I plan on spending four days in Kings Canyon/Sequoia area next week (June 2-6). I would love your thoughts about where to stay and which sites to visit for photography(and best time of the day). Hiking up to 5 miles OK.
Pear Lake:
A long 13 mile/2000ft elev. hike to Heather, Aster, Emerald and pear lakes that was very nice, I recommend. A short section (Watchtower) follows a steep cliff that looks down thousands of feet. I believe it starts from the main road that goes between the two parks. It goes to 4 lakes,. Flowers, mosquitoes at lakes etc.
Of course you cold take the standard crowded hikes in the parks... At Kings Canyon, most of the park is hidden to car tourists, you gotta hike in/backpack in I'm told. Haven't done that yet.
Of course there is always the common sites like the Sequoia Groves other tourists sites (Moro Rock, Sherman General Tree, Boyden Caverns) As Dan mentioned, most of the park is hidden to the majority of people because you need to hike/backpack to get to really see the park(s). Pear Lake is a very nice hike. Another option starts along the same trail, but hangs a right and goes towards Panther Gap, and further up to Alta Peak - killer views. Another option is to hike Mitchell Peak - take Big Meadows/Horse Corral Road to the Marvin Pass trail, something like 3 mile hike to the summit with some vertical gain (see http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/306211/mitchell-peak.html for more info). Another option is from 'roads end' near Cedar Grove the hike to Mist Falls is nice, as is the hike up Bubbs Creek (nice views west as you ascend).
Discussion
2 repliesThanks!!
Pear Lake:
A long 13 mile/2000ft elev. hike to Heather, Aster, Emerald and pear lakes that was very nice, I recommend. A short section (Watchtower) follows a steep cliff that looks down thousands of feet. I believe it starts from the main road that goes between the two parks. It goes to 4 lakes,. Flowers, mosquitoes at lakes etc.
Of course you cold take the standard crowded hikes in the parks... At Kings Canyon, most of the park is hidden to car tourists, you gotta hike in/backpack in I'm told. Haven't done that yet.