Montecito Sequoia Lodge: February 11

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

February 11

Overnight we received just over 2.5" of fresh white lovely snow.Making our base average 30.5".The high will be around 30 with flurries expected throughout the day. 15km of trails have been freshly groomed as of 8am this morning.

6 comments:

AnonymousFebruary 11, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Thank you to whoever started doing the updates daily (and with a photo too)!!!!!!
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redwoodFebruary 11, 2009 at 12:53 PM
No problem, it's fun for us too!
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AnonymousFebruary 11, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Oh No, 2.5 inches... quick, shut down the roads!
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AnonymousFebruary 12, 2009 at 12:47 AM
We're visiting MS Lodge for the first time this April. Any suggestions for activities we shouldn't miss (either at the Lodge or nearby)? Have three small kids.
THANKS!
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AnonymousFebruary 15, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Hi "Anonymous with three small kids",
Activities at the lodge will be posted when you arrive and will depend on the weather conditions at the time. Your children, ages 5 and up, can join the kids' program, while the adults can enjoy the adult activities on offer. For the adults, I would not miss the opportunity to hike to the top of Mount Baldy for the 360-degree views -- Spectacular!
I have two elementary-aged kids and here are some of the other great things to do in the Parks:
1) General Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park - beautiful grove of old growth sequoias; great place for kids to safely explore.
2) Drive to Giant Forest - Stop at the General Sherman Tree along the way (World's biggest Tree), Visit the Beetle Rock Education Center (interactive museum for young children), Climb up Moro Rock Stairs (great views), Walk on top of Auto Log and Drive through Tunnel Log (all of these are great for young children)
3) If you want to travel a bit further, the drive into Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon is stunning. Along the way, stop and take the Boyden Cavern Cave Tour (this is a great Cave Tour for kids!), Stop and look at Grizzley Falls, just on the side of the road after you pass Boyden Cavern, and then head into Cedar Grove to see more waterfalls and Granite domes.
4) Hume Lake - Hume is a small detour off the drive to Cedar Grove. It has public areas and is also the site of a Christian camp. You can swim at the public beach areas (if it is warm enough), and the Christian camp rents boats, kayaks, canoes and bicycles to the general public. They also have a great little snack shop that has great milkshakes for the kids. It is a beautiful spot.

As you get closer to your trip, you should contact the Montecito Front desk to find out what types of activities they'll probably have on offer during your stay (unless there is still lots of snow, they will probably be offering some of the activities listed under the "Spring" Activities on the website).

Hope this helps!!!
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AnonymousMarch 17, 2009 at 12:51 AM
Thank you for all the ideas!!
-Anonymous with three small kids.
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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

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

February 11

6 comments:

Montecito Escort FAQ

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