Il Dolce Far Niente: Hiking on Sequoia National Park

March 2014

Big Redwood trees, coniferous forest, snowy top mountains, snow, deers. These were on must-see list when entered to Sequoia National Park from its south entrance (another bless for the annual pass). Although this was one of the most frequent places for getting black bears in sight, wasn't really hoping to have any interference with them.

There's been really dry winter in Southern California. Tried to buy tire chains from one of local shops on Three Rivers. Local chap didn't sell them to me, claiming I wouldn't need them (but it was the law in California I insisted!). Nope, didn't get them, he asked me to save money for the next winter and get them half price from Walmart.

Sequoia NP didn't have much of snow either even on 2000 meters except some spots here and there. Thus, lack of snow allowed to enter places which were usually closed during winter months.

Had a quick visit on Giant Forest Museum, General Sherman Tree and walked a Big Trees Trail just to get a first touch on grand old Sequoia trees, huge trees. Some of them were more than 2000 years old, respective age for trees.

Then jumped into another place, Moro Rock, which was now open. Did a quick climb on its top. 300 degree view was something one should experience.

Then to the main topic, hiking on High Sierra Trail. Sun was shining, clear blue sky, temperature somewhere +15. Started from Crescent Meadow. Warnings of carrying and storing food against bears were striking. Jumped into High Sierra Trail which headed east/north-east. The trail stayed on safe side on a steep mountain slope. Sequoia trees were not in sight, instead, massive pine trees with a few cedar trees conquered scenery. On the right hand side opened a view towards snowy top mountains. There was a massive valley in between.

The trail was quite flat, no major ascends or descends. After approaching a turning point to Wolverton Cutoff Trail, accidentally looked up on slope on lefthand side. How lucky, two mule deers were laying on ground, staring at me. They didn't bother camera clicks, thanks!

Stayed there awhile and then continued until the waterfall where took the Wolverton Cutoff Trail. It started to ascend quickly reaching soon about 2400m level. Stopped one of the massive cliffs to had a lunch. Nothing wrong on scenery indeed. Little birds were curious about my lunch; sandwiches, nuts and biscuits.

After lunch continued and took a shortcut to the Trail Of Sequoias. Massive old Sequoia trees were back in sight. The trail descended to Log Meadow, a second of two meadows. Visited Tharp's Log and continued to Crescent Meadow. About 20km hiking came to its end.

Can't wait to get hiking on Wilderness part of the Sequoia NP.