Two distinct travel interests are at the forefront in Dunlap: Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center and the nearby starting point of the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. One is associated with religious programs, while the other is a drive along Highway 180. This makes it possible to distinguish between a program-focused trip and a road route.

Saint Nicholas Ranch: Programs and Grounds

Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap hosts camps, spiritual retreats, and seminars for Greek Orthodox Christians. The 180-acre property is located in the foothills of the Sequoia region. Its landscape includes rolling hills, old oak trees, a small lake, an apple orchard, and an olive grove.

The property was then known as the historic Sally K Ranch; it was donated in 1979 and renamed Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. Greek Village is a weeklong immersion camp held every June since 2010 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap. Its religious focus differs from general route planning along Highway 180.

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway: Route and Planning

The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway begins in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Dunlap. It runs for 50 miles along Highway 180 to Roads End. The route passes through the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park, descends through Sequoia National Forest, and ends in the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park.

Before driving, check current road conditions, seasonal closures, and access status. The nearest gas stations at the park entrances include locations on Highway 180 in Dunlap, 20 miles west of Grant Grove. Also check fuel availability before your trip.

When choosing an overnight base, the starting point and the end of the route are different reference points: Dunlap is near the beginning, while Roads End is the endpoint. Guide your search by whether you want to focus on the starting point or another part of the route.

A Historical Festival Edition

The 2017 edition of the Turkey Testicle Festival in Dunlap was its 41st annual edition; at least 200 people attended. At this edition, Bill Celaya grilled turkey pieces. The edition number places the festival within its history at the time, while the attendance figure gives a lower bound for the number of guests at that edition.

Wider Context: Fresno

In the wider Fresno destination area, Fresno County’s recreational offerings include 12 parks, two fishing access points, and a boat ramp with parking at Shaver Lake. Millerton Lake State Recreation Area is a Sierra Nevada foothills reservoir in Fresno and Madera counties. At the Fresno County Blossom Trail, you can drive and photograph the blossoms from the roadside, since the orchards are privately owned.

Discover more destinations: Shaver Lake, Reedley, Orange Cove, Mendota, Coalinga, Lakeshore, Sanger, Fresno

Return to the main travel overview: Fresno.