Place

Hospital Rock Picnic Area

Two wooden picnic tables under the shade of a large tree. — Hospital Rock is usually warm and dry throughout the year.

Animal-Safe Food Storage, Audio Description, Grill, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Recycling, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Toilet - Flush, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible

Picnic in an oak woodland near the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River. Numerous picnic areas offer both sunny and shady spots to eat and relax. While you're here, browse outdoor exhibits that tell the story of Native Americans who lived and traveled in this area, and continue to visit this area today.

The KNP Complex Fire: Topography and prescribed burning affect how future wildfires burn

During the 2021 KNP Complex Fire, this area burned at much lower severity than areas just a few miles to the south. Why?

The terrain here played a role. The steep, north-facing cliffs across the river and the narrow canyon that has rocky outcrops created a fire break, or an area without trees and plants to burn. These cliffs also shelter the area from intense sun that dries vegetation.

The history of prescribed burning by park firefighters also reduced fire severity here. Periodic burning of grasses and shrubs means there is less plant material for a wildfire to consume.