California's Year Round Playground
Throughout the year in Sequoia National Park, there are numerous visitor activities available, from nature walks and horseback riding to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The National Park Service offers interpretive programs regularly during spring, summer and fall as well as winter weekends. These programs, appealing to both adults and children, include talks, slide shows, films, evening campfire programs, guided nature and history walks.
Anglers can try their luck fishing at the parks' many lakes, streams and rivers. The fishing season, extending from late April through November, commonly features rainbow, eastern brook, golden and German brown trout. Ages 16 and older need a California fishing license.
Whether a casual day hiker, backpacker or seasoned mountaineer, there are plenty of walking and hiking trails to choose from including 25 trail heads leading to more than 800 miles of marked trails. Eighty percent of the park is accessible only by foot trails, and trails below 10,000-foot elevation are normally open by midsummer.
Depending on seasonal weather conditions, horseback riding typically is available starting in early June at the Cedar Grove Pack Station, Wolverton Pack Station, the Horse Corral, Grant Grove Stables, and Mineral King Pack Station. Wolverton and Mineral King pack stations. The pack stations offer hourly, half-day and day rides, as well as extended overnight guided trips into the backcountry. The stables offer day rides to riders of all abilities. Minimum age limits may apply and reservations are recommended.
The park features a rich assortment of native animals which make for fascinating wildlife watching. Out of more than 345 total animal species, the most commonly seen include: wildcats (bobcats, mountain lions and coyotes), black bears, weasels, skunks, raccoon, white-tailed jackrabbits, California mule deer, squirrels, and reptiles as well as 170 species of birds. Although sighting of some of these animals are more appreciated than others, all are universally protected. Excellent educational exhibits on the anatomy and behaviors of various animal species can be found at the Walter Fry Nature Center (open July 1 to Labor Day).
The Sequoia Natural History Association hosts a number of interpretive weekend field seminars, ranging from half-day sessions to multi-day adventures on such subjects as birds, wildflowers, geology, botany, photography, writing, park history, astronomy, path-finding and backpacking. Special courses are also offered for families and teachers. In winter, SNHA offers ski mountaineering, cross-country skiing and snow camping courses.
From December to April, when the park is covered in a mantle of snow from 4-6 feet deep, skis and snowshoes replace hiking boots. The scenic Wolverton Ski and Recreation Area offers a snow-play area that is popular for sledding in addition to over 70 miles of pristine cross-country ski and snowshoe trails on a circuitous route. The Lodgepole Market Center houses a ski shop and snack bar, open daily, with cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals.
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