Sequoia [California] National Park Part 1

Sequoia [California] National Park.

by United States Department of the Interior.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

The Princ.i.p.al Attractions in the park which the visitor should see are as follows:

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 included.

Two-Day Stay.--In addition to the above should include the Alta Trail as far as McKinley Tree, Congress Group, and the High Sierra Trail to Eagle View.

Three-Day Stay.--Should include in addition, 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 cream of Sierra scenery at River Valley, Hamilton Lake, or Tamarack Lakes; to Twin Lakes, Alta Meadows and Peaks, Mount Silliman, Emerald and Heather Lakes, The Watchtower, Colony Mill, Little Baldy Fire Lookout, Admiration Point, and Marble Falls, with many other points.

Three-Week to a Month Stay.--Will permit a trail trip through wonderful 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 fis.h.i.+ng, and lovely waterfalls.

It is no exaggeration to state that any length of time from 1 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.

=_Camps._=--Camping is permitted only in numbered and designated camp sites. As far as possible, burn garbage in camp fire, 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. Consider your neighbor.

=_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 pa.s.sing on curves. Speed limit signs are posted. Obey traffic rules and regulations. Permit fee is $1, allowing entrance to General Grant National Park also.

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 Sat.u.r.days or days preceding holidays, when the closing hour for entry is 11 p. m.

=_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.

=_Trees, flowers, shrubs._=--Do not pick flowers or write or carve your name on objects in the park. Down timber, except sequoia, may be used for firewood, unless posted =_not to be disturbed_=.

=_Animals and birds._=--Do not kill, capture, or scare. The animals are your friends.

=_Dogs and cats._=--Dogs and cats are prohibited on the park lands except upon written permission of the superintendent, secured upon entrance.

=_Fis.h.i.+ng._=--Get a State angling license. Apply to the nearest park ranger for the current year's fis.h.i.+ng 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._=

SEQUOIA

_National Park_

OPEN ALL YEAR

And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree; And here were forests ancient as the hills, Enfolding sunny spots of greenery.

--_Kubla Khan._

The Sequoia National Park, which is located in eastern central California, was created by the act of September 25, 1890, and enlarged by act of July 3, 1926. Its area is now approximately 604 square miles.

The park is situated on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada and was established to preserve the groves and forests of California Big Trees (_Sequoia gigantea_).

It contains not only the largest and perhaps oldest trees in the world, but many other superb scenic attractions.

It is easily reached by train and auto stage or by private automobiles, is open the year round, and accommodations are available at all times.

SEASON

The Sequoia National Park is open all year through the Ash Mountain entrance to Giant Forest. From May 25 to September 5 the Giant Forest Lodge, Kaweah Housekeeping Camp, Pinewood Automobile Camp, lunch-room, store, and service station are operated for the accommodation of visitors. From September 5 to May 25, the remainder of the year, the Giant Forest Winter Camp is available, providing American-plan and housekeeping accommodations in comfortable cabins. All year accommodations are provided as well for campers with their own equipment. From early May until snowfall (generally about the middle of November) the National Park Service maintains camps at Giant Forest with running water, sanitary facilities, and garbage disposal. Campgrounds are also provided the year round at lower elevations, princ.i.p.ally at Buckeye Flat, 2,800 feet, and Hospital Rock Camp, 2,700 feet. At all times of the year visitors camping at Hospital Rock can drive in and out of Giant Forest in an hour or two.

At Hospital Rock during the entire year lodging accommodations in cabins and in the auto camp are available. A general store, gasoline station, and lunch counter are operated here the year round, and photographic supplies may also be obtained. Particularly during the winter months, November to April, many find it most pleasant to avail themselves of the Hospital Rock accommodations and drive in and out of Giant Forest during the day.

ADMINISTRATION AND HEADQUARTERS

The general headquarters for the Sequoia National Park is at Ash Mountain, on the Generals Highway. An information office is also maintained at Giant Forest.

Mail, telephone, and telegraph messages for the superintendent should be addressed to Sequoia National Park, Calif.; the representative of the National Park Service in charge is the superintendent, John R. White.

The United States Government has exclusive jurisdiction over the park (act of California Legislature, Apr. 15, 1919, and act of Congress, June 1920, 41 Stat. 731). Walter Fry is the United States commissioner for the park.

The Sequoia National Park is little more than an hour distant from points on the Golden State Highway (U S 99). The following table is accurate as to distances between points in California and the Sequoia National Park.