Park: Sequoia National Park Location: Tulare County, CA Established: September 25, 1890 Size: 404,064 acres Annual visitors: 1,106,584 (2012) Backcountry fee: $10 per permit Times visited: 2 |
This past summer, I entered into Sequoia National Park's backcountry along the John Muir Trail. We crossed into the park over Forester Pass, the highest pass of the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. Upon reaching the pass, we were treated to amazing views south of the Great Western Divide.
Our hiking days were long as we traversed the high country. From Forester Pass, we dropped through the long hanging valley to Tyndall Creek, taking a much needed break from the hot sun.
As we rounded the southern edge of the Bighorn Plateau, we were given our first impressive view of Mount Whitney.
After a good night's rest at Wallace Creek, we continued south for a few miles before turning east towards Mount Whitney. We stopped for a relaxing break in Crabtree Meadows, a popular campground for hikers heading to the summit of Mount Whitney.
The climb to the summit of Mount Whitney was both physically and mentally challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. There is truly no better feeling than standing on top of a 14,500 foot peak, after weeks spent hiking towards it!
Many people visit Sequoia National Park exclusively to see the largest trees or to summit the highest peak. However the park is so much more than that, with miles and miles of trails to explore, passes and plateaus to stand on, and rivers to relax beside.
If you can't take a week to hike a section of the John Muir Trail or the High Sierra Trail, then venture to the end of the road in Mineral King and pick a lake to visit overnight, or tackle the 27 mile Sawtooth Pass Loop. You won't be disappointed by what Sequoia National Park's backcountry has to offer.