Amos Alonzo Stagg Tree

The Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron Giganteum) are the largest trees in the world. They are native only to the western faces of the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. The Stagg Tree is the largest outside of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The Stagg tree is 243 feet tall and has a diameter at ground level of 29 feet. In fact, the Stagg tree is the fifth largest tree in the world (by volume)!

To reach the Stagg tree from Camp Nelson, drive east on State Highway 190, 2 1/2 miles, and turn left on Redwood Drive. Continue about 5 miles through Alpine Village and Sequoia Crest. When Redwood Drive turns sharply left to become Alder Drive, go straight ahead on the unpaved road 4/10 mile to the sign marking the trail. From the trail head it's an easy hike to the Stagg Tree. When you reach the tree, be sure to walk all the way around it to appreciate its size.

The tree was named for Amos Alanzo Stagg, the great coach of football's early years and was dedicated on his 99th birthday. This tree is the largest Sequoia on private land. The owner has generously granted public access to it. No smoking or littering, please. The giant Sequoias are actually delicate and some are 2000 years old. Please do not damage them.

If you get a chance, walk beyond the Stagg Tree on the logging road to see Alder Creek. Some small but very pretty water falls are nearby.

 

 

Quaking Aspens

Quaking Aspens are particularly beautiful trees with white, birch-like bark. Their name derives from their tendency to shimmer in the sunlight. The leaves of these trees are a lighter color on one side than on the other, and when the wind blows the trembling leaves give the entire tree a shimmering appearance. They reach height of 40 - 70 feet and are found at altitudes of 6500 - 10,000 feet in Southern California.

The Quaking Aspen trees are found in many parts of the Upper Tule Recreation Area. Large groves are found near the Quaking Aspen Meadows visible from the highway (190). There are hiking trails and campgrounds near the meadows. With some luck you may see deer or bears in the meadows.

Trail of a Hundred Giants

One of the best places to see the majestic Giant Sequoias, the short and easy Trail of a Hundred Giants is located in the Long Meadow Giant Sequoia Grove, with easy access and parking available off of the Great Western Divide Highway (190). This trail features 125 giant Sequoias over ten feet in diameter and another 143 "smaller" giant Sequoias. There are signs along the trail that teach visitors about the Giant Sequoias, Ponderosa Pines, and other forest inhabitants. This is a GREAT trail for families with small children. The kids will be awed.

 

Golden Trout Wilderness

The Golden Trout Wilderness Area stretches over more than 300,000 acres in Sequoia and Inyo National Forests. The Wilderness features beautiful terrain that varies from pinyon pine woodlands at the lower elevations to Jeffrey pine forests at mid elevations. Some of the Wilderness is above the tree line. About 150 miles of trails are available to hikers in the Sequoia portion of the Wilderness, with horses available in some places. And then of course there are the Golden Trout themselves. Fishing is allowed with certain restrictions.

Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the most famous hiking trails in the world. It stretches from Canada to Mexico, crossing nineteen major canyons, passing near about 1000 lakes and pools, and fifty mountain passes. The trail ranges in altitude from near sea level to over 13,000 feet. Locally the trail passes through the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia National Monument. Originally proposed in 1932, the trail was explored by backpacking parties in the late 1930s. Come feel the history and majesty as you hike a short distance on this world-class trail!

Needles Fire Lookout

A somewhat more difficult hike that takes two or three hours up and down, but at the end you will be rewarded with a spectacular view. Turn off of the Great Western Divide Highway (190) about a mile up from Quaking Aspen on road 21S05. Drive about 3.5 miles on the dirt road to reach the trail head. From the trail head it's about 2.5 miles to the lookout tower. Be sure to bring water! The tower can accommodate about four people at once.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is popular in the Upper Tule Recreation Area. The Bakersfield Snowmobilers Club is a good source of information. Here is a link to their web page describing snowmobiling near Quaking Aspen and Ponderosa.

 

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross country skiing is very popular in the Sequoia National Monument. Skis can be rented at Ponderosa about 13 miles up the mountain from Nelson Lodge. Additional information.

 

Dome Rock

Drive two miles south of Ponderosa on the Great Western Divide Highway (190) to road 21S69. Follow the dirt road until it ends. From there it's a short hike to the top of Dome Rock. You can see the Kern Canyon 3000 feet below, the giant granite needles, and Lake Isabella. Dome Rock is also a popular spot for amateur astronomers.

 

Camp Nelson Trail

A short distance from the lodge, this trail crosses mountain streams and passes giant Sequoias. The full length of the trail takes a couple of hours down and three hours up. It is well worth the effort, but from the lodge you can hike a short distance on the trail and see some beautiful sites. From the lodge drive east on Nelson Drive until the road ends. The trail head is at the end of the road.