Welcome to the Sequoia National Forest and
Giant Sequoia National Monument
For centuries, the Sequoia National Forest has stood as a global attraction with its mighty Giant Sequoia towering nearly 270 feet above the ground. Indian villages, settlers, mining towns, gold prospectors, lumber operations and resorts have all been a vital part of the Forest throughout its known history.
Under President Theodore Roosevelt, known for his interest in conservation, the Forest was created by Congress in 1908. Its boundaries were placed along the Kings River to the north and the Kern River to the south. The summit of the Sierra Nevada is its eastern boundary adjoining Inyo County, while its western boundary extends to the brush-covered foothills leading into the San Joaquin Valley. Often confused with Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, the Forest was specifically designated by the federal government as separate land and resources. This was done to provide multiple-use production of wood, water, forage, wildlife and recreation commodities. Elevations range from 1,000 feet around the foothills, to peaks over 12,000 feet in the rugged back country. Visitors will enjoy breath-taking views of mountain landscape in the West.
The Giant Sequoia National Monument was established under a Presidential Proclamation in April 2000. It is located within the boundaries of the Sequoia National Forest, and extends from the Kings River in the north to Telephone Ridge in the south.
The outstanding feature of the Giant Sequoia National Monument is the monarch of the plant kingdom, the giant sequoia Sequoiadendron giganteum. These trees tower more than 270 feet above the ground and reach diameters of over 30 feet.
The Giant Sequoia National Monument has 38 groves of these giants. The largest tree in the National Forest System in the United States is the Boole Tree. This giant sequoia, standing 269 feet high, has a base circumference of 112 feet.
Other highlights include the Hume Lake Dam - the first concrete multiple arch dam ever constructed in the United States.
Recreation opportunities are available throughout the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument. These include: camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, biking, off-highway vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, winter sports, boating and nature studies. Six wilderness areas and over 50 campgrounds are located throughout the area and most are available on a reservation basis.
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Trail of 100 Giants
Needles Forest Lookout
Peppermint Creek
Kings Canyon |
