Cabin History: Big Meadows Guard Station was constructed between 1933 and 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, (CCC) to provide a residence for Forest Service fire patrolmen stationed in that area. In 1964, the Forest Service no longer needed the use of the cabin. The cabin is 900 square feet, single story and consists of 1 bedroom with a closet, 1 bathroom, a living room and a kitchen with a service porch. The original cabinets, living room and bedroom flooring and bath fixtures remain. The interior has been slightly modified. The exterior is constructed of redwood board over 1 X 8 diagonal sheeting nailed to a standard wooden frame.
Recreation Use: Overnight use of Big Meadows Guard Station and it's facilities is available for individuals, families and groups up to 12. The cabin is equipped with electric hot water heater, cook stove, refrigerator, base board type heater, and a wood stove. There is a table and 4 chairs in the kitchen with four additional folding chairs. The living room has end tables, coffee table, bookcase, rocking chair, an over stuffed chair, a double sofa sleeper, and a desk containing various information for your use. In the bedroom, there is a queen bed, twin bunk beds, a bookcase, and night stand. There are also other items of equipment and/or supplies, such as pots, pans, utensils, dishes, silverware, toilet paper, paper towels, and miscellaneous cleaning supplies, and a bucket and shovel for fire prevention for the outdoor fire ring. There is an outdoor fire ring/barbecue, and picnic table. The cabin provides sleeping area for 6 adults, with plenty of room for tents or cots outside. NO SMOKING OR PETS ARE ALLOWED INSIDE THE CABIN.
Enjoying Your Stay: Plan on bringing sleeping bags or bedding and pillows, bath towels and toiletries. No food or condiments, (salt, pepper, etc.) are provided, so be sure to bring ALL food items you will need. Suggested additional items would be toilet paper, paper towels, tinfoil, baggies and dish clothes or towels. You may also want to bring a couple of folding lawn or camp chairs for outside. Other items you may wish to bring might include books, a flashlight, camera, insect repellant, sun screen, fishing poles and license.
Your Responsibilities: We ask that you bring trash bags to take your RECYCLABLE'S back with you. A trash container next to the garage is provided for your convenience for the balance of your trash, including garbage. We also ask that when you leave no water be left running, and the cabin is left "clean as a whistle", just like you found it or better! Cleaning tools and supplies are provided for your convenience. Please lock up behind yourself when you leave.
Reservations: Reservations for the cabin should be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) 1-877-444-6777 or www.reserveUSA.com.
Getting There: Big Meadows Guard Station is located 75 miles east of Fresno and 70 miles northeast of Visalia, taking Hwy 180 east to the Kings Canyon National Park entrance, where you will be required to purchase a forest/park permit. You can either purchase a 7 day pass for $10.00 or an annual pass good for one year for $20.00. Golden Age and Access passes are honored for entrance fees as in the National Parks Pass. After entering the park, continue 2 miles to the park Wye. At the Wye, turn right as though you were going to Sequoia National Park and continue on the General's Hwy approximately 6 miles to the turn off to Big Meadows. The Big Meadows road (Forest Service Road 14S11) is located on the left hand side of the road. Follow this road approximately 4 miles, where you will find the Guard Station on the left side of the road. Please refer to the small scale map, or contact the Hume Lake District office for more specific directions.
Things To Do: Fishing is available in Big Meadows Creek located directly across the road from the cabin. The creek is occasionally planted by California Department of Fish and Game. All state fishing regulations must be followed. Experience Jenny Lakes Wilderness and hike to Weaver Lake for a cool dip in the lake or fish for native trout, a moderate 3 mile hike that will take up to 1.5 hours. Hike to Jenny Lake, but start early in the morning if you plan to return to the cabin before dinner, a moderate 8 mile hike that will take about 3 to 4 hours, each way. Horse Corral Pack Station, located 5 miles out the Big Meadows road past the Guard Station, offers day rides and overnight pack trips - call 559-565-3404 for more information. Boyden Cavern is in Beautiful Kings Canyon, an hour drive from Big Meadows on Highway 180. Hourly guided tours of approximately 45 minutes are offered for a fee during the summer months. On the drive to the caverns you will have vistas of the Kings Canyon, the deepest canyon in the continental U.S. Climb the stairs to the top of Buck Rock Lookout at 8,500 feet in elevation and enjoy a 360 degree view. Turn off the Big Meadows Road at Horse Camp and follow the signs to the lookout. This is a staffed lookout and is generally open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm during the summer months; the lookout is generally closed to the public during fires. Shorter day hikes include the Hume Lake Loop Trail, which is universally accessible and gives you many views of Hume Lake including a close up view of the Hume Lake Dam, a National Historic Landmark. The Chicago Stump Trail is also universally accessible and leads you to the Noble Tree, which was cut down in pieces in the late 1800's and reassembled at the Chicago Exposition as proof of the giant sequoia's large size. The Boole Tree Trail is 2.5 miles and takes you through Converse Basin to the largest giant sequoia tree on National Forest land. Please enjoy your National Forest.
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