frequently asked questions
1. Are sequoias the oldest trees in the world?
No. The oldest sequoia recorded was about 3,200 years old. East of the Sierra, in the White Mountains of California live the bristlecone pines. The oldest of these twisted, fairly small trees, the Methuselah tree, is 4,723 years old. They grow in a very dry, windy environment and only reach about 15-40 feet tall (5-12 meters) and 1-2.5 feet (0.3-0.76 meters) in diameter.
Giant sequoias only grow naturally in the Sierra Nevada, on the western slopes of the mountains and generally between 5,000 and 7,000 feet (1525-2135 meters) in elevation. This is where the combination of mild temperatures and adequate rainfall are just right for them to live for more than 2,000 years. They have, however, been cultivated in many parts of the world, especially Europe.
How do most sequoias die? The majority of sequoias fall to their death. Their roots are very shallow. Their thick bark helps them be resistant to insects, fungi, and fire to some extent.
2. Are there any waterfalls in Sequoia?
Tokopah Falls - off the Generals Highway near Lodgepole - 3.6 mile round-trip hike
Marble Falls - off the Generals Highway near Potwisha - 7 mile round-trip hike
Panther Creek Falls - off Highway 198 near Three Rivers - 6 mile round-trip hike/backpacking trip
Middle Fork Kaweah Falls - off Highway 198 near Three Rivers - 1/2 mile round-trip hike
South Fork Kaweah Falls (a.k.a. Ladybug Falls) - off Highway 198 near Three Rivers - 3.4 mile round-trip hike/backpacking trip
East Fork Kaweah Falls - off Highway 198 near Mineral King - 2 mile round-trip hike
Farewell Gap Falls (a.k.a. Tufa, Crystal Creek and Franklin Falls) - off Highway 198 in Mineral King - 4 mile round-trip hike
Black Wolf Falls (a.k.a. Black Wall Falls, Monarch Falls- off Highway 198 in Mineral King - 1/2 mile round-trip hike
3. Are bikes or pets allowed on the parks' trails?
While there are no bikes for rent in Sequoia or Kings Canyon, they are permitted on any paved road and in the campgrounds. However, they are prohibited on all park trails and cross country terrain. Pets may be walked on roads and in campgrounds, but always on a leash. They, too, are prohibited from the parks' trails at all times. The US Forest Service has different regulations. Refer to maps of the specific forests you plan to visit.
4. Are there any accommodations available for visitors with disabilities?
There are a limited number of accessible rooms available. These rooms feature roll-in showers with hand rails and seat, removable showerhead, and bathroom doors which are wider for wheelchair access. All are on the ground floor.
5. Are medical services or equipment available?
There are no medical facilities available in the park, however there are EMT certified NPS rangers available in the case of an emergency. The closest hospitals are in Exeter, 26 miles west of Sequoia, and Reedley, 45 miles west of Kings Canyon.
6. What number do I call for current road and weather information?
For all manner of park information, call the NPS at 1-559-565-3341, then follow the instructions on the recording.
7. Where does the word "Wuksachi" come from?
The word Wuksachi comes from the name Waksachi, who were a division of the Western Mono Tribe (a.k.a. Monache) who lived at the Limekiln and Eshom Creeks and the North Fork of the Kaweah River.
8. Where does the word "Sequoia" come from?
Though it's not certain, the commonly held belief is that the word comes from the name of Sequoyah (born approx. 1760 - died approx. 1843), a former blacksmith and silversmith, who created the Cherokee alphabet around 1809 and was hailed a genius.
9. How big is the Giant Forest?
Giant Forest is 1,800 acres (720 hectares) and has 8,400 trees that are more than one foot (0.3m) in diameter at their bases.
10. How far is it to Wuksachi?
San Diego: 8 hours - 371 mi/597 km
San Francisco: 7 hours - 300 mi/483 km
Sacramento: 6.5 hours - 286 mi/460 km
San Jose: 6.5 hours - 258 mi/415 km
Los Angeles: 5.75 hours - 247 mi/398 km
Fresno: 2.5 hours - 71 mi/114 km
Visalia: 2.25 hours - 66 mi/106 km
Note: Times and distances are approximate.
11. How far is it from Lodgepole to . . . ?
Cedar Grove (Ranger Station) - 58 mi / 93.3 km
Cedar Grove (Road's End) - 65 mi / 104.6 km
Crystal Cave - 14 mi / 22.3 km Fresno - 81 mi / 130 km
General Sherman Tree - 2 mi / 3.2 km
Grant Grove - 27 mi / 43.5 km
Hume Lake - 29 mi / 46.7 km
Mineral King - 50 mi / 80.5
Moro Rock - 6 mi / 9.7 km
Three Rivers - 25 mi / 40 km
12. Is there a shuttle in the park?
There is a free shuttle available in the summer (typically mid-June to early September). It starts at Wuksachi and takes you to Lodgepole Visitor Center and the General Sherman Tree and back again. Wuksachi: leaves 10am - 6pm hourly Lodgepole Visitor Center: leaves 10:10am - 6:10pm hourly General Sherman Tree: leaves 10:30am - 6:30pm hourly Lodgepole Visitor Center: leaves 10:40am - 6:40pm hourly Wuksachi: arrives 10:50am - 6:50pm hourly. Subject to change without notification.
14. What kinds of animals/wildlife can be seen/are in the park?
There are many kinds of animals and wildlife in the park. Among them are frogs, black bears, peregrine, falcons, tarantulas, mountain lions, yellow-bellied marmots, western rattlesnakes, mule, deer, raccoons and quails.
Caution as the animals can become roadside beggars and some larger animals, like bears can even get hit by cars. Bears may become aggressive and then must be destroyed.
Fishing is permissible in most waters in the park, however, there are many regulations and restrictions. Check the Visitor Centers for more information. Everyone 16 years or older is required to have a California State Fishing license. Licenses are usually available at the park markets, but not at the Visitor Center.
