Big Meadows Cabin (CA)

Overview

Big Meadows Guard Station is located 75 miles east of Fresno, California, in the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument. The cabin sits at an elevation of 7,600 feet and has views of the meadow and surrounding mountains.

The cabin was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a residence for Forest Service fire patrol men. The exterior is constructed of redwood board over diagonal sheeting nailed to a standard wooden frame.

It was used as a guard station between the 1960s and the 1980s and was restored in 2001. The original features of the cabin were retained including the cabinets.

Recreation

Hiking or horseback riding into the Jennie Lakes Wilderness and fly fishing in Big Meadows Creek are popular activities. Buck Rock Lookout is open for visitors. Several Giant sequoia groves are nearby and accessible by vehicle. Mountain bikes are allowed on roads and designated trails in the Giant Sequoia National Monument.

Horse Corral Pack Station provides horses for rent and Horse Camp provides overnight camping with stock. Some roads are open to OHV. Numerous trailheads in the area provide access to popular wilderness areas including Jennie Lakes, Monarch and National Parks wildernesses.

Hume Lake, only 15 miles away, offers fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities. The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are near by.

Facilities

The one-story cabin measures 900 square feet and consists of one bedroom, one bathroom, a living room and a kitchen with a service porch. The original cabinets, living room and bedroom flooring and bath fixtures remain. The bedroom provides a queen size bed, twin bunk beds, a bookcase, a night stand and small closet. The kitchen is fully equipped with pots and pans, utensils, coffee maker, microwave, along with paper towels and cleaning supplies. There is a refrigerator with freezer, stove and oven, and a kitchen table with four chairs with four additional folding chairs. The living room has end tables, coffee table, bookcase, rocking chair, an overstuffed chair, a double sofa sleeper that sleeps two and a desk. There is also an outdoor fire ring/barbecue and picnic table. (Click here for a photo and details). Guests should plan on bringing bedding and linens.

Natural Features

The cabin sits across the road from Big Meadows, a large meadow surrounded by a forest of Lodgepole, Jeffery pines and Red fir. A creek runs through the meadow and the Big Meadows Trailhead provides access to the Jennie Lakes Wilderness. There are multiple Giant sequoia groves in the area.

Buck Rock is a granite dome, topped with a fire lookout, only a short drive away and Hume Lake is approximately 15 miles from the cabin.

Nearby Attractions

This region has numerous activities and sightseeing adventures. There's Kings Canyon and the Wild and Scenic South Fork of the Kings River, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Boyden Cave, Hume Lake, and Kings Canyon Visitor's Center. There are also hiking trails in nearby Jennie Lakes and Monarch Wilderness areas.

Take Highway 180 east to the Kings Canyon National Park entrance, where you will be required to purchase a forest/park permit. After entering the park, continue 2 miles to the park Wye. At the Wye, turn right as though you were going to Sequoia National Park and continue on the General's Highway approximately 6 miles to the turn off to Big Meadows. The Big Meadows Road (Forest Road 14S11) is located on the left-hand side of the road. Follow this road approximately 4 miles, where you will find the Guard Station on the left side of the road. Please refer to the small scale map, or contact the Hume Lake District office for more specific directions.