A Wheelchair-Accessible Giant Sequoia Getaway

California is home to numerous Giant Sequoia groves. That said, some are more tranquil than others. The good news is, it is possible to spend the night just steps from these stately giants, in a rustic wheelchair-accessible yurt at a peaceful Central California campground. Not only is this remote campground pleasantly bereft of the summertime crowds, but it’s right across the street from a wheelchair-accessible Trail of 100 Giants (www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sequoia/recreation/trail-100-giants-long-meadow-grove). So pack up the car, and get ready to enjoy this wheelchair-accessible Giant Sequoia getaway.

On the Road

Whoever said that getting there is half the fun, most likely took a road trip to the Trail of 100 Giants. The best advice is to turn off your GPS on your wheelchair-accessible Giant Sequoia adventure. It won’t do you any good and will most likely take you in the wrong direction; but more importantly, you’ll miss the scenery along the way if your eyes are glued to a screen.

From Highway 99, take exit 65 A in Earlimart, which is about a half-hour south of Visalia. Continue on through town and head east on Road 56 for about 30 miles, past Ducor, Fountain Springs and California Hot Springs. When the main road makes a sharp turn to the right just past California Hot Springs, turn left on Parker Canyon Road (M 50). If you end up in Pine Flat, turn around — you’ve missed the turn.

Continue along Parker Canyon Road for about 13 miles, but watch for livestock, as it’s open range up there. At the stop sign make a left turn on M 90 and continue along for two miles. You’ll pass the day use parking lot on the right, with access to the Trail of 100 Giants across the street. Just up the road the Redwood Meadow Campground (www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232825?q=Redwood%20Meadow) is on the right.

A Yurt in the Forest

The Redwood Meadows Campground has just 12 campsites, but the good news is, half of them have wheelchair-accessible yurts. And although the accommodations are pretty basic, you just can’t beat the location. Additionally, you’ll never feel crowded at this small campground.

Yurt 2 is a top wheelchair-accessible choice. It’s close enough to the facilities, yet it has a lot of privacy, and there’s a beautiful picnic area behind the yurt. Parking is available in a level dirt area in front of the yurt; and although the yurt is ramped, there is a one-to-two inch lip at the head of the ramp because of erosion. That’s also the case for the other accessible yurts in this campground. Still, with a little help, it’s doable. On the plus side, the yurt has a wide doorway, a level threshold and plenty of maneuvering room.

Furnishings include a bunk with a 20-inch high double bed on the bottom and a twin bed on the top, as well as a 16-inch high queen-sized bed. There’s also a large chair in the yurt, but other than that there’s no furniture. It’s important to note that there’s no electricity in the yurt, and you’ll also need to bring your own bedding and water. Accessible vault toilets are located nearby, close to the campground entrance, with accessible parking next to them. And although they are cleaned regularly, it’s best to bring your own toilet paper as sometimes it’s in short supply.

It should also be noted that this seasonal campground in closed in the winter. It’s usually open from mid-May through October, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Explore the Giant Sequoias

From the Redwood Meadows Campground, cross the street to explore the trails in Long Meadow. This secluded grove features approximately 125 giant sequoias, the largest of which is 220 feet tall and has a diameter of 20 feet.

The trail forks off in two directions shortly after the main trailhead; and the path to the right leads to the Trail of 100 Giants. The half-mile trail is paved and has a six percent maximum grade, but it’s best to take the loop in a clockwise direction to dodge most of the uphill sections. There are interpretive signs along the way, as well as benches to sit and rest and enjoy the forest. And one of the best parts of this trail is that you can get amazingly close to the giant trees.

Once you circle back to the beginning of the loop, follow the signs to the Fallen Giants Loop to the left. At one time there was only one trail through the grove, but on September 30, 2011 two massive trees fell and blocked a portion of the existing trail. Since then an elevated boardwalk has been constructed alongside the fallen trees, which connects back to the original trail. The whole loop is just over a mile long, and it gives visitors an up-close-and-personal look at the downed trees. And although there are few a dips in the paved trail, it’s well maintained, and the bad sections are easy to dodge. It’s a nice meander through the forest, and this trail is also easy to access from the day-use parking area.

Both trails make for a beautiful summertime stroll, and although the grove is a bit hard to find, it’s definitely worth the effort.