Montecito Sequoia Lodge: Frigid!

Today is a mighty cold one! The high is going to get up to a hot 33F. The skies are a crystal clear blue and 15 km of trails have been freshly groomed. The road is still closed so please continue to call for escort times.

Montecito Escort FAQ

Q: What is an 'Escort'?

A: An escort is a caravan of guest and resort vehicles that is often required by the Park Service
due to narrow and icy roads. It is not a shuttle or van service. You will be arriving at Montecito in your own car.

Q: If Montecito requires an escort, where do I go and what do I do?
A: We escort Montecito guests with advanced reservations into the resort at three times per day: 11am, 3pm, and 6pm. The escort caravan meets at the Grant Grove Marketplace. In order to be part of an escort, you must follow these steps exactly:

1. Travel eastbound on Highway 180. If you are coming from the South, Route 63 is the
most efficient. If you are coming from the North, find take Hwy 99 to 180 through Fresno.
See the Directions page for complete instructions.

2. When you transition onto Hwy 180 call the Front Desk at (559) 565-3388 and we will
sign you up for a specific escort time. The times are set at 11am, 3pm, and 6pm and
cannot be changed to accommodate individual needs. You will not be escorted in unless
you have called us prior to your arrival at Grant Grove.

3. Continue on 180 past the Big Stump picnic area until you hit a three-way junction. To
the right is the “Sequoia” road and a locked gate. To the left is “Kings Canyon/Grant
Grove.” Go left at this junction. See this Map for details.

4. Four miles past the junction you'll come to Grant Grove village on the right hand side.
Pull into the parking lot near the Post Office and Marketplace. This is where the escort
will meet. If required, please put on your chains at this time. Unfortunately, our escort
staff cannot assist you in putting on your chains. If you have a prolonged wait, feel free to
make use of the Grant Grove Market, Restaurant and Gift Shop.

Q: If an escort is required, do I need my chains?

A: The Park Service requires that all vehicles carry snow chains regardless of drive-train.
Translation: even if you have 'All Wheel Drive', '4-Wheel Drive', or 'Snow Tires' you are required
by law to carry chains that fit (cable type chains are also permitted). However, if you have AWD,
4x4, or Snow Tires you will most likely not need to use your chains when driving into the Resort,
however chains must be carried (just in case) at all times. Chain use requirements are condition
dependent and determined by the Park Service as indicated on roadside signs.

Q: What happens if I can't make the escort?

A: The park service permits our use of the road three times per day at 11am, 3pm, and 6pm. If
you are unable to arrive on one of these three scheduled times, you will be unable to access our
resort. These times are not flexible and cannot be changed under any circumstances. If you miss
the 6pm escort, we may be able to move your first night's reservation to the John Muir Lodge in
Grant Grove. Please call the Montecito front desk for further information on 559 -565- 3388.

Montecito Sequoia Lodge

Friday, March 6, 2009

Frigid!

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