Location: Ponderosa, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Gold Country & High Sierra, California, USA (Located within Giant Sequoia National Monument) View Map
Accommodations: Cabin, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1.5+ Baths (Sleeps 6)
FANTASTIC LOCATION!!!! For someone who wants a true mountain experience, this is the real thing. Wonderful and rare opportunity to stay at high altitude in the Giant Sequoia National Monument among a grove of huge Ponderosa Pines. This cabin is NOT in the foothills, but is at 7200 feet, far enough into the monument to have easy access to pristine hiking and outdoor activities. "Ponderosa" is a very small enclave of private cabins at the top of a mountain range and is surrounded by National Forest land. With an average of 23 feet of snowfall per year, this cabin is only available for rental from April 21 through November 30.
Please note that the Giant Sequoia National Monument and the Sequoia National Park are not adjacent. The monument has a separate approach from the valley up to the mountains than the Park. We prefer the monument as it is similar in topography as the Park without the traffic and crowds.
Nearby are groves of Giant Sequoia Trees, (Freeman Creek trailhead 1.5 miles from cabin) stocked fishing at Peppermint Creek, waterfalls, world-class rock climbing and hiking at The Needles (trailhead is 2 miles away), Dome Rock (3.5 miles from cabin), and Trail of 100 Giants is 10.7 miles from cabin. Also on the mountain is a pack station that offers day rides into the Golden Trout Wilderness Area. The Ponderosa Lodge (with restaraunt, general store and bar) is approx. 1 mile away.
The cabin has one upstairs bedroom (queen bed and one twin) and a large upstairs loft (three twins and queen), and a full sofa bed downstairs. Although number of beds can sleep more than six, the multiple beds are to accomodate different combinations of sleeping arrangements. Our maximum number of guests is 6 people at any one time.
To find on Mapquest- look up "Springville, CA 93265," follow road 190 past Camp Nelson, Ponderosa is near Quaking Aspen Meadow. (too small to appear on map)
Please do not contact us regarding winter months, as we close the cabin down during that time.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2)
- Twin/Single Bed (3)
- Convertible Bed: Full.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: New applicances.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio: Large front deck.
- View/Location
- Mountain View: Deck looks into Ponderosa Pines
- Communications
- Telephone
- Other Amenities
- Propane wall furnace, Game cabinet with approx. 8 board games. Please bring your own sheets & towels. Blankets, mattress pads & pillows are provided. There is no trash service within the National Monument, so please take away your trash. Also, there is no cleaning service; guests are expected to leave the cabin as they found it.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed: We make some exceptions for well-behaved dogs.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Rock Climbing
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Giant Sequoia Groves nearby, Freeman Creek Trailhead (with Giant Sequoias) 3 miles from Cabin, Famous "Needles Overlook" Trailhead 2 miles from Cabin, Trail of 100 Giants 10.7 miles from Cabin, Peppermint Creek 4 miles from cabin, Dome Rock Trailhead 3 miles from cabin, Ponderosa Lodge 1 mile from cabin
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Rate ..... $350 for the first two nights, $150 per night for extra nights.
Two-night minimum.
Seventh night free with 6 paid nights.
There is a $200 refundable cleaning deposit.
Four-night minimun for July 4th, Memorial and Labor Day weekends.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:




Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2004
Why the Owner Chose Ponderosa
We chose to buy a cabin in this area because we love to explore the outdoors and this cabin is located within 10 minutes of at least 30 different hiking trails. While most cabins we looked at were located at the foothills and required a drive up the mountain for the best hiking, this one is located at the top of the mountain, so we can easily hike for half of the day, come home for lunch/rest, and go out for another adventure for the second half of the day.
The Unique Benefits at this Cabin
This cabin is within 10 minutes of the Needles Overlook trailhead, The Freeman Creek trailhead (with Giant Sequoias) and Dome Rock (which has an amazing view of the Kern River Valley). If you prefer to stay at the cabin and rest instead of venturing out, you will find that it is nicely nestled in among large trees and has a big deck that looks into the trees. Peaceful is an understatement.
An amazing hike with awesome views. The hike takes you up to a fire overlook located at the top of a rock spire.
A 2-4 hour hike that takes you to the young and vigorous Freeman Creek Giant Sequoias. This is the most eastern grove of Giant Sequoias and many believe, the healthiest.
Not really a hike at all, a quarter mile walk will put you on top of Dome rock, a granite dome with fantastic views. On a dark night, some come out to view the stars.
For the fishing enthusiast, Peppermint Creek is stocked with trout from Memorial Day through labor Day.
A very tall Giant Sequoia that you can actually drive right up to. Note: Sometimes the road is locked by the Church Group that operates a summer camp there.
An amazing collection of Giant Sequoias on a gentle and paved hiking trail loop. Especially great for children and those not up for the Freeman Creek hike. Absolutely Exceptional. Located only 10.7 m
A picturesque waterfall and creek. A fun mini-outing from the cabin that won't take all day.
Leaving from the Quaking Aspen campground, this trail takes you to the highest point in the Upper Tule area, Slate Mountain. The 360 degree panorama is well worth the effort.
Was the sixth largest voluninous living thing in the world before it's top broke off and it THE largest specimen under private ownership. The owner has graciously granted public access. This tree is
Owner's Map of Ponderosa
Hi. I'm Christine and my husband Tom and I are outdoor enthusiasts who love having a comfortable place to come back to after a day of hiking and exploring in the woods. After camping at a nearby campground, we fell in love with the pristine beauty of this area and were excited to find that there were private cabins to purchase so close to first-class hiking. After five years of owning the cabin and hiking in the area, we are still finding amazing new places. On the other hand, just hanging out on the deck looking out into the tall trees isn't bad either.
Property Photos
- Front of Cabin in January - Sequoia, California Vacation
- Pond on Neighboring Cabin's Property (Across the Street) - Sequoia, California Vacation
- Living Room - Sequoia, California Vacation
- Kitchen
- Dining Room
- Main Deck Looks Into Ponderosa Pine Trees
- Master Bedroom
- Large Upstairs Loft has 4 Twin Beds
- Deck Outside Living Room Looking Into Trees
- Cabin in January
- The Needles Overlook is a popular 3.5 mi hike 2 mi drive from cabin (see link)
- This is Trail of 100 Giants, 10.7 miles from cabin (Freeman Creek Grove is 3 mi)
Guest Comments (5)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #56364
There have been 33928 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2005.
This listing was first published here in 2005.
Date last modified - October 07, 2009


Positive Rating
Hi Tom: Thank you so much and we would love to rent your place in future also. Thank you for your hard work. I love your cabin. I will recommend your place to my good friends. Regards, Tanya
Positive Rating
"Tom, We are leaving tomorrow, Tuesday. We have had a TERRIFIC time here, culminating in a hike to The Needles today. Superb! Thanks for making this available to us and for being so flexible."
Positive Rating
jorge sanchez , LOS ANGELES
Positive Rating
"Just wanted to let you know that we had a great time at your cabin. It was so beautiful up there! We couldn't believe how much snow there was. Some of us hiked, some skied, and some stayed inside and read books. The kids loved sledding right outside the cabin (and also your kid movies). Thanks! We'll be back next year!" The Brimmers
Positive Rating
The De'ak Family bought this cabin in the summer of 2004. Since then we have been furnishing it, fixing it up, and getting it ready to be rented out. As of Spring 2005, we think it's ready. Hope you enjoy it!