熊的传人 山海杂记
How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?
FOOTHILLS TRAIL MAP
Sequoia National Park, Ash Mountain
Indian Head River Trail
Distance: 1/4 mile
Starting elevation: 1500’
Lowest elevation: 1400’
Difficulty: EASY
The Indian Head River Trail is located off the Generals Highway, 0.1 miles from the Ash Mountain entrance station. Look for parking lot on the right hand side of the road displaying a Sequoia National Park sign with a carved Indian head. The trailhead begins on the east side of the paring lot. Alta Peak and Moro Rock are visible from the trail.
Marble Fork Trail
Distance: 3.7 mile (one way)
Starting elevation: 2000’
Highest elevation: 4550’
Difficulty: MODERATE
This is one of the most dramatic trails in the foothills, leading to the spectacular Marble Falls. It begins at the upper end of Potwisha Campground and opens up to views of some of the most rugged terrain in Sequoia National Park. Park your car near campsite #17. Walk along the nearby dirt road until it crosses a concrete ditch. A short distance later a sign marks the start of the trail which climbs the steep bank heading to the right. After hiking 3.7 miles, you arrive at the base of Marble Falls. Be careful if you leave the trail in the vicinity of the falls. Water and slippery rocks are beautiful but can be very dangerous.
Hospital Rock River Trail
Distance: 1/8 mile
Starting elevation: 2800’
Lowest elevation: 2700’
Difficulty: EASY
Some of the finest examples of Native American pictographs can be seen near the Hospital Rock picnic area. The largest Indian village within the park boundaries once thrived here. Bedrock mortar holes, used for grinding acorns, are further evidence of prior Native American inhabitance.
Just south of the Indian exhibit is a short trail that leads from the Generals Highway down to the middle fork of the Kaweah River. There you will find several large pools. The villagers began their day, even in winter, by bathing in these pools at dawn.
Middle Fork Trail
Distance: 3 mile (one way) to Mehrten Creek
Starting elevation: 3350’
Highest elevation: 3900’
Difficulty: MODERATE
Leading eventually to the high country, the first miles of the Middle Fork Trail provide broad views of the upper Middle Fork Canyon area, Moro Rock, and Castle Rocks. Take the Buckeye Flat Road to the dirt road that branches off just before the campground. Follow the dirt road for 1.3 miles to the trailhead. In winter, both roads are closed to vehicles but you may begin your hike at Hospital Rock, which adds 4.6 miles round trip. This trail continues past Mehrten Creek and eventually intersects the High Sierra Trail, offering wonderful opportunities for multiple-day excursions. Wilderness permits are required for overnight use and may be obtained at park headquarters.
Paradise Creek Trail
Distance: 1 mile (one way)
Starting elevation: 2800’
Highest elevation: 3400’
Difficulty: MODERATE
The gentle Paradise Canyon contrasts sharply with the surrounding terrain. Parking is available at Hospital Rock if you are not camping at Buckeye Flat. From Hospital Rock, walk along the paved road 1.1 miles to Buckeye Flat campground. The trailhead is 100ft. beyond the entrance to Buckeye Flat, across from campsite #28.
The trail crosses the Mille Fork Bridge and parallels Paradise Creek, passing waterfalls and spectacular swimming holes. The trail is un-maintained beyond the Middle Fork Bridge and grows quite faint after one mile. Turn around there unless you are accustomed to backcountry navigation. Watch for poison oak.