla Studios photo.SKIING PARTY LEAVING CAMP KAWEAH
Tharp Cabin, in Log Meadow, one-half mile from end of auto road at Crescent Meadow, may also be reached by Circle and Congress Trails from Alta Trail. This hollow Sequoia log was occupied by Hale Tharp, Three Rivers pioneer and discoverer of Giant Forest in 1858. John Muir stayed several days in this unique "house in a log" in 1875 and has immortalized the "noble den", as he called it, and the surrounding Sequoias and meadows in his book,Our National Parks. The cabin is maintained in its original condition and constitutes an interesting museum.
The National Park Service encourages all forms of outdoor activities, but special attention is paid to fostering a knowledge of the wildlife and natural beauty which the parks were created to preserve. At Giant Forest a small collection of specimens is on display at the naturalist's office during the summer season for the enjoyment of visitors. Lectures given daily by ranger naturalists at Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and elsewhere present facts of interest at these stations.
The park naturalist is in charge of the guide service. During the summer months camp-fire lectures are given and trail hikes and automobile caravans are conducted. Both half-day and all-day trips are taken, with variety enough to cover all types of interest. Giant Forest Administration Building is the headquarters of this increasingly popular service.
The Giant Forest Lodge campfire is held every night at the lodge under the Sequoias, where community singing, nature and historical talks, music, and general entertainment are provided. This is free to the public, and all visitors are invited to participate.
The Park Service conducts similar programs at Sunset and Lodgepole Camps every evening. Park visitors are cordially invited to assist in making these programs a success by contribution of their talents.
Following the campfires, the dance hall is open every evening, except Sunday, from about the middle of June until September 1.
The social life at Giant Forest is one of the great attractions and holds many people beyond the time allotted for the visit. The average population is about 3,000 people.
One of the most pleasing features of Giant Forest is the number of forest trails leading from it that afford interesting half-day or all-day excursions. Perhaps nowhere else is it possible to hike so easily for hours through such forests of sequoia, pine, and fir. Many of the trails are oiled to eliminate dust. The trail system is well signed, and the map in this pamphlet is usedby many as a guide. It would be impossible to enumerate all the points of attraction or combination trips which can be made. New ones are opened every year. The following are the principal trails and attractions:
Alta Trail.—Nine miles from Giant Forest to Alta Peak (11,211 feet); passes through the Plateau of the Giant Trees and Panther, Mehrten, and Alta Meadows. The view from Alta Peak has been pronounced by members of the Sierra Club as fine as any in the California mountains. It is the nearest point to Giant Forest from which Mount Whitney may be seen. Horses may be ridden to the summit. Alta Meadows is a delightful place to camp. A full day should be allowed for this trip.
Trail of the Sequoias.—Connects the High Sierra Trail from the saddle near Crescent Meadow, 3.7 miles to the Alta Trail, and passes through Big Tree groves rarely seen by the public before the opening of this trail.
Circle, Crescent, and Congress Trails.—All lead from the Alta Trail through the thickest Sequoia forests to meadows and mammoth trees within 2 miles of Giant Forest. From 2 hours to 2 days could be spent covering this area.
YOUNG VISITORS EXAMINING THE ANNULAR RINGS OF A BIG TREEYOUNG VISITORS EXAMINING THE ANNULAR RINGS OF A BIG TREE
Soldier and Bear Hill Trails.—Lead from Giant Forest, 2 miles to Moro Rock, passing near the Parker Group and past the Roosevelt Tree, Hanging Rock, and other points. A half-day stroll.
Sugar Pine Trail.—From Moro Rock, 1½ miles along the plateau edge to Crescent Meadow and Kaweah Vista, with side trip to Bobcat Point.
Twin Lakes Trail.—From Lodgepole Camp, 5 miles to Clover Creek, and 2 miles farther to Twin Lakes, famous for unsurpassed scenic setting at 9,750 feet, and for good trout fishing. Several hundred feet above Twin Lakes on Silliman Shoulder is one of the finest panoramas of mountain scenery in the world. A day is well spent on this trail.
The Watchtower and Heather Lake Trails.—These two trails lead to major scenic spots. From the Watchtower there is a 2,000-foot drop to Tokopah Valley; and Heather, Emerald, and Aster Lakes are mountain jewels on the west slopes of Alta Peak. All of these trips may be made from Giant Forest in half a day, although it is preferable to allow a full day for them. Ranger naturalists conduct nature hikes to these points during the summer.
The High Sierra Trail.—This trail, one of the finest mountain routes in America, extends from the Big Trees of the Giant Forest to the summit of Mount Whitney (14,494.7 feet), the highest mountain in continental United States. In Sequoia National Park the largest trees in the world are now linked by a splendid trail to the highest mountain peak in the country.
The main features along the High Sierra Trail, with distances shown from Giant Forest, are: Bearpaw Meadow, 12 miles, with view of waterfalls, great cliffs, and River Valley; Hamilton Lake, 16 miles, conceded by those who know the Sierra Nevada to be the "cream of Sierran scenery"; Hamilton Gorge suspension bridge, 18 miles; Kaweah Gap, 20 miles, with expansive views of Kaweah peaks and main crest of the Sierra Nevada, as well as the Big Arroyo immediately below; Moraine Lake, 30 miles; Kern Canyon at Funston Meadows, 34½ miles; Kern Hot Springs, 37 miles; Junction Meadow, 44 miles; Crabtree Meadow, 54½ miles; Mount Whitney summit, 62 miles. From the summit of Mount Whitney there are 13 miles of trail down the east side to end of automobile road, at Whitney Portal, 16 miles from the town of Lone Pine.
Meals and comfortable beds may be obtained at reasonable rates at the outpost station located at Ibex Meadow, making a trip possible to the summit of Mount Whitney and return from the east side without the necessity of packing heavy supplies and equipment.
California mule deer.—So-called because of their large ears. They are abundant everywhere and often tame near campgrounds.
American black bear.—Found throughout the park and are very plentiful at Giant Forest during the spring and early summer months, where several at one time may be seen at the Bear Hill. These bears are not ferocious, and under all ordinary circumstances will run from man. Young of the same litter often vary in color from cinnamon to brown or black. Visitors must not feed the bears. They are fed daily from camp garbage.
HAMILTON LAKE WITH PRECIPITOUS PEAKS IN BACKGROUNDPadilla Studios photo.
MOTHER BEAR WITH HER TWO CUBSMOTHER BEAR WITH HER TWO CUBS
Columbia gray squirrel.—A delight to the eye as it dashes across a road or trail, a blue-gray furry vision that at times appears to be all tail—the largest squirrel.
Douglas squirrel or Sierra chickaree.—Very abundant and thrusts itself upon the public by its quarrelsome and scolding disposition. About two-thirds the size of the gray squirrel, and gray-brown in color.
Chipmunks of several species.—The Alpine, Sierra Nevada, and Sequoia are abundant everywhere in the pine and Sequoia. They become very tame and steal from campers' tables or food supplies.
Sierra golden-mantled ground squirrel.—Often mistakenly called a chipmunk and having much the same habits. At Giant Forest it is as abundant as the chipmunk and may be distinguished by its golden color and larger size.
California Valley ground squirrel.—Has recently arrived at Giant Forest, but it is not plentiful enough to do damage.
In addition to the above, marmots, mountain lions, wildcats, mountain beaver, coyotes, foxes, trade rats, and other animals are found in the park. Information about them may be had at ranger stations, the museum, or the superintendent's office.
The birds commonly noticed by visitors near Giant Forest are the blue fronted or stellar jay, western tanager, western robin, chickadee, junco, red-shafted flicker, white-headed woodpecker, several warblers, sparrows, and finches. The golden eagle and the red-tailed hawk are sometimes seen from Moro Rock. A list of all the birds may be obtained at the Giant Forest Administration Building.
Even a slight acquaintance with the park flora will vastly increase the pleasure of your visit, and park rangers will gladly answer inquiries.
The trees most noticed near Giant Forest are the Big Trees, sugar pine, yellow pine, white and red fir; the western white pine and the lodgepole pine are found higher up; the incense cedar is abundant; lower down are many varieties of oak, maple, and other hardwoods.
Among shrubs and bushes, the many kinds of sweet-scented ceanothus or deer brush, manzanita, chokecherry, chinquapin, and dogwood are most noticed.
The flowers which by their profusion and brilliancy most attract attention are, among myriads, the lupine, yucca, goldenrod, shooting star, ragwort, Queen Ann's lace, bears clover, false hellebore, many gilias, pentstemons, and monkey flowers.
The entire upper watershed of the Kern River, and the widely known Kern Canyon, added to the park in 1926, is a spectacular area containing the roughest and loftiest peaks of the entire Sierra Nevada, with Mount Whitney at 14,494.7 feet elevation, the highest point in continental United States, only barely thrusting its head above many others of nearly equal height. In the center of this mass of mountain wonderland is the Kern Canyon, with its colorful walls 3,000 feet high extending north and south 25 miles. Hot springs and mineral springs are added attractions, while fishing is unsurpassed anywhere in the Sierra. A minimum of 2 weeks for a trip either by pack or foot is necessary adequately to cover the wonders of this region, but it may be reached in 1 day from Mineral King to Kern Canyon Station (Camp Lewis or Soda Springs). The new High Sierra Trail has linked the Big Trees of Giant Forest to the Kern Canyon by a graded trail. It is a good 2-day journey from Giant Forest to Kern Canyon.
The peaks of the Sierra Nevada and Great Western Divide, as well as the Kaweah Peaks, in Sequoia National Park, offer excellent opportunities for mountaineering. Devotees of this greatest of outdoor sports are visiting the park in increasing numbers. Those interested in mountaineering in the park should communicate with the Sierra Club. Members of that club have made some notable ascents and are fully conversant with the technique of climbing in the Sierra of California.
Among the high peaks in the park, many of them over 14,000 feet, which offer opportunities for mountaineering may be mentioned Mount Whitney,highest in the United States outside of Alaska, Muir, Langley, Russell, Tyndall, Williamson, Junction, Stanford, Table, Milestone, Kaweah, Sawtooth, and Silliman.
THE VALHALLA AS SEEN FROM THE HIGH SIERRA TRAILPadilla Studios photo.
Of the approximately 60 peaks in the United States over 14,000 feet, 13 are in California; and of these, 6—Whitney, Muir, Langley, Russell, Barnard, and Tyndall—are in Sequoia National Park.
Information about mountaineering may be obtained by applying to the superintendent of the park, or at any ranger station therein. Full information about equipment and types of climbs may be obtained by writing to the secretary of the Sierra Club, Mills Tower, San Francisco.
Many inquiries are received relative to hiking and pack trips in the Sierra within and adjacent to the Sequoia National Park. The following information about maps, trails, camps, routes, etc., will be useful to prospective visitors; but in view of the wild nature of the territory and inaccuracy of existing maps, the information must be accepted with reservations.
The country from the Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park is shown on the United States Geological Survey quadrangles: Kaweah, Tehipite, Mount Whitney, Olancha, Mount Morrison, Mount Goddard, Bishop, Mount Lyell, Kaiser, and Yosemite. The John Muir Trail crosses parts of these quadrangles. Maps of these areas are based on surveys made from 15 to 25 years ago, with only slight corrections since, and the trails and other artificial features have undergone many changes. These maps may be obtained from the United States Geological Survey, Washington, D. C., or from the superintendent, Sequoia National Park, Calif., at 10 cents each. The parts of the maps of the Tehipite, Kaweah, Mount Whitney, and Olancha quadrangles included within the Sequoia National Park are printed on a single sheet, which may be obtained for 25 cents from the chief ranger, or at the Giant Forest naturalist's office.
Sequoia National Park and the area surrounding it includes a region of as great diversity and wild grandeur as any area of equal size in America. Here are more than 75 peaks over 11,000 feet in elevation, of which 7 are more than 14,000 feet, 35 over 13,000 feet, and 20 more than 12,000 feet high. Here are at least 200 high mountain lakes, and over 300 miles of streams containing the famous golden and Kern River rainbow trout. Good mountain trails traverse this area and lead to the outstanding points of interest.
Camping places and fenced pastures are available, so that parties maymake camp in comfortable places that also provide adequate facilities for the horses.
Pack outfits start for the high mountains during the season. Packing into the High Sierra starts from Giant Forest and Hospital Rock Camps in the park, from points near the park such as at Three Rivers, the Maxon Ranch, and Mineral King, from points in the national forests both north and south, and from Owens Valley towns to the east.
Giant Forest, elevation 6,500 feet, because of its excellent accommodations and general activities of a mountain resort, is becoming more popular each year as a point of departure for the High Sierra. Automobiles left at Giant Forest will be cared for by the park operators and canvas covers furnished.
Main trails lead north from Giant Forest via J. O. Pass to the Kings Canyon, Roaring River, and Sugarloaf districts north of the park; east and south via High Sierra Trail or Redwood Meadows to the Kern Canyon and Mount Whitney in the park; by either Kaweah Gap or Black Rock Pass to the Big Arroyo or by Timber Gap to Mineral King and a choice of trails southward to the Kern River in the lower canyon.
Three Rivers, on the paved highway and a few miles below the park entrance, is the local center for packers and guides to the High Sierra. There are hotel accommodations, stores, and post office located here.
Mineral King, 7,800 feet elevation, 32 miles above Three Rivers by mountain road, is in the Sequoia National Forest, which here forms an indentation from the south into the park area. It is a center for pack outfits and guides and an excellent place from which to leave for Kern Canyon, Mount Whitney, and the High Sierra. There are limited hotel accommodations, a store, and post office.
Lone Pine and Independence, on the east side of the Sierra on the Midland Trail, are centers for pack outfits. Good hotels, stores, garages, and other conveniences are available at these and other towns in the Owens Valley.
From Giant Forest the Kern is best reached by way of the High Sierra Trail to Hamilton Lake or Big Arroyo, first day; Moraine Lake or Funston Meadow in Kern Canyon, second day.
From Mineral King to the Kern there are several alternative routes, and the trip may be made by way of Franklin Pass and Rattlesnake Creek in 1 long day; or Franklin Pass and Soda Creek; or by Farewell Gap, Rifle Creek, and Coyote Pass. It is 1 long day or 2 easy days from Mineral King to the Kern by either Franklin or Coyote Passes.
The trail generally used in the past between these canyons is not shown on the United States Geological Survey topographic map, but passed through Shepherd and Junction Passes east of Junction Peak to the headwaters of the Kings at Center Basin. This has been replaced by a new trail direct from Tyndall Creek to Center Basin, passing just west of Junction Peak over Foresters Pass. It is known as the John Muir Trail Cut-off. In addition to this route, there is a rough but passable trail from Junction Meadow, near the head of the Kern Canyon, via the Kern-Kaweah River and Colby Pass to Cloud Canyon and the Roaring River section of the Kings.
At an elevation of 6,600 feet, General Grant National Park and places nearby at Hume and Big Meadow are points of departure for the Kings Canyon, Sugarloaf, and Roaring River areas. The most direct routes to these areas are from this park. Good hotel and camping facilities, post office, stores, telephone, and telegraph, repair shops, etc., are located in General Grant National Park.
From the Kings Canyon main trails lead out as follows: Up Copper Creek and via Granite Basin to Simpson Meadow (and down the Middle Fork to Tehipite Valley and Dome), north from Simpson Meadow to John Muir Trail, and over Muir Pass via LeConte Canyon to Yosemite; up Paradise Valley to Woods Creek and John Muir Trail over Pinchot Pass to the upper basin of the South Fork of the Kings River; up Bubbs Creek to intersection with John Muir Trail, or over Kearsarge Pass to the Owens Valley, or via Center Basin, Junction, and Shepherd Passes to the Kern Canyon.
This fine scenic area is covered from Giant Forest via J. O. Pass or Silliman Pass entrances to the park, Rowell Meadow, Sugarloaf Meadow, Scaffold Meadow, up Deadman Canyon to Elizabeth Pass, to Bearpaw Meadow, and to Giant Forest.
The John Muir Trail from Mount Whitney, in the Sequoia National Park, to the Yosemite Valley, in the Yosemite Park, is not clearly defined for all of the way on existing maps, but information concerning it may be secured by writing to the superintendent.
From the Kern, Mount Whitney is reached either by the new Wallace Creek or Golden Trout Creek Trails. The Wallace Creek Trail leaves the Kern Canyon about a mile and a half north of the mouth of Junction Meadow. The Golden Trout Trail leaves the lower end of the canyon near Kern Canyon Ranger Station. At Camp Lewis, near the Kern Canyon Station entrance to the park, is a small resort, with store and accommodations, and telephone communication.
An outpost tourist camp is maintained at Ibex Meadow on Lone Pine Creek, and a special 3-day round trip from Lone Pine to Mount Whitney and return is provided by a Lone Pine packing outfit. Arrangements have also been made by the same packer for an all-expense trip from Los Angeles and return. Lone Pine may be reached by automobile from the San Joaquin Valley at Bakersfield, or direct from Los Angeles through Mojave.
All packers expecting to conduct parties through the Sequoia National Park should obtain a permit from the superintendent. Parties may then be taken through the park, subject to the National Park Service rules and regulations. Business may only be solicited within the park by the Sequoia & General Grant National Parks Co. (Earl McKee, Three Rivers, Calif.).
The following is a general scale of rates for accommodations, subject to change upon approval by the Secretary of the Interior. A detailed schedule of rates may be procured upon application to the superintendent of the park, the Sequoia & General Grant National Parks Co., at the station upon entrance to the park, or travel bureaus.
American plan—Rate includes room and three meals.
European plan—Rate includes room only, with extra charge for meals as taken.
Housekeeping—Rate includes furnished cabin or bungalow tent room with equipment for preparation of meals by occupant.
American-plan and housekeeping accommodations are available in the park throughout the year. Giant Forest Lodge, Camp Kaweah, and Pinewood Shelter Camp are open from May 25 to September 8. Giant Forest Winter Camp (American plan and housekeeping) opens September 8 and closes May 25. Hospital Rock Camp (European plan and housekeeping) is open all the year. For week ends and holidays, American-plan reservationsshould be made in advance. Reservations for housekeeping accommodations are always necessary, and a $5 deposit should accompany each request for a housekeeping camp. Address the Sequoia & General Grant National Parks Co., Sequoia National Park, Calif.
At Giant Forest Lodge, a colony of rustic cabins under the Big Trees with a central community group for meals, campfire entertainment, etc., the rates range from $5 a day each for two persons in a room without bath to $8 for one person in a 1-room cabin with private bath. There is no charge for children under 3; half rates for those up to 11. The rates for meals only are 75 cents for breakfast, $1 for luncheon, and $1.25 for dinner. Discounts for longer stays.
Camp Kaweah, situated opposite the village store, is comprised of bungalow tents and rustic cabins grouped around a central building containing bathrooms and other modern conveniences. They are completely equipped for housekeeping, including linen and the laundering of the same. By the day, the cost ranges from $2 for one person and $3 for two persons to $4.50 for five persons in a camp. By the week, the cost ranges from $12 for one person and $16.50 for two persons to $27 for five persons in a camp. Children under 3 years of age, no charge. European-plan accommodations are also available here at a cost ranging from $2 for one person to $1.25 each per day for three in a room. Children 3 to 10 years, half rate on European-plan accommodations.
Pinewood Shelter Camp is about a mile from Giant Forest on the Generals Highway. For 1 or for 2 persons a cabin costs $1.50 a day; each additional person, 50 cents. These cabins are not equipped with bedding or cooking utensils, but such articles may be rented at the camp if desired.
Hospital Rock Camp, on the Generals Highway, about midway between Ash Mountain entrance and Giant Forest, offers housekeeping accommodations at the same rates as those for Pinewood Shelter Camp. Supplies may be purchased at the central building, where there is also a lunch counter.
European-plan accommodations may also be obtained at the rate of $2 for 1 person, $1.50 each for 2, $1.25 each for 3 or more in a room.
Bearpaw Meadow Camp, along the High Sierra Trail, 11½ miles from Giant Forest, provides meals and tent accommodations for hikers and horseback riders. Lodging per person, $1.50 per night. All meals, $1 each.
Giant Forest Winter Camp offers both American plan and housekeeping accommodations as well as a coffee shop, a la carte service, at reasonable rates.
A colony of sealed rustic cabins at Camp Kaweah has been constructed especially for winter use. Rates, American plan, are from $5 a day each for 2 persons in a room, without bath, to $8 a day for 1 person in a room, with private bath. Meals: Breakfast, 75 cents; lunch and dinner, $1 each. Children: Under 3, no charge; 3 to 10, inclusive, half rate. For housekeeping cabins: 1 person in room, 2 days or less, $2.50 per day; more than 2 days, $2 each per day; per week, $12. Two persons, 2 days or less, $2 each per day; more than 2 days, $1.50 each per day; per week, $9 each. Three or more persons, 2 days or less, $1.50 each per day; more than 2 days, $1.25 each per day; per week, $7 each. Housekeeping cabins, partially equipped, are available at the rates given for Pinewood Shelter Camp.
Winter sports equipment and wearing apparel may be rented by the hour or day.
The Sequoia and General Grant National Parks Co. operates an auto stage daily from June 10 to September 10 over a Circle Tour route, in one direction only from Fresno, Visalia, and Exeter through both Sequoia and General Grant National Parks. Stage leaves Fresno 8:15 a. m., passing through Visalia and Exeter, arriving at Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park, about 12:15 p. m. Stage leaves Giant Forest about 1:45 p. m. for return trip to Fresno by way of General Grant National Park over the spectacular new Generals Highway arriving at Fresno 6:30 p. m. Fare for round trip from Fresno, Exeter, or Visalia, $10.
For the convenience of visitors in planning their trip a 2-day all expense tour called "Two National Parks in Two Days" is featured over this route. This tour provides an overnight stop at Giant Forest Lodge, Sequoia National Park, with all meals and lodging, a sightseeing trip in Giant Forest, sightseeing stop in General Grant National Park, and complete transportation in connection with stage schedule outlined above. Fare for 2-day all expense tour, $17.50. There is a shorter trip of 1 day and also hotel bus service. Regular and special sightseeing trips are available in Sequoia National Park and over the Generals Highway to General Grant National Park and the Kings River Canyon at reasonable rates.
From September 11 to June 9 "On Call" service by advance reservation is provided from Visalia and Exeter to Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park, and return the same route.
The park's 700 miles of trails are a challenge to visitors, and horseback riding is a favorite way of enjoying them. Saddle horses are rented by theSequoia and General Grant National Parks Co. to experienced riders without guides for use in the areas between the Sherman Tree and Moro Rock at $2.50 a half day and $4 a day. A burro may be had for 25 cents an hour or $1.50 a day. For a minimum party of four persons, half-day trips will be made to the following places at a cost of $3 each: Through Giant Forest, Keyhole Tree, High Pine, Abe Lincoln Tree, Congress Circle, Bear's Bathtub, Huckleberry Meadow, John Muir's Home, and many other places of special interest.
For parties of four persons or more, 1-day horseback trips at a cost of $4 each may be made to Alta Peak for views of Kaweah Canyon, the Great Western Divide, and Mount Whitney, and to Twin Lakes and Heather Lake. For smaller parties, the charge is slightly more.
A 3-day all-expense trip to Bearpaw Meadow and surroundings can be arranged.
The park is the starting point for the best of California's High Sierra country, including such famous regions as Kings River Canyon, Kearsarge Pass, Kern River Canyon, and Mount Whitney. For a trip of less than 4 days, saddle horses or packing mules will cost $2 a day; 4 days or more $1.50 a day. The services of guides and packers $5 a day. Cooks cost $6 a day. Pack donkeys, including outfits, $1.50 a day; $7 a week. Outdoor clothing and equipment, such as riding breeches, blankets, dunnage bags, and the like, may be rented at Giant Forest.
This booklet is issued once a year, and the rates mentioned herein may have changed slightly since issuance, but the latest rates approved by the Secretary of the Interior are on file with the superintendent.
In close proximity is General Grant National Park. Although its area is small, only 4 square miles, it contains two magnificent groves of big trees, including the famous General Grant Tree, dedicated several years ago as the Nation's Christmas Tree. The visitor will miss a treat unless he takes the loop around the two parks by way of the Generals Highway.
Services and accommodations similar to those at Sequoia are available.
A circular of information on General Grant National Park is published by the National Park Service and may be obtained at either park headquarters.