Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon by Fodor's

Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon by Fodor's

Author:Fodor's
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781400005604
Publisher: Fodor's Travel Publications
Published: 2010-08-17T10:00:00+00:00


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KINGS CANYON SPORTS AND THE OUTDOORS

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The siren song of beauty, challenge, and relative solitude (by national parks standards) draws hard-core outdoors enthusiasts to the Kings River Canyon and the backcountry of the park’s eastern section. Backpacking, rock-climbing, and extreme-kayaking opportunities get even the most experienced adrenal glands pumping, but the park also has day hikes for all ability levels. Winter brings sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing fun. No off-road driving or bicycling is allowed in the park, and snowmobiling is also prohibited.

BICYCLING

Cedar Grove has a designated bike trail. Other than that, bicycles are allowed only on the paved roads in Kings Canyon. Cyclists should be extremely cautious along the steep highways and narrow shoulders.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Roads to Grant Grove are easily accessible during heavy snowfall, making the trails here a good choice over Sequoia’s Giant Forest when harsh weather hits.

Grant Grove Ski Touring Center.

The Grant Grove Market doubles as the ski-touring center, where you can rent cross-country skis in winter. This is a good starting point for a number of marked trails, including the Panoramic Point Trail and the General Grant Tree Trail. | Grant Grove Market, Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), 3 mi northeast of Rte. 180, Big Stump entrance 93633 | 559/335–2665 | $6–$11 | Daily 9–6.

FISHING

There is limited trout fishing in the park from late April to mid-November, and catches are minor. Still, Kings River is a popular spot. Some of the park’s secluded backcountry lakes have good fishing. Licenses ($10.75 for two days, $29.40 for 10 days, less for state residents) are required for those over 16, and are available, along with fishing tackle, in Grant Grove and Cedar Grove. Only Grant Grove is open year-round. Fishing licenses are issued by the California Department of Fish and Game (916/653–7661 | www.dfg.ca.gov).

HIKING

You can enjoy many of Kings Canyon’s sights from your car, but the giant gorge of the Kings River Canyon and the sweeping vistas of some of the highest mountains in the United States are best seen on foot. Carry a hiking map—available at any visitor center—and plenty of water. Check with rangers for current trail conditions, and be aware of rapidly changing weather.

If you’re planning to hike the backcountry, you can pick up a permit and information on the backcountry at Road’s End Permit Station (5 mi east of Cedar Grove Visitor Center, at the end of Kings Canyon Scenic Byway 93633 | No phone | Late May–late Sept., daily 7–3:30). You can also rent or buy bear canisters, a must for campers. When the station is closed, you can still complete a self-service permit form.

EASY

Big Stump Trail.

From 1883 until 1890, logging was done here, complete with a mill. The 1-mi loop trail, whose unmarked beginning is a few yards west of the Big Stump entrance, passes by many enormous stumps. | Trailhead near Rte. 180, Big Stump Entrance 93633.

General Grant Tree Trail.

Though General Grant Grove is rather small, at 128 acres, it’s a big deal.



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