SEQUOIA Guidebook 1940

OPEN ALL YEAR				Sequoia NATIONAL PARK CALIFORNIA
				CHECKING STATION

SEQUOIA National Park, on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada in eastern central California, was established by Act of Congress on September 25, 1890, and enlarged July 3, 1926, to its present area of 604 square miles. Easily reached by private automobile, auto stage, and train, it is open all year, and accommodations are available at all times.

The park was established to preserve the groves and forests of Sequoia gigantea, or Big Trees, the largest and perhaps oldest trees in the world, but contains many other superb scenic attractions. With their close relatives, the Coast Redwoods, the Big Trees are the survivors of a race of giant trees which were abundant around the world in the age of giant reptiles and mammals. Now the Big Trees grow only in California, between the 4,000 and 8,000 foot elevations on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, and largely around 5,000 and 7,000 feet above sea level. These trees approach 300 feet in height, many are over 20 feet in diameter, and the age of some is conservatively placed near 3,500 years. It is estimated that more than half the Big Trees of California are in Sequoia National Park. There are 32 distinct groves within the park. (For detailed information regarding the Sequoias, gigantea and sempervirens, ask at any Ranger Station for a special bulletin on the subject.)

The Big Trees must ever remain the supreme attraction of the park, but there are other interests which lure many, including superb mountain scenery. Among the recreational features are fishing, swimming, horseback riding, nightly campfire programs, and interesting nature hikes conducted by ranger naturalists during the summer season and in the winter skiing, skating, and tobogganing.

Only 9 miles beyond Lost Grove at the northwestern boundary of the park is the famous Redwood Mountain Grove of Big Trees, recently acquired by the Government. Six miles farther on is General Grant National Park, from which point a modern 25-mile State highway leads to the Kings River Canyon.

THE GIANT FOREST

The Big Trees are best seen at Giant Forest, a great forest composed of many groves easily reached, such as the Parker, Amphitheatre and Founders Groups, and the Congress and Hucklebberry Meadow Groves.

The General Sherman Tree is the largest and oldest of the Big Trees of California, leading all living things in size. Its age is estimated as between 3,000 and 4,000 years. Countless fires have left great wounds at the base of this tree and damaged the sap-distributing system so that portions of the top have died. Only 40 percent of live wood now is in contact with the ground. The thick bark gives the Sequoia unusual protection so that in time these fire scars will probably be completely healed. The dimensions of the General Sherman Tree are:

A few of the many other famous trees in the Giant Forest are: Black Chamber, Chimney Trees, Washington, Abe Lincoln, Auto Log, William McKinley, The President, Keyhole, Room Tree, Stricken Tree, Chief Sequoyah, Black Arch, Roosevelt, Pershing, Cloister, Pillars of Hercules, Bear's Bathtub, Clara Barton, and Susan B. Anthony.

ORIGIN OF THE NAME "SEQUOIA"

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 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.

MORO ROCK STAIRWAY

POINTS OF INTEREST—GIANT FOREST AREA

In addition to the General Sherman and other famous trees in the Giant Forest Area, the following points of interest are easily accessible by auto or trail, or a combination of both:

MORO ROCK.—One of the great monoliths of the Sierra Nevada, Moro Rock is 6,719 feet above sea level and over 6,000 feet above the San Joaquin Valley. Climbing Moro Rock is "mountaineering de luxe", ascent being made in a 300 foot climb up a rock stairway from a road at its north side. The panorama of the Great Western Divide, Alta Peak, the San Joaquin Valley, and the distant Coast Range is equal to views otherwise obtained only by long pack trips to the high mountains.

Other outstanding viewpoints are Hanging Rock, Moro Vista, Profile View, Echo Point, Kaweah Vista, Beetle and Sunset Rocks, the two latter favorite spots for picnic suppers and sunset views. Colony Mill and Admiration Point are reached by a delightful 9 mile side trip by road from Giant Forest. The views from Colony Mill are superb, while the mile side trip by trail down to Admiration Point permits a view of the Marble Falls, a 2,000 foot cascade in seven distinct waterfalls.

THARP CABIN.—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.

CRYSTAL CAVE.—This underground cavern of unusual beauty and interest will be open to the public for the first time in 1940. A small guide fee will be in effect. Information will be furnished by any ranger.

HOSPITAL ROCK.—This tourist center, 5 miles beyond Ash Mountain on the road to Giant Forest, is historically and scenically of great interest. There are Indian pictographs, and a mammoth boulder marks the old headquarters of the Yokut Indians. Short trail trips lead to the Giants Rock Pile, Big Pool, Buckeye Flat, Red Rock Gorge, fish rearing ponds, and other interesting spots.

MOUNT WHITNEY AND KERN CANYON

Sequoia National Park and the area surrounding it include a region of as great diversity and wild grandeur as any area of equal size in America. This distinctly primitive area is reached only by trail. The entire upper watershed of the Kern River and the widely known Kern Canyon are spectacular, containing the roughest and loftiest peaks of the entire Sierra Nevada. Mount Whitney, at 14,494.7 feet elevation, the highest point in continental United States, barely thrusts its head above many others of nearly equal height. In the center of this wonderland is the 25-mile long Kern Canyon, extending from north to south, with its colorful walls 3,000 feet high.

In this mountainous back country are several hundred high mountain lakes and over 300 miles of streams containing the famous golden and Kern River rainbow trout. The fishing is not surpassed anywhere in the Sierra.

Hot springs and mineral springs are added attractions.

Sequoia's high mountain region offers excellent opportunities for mountaineering, and devotees of this great outdoor sport are visiting the park in increasing numbers.

SADDLE HORSE AND PACK TRIPS

Saddle horses and pack mules can be rented at Giant Forest from the Sequoia and General Grant National Parks Co. (Earl McKee, Three Rivers, Calif.) Practically any type of trip desired can be arranged. On pack trips or trips into the higher mountains guides are usually required to accompany the party. For long trips it is desirable to make reservations in advance. Saddle horses and pack stock may be rented at Giant Forest by the hour, half day, day or several days at reasonable rates.

THE ORGAN, A FORMATION IN CRYSTAL CAVE

TRAILS

A great variety of trails offer either short walks near Giant Forest or long tours into the back country. They afford excellent opportunities for the hiker and for the horseman to enjoy the wilderness.

Giant Forest, because of its excellent accommodations and general activities of a mountain resort, is the chief point of departure for the High Sierra. Other good starting points for a back country trip are Mineral King, points in the national forests both north and south, and Owens Valley towns to the east.

Camping places and fenced pastures are available along the trails, so that parties may camp in areas which provide adequate facilities for horses.

A few trails either in or leading from Giant Forest are mentioned below:

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 is 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. A full day should be allowed for the round trip from Giant Forest.

TRAIL OF THE SEQUOIAS.—Connects the High Sierra Trail from the saddle near Crescent Meadow, 3.7 miles to the Alta Trail, and passes almost continuously through Big Tree groves.

CIRCLE, CRESCENT, AND CONGRESS TRAILS.—All lead from 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 in this area.

SOLDIER AND BEAR HILL TRAILS.—Lead from Giant Forest to Moro Rock, past the Parker Group and continue to the Roosevelt Tree, Flanging Rock, and other points. A half-day hike.

SUGAR PINE TRAIL.—From Moro Rock, 1-1/2 miles along the plateau edge to Crescent Meadow and Kaweah Vista, with a 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.

BEARPAW MEADOW TRAIL.—At Bearpaw Meadow a hiker's camp is maintained during the summer season. The camp is within easy walking distance of Giant Forest and is a convenient base for trips to Tamarack Lake, Hamilton Lake, or Kaweah Gap.

THE HIGH SIERRA TRAIL.—Leads to Mount Whitney from Giant Forest through an unusually interesting route. The main features along this trail, with distances 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;" 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, 34-1/2 miles; Kern Hot Springs, 37 miles; Junction Meadow, 44 miles; Crabtree Meadow, 54-1/2 miles; Mount Whitney summit, 62 miles.

TRAILS TO MOUNT WHITNEY.—Mount Whitney may be reached by trail from the east or the west side. From the west side, the base camp at Crabtree Meadow may be reached by trails leading in three general directions: from the north, the John Muir Trail; from the west, the High Sierra Trail; from the southwest, the Franklin Pass and Coyote Pass Trails; and from the south by way of Camp Nelson.

From the east side, it is reached from the town of Lone Pine either via Cottonwood Lakes and Army Pass or via Lone Pine Creek and Whitney Portal. The latter route is the more direct, being 16 miles by road and 13 miles by trail from Lone Pine. Several miles up the trail from Whitney Portal at Ibex Meadow meals and beds may be obtained at reasonable rates, making a trip possible to the summit of Mount Whitney and return without the necessity of packing heavy supplies and equipment. This trail from the east side connects with the park trail system at Crabtree Meadow on the west side of the crest. Here it is possible to go over the "top of the United States" and down on the other side.

CALIFORNIA MULE DEER

FAUNA

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. These bears are not ferocious, and under all ordinary circumstances will run from man. Visitors must not feed the bears.

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 in the park.

DOUGLAS SQUIRREL OR SIERRA CHICKAREE.—Very abundant and thrusts it self 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, having much the same habits. At Giant Forest it is as abundant as the chipmunk; may be distinguished by its golden color and large size.

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 the naturalist's office.

The birds commonly noticed by visitors near Giant Forest are the blue fronted or Steller's jay, western tanager, western robin, chickadee, junco, red-shafted flicker, white-headed wood pecker, 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 naturalist's office.

FLORA

The trees most common 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 are the many kinds of sweet-scented ceanothus or deer brush, manzanita, chokecherry, chinquapin, and dogwood.

The flowers which by their profusion and brilliancy particularly attract attention are the lupine, yucca, goldenrod, shooting star, ragwort, Queen Anne's lace, bears clover, false hellebore, gilias, pentstemons, and monkey flowers.

A TROUT CATCH FROM ONE OF THE 300 PARK LAKES

FISHING

A California fishing license is required by every angler over the age of 18. The license fee for residents is $2; for non-residents, $3; and for aliens, $5.

Park regulations pertaining to fishing are issued each season, and it is advisable for every fisherman to secure one of the bulletins from the rangers, at entrance stations, or park headquarters. These regulations indicate the daily limit, which differs from that in effect in the State of California; closed waters, special seasons. Closed waters are posted.

Rainbow, Loch Leven, eastern brook, German brown, and golden are the varieties of trout found in the park streams.

SWIMMING

Swimming may be enjoyed at Bridge Camp, Lodgepole Camp, Heather Lake, and Hospital Rock. Bathing is permitted only at designated places for sanitary reasons.

NATURALIST SERVICE

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 benefit of visitors. Lectures given daily by ranger naturalists at the General 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 campfire lectures are given, and trail hikes 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.

The National Park Service conducts similar programs at Sunset and Lodgepole Camps every evening, and twice a week at Dorst Creek Camp. Park visitors are cordially invited to assist in making these programs a success by contribution of their talents.

ADMINISTRATION AND HEADQUARTERS

The general headquarters of the Sequoia National Park is at Ash Mountain on the Generals Highway. Information offices are also maintained at Giant Forest and at Lodgepole Camp during the summer season.

The park is administered by the Superintendent, assisted by a staff of trained personnel. All communications should be addressed to the Superintendent, Sequoia National Park, Calif.

Exclusive jurisdiction over the park was ceded to the United States Government by the State of California in 1919, and all violators of park rules and regulations are brought before the United States Commissioner.

HOW TO REACH THE PARK

Sequoia National Park is open throughout the year, and accommodations are available at all times. The park is easily reached over hard surfaced, well signed roads open all year.

BY AUTOMOBILE.—From San Francisco the route is by the Golden State Highway (U. S. Highway 99), through the San Joaquin Valley to Fresno and Visalia. From Los Angeles the route is by the same highway to Bakersfield, then via either Tulare and Visalia, or Porterville and Exeter.

BY RAILROAD.—Fresno, Visalia, and Exeter are the railway gateways to Sequoia National Park, served by the Southern Pacific and the Santa Fe Railways.

BY BUS.—The Pacific Greyhound and the Santa Fe Trail System serve Visalia and Fresno, where park buses may be taken for the park during the summer season. Only "on call" service is available during the winter.

BY AIRPLANE.—Airplane service is available through service to Fresno by the United Air Lines and TWA, connecting with transcontinental service at Oakland and Los Angeles.

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

In the Giant Forest Area will be found the following facilities: post office; telephone and telegraph; emergency hospital with doctor in attendance during the summer months; free library; both Catholic and Protestant services on Sundays during the summer months; village market, offering groceries, meats, fresh vegetables, milk, etc., at reasonable prices; gasoline service station; garage for repairs and service; saddle and pack horses; barber shop; curio store; and the coffee shop, furnishing table d'hote and a la carte meals, soft drinks, cigars, etc.

NATURE HIKE PARTY IN TOKOPAH VALLEY

ACCOMMODATIONS

FREE PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS.—The National Park Service maintains free campgrounds for tent camps and house trailers at Giant Forest, Lodgepole, and Dorst Creek, where occupancy is limited to 30 days each year in any area, and where no reservations may be made. All camps are equipped with fireplaces, tables and benches; water is piped nearby; sanitary facilities are available; and there is a daily collection of garbage. No shower facilities are provided in public campgrounds, but hot shower and tub bath service is available at Giant Forest Lodge, Camp Kaweah, and Pinewood Shelter Camp for a small charge.

GIANT FOREST LODGE.—American Plan (meals plus lodging) from $5 a day each for two persons in rustic cabin without bath, to $7 for one person in a 1-room rustic cabin with bath. European Plan (lodging only) at American Plan rates, less the regular rate for meals. Meals: Breakfast, 75c; luncheon, $1; dinner, $1.25. Rates for children. Open May to September.

CAMP KAWEAH (HOUSEKEEPING).—Camps fully equipped; $2 per day for one person; $3 for two persons; $4.50 for five persons in a camp. Weekly rates: $12 for one; $16.50 for two; $27 for five persons in a camp. European Plan (lodging only), cabin without bath, $2 for one person; $1.25 each for three persons in a cabin. Cabin with bath, $4 for one person; $3 each for two persons in a cabin. Rates for children. Open May to September.

PINEWOOD SHELTER (AUTO CAMP).—Partially equipped for housekeeping: Standard cabin, $1.50 per day for two persons; 50c for each additional person. Super-standard cabin (private toilet, running water, extra furnishings), $2.50 per day for one or two persons; 50c for each additional person. Camp equipment may be rented at Pinewood. No reservations accepted at Pinewood. Open May to September.

HOSPITAL ROCK.—Open all year, offers same standard cabin accommodations as Pinewood, and the rates are the same.

BEARPAW MEADOW CAMP.—11-1/2 miles from Giant Forest on the High Sierra Trail, offers meals and tent accommodations for hikers and horseback riders. Lodging per person, $1.50 per night. All meals $1.00 each.

GIANT FOREST WINTER CAMP.—Open from September to May, offers same types of accommodations as Giant Forest Lodge, Camp Kaweah, and Pinewood, but the rates are slightly different. A folder giving detailed information on rates may be secured by writing the Sequoia and General Grant National Parks Co., Sequoia National Park, Calif.

SKATING RINK, LODGEPOLE WINTER SPORTS AREA

WINTER SEASON

Sequoia National Park is open all year through the Ash Mountain entrance to Giant Forest. Ideal conditions for winter sports exist at Lodgepole and Giant Forest from December to March, when the Big Trees are surrounded by a blanket of snow 2 to 12 feet deep. Skis, skates, toboggans, and heavy clothing may be rented.

PRINCIPAL ATTRACTIONS WHICH THE VISITOR SHOULD SEE

ONE-DAY STAY.—Should include the Sherman Tree, Lodgepole Camp, Moro Rock, Parker Group, Crescent Meadow, and Tharp Cabin Log in the Giant Forest District. A drive out the Generals Highway to Lost Grove and General Grant National Park should be made.

TWO-DAY STAY.—In addition to the above should cover the Alta Trail as far as McKinley Tree, Congress Group, and the High Sierra Trail to Eagle View, or a visit to Crystal Cave.

THREE-DAY STAY.—Should add Tokopah Valley, Sugar Pine Trail to Kaweah Vista, and view of Marble Falls, from Admiration Point.

FOUR-DAY TO A WEEK STAY.—Will enable the visitor to see all of the foregoing attractions and to take the high mountain trips on High Sierra Trail to the best of Sierra scenery at River Valley, Hamilton Lake; to Tamarack Lakes; to Twin Lakes, Alta Meadows and Peaks, Mount Silliman, Emerald and Heather Lakes; the Watchtower, Colony Mill, Ash Peak Fire Lookout, Admiration Point, and Marble Falls, with many other points.

THREE-WEEK TO A MONTH STAY.— Will permit a trail trip through spectacular country by the High Sierra Trail over Kaweah Gap to Big Arroyo, Kern Canyon, and Mount Whitney through the finest scenery of the Sierra Nevada. The Kern Canyon is a 25-mile valley with 3,000 foot walls, fine fishing, and lovely waterfalls.

Any length of time from one day to all summer may be profitably and enjoyably spent in the park. New beauties and natural wonders will be unfolded each day.

PARK REGULATIONS
[Briefed]

PLEASE STUDY THE REGULATIONS.—Deliberate infractions may bring a penalty not to exceed $500 fine, or 6 months' imprisonment, or both.

Suggestions, complaints, or comments regarding any phase of the park operation should be communicated immediately to the superintendent, or to any ranger or park officer, who will notify the superintendent.

TREES, FLOWERS, SHRUBS.—Do not pick flowers or other vegetation or write or carve your name on objects in the park.

CAMPS.—Camp only in numbered and designated camp sites. As far as possible, burn garbage in campfire, and deposit empty cans and residue in garbage cans provided. Do not wash clothing or cooking utensils under hydrants, in streams, lakes, or otherwise pollute the water in the park. Observe quiet hours—at least from 10 p. m. until 6 a. m. Down timber, except Sequoia, may be used for firewood, unless posted not to be disturbed.

TRASH.—Deposit papers, lunch refuse, film carton, gum, or wrappers of any nature in receptacles provided.

FIRES.—Light fires only in designated places. Extinguish completely before leaving camp even for temporary absence. Know your fire is out.

SMOKING.—During the fire-hazard season, smoking while traveling on roads or trails is prohibited. Smoke only in camps and designated places. Be sure your smokes and matches are out before throwing away.

AUTOMOBILES.—Cars must be equipped with good brakes, horns, and lights. Careful driving is required for the protection of yourself and others. Keep to the right of the road and avoid passing on curves. Speed limit signs are posted. Obey traffic rules and regulations. Permit fee is $1, allowing entrance to General Grant National Park also. For house trailers $1 additional. Automobiles are not permitted in the park through the Ash Mountain or Lost Grove entrances after 9 p. m. or before 5 a. m., except Saturdays or days preceding holidays, when the closing hour for entry is 11 p. m.

ANIMALS AND BIRDS.—DO not kill, capture, or scare. The animals are your friends.

FEEDING, TOUCHING, TEASING, OR MOLESTING BEARS IS PROHIBITED.

DOGS AND CATS.—Dogs and cats are prohibited on the park lands except upon written permission of the superintendent, secured upon entrance.

FISHING.—Get a State angling license. Apply to the nearest park ranger for the current year's fishing regulations. Avoid closed waters. Do not dig in the meadows for bait.

PARK RANGERS.—The rangers are here to help and advise you, as well as to enforce regulations. When in doubt, ask a ranger.

ARTICLES LOST AND FOUND.—Should be reported to the ranger station at Giant Forest Village or at Ash Mountain. Persons should leave their names so that articles not claimed within 60 days may be returned to the finder.

Complete regulations may be seen at the office of the superintendent and at ranger stations.