Sequoia National Forest California

Sequoia National Forest Overview

Sequoia National Forest covers over 1.1 million acres in three counties of Southern California and offers an abundance of recreation opportunities for people to enjoy.

The National Forest has 52 developed campgrounds, 1,147 miles of hiking trails (including 47 miles of the PCT), over 314,448 acres of wilderness, 222 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers and 2,617 rivers and streams, some world-class whitewater rapids. There are also 158 ponds and lakes, boating, fishing, biking, horseback riding and more.

Campfires or charcoal barbecues are allowed, with a valid California Campfire Permit, in developed campgrounds and designated areas, unless fire restrictions are in place. Free Campfire Permits are available at Forest offices or online. Campfires must be attended by a responsible person at all times and completely extinguished after use.

The forest has 3 Ranger Districts including Hume Lake, Western Divide and Kern River.

Sequoia National Forest – Hume Lake Ranger District

Hume Lake Ranger District is the most northern portion of the Giant Sequoia National Monument. It also neighbors to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. This 195,606-acre district has elevations range from about 1,000 feet to 11,000 feet. It also includes the peak of Mt Harrington, home to 13 Sequoia Groves and the majestic Kings Canyon.

The district includes 2 wilderness areas, 18 developed campgrounds (including 4 groups sites), 2 rental cabins, developed day use areas and 113 miles of trails. There are also 150 miles of OHV trails, 25 groomed snow trails and much more.

Sequoia National Forest – Western Divide Ranger District

The 319,491-acre Western Divide Ranger District encompasses the southern portion of the Giant Sequoia National Monument and is centrally located in Sequoia National Forest.  Highlights include the Trail of 100 Giants, scenic view from the top of Dome Rock, and backcountry hikes into the Golden Trout Wilderness.

The district offers 9 developed campgrounds (including groups sites). There are also rental cabins, developed day use areas, 296 miles of trails and 338 miles of OHV routes.

Sequoia National Forest – Kern River Ranger District

The Kern River Ranger District covers 663,000 acres and offers 25 campgrounds and 10 developed day-use areas. There are also over 578 miles of trails that span across forested mountains, high desert, and along rivers. The Forks of the Kern, Upper Kern and Lower Kern Rivers also offer exciting whitewater rafting and fishing.

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Boat Launch/Ramp
• Campground Host
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - Good
• Cell Service - None
• Cell Service Fair
• Cell Service Poor
• Corrals
• Drinking Water
• Equestrian Facilities
• Equestrian trail
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Firewood Available
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Grills
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Ranger Station
• Restrooms (Flush Toilets, Vault Toilets)
• Stalls
• Trash Collection

Activities

• ATV
• Backpacking
• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Canoeing
• Caves
• Climbing
• Creek
• Cross Country Skiing
• Cultural Sites
• Fishing
• Fly Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Horseback riding
• Hunting
• Jet Skiing
• Kayaking
• Lake
• Mountain Biking
• Nature Trails
• OHVing
• OTV Trails/Riding
• Paddle boarding (SUP)
• Paddle Boating
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Rafting
• Reservoir
• River
• Rock Climbing
• Sailboarding
• Sailing
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Stargazing
• Swim Beach
• Swimming
• Walking Trails
• Water Skiing
• Water Sports
• Whitewater Kayaking
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Wind Surfing
• Winter/Snow Sports