Sequoia National Forest Reopening

PORTERVILLE, Calif. — The Sequoia National Forest is opening additional recreational opportunities for the public originally closed due to the Sequoia (SQF) Complex fires.

Visitors may now access the Trail of 100 Giants. The roads are open from California Hot Springs to the intersection of Western Divide (M107) with Last Chance Road (Forest Road No. 22S02). From there, a visitor can travel down Last Chance Road to the Lloyd Meadow Road (Forest Road No. 22S82) then south to reach Johnsondale. Areas west to the forest boundary and north of this route are closed, while areas south are open.

The public can also travel from the intersection of Mountain Road 99 up Sherman Pass Road (Forest Road No. 22S05) to its intersection with Cherry Hill Road (Forest Road No. 22S12), where the Sherman Pass Road is closed going northeast. The forest area north of that route is closed, while the area south is open to the public.
Sherman Pass Road remains closed from its intersection with Cherry Hill Road to just south of Blackrock, where it intersects with Forest Road No. 21S02. From there, the closure boundary heads north along Forest Road No. 21S02 to tie in with the Forest boundary at Osa Meadows. All areas west of this route are closed. East of this route is open to the public.

Fire equipment continues to travel routes that are closed, extinguishing hot spots, removing hazards, and working on suppression repair. Once work is complete, additional areas will reopen to the public.

Woodcutting – With a valid woodcutting permit, firewood may be cut in the Hume Lake Ranger District and south of the Sherman Pass Road in the Kern River Ranger District. No woodcutting is allowed in the closure area.
While popular activities such as hunting, hiking, boating, and other types of general recreation are now allowed outside of the closure area, several prohibitions are still in place.

Fire equipment continues to travel routes that are closed, extinguishing hot spots, removing hazards, and working on suppression repair. Once work is complete, additional areas

Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including:
• Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others
• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials
• Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.
• All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.

Please call your local Ranger Station Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or email SM.FS.SequoiaNF@usda.gov for current information.
Kern River Ranger District 760-549-9533
Western Divide Ranger District 559-920-0460
Hume Lake Ranger District 559-791-5758
Supervisor’s Office 559-920-1588
Stay informed, follow our webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia, Facebook at #SequoiaNF, Twitter at @sequoiaforest or SequoiaNF OnCell app.