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Anthony's Paddling Info

Here's a paddling website that I made.

Canoeing without the following items is dangerous.

STRING		Carry some good strong string in your pack. It is very useful for a number of things. You will need it on every single outing guaranteed.
MULTI PURPOSE TOOL		I haven't made my mind up yet if I like Leatherman tools better than Swiss army knives. Leatherman tools are better for big stuff while Swiss army knives are better for more detailed work.
CAMPSTOVE		For 50,000 years Homo Sapiens used burning wood to cook food and boil water when he went out in the woods, after all the woods were full of wood. Then some time about 50 years ago someone came up with the idea to make a portable gas stove, and bring fuel with him when he went to the woods. Maybe the dumbest idea of all time but it didn't stop every one else from doing the same. It's time for this insanity to stop, it's time to go back to wood. Throw away your gas stove and get a Stratus Trailstove, it burns wood, just like our ancestors stoves. It's made of modern materials using modern manufacturing methods so it's a lot smaller, lighter, and more durable than our ancestors stoves (the Trailstove weighs 14 ounces) but it works in exactly the same way as stoves used to cook mammoth meat worked.
FLASH LIGHT		If you don't have a flashlight you can't see anything in the dark. Always bring an extra one too and extra batteries.
TENT		There is very small difference between expensive tents and cheap tents. A 300 dollar tent is about 10% better than a 30 dollar tent, if you are planning an expedition to climb K2 the extra spending might be worth it, but anywhere below 12,000 feet a cheap tent is just fine.
MOSQUITO COILS		The only way to totally avoid mosquitoes is to go paddling in the winter, but in the summer you need to use mosquito coils.
CAMP SAW		With a camp saw you will be able to quickly cut down branches to make a shelter or for firewood. You can do this with your multipurpose tool too but having a real saw will save you a lot of energy and frustration. You can also use a camp saw as a snow saw to cut hard snow into building blocks for a snow shelter.

HOW TO MAKE A GOOD CAMP FIRE

1. COLLECT WOOD. You should have about 20 to 30 very thin twigs, and 10 to 15 small sticks to get the fire started and as many larger pieces you need to keep the fire going for as long as you need it.

2. BOTTOM BRANCHES. If the ground is covered with snow you can break dry branches off the bottom of a tree.

3. STARTER MATERIAL. You will need some material that ignites very easily to start the fire. There are a number of things you can use for this. Dry leaves, dry grass, bark, or chips from a dry semi-decomposed dead tree. Paper works fine too if you have some with you.

4. FIRE RING. Find a good location for your fire, there should be nothing nearby that could catch fire such as dry vegetation. Make a ring on the ground with rocks.

5. STARTER MATERIAL. Place the starter material in the center of the fire ring. Make sure there's plenty of air around each piece of material.

6. TWIGS. Make a teepee around the starter material using the thin twigs you collected earlier.

7. STICKS. Put the larger sticks around your twig teepee. Finish off with some more massive pieces.

8. LIGHT. Light the starter material.

9. WAIT. In about a minute the starter material has started to ignite the small twigs.

10. FIRE. After a few minutes your fire will be in full flame. Soon the teepee will collapse into a shapeless collection of burning wood, don't worry this is all normal and good. By now you fire is stable and will keep burning for as long as you feed it wood.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

Three Rivers, CA

Ranging from 1500' to 14,494' in elevation, these adjoining parks protect immense mountains, deep canyons, huge trees, and stunningly diverse habitats. The Generals Highway climbs over 5000 feet from chaparral and oak-studded foothills to the awe-inspiring sequoia groves. From there, trails lead to the high-alpine wilderness which makes up most of these parks. Beneath the surface lie many beautiful caverns.

Although they were created by separate acts of Congress, Sequoia and Kings Canyon share miles of boundary and are managed as one park. Sequoia was the second national park designated in this country.

Human interactions with black bears, which inhabit all but the highest areas of these parks, can result in problems for people and bears. Under "Quick Links" -- above and to the right -- click on Black Bear Essentials to learn how to meet food storage requirements in the parks.

For information on travel to and within Sequoia & Kings Canyon, use the green links in the black banner above. Click the blue In Depth button for more background on these parks.

CONTACTS

Email - SEKI_Interpretation@nps.gov

Fax- 559-565-3730

Write to
47050 Generals Highway
Three Rivers, CA 93271-9651

Phone
Visitor Information - 559-565-3341

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
The two main entrances (on highways 198 & 180) are open daily year-round. Winter closures: The Mineral King area in Sequoia Park & the Cedar Grove area in Kings Canyon Park. Mineral King opens late May through October 31. Cedar Grove opens mid-April to mid-November. Crystal Cave, some campgrounds, and several side roads close for the winter. The main park road may close between Lodgepole & Grant Grove during & after storms for plowing.

Highest visitation is in July & August. It can be difficult to find a campsite at popular campgrounds on summer Saturdays.

Getting There
PLANE - The closest commercial airports are in Fresno & Visalia.

CAR - NOTE: Gasoline is NOT sold within the park boundaries. Be sure to fill your gas tank in one of the communities near the park entrance or at two locations in neighboring national forest areas -- Hume Lake (year-round) and Kings Canyon Lodge (closed in winter).

To Sequoia Park entrance: from Highway 99 at Visalia take Highway 198 east for approximately 1 hour.

To Kings Canyon Park entrance: from Highway 99 at Fresno take Highway 180 east approximately 1-1/4 hours.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - There is no public transportation to these parks.

Weather & Climate
Temperature varies by elevation & these parks reach from 1500' to 14,494' (457m to 4418m). Therefore, conditions change drastically depending on where you are!

IN WINTER: Some roads close, others may be icy. Chains may be required. Call the park for the latest conditions: 559-565-3341. If you plan to visit between November and April, be aware that snow may close the Generals Highway, the park road which connects the two parks. Depending on your destination, road closures may force you to drive around outside the parks to another entrance. To prevent this, call the parks from the Fresno or Visalia areas just prior to arrival to check on road conditions.

If your winter destination is Sequoia National Park (including Wuksachi Lodge and the Giant Forest), you are least likely to encounter road closures if you arrive via Highway 198 through Three Rivers.

If your winter destination is lodging or snowplay in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park or snowplay or lodging in Sequoia National Forest, you are least likely to encounter road closures if you arrive via Highway 180 through Squaw Valley.

Accessibility
Each visitor center and every campground has an accessible restroom. Some campsites and picnic areas have extended picnic tables.

Accessibility of trails varies from paved and level to steep and unpaved. Several fully accessible trails are under construction in the Giant Forest. Ask at visitor centers for information.

Getting Around
All roads in the park are very curving; many are steep, most are narrow. Always keep right of the yellow lines, and pull into a turnout to let those behind you pass. Downshift when going downhill, even in automatic transmission vehicles. This lets the engine help to slow you down and helps to avoid the common problem of burned-out brakes.

Click on "more information" above for notes on road conditions, closures, & other changes. Especially in winter, call the park for the latest on road conditions: 559-565-3341.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
PER PERSON ON FOOT, BICYCLE, MOTORCYCLE, OR BUS
$5 for 7 Days

PER VEHICLE
$10 for 7 Days
$20 for Annual

CAMPING

ATTENTION: BEAR COUNTRY!
All campgrounds in these parks may be visited by black bears. If these usually shy animals learn to seek human food, they may damage cars, coolers, and tents. If a bear gets very destructive, it must be killed. To prevent this, follow requirements to store your food properly year-round. Many campgrounds offer metal bear-proof boxes (box sizes are listed for each campground; avoid bringing coolers that won't fit). Check park bulletin boards for instructions when you arrive, or click the IN DEPTH button for more on bears and other park resources and facilities. There are no grizzly bears in these parks. While black bears can be dangerous, it our food, not us, that they are after.

Atwell Mill Campground (in Sequoia)
Open late May through October 31.
In the Mineral King area along the East Fork of the Kaweah River in a once-logged sequoia grove. At 6650-foot elevation (2027m), 19 miles (31km) from Highway 198 on the steep, narrow, and winding Mineral King Road & 6 miles (10km) before the end of the road. Trailers & RVs not permitted in the campground; not recommended on the road. 21 sites, $8/night, pit toilets, & payphone. Within 1/2-mile of Silver City Resort with restaurant, gifts, supplies, gasoline, & showers. Water is turned off in mid-October. *****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

Azalea (in Kings Canyon)
Open All Year
In the Grant Grove area, 3-1/2 miles (5.6km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance. At 6500-foot elevation (1981m) under open stands of evergreen trees, 1/4-mile (.4km) to a sequoia grove. 113 sites, $14/night, flush toilets, pay phone. Within 1/2-mile (.8km) of visitor center, market, restaurant, gift shop, & showers. In summer ranger programs offered, horseback riding nearby. *****Several metal, bear-proof food-storage boxes are provided for campsites to share: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

Buckeye Flat (in Sequoia)
Usually closes in fall, but remaining open this winter due to temporary closure of Potwisha Campground.
In the foothills along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, 4 miles (6km) from Sequoia Park entrance & 12 miles (19km) from Giant Forest. Elevation 2800 feet (853m) in an open stand of oaks. 28 sites, $14/night, tents only, flush toilets.*****Two bear-proof food-storage boxes provided at each campsite: one is 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high, the other is 47-3/4" long x 34" deep x 22" high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share.

Canyon View (in Kings Canyon)
Open as needed May to October.
In Cedar Grove area near the Kings River. Elevation 4600 feet (1402m). 37 sites, $14/night, flush toilets, pay phone at the village (1/4 mile/.4 km). 1/4 mile (.4km) from market, restaurant, showers, laundry, RV disposal station, & horseback riding. Ranger programs nearby in July & August.*****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

Cold Springs (in Sequoia)
Open late May through October 31.
In the Mineral King area, 23 miles (37km) up the steep, winding Mineral King Road from Highway 198. RVs & trailers not permitted (not recommended on the road). Elevation 7500 feet (2286km) in aspen trees & conifers. 40 sites, $8/night, pit toilets, pay phone, ranger programs in July & August. Horseback riding available 1 mile (1.6km) away; 2-1/2 miles (4km) from Silver City Resort with restaurant, gifts, supplies, gasoline & showers. Water is turned off in mid-October. *****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

Crystal Springs (in Kings Canyon)
CLOSED IN 2001 - Open late May to mid-September. In the Grant Grove area 4 miles (6km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance. Elevation 6500 feet (1980m) in open evergreen stands, 1/4 mile (.4km) from the Grant Grove of sequoias. 62 sites, $14/night, flush toilets, pay phone. Just 1/4 mile (.4km) from visitor center, market, post office, gift shop, & restaurant. In summer: ranger programs, showers, & horseback-riding nearby.*****Several metal, bear-proof food-storage boxes are provided for campsites to share: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

Dorst (in Sequoia)
Make Reservations by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMP
Open late May through Labor Day (early September).
At 6800-foot (2073m) elevation near Dorst Creek, 10 miles (16km) from Giant Forest, under open stands of evergreen trees. 204 sites, $16, flush toilets, RV disposal station, pay phone, group sites. 8 miles (13km) from Lodgepole market, deli, & post office. Ranger programs in summer.*****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share.

Group Campsites
Approximately June through September
At Grant Grove and Cedar Grove (in Kings Canyon), group campsites are available by mail-in reservation only. For details click More Info. To reserve group sites at Dorst (in Sequoia) see "Dorst" immediately above.

Lodgepole (in Sequoia)
Make Reservations by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMP
Open All Year
At 6700-foot (2042m) elevation along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, 2 miles (3km) from the Giant Forest sequoia grove; 21 miles from Sequoia Park entrance. $16 from May-September, then $14 first-come, first-served. 214 sites, flush toilets, RV disposal station, summer ranger programs, pay phone. Within 1/4-mile (.4km) of Lodgepole market, restaurant, & gift shop. In summer: laundry, showers, & horseback riding nearby. *****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share.

Moraine (in Kings Canyon)
Open as needed May to October.
Open as needed May to October. In the Cedar Grove area, down in the canyon along the Kings River. Elevation 4600 feet (1402m). 120 sites, $14/night, flush toilets, pay phone in the village (3/4 mile/1.2 km). 3/4-mile (1.2km) from market, restaurant, gift shop, showers, laundry, RV disposal station, & horseback riding. Ranger programs in July & August.*****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

Potwisha (in Sequoia)
Closes for the winter 10/8/01 for repairs. Tent campers may use nearby Buckeye Campground.
On the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, 4 miles (6.5km)from Sequoia Park entrance, under an open stand of oaks. At 2100-foot (640m) elevation (hot in summer, snow-free in winter) 12 miles (19km) from the Giant Forest sequoia grove. 42 sites, $14/night, flush toilets, RV disposal station, & pay phone. Ranger programs on summer weekends.*****Two bear-proof food-storage boxes provided at each campsite: one is 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high, the other is 47-3/4" long x 34" deep x 22" high.

Sentinel (in Kings Canyon)
Open late April to mid-November.
In the Cedar Grove area, down in the canyon along the Middle Fork of the Kings River. At 4600-foot (1402m) elevation under open stands of evergreen trees. 82 sites, $14/night, flush toilets, pay phone in the village (1/4 mile/.4 km). Within 1/4-mile (.4km): market, restaurant, gift shop,showers, laundry, RV disposal station, & horseback riding. Ranger programs July-early September. The road to this area closes in mid-November. *****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share.

Sheep Creek (in Kings Canyon)
Open as needed May to October.
In the Cedar Grove area, down in the canyon near the Kings River. Elevation 4600 feet (1402m). 111 sites, $14/night, flush toilets, pay phone in the village (1/2 mile/.8 km). 1/2-mile (.8km) from showers, laundry, RV disposal station, restaurant, market, gift shop, horseback riding. Ranger programs in July & August.*****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share.

South Fork (in Sequoia)
Open All Year
In the foothills on the South Fork of the Kaweah River. On South Fork Drive 13 miles (21km) from Highway 198. Elevation 3600 feet (1100m), where the oaks stop & evergreens begin. 10 sites, NO drinking water, pit toilets. The last miles of the road to this campground is unpaved, and may be slippery when wet.*****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

Sunset (in Kings Canyon)
Open late May to mid-September. In the Grant Grove area, 3 miles (5km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance. Elevation 6500 feet (1980m)in an open stand of evergreens 1/4 mile (.4km) from a sequoia grove. 200 sites, $14/night, flush toilets, & payphone. 1/4 mile from visitor center, market, restaurant, gift shop, & showers. In summer: ranger programs & horseback riding nearby.*****Several metal, bear-proof food-storage boxes are provided for campsites to share: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

LODGING

Cedar Grove Lodge (Kings Canyon Park Services)
Open late April to mid-November. Rooms in a lodge in Cedar Grove Village, deep in the canyon of Kings Canyon National Park. Restaurant, market, gift shop in building. Elevation 4600 feet (1402m).
For More Information on this lodging please call 559-335-5500

Grant Grove Lodge (Kings Canyon Park Services)
Open All Year
Modern rooms in the John Muir Lodge as well as rustic and housekeeping cabins, all in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park, 1/2-mile (.8km) to a sequoia grove. Visitor center, market, restaurant, gift shop, & post office nearby. Elevation 6500 feet (1980m). In winter, you are least likely to encounter road closures enroute to Grant Grove if you enter the park on Highway 180.
For More Information on this lodging please call 559-335-5500

Wuksachi Village (Delaware North Park Services)
Open All Year
In Sequoia National Park, 4 miles (6.5km) from Giant Forest; 23 miles (37km) from Sequoia Park entrance. Modern hotel rooms in several lodge buildings. Restaurant & gift shop nearby. Elevation 6500 feet (1980m). In winter, you are least likely to encounter road closures enroute to Wuksachi if you enter the park via Highway 198.
For More Information on this lodging please call 1-888-252-5757

x-Lodging Outside the Parks within 20 miles of the park entrances
Open All Year
Click on "yes" above to link to a list of private lodgings operated within 20 miles of the park entrances at highways 198 & 180. This information is provided as a service to visitors and is not an indication of any endorsement or guarantee of quality.

FACILITIES

Visitor Centers
FOOTHILLS VISITOR CENTER (IN SEQUOIA)
Open All Year
Summer 8am - 5pm
Fall, Winter & Spring 8am - 4:30pm
Phone - 559-565-3135
Location - On the Generals Highway (main park road) 1 mile (1.6km)from Sequoia Park entrance at Highway 198. In the foothills oaks & chaparral; elevation 1500 feet (457m).
Exhibits - The focus here is on the Sierran foothills, the most biologically diverse area of these parks. Stop and learn about this fascinating ecosystem, very little of which is protected outside this park.
Available Facilities - Crystal Cave tickets sold until 3:45pm (summer only); tickets NOT sold at cave. Books, maps, educational materials for sale. Local wilderness permits issued. Bear canisters for sale or rent. Accessible restrooms. Pay phone.

GIANT FOREST MUSEM
Open All Year 9am - 4:30pm
Phone - 559-565-4480
Location - It is housed in a historic building 16 miles (26km) from Sequoia Park's entrance on Highway 198, in the Giant Forest sequoia grove at 6500 feet (1980m) elevation.
Exhibits - Exciting new exhibits tell the story of the sequoias of Giant Forest and what we have learned here about how to protect them.
Available Facilities - Books, maps & educational material are sold here. Fully accessible restrooms and trails are available.

GRANT GROVE VISITOR CENTER (IN KINGS CANYON)
Open All Year
Summer 8am - 6pm
Fall & Spring 8am - 5pm
Winter 9am - 4:40pm
Phone - 559-565-4307
Location - Three miles (5km) east on Highway 180 from the Big Stump Entrance Station. In the conifer zone; elevation 6500 feet (1980m).
Special Programs - Slide program on the sights and sounds of Kings Canyon Park in the auditorium.
Exhibits - The focus here is on the rich human and natural history of Grant Grove and its world-famous sequoia trees.
Available Facilities - Books, maps, & educational materials for sale. Local wilderness permits issued. Accessible restrooms. Pay phone.

LODGEPOLE VISITOR CENTER (IN SEQUOIA)
Summer 8am - 6pm
Spring & Fall 9am - 5pm
Winter open Fridays through Mondays 9am - 4:30pm
Phone - 559-565-3782
Location - On Lodgepole Road, just off the Generals Highway (main park road) 21 miles (34km) from the Sequoia Park entrance on Highway 198, 2 miles (3km) north of the General Sherman Tree. In the conifer zone; elevation 6700 feet (2040m).
Closures - Closed Tuesday-Thursday in winter.
Special Programs - Slide show about fabulous Sequoia National Park, the country's second-oldest national park.
Exhibits - Here you can explore the natural and human history of the southern Sierra Nevada.
Available Facilities - Crystal Cave tickets sold until 3:45pm (summer only); tickets not sold at cave. Books, maps, & educational materials for sale. Local wilderness permits issued. Bear canisters for sale or rent. Accessible restrooms. Pay phone.

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