Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada - California - page 1023

road across from the Hume Lake/Quail Flat sign on Generals Hwy, about 6 miles south of
the village.

Cedar Grove & Roads End

At Cedar Grove Village, a simple lodge and snack bar provide the last outpost of civiliza-
tion before the rugged grandeur of the backcountry takes over. Pretty spots around here in-
clude Roaring River Falls ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) , where water whips down a sculpted
rock channel before tumbling into a churning pool, and the easy, 1.5-mile Zumwalt
Meadow ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) nature trail, which loops around a verdant green meadow
bordered by river and granite canyon. A short walk from Roads End, Muir Rock ( MAP
GOOGLE MAP ) is a large flat river boulder where John Muir often gave talks during Sierra
Club field trips. The rock now bears his name, and the lazy river abounds with gleeful
swimmers in summer.
The trail to Mist Falls ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) (8-mile round-trip) is an easy to moderate
hike to one of the park's larger waterfalls. The first 2 miles are fairly exposed, so start
early to avoid the midday heat. Continuing past Mist Falls, the trail eventually connects
with the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trail to form the 42-mile Rae Lakes Loop , the most pop-
ular long-distance hike in Kings Canyon National Park (a wilderness permit is required).
For guided horse trips, both day and overnight, check with Cedar Grove Pack Station
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 559-565-3464; Hwy 180, Cedar Grove; May-mid-Oct) .

DON'T MISS
BUCK ROCK LOOKOUT

Built in 1923, this active fire lookout ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; www.buckrock.org ; 9:30am-6pm
Jul-Oct) is one of the finest restored watchtowers you could ever hope to visit. Staffed in
fire season, its 172 stairs lead to a dollhouse-sized wooden cab on a dramatic 8500ft
granite rise with panoramic forest views. To reach it from General Hwy, go about 1 mile
north of the Montecito Sequoia Lodge and then east onto Big Meadows Rd (FS road
14S11). At approximately 2.5 miles, turn north on the signed dirt road (FS road 13S04)
and follow signs another 3 miles to the lookout parking area.