Sustainable Travel

Sustainable Travel is more important than ever in our National Parks. With the threat of wildfire, drought, and the ever-changing climate, being aware of how to travel and enjoy a destination while preserving it and even getting involved is becoming more and more popular. Here is some helpful information on sustainability and accessibility in Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks. Also find ways that you too can interact with and contribute to your favorite places to visit.

Recreate Responsibly

Here are tips and programs that are helping our National Parks and surround communities to preserve and protect the lands we love.

Yosemite National Park Zero Landfill Initiative - Yosemite is trying to send less trash to the local county landfill, which is filling up quickly. You can help! Fun Fact: Visitors to Yosemite leave behind 2,200 tons of garbage per year. That is equal to 3,919 dumpsters full of trash. Stack those dumpsters one on top of another and you get a mountain 16,735.5 feet tall. That is taller than any peak in Yosemite and, in fact, higher than any mountain in the lower 48 states.

#RecreateResponsibly - is to care for one another and the places we play! We all have a role to play. Time in nature and outdoor recreation has proven to be essential for all. Especi8ally during uncertain times, all of us, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, to families heading out to their local park for the first time, can turn to community and simple reminders about how to safely and responsibly recreate outdoors while caring for one another. Helpful tips and information on water, wildfire, seasonal information and more.

Accessibility Information

Accessible Transportation to the National Parks - is available to Yosemite National Park via YARTS and to Sequoia National Park via the Sequoia Shuttle seasonally from Visalia. Currently there is no shuttle service to Kings Canyon.

Yosemite National Park - This guide outlines accessible services, facilities, and activities available in Yosemite. It describes ways people with sight, hearing, and mobility impairments can enjoy Yosemite. Download the guide: Yosemite National Park Accessibility Guide 2022

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - The Accessibility Guide for Sequoia & Kings Canyon highlights accessible features by area, and by user group. Download the Sequoia & Kings Canyon 2022 Accessibility Guide in standard and large-print formats.

Visit Visalia - is a Certified Autism Destination, along with many of our tourism based businesses, including hotels, museums and attractions. To learn about autism and accessibility travel in Visalia: https://www.visitvisalia.com/accessible-travel

Thrill-seekers come in all shapes and sizes - and abilities. The Central California Adaptive Sports Center (CCASC) brings outdoor adventure programs to persons with disabilities. They welcome individuals and groups of all ages and backgrounds and with all ability levels. Located in Shaver Lake.

Give-Back and Get Involved on your Vacation

Sometimes you just want to join in and give-back to a location you love to visit. We’ve put together a few ways you can do just that while traveling along the Majestic Mountain Loop. Added benefit, you’ll be working besides locals who know all the secret places to go to!

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park: Opportunities for individual volunteers are available year-round, with the greatest need for volunteers in the summer high season. Volunteers help with visitor center and campground operations, assist in the management of invasive vegetation, support the operations of the native plant nursery, provide administrative support in offices and perform a variety of other tasks. Visit www.volunteer.gov to view current listings.

Sequoia Park Conservancy - is the official nonprofit partner of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. SPC’s efforts have been critical in the conservation of wild, beautiful landscapes for the enjoyment and inspiration of generations of visitors. Find out how you can become involved.

Sequoia Riverlands Trust - manages several preserves just outside Sequoia National Park near Visalia. Stewardship opportunities are available such as volunteering in the native plant nursery or helping with trail maintenance. Look at their calendar for monthly opportunities.

Yosemite Conservancy - a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Yosemite’s resources and providing enriching visitor experiences in the park. Our philanthropic partnership with Yosemite goes back more than 95 years. To Volunteer: https://yosemite.org/experience/volunteer/

Yosemite Annual Facelift - Yosemite Valley’s largest volunteer clean-up event. Click the link to see dates and important information on how you can get involved.

Eastern Madera Recreation and Parks (EMRAP) - this organization is involved with many nonprofits around the southern gateway to Yosemite. Everything from local parks to the many trails around the area, they are involved by holding fundraising events like Movies or Concerts in the Park to trail clean up days. Check out their website for more information on how you can be involved or what fantastic event they are holding that you can enjoy while giving back.

South Gate Trail Cooperative - this amazing group goes out on local trails and cleans them up, as well as makes trail repairs and improvements. Note: I’m pretty sure this includes some epic trail rides as well, as this group knows how to work hard and play hard!

Stewards of the Sierra - this working group’s mission is to unite the many people who enjoy the diverse recreation activities available in the Sierra National Forest, promoting responsible recreation and use of forest resources through conservation and education, and ensuring public access to the forest in the present and for future generations. Join the cause to make a difference!