Things to do in the area

The Parks
There are many great hikes all over the park. The Parks are split into three major areas: Giant Forest, Grant's Grove, Mineral King and Cedar Grove. Each of the areas also has ranger-led camp-fires and hikes. Camp-fires usually include marshmallow roasting, slideshows, and a talk about the parks. Hikes area anything from slow strolls through a paved area to rigorous hikes up the side of a valley. Go to the nearest visitor center to get the list of hikes and ranger-led activities.

Giant Forest is the closest to Three Rivers, and it has a large lodge. In this area, you'll find some of the largest living things in the world. Saul and I visited one day after General Sherman lost a "small" branch. The branch was about 7 feet in diameter. His largest branch is 15 feet in diameter. That's a big tree. There are some wonderful trails in the Giant Forest that take you past the largest groves.

Also near Giant Forest is Crystal Cave; call in advance to book a tour. They fill up quickly.

Moro Rock is a great hike for those willing to go up 400 steps for an excellent view.

Mineral King is had to get to, but worth the drive. It looks very close on the map, but don't be fooled. It's only 25 miles from the main roads, but it's a LONG 25 miles since you drive at 20 mph.

When you arrive, you'll be at the bottom of the alpine meadow and looking up into the peaks. You can camp there, or rent one of the cabins. There's a cute little general store that serves extremely good pie. You could actually hike, but quite frankly, the view is great from the bottom and the only direction to go is up...

If you do go, make sure to take precautions to protect your car. Mineral King has a slight marmot problem. They like to eat the rubber hoses and drink the antifreeze. The tow truck drivers make a killing in Mineral King. The rangers have not seen any marmot deterring device that works, and they ask that you let them know if something works for you...

Grant's Grove is another area with large trees, and some really nice views. It's the most developed area of the four, and it is the most handicap accessible with a paved trail to see General Grant and the Fallen Monarch

Cedar Grove is the farthest away, but it's really nice. This is where Ciera's family had weekend vacations. There's a tiny lodge here, and it's the starting point for many great backpacking trails. The glacier-cut valley has the nickname "little Yosemite". There's a lot of nice trails going from the end of the road, and there's a great swimming area in the river at the end of the road. If you're feeling up to it, you can jump off Muir Rock into the snow melt.

Final note about the parks: the black bears have become rather "friendly". Do not, under any circumstances, leave anything smelly in your car. This includes toothpaste and lotion. They will rip open your car to get to it. Also, we have learned, from personal experience, that the bears also like beer.

Whitewater Rafting

The town of Three Rivers is aptly named. The north, middle, and south forks of the Kaweah river all join together. In the spring, the snow melt provides for some good rafting.

http://www.kaweah-whitewater.com/

Backpacking
The backpacking in the area is great. A section of the Pacific Crest and John Muir trails goes through the parks. If you go to Cedar Grove (2 hours from the park entrance), there's some good back country. Ciera likes the Rae Lakes loop.

Rock climbing
Most of the climbing is trad, and it's big-wall. It's supposed to be good, if you've got the gear and the guts. Check with the rangers, since some parts get closed due to the usual reasons (wildlife and rock slides).