Trail Mix for May 21: Bus linking Fresno, Sanger, Kings Canyon to debut

Big Trees Transit will begin taking passengers to Kings Canyon National Park from stops in Fresno and Sanger on Saturday.

The service, which was made possible through grants and also will have a Squaw Valley stop, is expected to run four times a day through the Sept. 7 Labor Day holiday.

To kick off the season, tickets (including park admission) will be $5 Saturday through Monday. After that, the regular price is $15. Kings Canyon National Park charges $25 per car, but those who use the transit system also will help reduce auto emissions in the park.

Big Trees Transit will pick up riders at Fresno’s Greyhound and Amtrak stations and Fresno Yosemite International Airport. It then will stop at the Sanger Depot Museum, 1789 E. Jensen Ave., and Clingan’s Junction in Squaw Valley.

Inside the park, the shuttle will stop at Grant Grove Visitor Center, where visitors can connect with the park’s free shuttle to trailheads and other sites.

The first bus will leave Fresno Greyhound at 7 a.m., Fresno Amtrak at 7:05, the airport at 7:18 and Sanger at 7:43, with arrival at the park about 9:30 a.m. according to a route schedule. Later buses will leave from Fresno at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The final bus back to the Valley floor is at 5:30 p.m.

There is a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday at the Sanger station.

China Peak ready for summer season

China Peak Mountain Resort will offer free disc golf, mountain biking and scenic chair rides Saturday to celebrate the opening of its summer season.

The resort plans to be open Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day.

Starting July 3, China Peak will open Fridays for its “Live Fridays,” featuring local bands playing on The Inn’s outdoor patio.

Details: www.skichinapeak.com

Events

Mud ’n Blood Zombie Run

When: May 31

Where: Hobb’s Grove, 14265 E. Goodfellow Ave., in Sanger

You never know when the a zombie apocalypse might happen, so it won’t hurt to be prepared.

Participants in the Mud ’n Blood run are given three flags and have to navigate a 5K obstacle course (3K without the running portions) while avoiding “flesh-eating” zombies. The goal is to have at least one flag remaining at the finish line.

Waves of runners will be released every half hour from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Teams and youths can run, too. Prizes will be awarded for the craziest running wear and best (worst) dressed team.

Participants can sign up to be a runner, a zombie or both. Registration starts at $28.

Visit mudnbloodzombierun.com to register or for more details. Registration also is available at Hobb’s Grove on the morning of the run or pre-race day at Sole-2-Soul Sports stores at Fresno’s River Park and in Visalia.

This story was originally published May 20, 2015 at 2:04 PM with the headline "Trail Mix for May 21: Bus linking Fresno, Sanger, Kings Canyon to debut."