TOP TEN ADVENTURES ON THE MONUMENT
10 "Wows" for your next adventure...
1. FISHING/FLYFISHING
Find a wide variety of fishing opportunities ranging from large rivers, to small creeks, to Lake Isabella. In all, the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument have more than 700 miles of fishable streams. Outfitters are available for fly-fishing lessons. Anglers 16 years+ must have a fishing license (except for Free Fishing Days).
Where it's rock'n: Kern River, Kings River, Tule River, Lake Isabella, Hume Lake
2. EQUESTRIAN
Approximately 150 miles of trails are available for equestrian travel. Bring your horse or hire a backcountry outfitter. The forest has horse camps and trailheads located in many areas.
Where it's rock'n: TRAILHEADS: Blackrock, Forks of the Kern, Jerky Meadow, Big Meadows, & Clicks Creek. HORSE CAMPS: Shake, Lewis and Horse Corral.
3. ROCK CLIMBING/BOULDERING
Great granite without the crowds! The Needles are awe inspiring and offer some of the best rockclimbing in the world — granite spires at 8000' elevation overlooking Kern River Valley. Try a classic route such as Thin Ice, Atlantis, Igor Unchained, Airy Interlude and Romantic Warrior. Or face Love Potion #9, Scirocco, Magic Dragon, Sea Of Tranquility or The Titanic.
Where it's rock'n: Dome Rock, The Needles, Kern River Gorge
4. SCENIC DRIVE/PHOTOGRAPHY
Opportunities for scenic enjoyment abound anywhere in the Monument. Picnic areas are located throughout the area. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway alone is a 50 mile route that climbs through a giant sequoia forest and descends into one of North America's deepest canyons along State Highway 180.
Where it's rock'n: Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, Western Divide Highway, Kern River Gorge, Hume Lake
5. CAVING/SPELUNKING
Explore a magnificent cavern with many varieties of natural speleothems, including rare "shield" formations. 45 minute tour available daily and suitable for the entire family.
Where it's rock'n: Boyden Cavern, Church Cave (By appointment with guide only)
6. NATURE/HISTORY TRAILS/BIRDING
Approximately 550 miles of recreational trails await the enthusiastic hiker in the Monument. Join an interpretive ranger lead walk and learn about historical sites or strike out on your own adventure. Bird watch for pileated woodpeckers, california quail, red-tail hawks or peregrine falcons.
Where it's rock'n: Converse Basin, Bearskin Grove, Boole Tree Trail, Chicago Stump Trail, Hume Lake Trail, Indian Basin Trail, Trail of 100 Giants FIRE LOOKOUTS: Buck Rock, Needles
7. HIKING/BACK COUNTRY WILDERNESS
Wilderness is a special place where visitors can get away from noise and machinery and find peace, solitude, and natural beauty. No motorized vehicles, bicycles, wheeled deer carriers or other such equipment are permitted. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of streams or lakes to protect habitat. Within wilderness, travel is allowed only by foot or horseback and permits are required for the Golden Trout Wilderness.
Where it's rock'n: Wilderness Areas: Monarch, Golden Trout, Jennie Lakes, Kiavah & Dome Land
8. MOUNTAIN BIKING/OHV
There are hundreds of power-packing non-wilderness trails open to cycle use with some restrictions. Bicycle use in wilderness areas is prohibited. Trail difficulties vary, check with District offices prior to riding. OHV, check web site for maps. Please respect the environment.
Where it's rock'n: Rincon Trail - parallels Kern River, Black Gulch Rabbit Ramble,
Forest service road 13S05 - near Hume Lake, Cannell Trail - Kernville
9. KAYAKING/RAFTING
Welcome to whitewater paradise! Our wild and scenic rivers offer miles of exciting beautiful country suitable for rafts and kayaks. Commercial raft companies have trips available from easy to advanced. Canoes and inner tubes are not recommended. Be safe!
Where it's rock'n: Kern River - North and South Fork, Kings River - Main and South Fork
10. CROSS COUNTRY SKIING/SNOWSHOEING
Winter is one of the best times to visit the Monument. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular activities. Snowmobiling is limited to roads in the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Where it's rock'n: 10 Mile Road, Cherry Gap, Big Meadows area