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1987 Map of Giant Forest

Name: 1987 Topographic Map of Giant Forest
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1987
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

Generals Highway winds through the heart of Sequoia National Park in this 1987 provisional survey, providing a detailed look at the infrastructure of the High Sierra before many modern developments. The map highlights the concentration of ancient trees and visitor sites within the Giant Forest, including the iconic General Sherman Tree and the nearby Congress Group. Settlement patterns are represented by small enclaves like Pinewood and the southern riverside area at Potwisha, located near the confluence of the Marble Fork Kaweah River and the Middle Fork Kaweah River.

For researchers, the map documents a complex network of backcountry trails and natural landmarks such as Moro Rock, Crystal Cave, and the Suwanee Grove. The presence of a Heliport and several Gaging Stations reflects the park's management needs during the late twentieth century. Diverse meadows including Halstead Meadow and Circle Meadow are identified alongside high-elevation peaks like Colony Peak and Ash Peaks, documenting the untouched wilderness surrounding the developed groves.