• Giant Sequoia Trees

    Sequoia & Kings Canyon

    National Parks California

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  • Parks Institute Stage 1 Fire Restrictions June 1, 2013

    Due to high fire danger, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are instituting fire restrictions inside the parks. More »

  • Road Construction Delays (if Entering/Exiting Hwy. 198)

    Expect minimal construction delays on main road through parks (Generals Hwy) through June 2013 on weekdays generally from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. See link for schedule. Call for 24-hour road conditions info: 559-565-3341 (press 1, 1, 1). More »

  • Vehicle Length Limits Have Changed in Sequoia NP (if Entering/Exiting Hwy 198)

    Planning to see the "Big Trees" in Sequoia National Park? If you enter/exit via Hwy. 198, please pay close attention to new vehicle length advisories for your safety and the safety of others. More »

  • Some Opening/Closing Dates for Services and Facilities May Change – Check Back for Updates

    Some opening/closing dates for facilities and visitor services in the parks may change due to weather or other circumstances. Call 559-565-3341 or send us an email using the "Contact Us" link below the main menu (bottom left, this page).

  • You May Have Trouble Calling Us. Use the "Contact Us" Link (Bottom Left) to Send an E-mail.

    We are experiencing technical problems receiving some incoming phone calls at the parks. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please keep trying to reach us or check this website for frequently-asked questions. The search box (top, right) may be helpful.

Pinewood Picnic Area

Grills, pathways, restrooms, and pads for picnic tables were constructed on former cabin sites in the Pinewood area.

Grills, pathways, restrooms, and pads for picnic tables were constructed on former cabin sites in the Pinewood area.

NPS Photo by Athena Demetry

Picnicking is a popular activity appealing to a diverse array of park visitors, and it is important to accommodate it near Giant Forest. In the past, the Crescent Meadow area provided facilities, but the meadow resources are too fragile for such intense activity and picnicking at this location has been phased out. If no facilities are provided, picnicking will occur at dispersed locations and increase bear problems.

Pinewood, formerly a concessioner employee housing area, was identified as an area on the edge of the grove where picnicking could be provided within previously disturbed sites that could handle intense use. Pinewood provides permanent replacement of the Hazelwood picnic area, which was closed in August 1969 following a fatality from a falling tree.

Construction of the Pinewood picnic area began in Summer 2000. Group sites were included in the design to accommodate the growing number of extended families visiting the park. Accessible sites and a new comfort station were also constructed.

Did You Know?

Sequoia cross-section shows evidence of much fire damage and recovery

Sequoia tree rings tell a fascinating story of survival and adaptation. Many sequoia cross-sections do not show a neat set of concentric growth rings. Among the rings are many scars — indicating repeated fire damage — and as many curved rings, the growth that eventually covered over the scars.