California by Fodor's

Author:Fodor's
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781400005611
Publisher: Fodor's Travel Publications
Published: 2010-08-23T20:00:00+00:00

* * *

Previous Chapter | Beginning of Chapter | Next Chapter | Contents

SEQUOIA SPORTS AND THE OUTDOORS

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Contents

The best way to see Sequoia is to take a hike. Unless you do so, you’ll miss out on the up-close grandeur of mist wafting between deeply scored, red-orange tree trunks bigger than you've ever seen. If it's winter, put on some snowshoes or cross-country skis and plunge into the outscale woodland swaddled in snow. There are not too many other outdoor options: no off-road driving is allowed in the parks, and no special provisions have been made for bicycles. Boating, rafting, and snowmobiling are also prohibited.

BICYCLING

Steep, winding roads and shoulders that are either narrow or nonexistent make bicycling here more of a danger than a pleasure. Outside of campgrounds, you are not allowed to pedal on unpaved roads.

BIRD-WATCHING

More than 200 species of birds inhabit Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Not seen in most parts of the United States, the white-headed woodpecker and the pileated woodpecker are common in most mid-elevation areas here. There are also many hawks and owls, including the renowned spotted owl. Species are diverse in both parks due to the changes in elevation, and range from warblers, kingbirds, thrushes, and sparrows in the foothills to goshawk, blue grouse, red-breasted nuthatch, and brown creeper at the highest elevations. Ranger-led bird-watching tours are held on a sporadic basis. Call the park's main information number to find out more about these tours.

Contact the Sequoia Natural History Association (HCR 89, P.O. Box 10, Three Rivers, CA 93271 | 559/565–3759 | www.sequoiahistory.org) for information on bird-watching in the southern Sierra.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

For a one-of-a-kind experience, cut through the groves of mammoth sequoias in Giant Forest. Some of the Crescent Meadow trails are suitable for skiing as well. None of the trails is groomed. You can park at Giant Forest. Note that roads can be precarious in bad weather. Some advanced trails begin at Wolverton.

Pear Lake Ski Hut.

Primitive lodging is available at this backcountry hut, reached by a steep and extremely difficult 7-mi trail from Wolverton. Only expert skiers should attempt this trek. Space is limited; make reservations well in advance. | Trailhead at end of Wolverton Rd., 1½ mi northeast off Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198) 93262 | 559/565–3759 | $38 | Mid-Dec.–mid-Apr.

Wuksachi Lodge.

Rent skis here. Depending on snowfall amounts, instruction may also be available. Reservations are recommended. Marked trails cut through Giant Forest, just 5 mi south of the lodge. | Off Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), 2 mi north of Lodgepole 93262 | 559/565–4070 | $15–$20 ski rental | Nov.–May (unless no snow), daily 9–4.

FISHING

There's limited trout fishing, bagging minimal hauls, in the creeks and rivers from late April to mid-November. The Kaweah River is a popular spot; check at visitor centers for open and closed waters. Some of the park's secluded backcountry lakes have good fishing. A California fishing license is $11.30 for one day, $17.60 for two days, $34.90 for 10 days (discounts are available for state residents) and is required for persons 16 and older.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.