High Sierra Primitive Area

The High Sierra Primitive Area abuts Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park on the west and lies a kilometer or two north of the Kings Canyon.

Several types of coniferous forests occur in the area. In the lower elevations a Jeffrey pine, Pinus jeffreyi, forest, with oaks, Quercus spp., is the dominant cover. The understory in this portion is a chaparral with Ceanothus spp., Arctostaphylos spp., etc. Between approximately 1,830 meters (6,000 feet) and 2,195 meters (7,200 feet) this forest grades into another where Jeffrey pine and white fir, Abies concolor, predominate. This, in turn, gives way to red fir, Abies magnifica, which mixes with Western white and lodgepole pines, Pinus monticola and Pinus murrayana, in the upper regions. The high ridges and peaks are barren or sparsely covered.

Mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus, black bear, Ursus americanus, mountain lion, Felis concolor, and blue grouse, Dendragapus obscurus, are among the numerous animals found here.

Integrity: Since 1931 this has been a Primitive Area. Grazing was discontinued in 1963. At present the area has been proposed for wilderness status as a part of the Monarch Wilderness.

Use: Present

December 1979