With dramatic elevation changes the vegetation ranges from chaparral and sub-alpine to alpine - covering about every species of tree known in this part of the Sierra, and then transforming into pure granite above the treeline.

The remote Monarch Wilderness offers the chance to walk alone among Giant Sequoias and hike up to the isolated and wild Grizzly Lakes area.

The Boulder Creek drainage cuts through parts of the southern section of the Monarch and is the main water source in that area.

NOTE: Parts of this wilderness area were heavily affected by the 2015 Rough Fire and have only recently been reopened to the public, while others remain closed.

[9] The SMA is managed by the Sierra National Forest which can limit certain uses of the area, such as timber cutting, hunting and fishing.

"[9] The law does not change existing off-road vehicle management rules, but does require the establishment of a trail into Little Tehipite Valley.

[9] The special management area is located at the confluence of the Kings River and the North Fork, and protects the deepest part of the Kings Canyon as well as stands of giant sequoia (the Cabin Creek and Converse Mountain Groves), the world's largest trees, and important wintering ranges for the Monarch and Hume deer herds.

The SMA provides habitat for deer, black bear, coyote, marten, gray fox and a variety of birds.