National Forest? National Park? or Monument?

 Are we in Sequoia National Park, Sequoia National Forest, Kings Canyon National Park or Sequoia National Monument? We'll let me tell you that this is a little complicated, Boyden Cavern is located Geographically in Kings Canyon, right where Highway 180 crosses the beautiful Kings River and has some of the most spectacular views of the amazing geology associated with all of Kings Canyon. Although Boyden Cavern is in Kings Canyon, the governing agency is not the National Park. Which is to say we are not located in Kings Canyon National Park...... So where are we located? As far as government agencies are concerned the National Forest has jurisdiction over a large area of Kings Canyon.  Starting at just past Grant Grove (Located in Kings Canyon National Park, but without any real connection to the canyon), is the boundary of the Park and Sequoia National Forest. For the next approximate 27 miles highway 180 winds through Sequoia National Forest and down into some of the most breath taking panoramic views of Kings Canyon (geographically speaking). Highway 180 passes Boyden Cavern crosses the Kings River and continues approximately another 7-8 miles up canyon past Grizzly falls and then finally ends at the boundary of the National Forest and the beginning of Kings Canyon National Park, this area is known as Cedar Grove. Now during Clinton's Presidency he created a National Monument in that same area, so it is also know as Giant Sequoia National Monument. Some folks have mistakenly believed that Monuments were the domain of the National Park Service - This is absolutely not true. Sequoia National Forest is the official managing agency of "Giant Sequoia National Monument". I have included a link to the United States Forest Service Web Site for your review. Please take a look at it, not only will it help you better understand all this confusion, but will also explain all the wonderful things you can do in the National Forest, including having animals with you on trails and camping in NON DESIGNATED AREAS. Go On, Get Out, enjoy your National Forests.

Giant Sequoia National Monument

The below excerpt is from the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park web site. Protecting bears however is critically important in all areas of the wilderness including both Parks and Forest areas.

Bear Habitat means Food Storage is Required!
What must be stored?
All food and anything with a scent (even if you don't consider it food) must be stored. This includes garbage, recyclables, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, first-aid kits, baby wipes, lotion, hairspray, scented tissue, air freshener, pet food, insect repellent, tobacco products, baby car-seats, and window cleaner. Bears recognize ice chests, cans, bottles, and grocery bags, so store them also.
How to Store Items Properly
Use the metal storage boxes provided in much of the park.

• Shop and pack for your visit so that everything will fit in the boxes (most are 44-3/4"x34"x27-3/4") and is easy to store upon arrival.
• All items should be put in the box before setting up camp.
• Seal foods in containers to minimize smells.
• Remove baby carseats from vehicles when parked overnight.
• When storage boxes are not available, put all food and related supplies, including ice chests, in vehicle trunk with food sealed in air-tight containers.
• In vehicles without trunks, all food and related supplies, including ice chests, must be stored out of sight. Cover them completely to hide them from view.

In Picnic Areas
Store all food and related supplies properly, including ice chests. Never leave food unattended. Dispose of all garbage properly.
In Campgrounds
Store all food and related supplies in the metal storage boxes. Only when camping where there are no metal boxes, store food and related supplies out of sight inside a vehicle.
Never leave camp unattended if food is not stored. Store food day and night. Take infant carseats out of vehicles when parked overnight. Bears may enter campsites during the day, even if people are there. Keep a clean camp. Put trash in bear-resistant cans and dumpsters regularly.
While Day-Hiking
Properly store all food and related supplies left at the trailhead, including ice chests. Don't leave your backpack and walk off to take a photograph. Bears know packs are a source of food.
When Backpacking
What should I do with my food when out overnight? more...

Lodging
Store all food and related supplies indoors. Put all garbage in bear-resistant cans and dumpsters. Take infant carseats out of vehicles when parked overnight.
When You See a Bear
Never approach any bear, regardless of its size. Click here to learn more about what to do if you encounter a bear.
Report incidents and sightings to a ranger. Note: These regulations and precautions help decrease the chance of personal injury or property damage. However, bear damage and confrontations are still possible, even when all guidelines are followed.