Hospital Rock - Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is California’s oldest national park, and today we’re visiting a historic spot here that that existed for centuries before Sequoia was established. Join me at Hospital Rock.
FAST FACTS
• Distance: > 0.25 miles
• Elevation Change: 0-50 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
Hospital Rock pictographs in Sequoia National Park
Location
Hospital Rock is located at the southern edge of the park, about 3 miles past Tunnel Rock on Generals Highway before you head up the winding climb to the Giant Forest. A large pull out area with a parking lot, picnic tables, water fountains, and restrooms mark the Hospital Rock Picnic Area. A pedestrian crossing from there takes you on the short walk across the street to the Hospital Rock pictograph viewing area.
Hospital Rock in Sequoia National Park
Hospital Rock pictographs in Sequoia National Park
History
Archeologists have found evidence showing this area was occupied by hundreds of Tubatulabal, Yokuts, and Potwisha Native Americans (sub-groups of the Western Mono Indians) as far back as the 1300s. Although the tribes who once lived here are no longer in the park, they live in nearby communities and actively continue to honor past traditions. Incredible pictographs drawn centuries ago cover the large limestone boulder here. The meaning of these drawings are unknown, but local tribal members explain that they serve as a history for the people who once lived here and are a reminder of how important this place is to them today.
Hospital Rock viewing area in Sequoia National Park
Viewing
It’s amazing that these ancient rock paintings from Native American artists have lasted for centuries here. The NPS and CCC have done a wonderful job of creating a rock staircase and viewing platform, so you can safely view this sight up close without disturbing or harming the historic pictographs. Just across the nearby Buckeye Flat Road, you’ll find an informative plaque with dozens of bedrock mortars that were once used to grind acorns. Local tribe women would use large stones weighing up to ten pounds to grind and pound whole acorns into usable meal in these mortar holes. This area is sacred and considered a place of worship to the local Native American communities. It should go without saying, but please never touch or mark the rocks here…and if you see anyone vandalizing this area, please alert a park ranger immediately.
Bedrock mortars near Hospital Rock in Sequoia National Park
Naming
You might be wondering how this site with incredible pictographs got the name “Hospital Rock.” Well as the story goes, Hale Tharp and his brother-in-law, John Swanson, were exploring the Giant Forest in 1860 when Swanson suffered a leg injury. He was transported here and was treated by local Indians. Then in 1873, James Everton recovered from a wound at the site too, and Hale Tharp gave the spot its name after the second incident.
Rapids along the Kaweah River near Hospital Rock
Local Hiking
During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt's New Deal offered thousands of people employment by working for a government agency called the Civilian Conservation Corps. If you’re interested in more adventuring nearby Hospital Rock, the CCC built a beautiful stone overlook and stone carved steps along a short trail to the riverbank and nearby cascades on the Kaweah River, making it possible to explore this beautiful area more. Hiking enthusiasts may want to take the 4 mile Paradise Creek Trail. Please remember to be cautious and adventure at your own skill and comfort along the river banks. Water and slick rocks are a beautiful but dangerous combination. Drowning is the main cause of death in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Rapids along the Kaweah River near Hospital Rock
Know Before You Go
• Ticks, poison oak, and rattlesnakes are abundant in the foothills here, so stay on the marked paths to avoid the risks of exposure to these hazards.
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it, so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• This is an active bear area, so whether staying in the picnic area or going for a longer hike, always store food away from bears. Use large, brown bear-proof boxes to store food and scented items. Never leave food or scented items unattended.
• Walking, hiking, photography, and bird/wildlife watching are all popular activities here. Please be safe and bring plenty of water/food/sun protection and wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction for exploring in this area.
Top 10 Sequoia Highlights
Tunnel Log
Hospital Rock
General Sherman Tree
Big Trees Trail
Crystal Cave (reopens 2023)
Paradise Creek Trail
Beetle Rock
Rapids along the Kaweah River near Hospital Rock
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me today in Sequoia National Park. I have a Sequoia Travel Guide with pinpoint map locations and driving directions to some of my favorite spots inside the park…make sure to check it out here. For a virtual visit of Hospital Rock, you can watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure encouragement wherever you go
Hospital Rock in Sequoia National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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