Sequoia National Park
Two Days in Sequoia National Park
Lodging: We were traveling with my pup who can't hike with us in Sequoia so we booked an AirBNB in the Squaw Valley right outside the park (though the roads are curvy so it was about an hour to the Lodgepole Visitor Center where he could chill during the day, and we could get our hike on.
Day 1: Light Hike and Introduction to the Park
Friday May 14, 2021
We started for a morning hike on Tokopah Falls Trail. From the parking lot in the Lodgepole Campground, you cross the log bridge and find the trail on the right. Its a 3.4 mile, 2 to 3 hours round-trip hike with a 500 feet elevation gain. You follow the Kaweah River up to the falls that are 1,200 hike. After the hike we had lunch along the river and dipped our toes in the chilly water.
Next, it was onto the Giant Forest to see the General Sherman Tree. After parking at the lot, there's a crowded trail downhill to the General Sherman Tree passing by other giants on the way. Its about a mile round trip with about 200 ft climb on the way back to the lot so the strollers and some had trouble on the way back, though there are benches to rest and handicap parking closer to the tree.
Next we climbed up Moro Rock. Though it's just 0.6 miles round trip, it's almost entirely a narrow staircase. The views are incredible, but it may not be for those scared of heights. Definitely recommend this short trail for the amazing views.
Finally we drove through Tunnel Log, and just missed the closing of the Giant Forest Museum.
Back at the AirBnB we had a nice BBQ.
Day 2: Hiking the Lakes Trail
Saturday May 15, 2021
Saturday was all about seeing the high Sierras. We planned to hike to Heather Lake via the Hump Trail, but when we arrived, we realized the Watchtower Trail opened that day. The climb to Heather Lake is steady and about 4 miles to the lake, but on mile 3 the views open up to the Watchtower. The trail hugs the cliff and the views are stunning, but climbing on snow on the edge of a cliff early in the season made me grateful for my hiking poles.
We enjoyed lunch at the lake and pressed on a bit further down the trail for another hilly mile to Emerald Lake. With the hike to Emerald, you're also rewarded with a view of Aster Lake. Emerald Lake is a popular camping spot and there are pit toilets.
On the hike back we took the hump trail to avoid the snowy cliff walk. It's about a 200 foot climb up the hump and then a trek back to the parking lot. Overall the hike had fantastic views of alpine lakes, but a warning about the elevations. We definitely felt the effects when we were over 9,000 feet.
Back to the AirBnB for a good dinner and early night.
