About 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
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Big Meadows Cabin (CA)
Heading to Big Meadows Cabin (CA)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Big Meadows Cabin (CA)?
No central reservation system listed for Big Meadows Cabin (CA). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234458) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Big Meadows Cabin (CA)?
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 locat…
How do I contact Big Meadows Cabin (CA)?
You can reach the park at phone: 559-338-2251.
References & Official Resources