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