Get Wet, Get Wild, See Big Trees, Explore…
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Plan your visit to camp on the Sequoia National Forest! The Sequoia takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 33 groves on the forest's lower slopes. The Sequoia's landscape is as spectacular as its trees. Soaring granite monoliths, glacier-torn canyons, roaring whitewater, and more await your discovery at the Sierra Nevada's southern end. Elevations range from 1,000 feet in the foothill region to peaks over 12,000 feet in the rugged high country, providing visitors with some of the most spectacular views of mountainous landscape in the entire west. Reservations can be made at: www.recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777.
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SEE BIG TREES… In their natural range, old sequoias tower above the forest’s canopy, where their conical crowns easily reach heights of 250 feet or more. Sequoia’s massive trunks grow to an average of 15 feet across, shielded by thick, cinnamon-colored bark. These giants owe their colossal size to a rapid growth rate that lasts their entire life long – a span that ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 years or more. Where its rock’n: Bearskin Grove, Converse Basin Grove, Belknap Grove, Trail of 100 Giants, Freeman Creek Grove.
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GET WET…White water paradise awaits you! Our wild and scenic rivers offer miles of excitement for rafts and kayaks. Commercial raft companies have trips available from easy to advanced. Canoes and inner tubes are not recommended. Also check out Lake Isabella for fishing and boating. Be safe! Where its rock’n: Kern River – North and South Forks, Kings River – Main and South Forks, Tule River.
- Rivers
- Wild and Scenic Rivers
- Whitewater Boating
- Book a River Rafting Tour
- Kern River flow rates
- Fishing/Fly Fishing – Find a wide variety of fishing opportunities ranging from large rivers, small creeks, to Lake Isabella. In all, the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument have miles of fishable streams. Outfitters are available for fly-fishing lessons. Anglers 16+ must have a fishing license (except for Free Fishing Days). Pencil in Lake Isabella Fishing Derby for big wins!
- Lakes
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GET WILD… and back to basics in our six wilderness areas. Find peace, solitude and natural beauty. No motorized vehicles, bicycles, wheeled deer carriers are permitted. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of streams or lake to protect habitat. Travel only on foot or horseback.
- Wilderness Map
- Wilderness
- Wilderness Trip Planning
- Horseback Riding and Pack Stations – Miles of trails are available for horse 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 & Horse Corral.
CAMP OUT… Get out and about at in our campgrounds, recreation rental cabins and fire lookouts.
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EXPLORE… your National Forest. Opportunities for scenic enjoyment abound. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a 50-mile route climbs through a giant sequoia forest and descends into one of North America’s deepest canyons along State Highway 180. Where’s it rock’n: Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, Western Divide Highway, Kern River Gorge, Hume Lake.
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HIT THE TRAILS… There are hundreds of power-packing non-wilderness trails open to cycle use with some restrictions. Trail difficulties vary, check with Ranger District offices prior to riding.
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LET IT SNOW… Winter is one of the best times to visit the Monument. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and showmobiling are popular activities. Snowmobiling is limited to road in the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
