GENERAL GRANT Guidebook 1940

OPEN ALL YEAR				General Grant NATIONAL PARK CALIFORNIA
				VIEW IN PROPOSED KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK.

GENERAL GRANT National Park lies on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada at a vertical distance above sea level of about one and a quarter 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. There are fine automobile campgrounds in a forest of sugar pine, ponderosa pine, cedar, and fir, with many miles of trails to scenic points within and near the park. Geographically, the park is due east of Fresno, Calif., a distance of 56 miles by motor road. From Visalia, on the southwest, it is 53 miles to the park. Approach from these and other valley towns is over standard paved highways and oiled roads with easy grades after entering the hills.

From various points on Grant Park Ridge, at the eastern boundary of the park, there are sweeping views of the High Sierra to the east and the great San Joaquin Valley and the Coast Range to the southwest. The panorama from Point of View, the highest point on the Ridge, includes 700 square miles on the main crest of the Sierra and the San Joaquin Valley from the Tehachapi Mountains to the Coast Range west of Merced.

Fourteen miles southeast of General Grant National Park lies the Sequoia National Park. The two Big Tree national parks are linked by one of the finest mountain roads in America—the Generals Highway. This highway reaches a 7,600 foot elevation at Big Baldy Saddle, passing through heavy forests of pine, fir, cedar, and Sequoia the whole length, and affording spacious views of the mountain and foothill country stretching to the San Joaquin Valley, an opaline haze in the distance.

THE BIG TREES

The General Grant Tree in the Grant Grove of Big Trees is so huge its size is difficult to visualize. Its greatest horizontal diameter is 40.3 feet at the base, and at 200 feet above the ground its diameter is about 12 feet. This tree is 267 feet high, and is one of the most celebrated trees in the United States. Huge specimens of sugar and ponderosa pine, fir, and cedar in this grove arouse interest second only to that of the Big Trees themselves. A short distance beyond the Grant Grove is the North Grove of Big Trees, where some of the most beautiful Sequoias in the park are found.

Although the mountain scenery and the fishing are popular attractions in General Grant National Park, the Big Trees—Sequoia gigantea—are the outstanding feature. They are often confused with the redwood Sequoia sempervirens the smaller species, found only in the Coast Range of California and Oregon, but the gigantea possess many distinctive characteristics. While the sempervirens rarely exceed 20 feet in base diameter, the Big Trees often approach 40 feet. The color and texture of the wood are similar, but the foliage is distinct, and the bark of the Big Tree is much thicker and of a rich red color instead of a dull brown. Moreover, the Big Tree is reproduced only from the seed, while the redwood when cut down sprouts from the stump.

THE CALIFORNIA TREE.

HOW THE SEQUOIAS GOT THEIR NAME

The Big Trees of California were named in tribute to a Cherokee Indian, Se-quo-yah, who 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 a Cherokee child could learn to read and write his native language in a day, and that with in a short time after the official acceptance of the alphabet by the tribe illiteracy was completely wiped out.

The change brought about in the Cherokee Tribe by the introduction of this means of expressing thought on paper was 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. During his spare time, a park ranger carved a symbolical representation of the "Spirit of Sequoyah" from a slab of Sequoia wood. It is now on display at the administration building.

MULE DEER ARE SEEN EVERYWHERE IN THE PARK.

TRAILS

The trail system offers the hiker or horseback rider miles of well-graded pathways to many lovely sections of the park. The Sequoia Lake Trail is especially recommended as a half-day hike. Points of especial interest are the Sequoia Creek group of Big Trees and Ella Falls, a water spectacle of great beauty during the spring and early summer when the mountain snows are melting.

At Sequoia Lake, just outside the western boundary of the park, the Young Men's Christian Association maintains camps, and fishing, boating, and bathing are permitted under regulations promulgated by the groups owning the area.

WILDLIFE

The California mule deer, so-called because of its large ears, black bear, and several species of squirrel are the best-known animals of the park. Deer are everywhere and so tame that many camps have especial pets for which "salt licks" are provided. Bears are found throughout the park but not in large numbers. Feeding of these animals by visitors is strictly prohibited. When this regulation is followed the bears cause very little trouble to campers.

Stalking game to see how many different animals may be noted is a popular pastime in all national parks.

The blue-fronted or Steller's jay, western robin, towhee, chickadee, red-shafted flicker, cabanis woodpecker, and several species of sparrows, warblers, and finches are the best-known birds of the park. The golden eagle may sometimes be seen from Park Ridge; grouse and mountain quail are occasionally seen. Information about the birds and animals may be obtained at park headquarters.

GENERAL GRANT NATIONAL PARK AND VICINITY (click on image for a PDF version)

INTERESTING PLACES NEAR THE PARK

At an elevation of 6,600 feet, General Grant National Park is a direct point of departure for the famous scenic areas of Kings River Canyon, Sugarloaf, and Roaring River. Kings River Canyon, noted for its wild beauty, has long been recommended for national park status. A portion of this area may easily be reached by automobile over the new California State Highway No. 180.

"SINGING WATERS," SEQUOIA CREEK.

PARK SEASON

The park is open throughout the entire year. Federal and State authorities cooperate to clear the roads in winter, and traffic is seldom interrupted for more than a day or two. Although campgrounds are not open during the winter season, when subzero temperatures and heavy snows may be encountered, informal accommodations are available. All forms of winter sports, except skating, are enjoyed, and snowshoes, skis, and toboggans may be rented.

THE GENERAL GRANT—THE NATION'S CHRISTMAS TREE. Grant Park Studio.

ADMINISTRATION

General Grant National Park is administered by the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior. The representative in direct charge of the park is Guy Hopping, superintendent. Administrative headquarters is at the Plaza, near the center of the park. Mail, telephone, and telegraph services are maintained all year. The post office address is General Grant National Park, Calif.

NATURALIST SERVICE

All forms of outdoor activities are encouraged, but special attention is paid to fostering a knowledge of the wildlife and natural beauties which the park was created to preserve. At the Plaza a ranger naturalist is in charge of the educational program, which includes guided field trips, auto caravans to the Kings River Canyon area, and campfire entertainments, at which talks are presented by members of the staff and impromptu songs and stunts are given by visitors. There is a fine amphitheater with a seating capacity of 1,200 where programs are arranged two or three times a week.

CHRISTMAS TREE CEREMONY

At high noon an Christmas Day each year, devotional and patriotic services are held beneath the General Grant Tree, designated in 1925 as the Nation's Christmas Tree. These services have been broadcast over Nation-wide hook ups, and Presidential messages have constituted a part of the program. When the weather is favorable, a large audience attends this unique ceremony.

CHURCH SERVICES

Sunday morning services and Sunday school are conducted during the season by the Church of the Sequoias at the religious headquarters near the park amphitheater. Evening vesper services or an evening program of religious instruction, with illustrated lectures, feature Sunday evening presentations.

"THE GATEWAY TO THE KINGS" ON THE STATE HIGHWAY. Photo by Laval Co., Inc.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND EXPENSES

Grant Park Camp and Meadow Camp are operated by the Sequoia and General Grant National Parks Co. They are open from May 25 to September 5, and reservations for week-ends and holidays should be made in advance. Address the camp where accommodations are desired, General Grant National Park, Calif.; rates and folders on request.

Grant Park Camp is a colony of rustic cabins and tent cottages grouped about a central community building. A few of the tents are fully equipped for housekeeping at weekly rates.

At Meadow Camp new rustic cabins, with housekeeping accommodations, are available. Equipment may be rented if desired.

FREE PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS.—Several campgrounds are located among the pines, firs, and cedars of the plateau and ridges near park headquarters. Comfort stations, with hot and cold showers, are conveniently located, spring water is piped through the camping areas, and firewood is kept constantly replenished. New campgrounds are being developed and additional facilities provided each year.

MOTOR SERVICE.—From June 10 to September 10 daily auto-stage service is available between the park and Fresno and Visalia. Rates are Fresno to park, $6; park to Fresno, $4.50; round trip, $9. Visalia to park, via Sequoia National Park, $8. "On call" motor service between General Grant and Sequoia National Parks is operated via the Generals Highway. One-way fare is $2, round trip, $3; minimum 4 passengers.

Visitors operating their own cars will find gas, oil, and service accommodations near park headquarters during the season.

PACK TRIPS.—Pack trips to Kings River Canyon and other sections of the High Sierra may be arranged. For trips of 4 days or more, saddle horses or pack mules cost $1.50 a day. The fee for guides or packers is $5 a day, for cooks $6 a day.

SADDLE HORSES.—Experienced riders may secure mounts for $4 a day or $2.50 a half day. Burros are 25 cents an hour and $1.50 a day. Escorted saddle trips to Grant Grove of Big Trees, Park Ridge Fire Lookout, the Boole Tree, Millwood, and other points of interest may be arranged for small parties at reasonable prices. Half-day trips average about $2.50 a person and 1-day trips about $4.

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.

BIG TREES NAMED FOR 3 MIDWESTERN STATES—ILLINOIS, INDIANA, AND OHIO

HOW TO REACH THE PARK

BY RAILROAD AND AUTO STAGE.—Fresno, Visalia, and Exeter, the railway gateways to Sequoia and General Grant National Parks, are served by the Southern Pacific and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe. These cities are reached by an overnight trip from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Pullman service is available daily from these points to Fresno, and three times a week to Exeter and Visalia. Bus transportation is operated at frequent intervals.

The standard tour of Sequoia and General Grant National Parks is from Fresno, which is served by the Pacific Greyhound Lines and Santa Fe Trail System. The route is via Visalia and Exeter to Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park, thence via the Generals Highway to General Grant, and return to Fresno. A special service direct to General Grant and return is available on advance reservation.

Detailed information about railroad service and rates may be obtained from any railroad ticket agent. Information on bus schedules and rates and park tours is supplied by bus agents throughout the United States and Canada.

BY AUTOMOBILE.—Visitors from the north reach General Grant National Park via State Highway 180 from Fresno. Motorists from the south may route their approach through Visalia and Orosi or via State Highway 65 through Porterville and Exeter to the South or West Entrances; or via Sequoia National Park to the South Entrance.

BY AIRPLANE.—Air service from all parts of the United States is available through United Air Lines schedules to Fresno or Bakersfield.

THE AMPHITHEATER IN ITS MAGNIFICENT SETTING OF BIG TREES

RULES AND REGULATIONS
[Briefed]

THE PARK REGULATIONS are designed for the protection of the natural beauties and scenery as well as for the comfort and convenience of visitors. Complete regulations may be seen at the office of the superintendent. The following synopsis is for the general guidance of visitors, who are requested to assist the administration by observing the rules. The parks belong to future generations as well as the present.

FIRES.—Light carefully and in designated places. Extinguish completely before leaving camp even for temporary absence. Do not guess your fire is out—know it.

CAMPS.—Keep your camp clean. As far as possible burn garbage in campfire and put empty cans and residue into garbage cans provided. If no can is provided, bury the refuse.

TRASH.—DO not throw paper, lunch refuse, kodak cartons, chewing-gum paper, or other trash on roads, trails, or elsewhere. Carry until you can burn in camp or place in receptacle.

TREES, SHRUBS, FLOWERS.—Do not touch them until you know the regulations. Dead and down timber except Sequoia may be used for firewood. Live growth must not be in any way injured.

ANIMALS, BIRDS.—Do not kill, capture, or scare. They are your friends.

DOGS AND CATS.—Prohibited on Government lands in the park. Travelers on through roads may secure permit to transport them through the park under complete restrictive control.

FISHING.—Get a State license. Special limits apply in certain streams; otherwise the limit is 25 fish a day or 10 pounds and 1 fish. Avoid closed waters.

NOISES.—Be quiet in camp after 10 p. m. Many people come here for rest.

AUTOMOBILES.—Drive carefully. Keep cut-outs closed. Obey local traffic rules. The automobile permit fee is $1, good for calendar year in General Grant and Sequoia National Parks.

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

PENALTIES.—Please study the regulations. We shall enforce them as courteously and liberally as possible; but deliberate infraction may bring penalty not to exceed $500 fine or 6 months' imprisonment, or both.

PLEASE READ THE PARK SIGNS.—They are for your protection and guidance.

SMOKING RESTRICTIONS.—No smoking will be allowed during the fire season while visitors are in motion on roads or trails in the park. Smoking is permitted in camps or at stations. Warning signs will indicate the season of fire hazard and will be removed only when danger from this source is over. Watch the signs.