{"id":562,"date":"2019-04-08T15:25:25","date_gmt":"2019-04-08T22:25:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tx.netius.net\/sightsee\/central-sierra-nevada-mountains\/"},"modified":"2019-05-25T13:45:51","modified_gmt":"2019-05-25T20:45:51","slug":"central-sierra-nevada-mountains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/outside\/sightsee\/central-sierra-nevada-mountains\/","title":{"rendered":"Central Sierra Nevada Mountains"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Small<\/a>
Kirkwood Lake Campground<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Central Sierra Nevada: Sequoia to Donner
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Although Sequoia trees can be found in the southern Sierra, the National Park is located more in the mid-Sierra. From the Kern River to Kings River<\/a>,\u00a0 the southern stretch of Sierra Nevada is home to the southern most Sequoia groves, the longest river in California, and the granite dome wonderlands<\/a> that overlook the Mojave Desert.<\/p>\n

The Tehachapi range is on the tail end to the south w\/ Hwy 58, while Kings Canyon Park borders more High Sierra Wilderness to the north end. If you are heading up from SoCal, this is the most accessible portion of the Sierra Nevada range.<\/p>\n

While the Kern River Valley<\/a> can get hot in the summer months, the rivers, streams & higher elevations surrounding it, make it a prime destination for folks seeking cooler mountain breezes, creeks and dark skies. Springtime is one of the best times of year to visit the Kern River. While summer is best for the high wilderness areas, since the snow usually doesn’t melt until May.<\/p>\n

Mountain Home State Forest<\/strong><\/a> is a little known haven for campers & hikers seeking less-crowded Sequoia groves. With the Tule River<\/a>, fishing ponds, waterfalls, swimming holes & meadows, this place provides a nice solitude to the busier parks to the north. Balch Park<\/a> is a county park w\/ large campground, that sits adjacent to Mountain Home Forest.<\/p>\n

Both National Parks (Seqouia & Kings) are both busy in summer & tourists can be seen lining the main road,\u00a0Highway 198<\/a>. Crystal Cave & Boyden Cavern both offer daily tours during the warmer months. Sequoia National Park is open during winter months & is popular among winter sports enthusiasts. Kings Canyon National Park & Hwy 180 are also open during winter, with winter sports recreation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Big Meadows Road (14S11)<\/strong> <\/a>offers great camping options for those that wish to camp outside the National Park boundaries.<\/p>\n

\"Sequoia<\/p>\n

Sequoia forest & parks –<\/h3>\n

Sequoia National Forest<\/a>
\nMountain Home State Forest<\/a>
\n Sequoia National Park<\/a>
\n Kings Canyon National Park<\/a><\/p>\n

Sequoia maps & trails –<\/h3>\n