Ash Mountain Entrance Sign

The Ash Mountain Entrance Sign is a wooden structure built in National Park Service rustic style with a carved profile design measuring 10 feet wide, 4 feet tall, and 1 foot thick. It marks the primary gateway to Sequoia National Park and provides directional guidance for visitors arriving at the Indian Head River Trailhead.

Built in 1935 by Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmen, the sign was designed by National Park Service architect Merel S. Sager and landscape architect Harold G. Fowler. It represents the rustic design philosophy of that era, when park entrances received handcrafted aesthetic treatment.

The carved profile references a Native American figure, though not from groups who lived in this California area. Visitors often encounter this name throughout the region, connected to the giant sequoia trees that define the landscape.

The sign is located at coordinates 36.487484, -118.836689 and is accessible via the Indian Head River Trailhead. The site remains open year-round, though visitors should prepare for mountain weather conditions, especially during winter months.

During the 2021 wildfire threat, preservation teams wrapped the historic wooden sign in protective foil to safeguard it from fire damage. This action demonstrates the ongoing effort to protect this landmark for future visitors.