United States. Department of the Interior

“ The Generals Highway is a fine surfaced mountain road, wide and of easy grade, leading the visitor past Ash Mountain headquarters, Camps Potwisha and Hospital Rock, to Giant Forest, 17 miles from the entrance, and the heart of the present development among the Big Trees. From Giant Forest it continues on past the Sherman Tree to Lodgepole Camp (4 miles) , crosses the Marble Fork, and, winding through mixed fir and pine forests, crossing streams and meadows with many a forest and mountain vista, leaves the park 11 miles farther on at the Lost Grove Ranger Station. ”

“ The social life at Giant Forest is one of the great attractions and holds many people beyond the time allotted for the visit. The average population is about 3,000 people.
THE TRAILS
One of the most pleasing features of Giant Forest is the number of forest trails leading from it that afford interesting half-day or all-day excursions. Perhaps nowhere else is it possible to hike so easily for hours through such forests of sequoia, pine, and fir. Many of the trails are oiled to eliminate dust. The trail system is well signed, and the map in this pamphlet is used [Pg 21] by many as a guide. ”

“ 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. ”

“ The park is the starting point for the best of California's High Sierra country, including such famous regions as Kings River Canyon, Kearsarge Pass, Kern River Canyon, and Mount Whitney. For a trip of less than 4 days, saddle horses or packing mules will cost $2 a day; 4 days or more $1.50 a day. The services of guides and packers $5 a day. Cooks cost $6 a day. Pack donkeys, including outfits, $1.50 a day; $7 a week. Outdoor clothing and equipment, such as riding breeches, blankets, dunnage bags, and the like, may be rented at Giant Forest. ”

“ Reservations for housekeeping accommodations are always necessary, and a $5 deposit should accompany each request for a housekeeping camp. Address the Sequoia & General Grant National Parks Co., Sequoia National Park, Calif.
At Giant Forest Lodge, a colony of rustic cabins under the Big Trees with a central community group for meals, campfire entertainment, etc., the rates range from $5 a day each for two persons in a room without bath to $8 for one person in a 1-room cabin with private bath. There is no charge for children under 3; half rates for those up to 11. ”

“ For those who desire to make the day trip only, the National Park Service maintains public camps or picnic grounds at Beetle Rock. A ranger is on duty at all times and is anxious to show the park and make the stay of visitors as enjoyable and profitable as possible. ”

“ Pinewood Shelter Camp is about a mile from Giant Forest on the Generals Highway. For 1 or for 2 persons a cabin costs $1.50 a day; each additional person, 50 cents. These cabins are not equipped with bedding or cooking utensils, but such articles may be rented at the camp if desired.
Hospital Rock Camp, on the Generals Highway, about midway between Ash Mountain entrance and Giant Forest, offers housekeeping accommodations at the same rates as those for Pinewood Shelter Camp. Supplies may be purchased at the central building, where there is also a lunch counter. ”

“ The golden eagle and the red-tailed hawk are sometimes seen from Moro Rock. A list of all the birds may be obtained at the Giant Forest Administration Building. [Pg 27]
Even a slight acquaintance with the park flora will vastly increase the pleasure of your visit, and park rangers will gladly answer inquiries.
The trees most noticed near Giant Forest are the Big Trees, sugar pine, yellow pine, white and red fir; the western white pine and the lodgepole pine are found higher up; the incense cedar is abundant; lower down are many varieties of oak, maple, and other hardwoods. ”

“ The National Park Service encourages all forms of outdoor activities, but special attention is paid to fostering a knowledge of the wildlife and natural beauty which the parks were created to preserve. At Giant Forest a small collection of specimens is on display at the naturalist's office during the summer season for the enjoyment of visitors. ”

“ The operating company issues a leaflet advising people of accommodations, prices, etc. This can be obtained on application to the superintendent.
It is always advisable when driving in the mountains during the winter to carry tire chains, although even in midwinter it is often possible to drive to the Big Trees without them.
Every effort is made by park authorities to keep the Big Trees accessible during the winter months. Sequoia Park is now well known as one of the few places in California where winter vacationists from other sections of the country may be sure of seeing the giant Sequoias. ”

“ The new High Sierra Trail has linked the Big Trees of Giant Forest to the Kern Canyon by a graded trail. It is a good 2-day journey from Giant Forest to Kern Canyon.
MOUNTAINEERING
The peaks of the Sierra Nevada and Great Western Divide, as well as the Kaweah Peaks, in Sequoia National Park, offer excellent opportunities for mountaineering. Devotees of this greatest of outdoor sports are visiting the park in increasing numbers. Those interested in mountaineering in the park should communicate with the Sierra Club. ”

“ American black bear.—Found throughout the park and are very plentiful at Giant Forest during the spring and early summer months, where several at one time may be seen at the Bear Hill. These bears are not ferocious, and under all ordinary circumstances will run from man. Young of the same litter often vary in color from cinnamon to brown or black. Visitors must not feed the bears. They are fed daily from camp garbage. ”

“ An excellent bathing pool is available at Hospital Rock Camp, and many visitors stop here for a plunge en route to Giant Forest.
FREE CAMPGROUNDS
The National Park Service maintains campgrounds for visitors traveling in their own automobiles. The largest campgrounds are at Giant Forest, Lodgepole, and Dorst Creek, where water is piped and modern sanitary and garbage-disposal facilities are furnished at about 600 camp sites. Camping is limited to 30 days in any area each year.
Inquiries about free public campgrounds should be addressed to the Superintendent, Sequoia National Park, Calif. ”

“ Here are at least 200 high mountain lakes, and over 300 miles of streams containing the famous golden and Kern River rainbow trout. Good mountain trails traverse this area and lead to the outstanding points of interest. ”

“ Fishing bulletins for the current year pertaining to park fishing regulations may be obtained at entrance checking stations, park headquarters, or from rangers.
Park regulations as to daily catch, etc., are identical with those of the State for the district by which the parks are surrounded, excepting in some areas where excessive demand necessitates reduction of the daily limit. ”

“ Three Rivers, on the paved highway and a few miles below the park entrance, is the local center for packers and guides to the High Sierra. There are hotel accommodations, stores, and post office located here. ”

“ During this time it has withstood the ravages of countless fires, and, though greatly damaged, it has continued to flourish, and today produces thousands of cones bearing fertile seed from which many seedlings have been grown. ”