Sequoia National Forest Restrictions

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST RESTRICTIONS

Blackrock Ranger Station:
Open 8am – 4:30pm, Thursday – Monday (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday). (559) 539-2607 ext. 72276.

Kernville Ranger Station:
Open 8am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday (Closed on Saturday & Sunday). (760) 376-3781.

Lake Isabella Ranger Station:
Open 8am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday (Closed on Saturday & Sunday). (760) 379-5646.

THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT:

Smoking: will be confined within enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation sites and other designated “Fire Exempt Areas” as listed in the District exhibits.

Campfires: or charcoal fires, are allowed, with a valid California Campfire Permit, in designated campgrounds and posted “Fire Exempt Areas” as listed in the Forest Order 16-08, District exhibits. A list of “exempt” areas is available at www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia.

You can get Campfire Permits online here, or from any CAL FIRE, US Forest Service, or BLM station or office.

For tips on how to camp responsibly, please click here.

Other Sequoia National Forest permits can be found here.

Fuel-related Restrictions:

Lanterns and portable stoves with a shut-off valve that use gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed, with a valid California Campfire Permit. Forest visitors must clear all flammable material five feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times when in use.

Operating an internal combustion engine off of properly designated roads or trails and welding are all strictly prohibited during the increased restriction period.

Fireworks: Zero tolerance in the Sequoia National Park & Forest. Explosives, fireworks, including sparklers and so-called ‘safe and sane’ fireworks, are prohibited.

Violation of these fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or incarceration for no more than six months, or both.

The Kern River Valley is more than just wilderness; many lives could be endangered for simple reckless fun. Our community appreciates common sense regarding fire danger.

Glass Ban:

As of May 16th, 2016, the areas around the Kern River and Lake Isabella are subject to a glass prohibition by the Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. It bans glass food and beverage containers along the Upper Kern, the Lower Kern, all of Isabella Lake’s shorelines (to surrounding roadways), and for a circumference of 500 feet around the Johnsondale Bridge.
The new glass ban is another way the Kern River Ranger District will continue to improve the recreation experience for visitors to our beautiful Wild and Scenic Kern River and the shorelines of Lake Isabella.
The Forest Order with maps and specific descriptions of areas included in the glass ban can be found at any of the Sequoia National Forest’s offices.
For more information, or if you have questions about the ban, please call Tricia Maki, Kern River Recreation Officer, at 760-376-3781 extension 630. The Forest Order with maps and specific descriptions of areas included in the glass ban can be found here, or at any of the Sequoia National Forest’s offices.

Sequoia National Park:

Due to continued stress from the drought, increasing temperatures, and bark beetles, many of the trees are dying in numbers never seen before. Dead trees can fall unexpectedly and are creating dry fuels for wildfires. Be aware when traveling or camping, and know your escape routes when going into the Forest. If you come to a downed tree that is blocking your path and you are unable to clear it, please report it to a Forest Service office.

Please click here to see an interactive map created by the U.S. Forest Service. You can choose any National Forest in the United States!

Trail of 100 Giants – Temporary work closures may occur throughout the summer. From November – Memorial Day Weekend, this part of the park is closed.

Hiking / Biking / Horseback / OHV:

During the winter, several OHV trails in the Kern River Ranger District will remain open. Please call the Kern River Ranger Station for current trail conditions and status; and use caution and avoid use of open trails during wet conditions. Responsible use goes a long way toward protecting these important recreation opportunities for future uses and enjoyment.

Please check with a Forest Service office for current conditions. Kern River Ranger Station at (760) 376-3781 and the Lake Isabella office at (760) 379-5646.