Sequoia National Park offers unparalleled scenic beauty and a tranquil, unhurried pace in the winter months. For many, this is a favorite time of year to admire the enduring giant sequoias, with stunning red bark and lacy green foliage, framed against a pristine backdrop of white snow. Guests of all ages can enjoy a multitude of seasonal activity options. New this year, the Wolverton Ski and Recreation Center offers cross-country ski and snowshoe equipment rentals with easy access to miles of forest trails in four different scenic locations. Also at Wolverton, enjoy ranger guided snowshoe walks, plus a gently sloping meadow for free sledding, tubing and snow play. Off-season lodging values Winter is also the best time of year to enjoy unsurpassed lodging values. Open year-round, the deluxe modern Wuksachi Lodge offers special off-season midweek room rates (starting at $79 midweek and $99 weekends) as well as a ski package which includes an overnight room plus two sets of ski or snowshoe equipment ($99 midweek and $119 weekends). Reservations for the Wuksachi Lodge can be made by calling toll-free at 888-252-5757 or online at www.visitsequoia.com. The Giant Forest Museum Visitor Services and Recreation • Free and fun for the entire family, the Giant Forest Museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. This beautiful state-of-the-art museum is full of fascinating exhibits and interactive hands-on displays that celebrate the life of a Giant Sequoia. • The Lodgepole Visitor Center is open Fridays through Mondays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and features a free slide program on geology and forest life, interesting historical exhibits plus a bookstore for reading material, maps and keepsakes. • The Foothills Visitor Center (on Highway 198) is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with exhibits on the park’s lower elevation areas, along with books, maps and local wilderness permits. • The Wuksachi Lodge Dining Room is open daily with exquisite alpine dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cocktail lounge is also open daily, as well as a Native American themed retail shop. Cross-County Skiing and Snowshoeing • Wolverton Ski and Recreation Area, located seven milesfrom Wuksachi Lodge, offers all day/half day cross country ski and snowshoe rentals as well as group/private lessons • Wolverton Ski and Recreation Area offers over 70 miles of pristine cross-county and snowshoe trails on a circuitous route leading from Wolverton Meadow. Wolverton’s trails access the General Sherman Tree (the largest living thing in the world), and popular Giant Forest groves. • Visitors can immerse themselves in Sierran scenery surrounded by Giant Sequoia trees on scheduled Ranger guided snowshoe walks (most weekends). The walks are free of charge and suitable for all ages. • Wolverton Recreation and Ski Area offers a snow play and sledding area free of charge for visitors. Hiking • Some of the 800 miles of trails are located in the snow-free foothills, where hiking is easily accessible. Hiking the popular groves of Giant Sequoias may also be possible in packed snow conditions. Wildlife Watching • Park wildlife abounds with more than 345 species of animals. The most commonly seen in winter include: mule deer, white-tailed jackrabbit, deer mouse, raccoons, mountain chickadee, golden crowned kinglet, red-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper, Steller’s jay, raven, and other common winter inhabitants. Helpful Links Giant Sequoia National Monument Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Wuksachi Village (Sequoia National Park) The Sequoia Natural History Association