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Changes to Some Opening/Closing Dates for Services and Facilities – Check Back for Updates
Some of the opening/closing dates for facilities and visitor services in the parks have changed due to weather and/or other circumstances. See link for details and match to locations on the park map (under "Park Tools," bottom left, this page). More »
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Road Conditions (Entire Park) and Road Construction Delays (if Entering/Exiting Hwy. 198)
Expect 20-minute to 1-hour construction delays on main road through parks (Generals Hwy) until Memorial Day weekend (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 »
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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 »
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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.
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Prescribed Fires Planned at Ash Mountain/Sequoia National Park (Parks' South Entrance)
Fire crews will be working on hazard fuel reduction project at Ash Mountain (south entrance) starting May 23. There are nine small burn segments near the south entrance. The fire may be visible from the road and will produce smoke for very short periods.
Counterbalancing Food
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Counterbalancing often fails in these parks. The bears have learned to defeat it, and many areas do not have trees that are the right size and shape to use it. Please consider using a canister. Note: Canisters are required in several locations and strongly encouraged throughout the wilderness. If you do choose to hang food in a tree, any method other than counterbalancing will probably not protect it. Hang food only when storage boxes or canisters are not available. (You will receive a copy of this information when you pick up your wilderness permit.) 
Hanging food illustration 1. National Park Service Find a tree with an appropriate live, downsloping branch, even if you must select a different campsite. Approximately 10 feet away from the trunk, the branch should still be approximately 20 feet off the ground. Divide food into two balanced bags. Store soap, sunscreen, deodorant, toothpaste and garbage in the same way as food, since bears are attracted to anything with an odor. 
Hanging food illustration 2. National Park Service Use enough rope to go over the branch and back to the ground. Toss the rope over the branch where the branch is about 20 feet off the ground and at least 10 feet away from the trunk (to where the branch is strong enough to support the weight of the food but not the weight of a bear cub). 
Hanging food illustration 3. National Park Service Tie the second sack as high as you can on the rope; put the excess rope in the sack, leaving a loop out so you can retrieve it. 
Hanging food illustration 4. National Park Service Tie the second sack as high as you can on the rope; put the excess rope in the sack, leaving a loop out so you can retrieve it. 
Hanging food illustration 5. National Park Service Toss or push the lower sack until both sacks are at equal height at least 12 feet off the ground. This minimizes the chance of a bear reaching down for the bags from above, reaching up to them from the ground, or reaching over to them from the trunk. 
Hanging food illustration 6. National Park Service To retrieve the sacks, hook a long stick through the loop of excess rope. Pull slowly to avoid tangles. By making loud noises and throwing objects you can often scare bears away before they get to your food. Be bold, but keep a safe distance and use good judgment. Never attempt to retrieve food from a bear. Never approach a bear or get near a cub. Bears are active both day and night. At night and any time you are away from camp, remove all food from your pack and store it properly. Leave your pack on the ground with flaps and pockets open. If a bear does get your food, you are responsible for cleaning up and packing out all debris, and for reporting it to the nearest ranger. Note: These regulations and precautions help decrease the chance of personal injury or property damage. However, bear damage and confrontations are still possible, even when all guidelines are followed. All bears in the Sierra Nevada are American black bears, Ursus americanus. This name can be misleading, as they may be black, brown, cinnamon, or even blonde in color. The last grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) in California was killed near Sequoia National Park in 1922. This information does not apply to parks inhabited by grizzly bears. |
Did You Know?
The 16 steep, narrow road miles from Ash Mountain to Giant Forest include 130 curves and 12 switchbacks. A vehicle-length advisory of 22 feet (6.7 m) is suggested for the 12 steepest miles within that stretch.