Trip Report: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Car Camp
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Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Car Camp By Aaron* Jones |
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| HIKE | 07/07/2017 | MOD |
| Gretchen asked me to review and submit this report Sequoia and King's Canyon Car Camp Gretchen Siegler (July 7-14) I had always heard that Aaron Jones led great trips to national parks and monuments throughout the region and finally had a chance to go on one. This sweltering weekend, well in the 100s in lower elevations throughout the West, brought some relief for the six of us (Aaron, Jerry, Sandra, Leslie, Bob and myself), who found ourselves somewhat cooler at higher elevation in the Sierras. We camped at Lodgepole Campground in Sequoia National Park for the first four nights enjoying hikes to the major sights through the huge and tremendously old trees near Crescent Meadow, up to Tokopah Falls, and then way up to Heather and Emerald Lakes. (Bob hiked alone to Twin Lake one day.) The views were stupendous. The last two nights of the trip were spent on the outskirts of King's Canyon National Park at Hume Lake. This gave us easy access to the park and its main road which follows the South Fork of King's River to Roads End near Zumwalt Meadow. That drive and our hikes along the river were amazing, with record water rushing down from a huge snow pack, along with sightings of many cascading falls. Best of all were our three occasions to hike near black bears--very big--medium--and a cub with a mother hidden too close for comfort. I walked away from this trip with car dents from a campground rock barrier, heat rash, and a spider bite, feeling extremely lucky to have experienced such a great week. Anyone finding themselves able to take any of Aaron's future trips should jump on the opportunity. Participants: Leslie Woods, Sandra Beherrell, Gretchen Siegler, Bob Grant, Jerry Hatch, and Aaron Jones |
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