Take only photos and leave only footprints! Historichwy49.com provides information, tips, laws and regulations for your convenience. It is important to note that this same information, tips, laws and regulations can change beyond our ability to update them in a timely manner. It is therefore YOUR responsibility to obtain current information, tips, laws and regulations from the proper authorities before traveling to a given area. Telephone Assistance Information We have made every effort to obtain and publish current and accurate phone numbers, email addresses, and website addresses. Should you discover any of this information has changed or is inaccurate, please email us. We will immediately confirm and update. • Directory Assistance - For local numbers dial 411. For long distance, dial area code first then 555-1212. Toll Free dial 800-555-1212. Many area codes have changed recently, call 411 if the number you call does not work. • Emergency Assistance - To obtain help from police, fire or medical assistance dial 911, toll free from any public or private phone. From hotel rooms follow hotel directions. • Foreign Language Assistance - Provides free access to emergency services and travel assistance in more than 140 languages. 888-US-I-INFO FYI California is in the Pacific Time Zone (GMT minus 8 hours). Good To Know Phone Numbers & Websites • California Department of Transportation 24-hour information on road conditions: 916-445-1534 or 800-427-7623 (in Calif. only), www.dot.ca.gov • California Division of Tourism: 800-GO-CALIF, www.gocalif.com • National Scenic Byways: www.byways.org • California State Automobile Association: www.csaa.com • Traveling with Pets: www.interpetexplorer.com, www.petsonthego.com www.takeyourpet.com Travelers With Disabilities • Special Services Information: 916-653-8148, 916-653-4272 • Hearing Impaired Call the California Relay Service at 800-735-2929 for TDD to voice relays: 800-735-2922 for voice to TDD relays. • Parks - The Disabled Discount Pass is available for those who qualify. The Disabled Veteran/Prisoner of War (POW) Pass is also available to qualified, honorably discharged war veterans. California residency is required. Contact the California State Parks Store for discount information. 800-777-0369 • Access-able Travel Source - Information about travel and adventure for seniors and the disabled. 303-232-2979, www.access-able.com • California Parks Access - Provides access information for more than 270 parks. By Linda and Allen Mitchell, Cougar Pass Publishing, 1992. • Easy Access to National Parks - By Wendy Roth and Michael Tompane, Sierra Club Books, 1992. 800-935-1056, www.sierraclub.org/books Driving • Road and Weather Information: Caltrans, 800-427-7623 or call local office of the Highway Patrol. Check each City Page for local information. • For a more complete list of driving and safety tips go to : www.csaa.com, California State Automobile Association • You must carry a valid driver's license from your home state or country when driving. • It is illegal to drink and drive, blood alcohol level of .08% or higher is illegal. • Seat Belts must be worn by all passengers. Children weighing under 40 lbs. or 4 years of age or younger must be in an approved safety seat. • Helmets must be worn by motorcyclists of all ages and BICYCLISTS under 18 years of age. • Slow down during wet weather. • Check your tire treads, brakes, fuel, oil, water/antifreeze, wiper fluid and wipers blades before your trip • Never drive while fatigued. Stop every 2 hours or 100 miles and take a brief rest. • If you have car trouble, turn your hazard lights on and pull off the road. • Check road conditions before traveling during winter. FYI You may come across a border site when driving into the state of California. If you are carrying certain plants, fruits or vegetables you may be detained and asked to leave them at the site by an inspector from the California Department of Food and Agriculture. This is the state's way of keeping our agriculture healthy. For information on what vegetation not to bring into California call: 916-654-0312 or www.cdfa.ca.gov/pqm FYI In the higher elevations along Highway 49 weather and road conditions can change rapidly year round. It is advisable to carry tire chains as well as a blanket for each person in the car, water, a first aid kit, flashlight and flares. Recreation Information California State Parks General information 800-777-0369 California State Parks Discounted Park Passes Outside the U.S. Camping reservations 800-777-0369 916-653-6995 800-444-7275 www.parks.ca.gov National Parks TDD 415-556-05-60 415-556-2766 National ParkCamping reservations (excluding Yosemite) 800-365-2267 www.nps.gov National Forests 707-562-8737 www.r5.fs.fed.us Bureau of Land Management 916-978-4400 www.ca.blm.gov Private Campgrounds U.S. and Canada 888-STAY-CTPA www.campgrounds.com Equestrian Camping State Parks 916-653-6995 Cross-Country Skiing Sierra Only 530-525-7232 Fish and Game 916-227-2244 www.dfg.ca.gov Sierra Sno-Parks 916-324-1222 www.parks.ca.gov Off-Highway Vehicle Operations 916-324-4442 Winter Sports 415-543-7036 www.californiasnow.com White-Water Rafting 800-552-3625 FYI Traveling with pets in the national parks can be inconvenient due to the many necessary restrictions that exist to protect park resources. FYI Contact California State Parks at www.parks.ca.gov to receive information on new rate reductions for certain permits and passes. Wildlife Viewing Tips • Use the Right Tools: Binoculars, comfortable shoes and a field guide work well. • Watch at Dawn and Dusk: Most wildlife species are active at these times. • Keep Your Distance: Stay on trails and maintain a comfortable distance from the wildlife. • Stay Quiet: To increase your chances of viewing wildlife and to avoid stressing animals, move quietly and slowly. • Do Not Feed Wildlife: Feeding animals encourages unnatural behavior patterns and concentrates animals in places they would generally avoid. Their natural diet ensure their health and survival. Ground squirrels and other rodents may carry disease. All animals are wild and potentially dangerous. Keep a respectful distance, especially while taking pictures. FYI Hunting or the possession of loaded or unloaded firearms is prohibited in most state parks. Safety Tips and Regulations To preserve state parks there are several regulations that must be followed during your visit, to make your visit safe and enjoyable follow state parks regulations. Contact park rangers for regulations specific to the area you are visiting. Biking Check posted speed limits for paved and unpaved roads. When passing pedestrians, equestrians and when approaching blind curves slow down. Yield to hikers and equestrians. California state law requires bicyclists under 18 years old to wear helmets. It is advised to wear helmet at any age. Ride in control. Carry water and snacks, sunglasses, sunblock, insect repellent, compass, and a map of the area., pump and repair kit. Be prepared for changing weather, especially in higher elevations. Always tell someone where you are biking and when you plan to return. Make sure you ride on biking trails. Fishing Licenses are required by state law unless you are under the age of 16. You must display your license while you are fishing. Licenses can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. Contact local fish and game for fishing seasons. Hiking Because weather can rapidly change in the summer or winter, dress warmly in layered clothing so you can shed or add as needed. Synthetics are a must for aerobic activity in cooler weather, as cotton and down do not readily dry and cools when wet. Carry water, snacks, sunglasses, sunblock insect repellent,, compass, and a map of the area. Always tell someone where you are hiking and when you plan to return. Some areas require hiking permits, available at trailhead or local forest service. OHV Recreation Off road driving is only allowed in California's off highway motor vehicle parks. California residents MUST register vehicle with the DMV. You will be issued a green sticker ID to place on vehicle. Street legal vehicles/motorcycles are not required to have a GREEN STICKER. All vehicles MUST be equipped with a muffler that meets State and Federal sound standards. OHV's MUST have a Forest Service approved spark arrester. Excessive noise (over 10db) is unacceptable and illegal. Be considerate of residents, warm-up cycles on trails away from camps, houses, etc. These requirements apply to National Forest Lands. Please check with the Forest Service in the area you are traveling to for other requirements. Please observe off road regulations and make sure you have permits if necessary. Ride responsibly and always wear your helmet. Carry water, snacks, pump, repair kit and safety kit. Be prepared for changing weather, especially in higher elevations. Always tell someone where you are riding and when you plan to return. Snowmobiling Snowmobiles are not allowed in Wilderness, other non-motorized areas and developed ski areas. Look for a snowmobile symbol at the trailhead indicating snowmobile use is permitted in the area. These regulations apply on National Forest Land. Dress in layered clothing, bring water, snacks, sunglasses, sunblock, compass, and a map of the area and ride responsibly. Always tell someone where you are snowmobiling and when you plan to return. Please use common sense and courtesy when encountering others. Reduce speed when near skiers or snowshoers. Avoid riding over small trees and bushes to prevent injuring or killing them. Stay away from wild animals since unnecessary disturbances can be harmful or even fatal during the time that they need to conserve their energy to survive in the cold and snow. Note: There is always a real and present danger of avalanche in the backcountry, consult with local forest service before entering an area. It is recommended to carry an avalanche beacon. Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoing Because weather can rapidly change in the winter, dress warmly in layered clothing so you can shed or add as needed. Synthetics are a must for aerobic activity in the snow and cold weather, as cotton and down do not readily dry and cools when wet. Carry water, snacks, sunglasses, sunblock, compass, and a map of the area. Always tell someone where you are hiking and when you plan to return. Note: There is always a real and present danger of avalanche in the backcountry, consult with local forest service before entering an area. It is recommended to carry an avalanche beacon. FYI Desolation Wilderness users need to obtain a Wilderness Permit for day hikes, horseback riding, or overnight use. Day use can obtain permits at the self-service stations at trailheads. Overnight users must obtain a permit in person from the Forest Service office or Visitor Center. Open campfires are NOT allowed. Safety Tips • Essential equipment to take when heading into the backcountry: map, compass, flashlight (with extra batteries), snacks, water, extra clothing, sunglasses, first-aid supplies, pocket knife, matches in waterproof container, and fire starter. • Do Not Feed Wildlife: Feeding animals encourages unnatural behavior patterns and concentrates animals in places they would generally avoid. Their natural diet ensure their health and survival. Ground squirrels and other rodents may carry disease. All animals are wild and potentially dangerous. Keep a respectful distance, especially while taking pictures. • Be aware and use caution, you may encounter rattlesnakes, ticks and poison oak in the foothills of California. • Certain roads close from late fall to early summer, it is advisable to check road status before leaving for your trip. Carry chains and travel kit. • Summers can be quite hot: bring hats, sunglasses, sunblock, insect repellent, and lip gloss Rain showers happen frequently in Summer: bring rain gear and dress in layers do to variable weather. • Do not drink lake or stream water even if it appears clear. If water must be consumed, boil it for at least 3 to 5 minutes or use a Giardia rated water filter. • When camping keep food, ice chests and trash out of sight. Keep food in bear proof containers or campsite lockers. Do not leave food or trash in your car. You may encounter bears while camping check with park rangers for proper safety concerning bear encounters. • Winter weather conditions in the higher elevations can change rapidly, be prepared for subfreezing temperatures. • To prevent hypothermia during winter dress warmly in layered clothing so you can shed as cotton and down do not readily dry and cools when wet. • Carry a whistle and small mirror for emergency use. Three of anything (shouts, whistle blasts, flashes of reflected light from a mirror) are a sign of distress. • Carry water, snacks, sunglasses, insect repellent, sunblock, compass, and a map of the area. Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. • Cell phones are always a good idea when heading into the backcountry, but note, many areas to not provide a strong enough signal to allow their use. • When encountering travelers with horses or pack stock, move off the trail. Horses are easily frightened, and have the right of way on trails. FYI The world's oldest living trees are located in California. There is an ancient bristlecone pine tree that is still alive at nearly 4,600 years old in Inyo National Forest!! The world's largest living things, Sequoiadendron giganteum, giant sequoias, have survived for thousands of years and can be found in two Sierra national parks, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. What To Do To Preserve & Protect Our Environment FYI Preservation of state land began in 1902 when 2,500 acres near Santa Cruz were set aside as Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Today 264 state park units exist (parks, historic parks/ monuments, reserves, recreation areas, and beaches) and encompass 1.4 million acres of land and water. It is the travelers responsibility to check with local officials of the park service, other agencies, i.e., Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau or local businesses unique to your type of activity for advice and regulations specific to the area BEFORE traveling to parks and or the backcountry. Plan ahead and be prepared. Please help preserve our recreational environment by respecting mother nature and what she so kindly gave to us for our many pleasures. • Use biodegradable products for bathing and washing dishes. • Do not dispose of wastewater in lakes and streams. It is harmful to fish and other wildlife. • Don't Litter. Put trash in trash bins if available, if not, pack your trash out. • Stay on designated trails: shortcuts increase erosion and respect private property signs • Keep dogs on leashes at all times. • Do not feed the animals and please do not leave trash out for animals to get into. • It can promote the spread of disease, encourage unnatural behavior patterns and concentrate animals in places they would generally avoid. • If you find any historic or archaeological artifacts contact a ranger, they are protected by law. • Do not remove or disturb any flowers, plants, rocks, animals or anything else you may find Take only photos and leave only footprints!

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