Giant Sequoia National Monument
Although Tehachapi is a beautiful place with plenty to do, it’s always nice to travel outside the Tehachapi Mountains. When we want to get away, without spending hours in the car or encountering lots of traffic, we head to Sequoia National Forest where we can find all the outdoor adventure we crave. Tehachapi is about 1½ hrs from Sequoia National Forest and 2½ hours from the southern end of the Monument, but it really depends on which way you drive. Stay off the scenic route if you’re on a budget for time.
Sequoia National Forest & Giant Sequoia National Monument display awesome beauty and some of the world’s largest trees. Whether you need to escape for a day or take a long weekend, the possibilities are endless when your within Sequoia National Forest.
Outdoor Adventures Include:
- Hiking & Backpacking
- Fishing
- Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Camping
- Whitewater Rafting
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
Visit the Giant Sequoia Groves
While in the Giant Sequoia National Monument, don’t miss the oldest living things in the world… the Giant Sequoia’s. These amazing trees grow to more than 270 feet tall and reach 30 feet in diameter. Sequoia National Monument is home to 38 different groves of these giant trees. The closest grove to Tehachapi is the Trail of 100 Giants across from Redwood Meadow campground.
The Trail fo 100 Giants is a paved trail accessible to wheelchairs. The grades are kept to a minimum to allow for easy traveling. Benches and narrative stations are located throughout the Trail of 100 Giants.
Getting to Sequoia National Forest and National Monument
- The Scenic Route
Take Highway 58 West towards Bakersfield. Take the Caliente exit to the right and follow the signs to Lake Isabella which is about an 1½ hours from the Caliente exit. At the town of Bodfish take Highway 178 along Lake Isabella to Highway 155 headed to Kernville. Visit the Ranger Station in Kernville for a map and guide to the Monument. After you have your map take Highway 155 through Kernville and turn left at the T-Intersection of Sierra Highway and Highway 99. Sierra Highway will take you along the Kern River and into the Monument. Please remember to pack out what you pack in and never leave trash behind.
-The Shorter Semi-Scenic Route
Take Highway 58 West toward Bakersfield. Take the Weedpatch exit and head north to Highway 178. Turn right on Highway 178 and take that to Highway 155 toward Kernville. Visit the Ranger Station in Kernville for a map and guide to the Monument. After you have your map take Highway 155 through Kernville and turn left at the T-Intersection of Sierra Highway and Highway 99. Sierra Highway will take you along the Kern River and into the Monument. Please remember to pack out what you pack in and never leave trash behind.
