Spring at Montecito Sequoia Lodge 

 

As the snow begins to melt, and the California sun starts to warm the landscape of the Sierras, you'll see the first signs of spring bringing new life to Sequoia & Kings Canyon parks.  While still quiet in the parks, as most children are still in school, we receive many more International and adult guests in our Spring Season, looking for a place to stay for a night or two, as they explore the National Parks.  We still have families visiting, but we tend to be much less crowded, as many of our spring guests tend to travel off-campus to visit the sights of our glorious National Parks and Forests, and take in the blossoming flora and fauna, shaking off their winter slumber.

 

At Montecito, we begin to see the striking scarlet red snow plants burst through patches of snow around our private lake, followed by lupin sprouting in our meadows, and dogwoods blossoming next to their giant peers, the cinnamon-barked sequoias.  

 

In the stillness of the spring forest, we begin to hear the song of the mountain chickadee, and see chipmunks scurrying to find their first meal of the season, and watch families of deer quietly walk around our meadow by the lake.  The mountain tops are still dusted with snow, and the air is crisp and fresh.  

 

During this transitional season before our summer high season, we still offer some of our lowest rates of the year, especially during mid-week stays.  Our room rates are an all-inclusive package of lodging and Buffet-style meals, but the pace of Montecito during the springtime is not as hectic as in the summer months.  

 

Our spring guests often want to combine visiting the parks' many sights, such as Moro Rock, the General Sherman Tree, Tunnel Tree, and the Grant Tree Grove, while hiking on the nearly empty trails.  

 

During this season our weather conditions can vary, as we can experience near summer-like weather on some days, and cool fall-like days on others.  Occasionally, we'll experience an unseasonably late snow during the spring months, so it's always good to check the weather forecast before coming to Montecito to make sure you are prepared, whatever the weather brings.

 

During spring, we generally offer the following range of activities, but please note that they are subject to availability and weather conditions.  Also, we rotate activities often, and therefore a specific activity may not be available during the time of your visit.  We generally offer a morning activity period and an afternoon activity period, and will offer a family-friendly evening activity as well.  We post a Daily Activity Schedule for the following day, every evening during dinnertime.  Check it each evening to find out what activities are offered for the next day. 

 

Spring Holidays

We do offer more activities during the holidays to accommodate the increased number of guests, and will also offer thematic activities as well (e.g. Easter Egg Coloring & an Easter Egg Hunt for the Easter holiday).  In addition, our culinary team will serve special holiday meals for your family's holiday celebration!  Leave the cooking and cleaning to us, while you enjoy quality time with your family!

 

Spring Activities On-site at Montecito

 

Arts & Crafts

Indulge your creative spirit!  Enjoy making beaded jewelry, tie-dye, ice candles, batik, and seasonal crafts with our counselors during your stay.  During the summer we have an extensive Arts & Crafts program, so we have all the materials and expertise for our guests who enjoy crafting.

 

Kids' Program

We do offer daily programming for children ages 5 - 12 years old, especially on the weekends.  Programs are developed by our talented counselors to fit the size and the age range of the kids' group, as well as the weather conditions,  and will include both indoor and outdoor play.  Our children's program during the spring will often include Archery, Canoeing, Arts & Crafts, Fort Building, Climbing our Rock Wall or Bouldering, and Tennis, among other activities.

 

Archery

"Sight method" is taught, and archers of all abilities enjoy our four staggered targets.  Field archery and novelty shoots (e.g. Balloon shoot) are also offered.  Ages 7 and up may enjoy archery whenever it is scheduled.  Children ages 5 & 6 can attend with a parent, or with our children's program.

 

Air Riflery

Our instructors teach adults and children (9 years and up) to handle our air rifles safely, correctly, and accurately.  You'll be shooting at targets to test your marksmanship.

 

Boating

Glide around lovely Lake Homavalo in a canoe, or a kayak.  Boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Life jackets are required for all boaters, and children must be supervised by a parent when using the boats (unless participating with the children's group activity).

 

Guided Nature Hikes

Join one of our naturalists for a guided hike into the glorious Sierra Nevada.  Hikes range from easy to strenuous, as chosen to fit the group's needs.  Beautiful scenery is guaranteed - we even have amazing hikes right from camp!  The trails are quiet during the spring and the air is invigorating, so it's a great time to hike and explore!  Keep an eye out for awakening wildlife and wildflowers.  Spring is also the best time to hike to one of our local waterfalls, such as Tokapah Falls, in Sequoia National Park, or Grizzly Falls, Roaring River Falls, or Mist Falls, when you explore the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon.

 

Nightsky

The sky in these parks is so pristinely clear, you can often see the Milky Way, shooting stars, the constellations and planets at night.  We sometimes offer a nightsky viewing party utilizing our powerful camp telescope.  Let our counselors be your guide to the stars, or sit in our outdoor hot tub, and stargaze to your content.

 

Tennis

Montecito Sequoia Lodge offers 2 tennis courts for guest use.  Grab a friend and head to our rustic courts - you'll find tennis rackets and balls, and a court surrounded by forest.

 

Rock Climbing/Bouldering

Our ten-foot vertical climbing wall will challenge all levels of climbers, from beginner to advanced.  Let our skilled instructors teach you to climb successfully.  Come enjoy a controlled climb set against a majestic view of the Great Western Divide, or go natural by climbing one of the many boulders dotted throughout camp and nearby.  Our counselors can help you learn how.

 

Yoga

Sometimes we offer Yoga in the spring season, if one of our Yogis is visiting the mountain.  It's a great way to relax and center yourself in the great outdoors.

 

Relaxing

You won't need an instructor for this!  Unwind by the fireplace with a good book, play one of the many board games we make available to our guests, challenge your partner or kids to a foosball game or a ping pong match in the Ponderosa Room.  Better yet, relax in our jetted- outdoor hot tub under the stars, grab a glass of wine from our Pine Box Bar, or take a hike or a leisurely walk around Lake Homavalo.  Sometimes the best activity is to do nothing at all...please enjoy!

 

Touring Sequoia & Kings Canyon and the surrounding forest land

 

Want to know the best spots to visit in Sequoia & Kings Canyon, and the adjacent forestlands?  Our staff can help you with choosing a great hike, a visit to a popular sight, or an off the beaten path grove of Sequoias. We live and work in these parks, so we've explored many of the best places, known and not-so-well known.

 

Whether you want to go on a sunset hike, a scenic drive, or visit the most popular areas of the parks, you will be in one of the most convenient locations from which to explore these magnificent wilderness national parks and forests.