When traveling toward Fresno from the Bay Area, we suggest that you turn off your GPS and follow these instructions. First, connect with Highway 5 South. Either Highway 132 (toward Modesto) or 152 (toward Chowchilla) can be taken to connect with Highway 99 South. Proceed South on Highway 99 toward Fresno and take the exit for 180 East (toward Kings Canyon Nat'l Park) before you reach downtown Fresno.
From Highway 180 (Fresno): Travel East from the center of Fresno on CA 180. You will travel 30 miles through the flat valley and the foothills. You will pass through the villages of Squaw Valley and Dunlap. This is the last place to fill up with gas. Keep climbing the mountain. Go through Kings Canyon National Park entrance. You will stop and pay your park entrance fee at the toll booth. Then proceed on Highway 180 for approximately one mile and look for a sign directing you towards Sequoia National Park. Take this turn off of 180. You will be on the Generals Highway; Follow this road for 6 miles. On your right you will see the Big Baldy Trailhead sign. Soon after the Big Baldy sign, look to the left and you will turn left onto the Big Meadows Horse Corral Road. This road is marked with a sign. Turn left onto this road.
Follow the Big Meadows Horse Corral Road for 12.5 miles until you reach the Sequoia High Sierra Camp/Marvin Pass Turn off. Important: there are numerous turnouts on this road; always stay on the paved road. Along the paved road, you will pass several campgrounds, drive over a couple of single lane bridges and past the turn off to Horse Corral Pack Station.
Just before the end of the paved road, you will see a small sign directing hikers to turn right. You will also see a sign board with the initials SHSC, also directing you to turn right. SHSC are the initials for Sequoia High Sierra Camp. This is an important road mark, so please take care not to miss it!
For the next 2.5 miles, the road is unpaved, dusty and narrow (single lane in numerous spots.). Please watch for potholes and other vehicles. This section of road is not recommended for low profile vehicles. Once again, there are several turnouts on this road; always stay on the main roadway.
At the end of the road you will be at the Marvin Pass Trailhead Parking Lot. This is where you will park to hike into the Sequoia High Sierra Camp. Park your vehicle and look for two large informational boards.
To the left of these informational boards, you will see a post with a small metal box (angled). This is a trail registration form and needs to be filled out by all hikers. The trail begins at this box. Follow the SHSC signs to the Camp.
The trail is well marked with "SHSC" (Sequoia High Sierra Camp) signage. The trail climbs a total of 300 feet (mostly toward the beginning) and leads directly to the Camp Dining pavilion (total hiking distance: slightly less than 1 mile).
Note: We recommend the 1-mile option for our guests, as the 12-mile hike is lengthy and considered quite challenging.