Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park - Wilderness Information (U.S. National Park Service)

NEW WILDERNESS REGULATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS IN 2009

Special Wilderness Regulations in 2009
This bulletin gives a snapshot of all special regulations, recommendations, closures, and limits. (pdf file, 65 KB)

Protecting Foxtail Pines in the Kern River Drainage of Sequoia National Park
As of 2009 no campfires above 10,400 feet in elevation in the Kern Drainage or above 10,000 feet at Nine Lakes Basin & Big Arroyo areas. No campfires at Lower Crabtree Meadow within 1/4 mile of the food storage locker. (pdf file, 151 KB)

New Wilderness Food Storage GuidanceThis bulletin provides background information for the strong recommendation that all visitors carry and use portable bear-resistant food-storage containers. (pdf file, 107 KB)

Velvet Grass in the Kern CanyonSpecific to parties traveling with stock animals in the Kern Canyon, this bulletin describes the special regulations that will attempt to prevent the spread of velvet grass - a highly invasive plant. (pdf file, 108 KB)

Click here for more information regarding Wilderness in our national parks.

Alpenglow on peaks above Martha Lake in Kings Canyon National Park

J. Warner

Alpine country in the High Sierra is a treasured destination for backpackers in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

The Sequoia and Kings Canyon Wilderness encompasses hundreds of thousands of acres of pristine High Sierra country and forms the backbone of these two parks. Maps and trail guides to help you plan your trip are available from the Sequoia Natural History Association Bookstore both online and at visitor centers. See links below for more information on how to enjoy and protect the parks' wilderness. The Wilderness Office is also available to answer questions by phone at (559) 565-3766.

Interested in technology and wilderness? Listen to this discussion with park wilderness managers and others about cell phones and other devices in wilderness.

Sign saying wilderness permits are required for overnight travel in park wilderness areas

PERMITS AND RESERVATIONS Wilderness permits are required for all overnight camping outside designated campgrounds. Permits are not required for day hikes, except in the Mount Whitney area.

Click here for more details about permits and reservations.

Heavily-scratched but still intact bear can shows the effectiveness of approved food storage containers in keeping human food from bears

FOOD STORAGE
With black bears at home in these parks, proper food storage is required at all times. Federal regulations require proper food storage and prohibit feeding of any park animal.

Click here for details about food storage in the wilderness.

STOCK USE
"Stock use" refers to travel with horses, mules, burros, and llamas. Specific regulations and restrictions apply to the grazing of these animals.

Click here for more information about stock use (includes meadow opening dates).

View up Cloud Canyon in southern Kings Canyon National Park with the Whaleback formation on the left

WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT
Under the 1984 California Wilderness Act, 84% of these parks was designated as Wilderness. Currently, the parks are gathering information and public input to develop a Wilderness Management Plan for these areas.

Click here for more information about this process.