lakes trail in sequoia national park

We were just in Sequoia for the 100th time at least...love this park. There are miles and miles of fairly level duff covered trails to enjoy walking through the magnificent trees. You've never seen anything like them! Once you leave a trail head, even if the park is crowded (which is rare) you'll be walking alone in a wonderland. If you walk off the trail a little ways you can find great places to sit and picnic or read a book or take a nap. The best!Crowdwise it's the polar opposite of Yosemite. A really peaceful experience.The lakes trail is great if you like to hike...You gain 3k from 7k to 10k up to Pear Lake. The Citidel trail is like no other....breath taking!

There aren't words available to describe what you will see in the park. We traveled during the off season and enjoyed the peace and quite. Only complaint is the lack of options in regards to lodging and food service inside the park, too far to travel outside the park to access any other options.

$20 for our SUV seven day pass allowed excellent tour of the forest park and Canyon. The Mor Rock climb, General Sherman Tree, Kings Canyon were beautiful with some outstanding views and well worth a visit though those who are fearful of heights and mountain drives should be weary and recommend only experienced drivers tackle these roads independently otherwise use an organised tour. Park staff were excellent and friendly with great advice and how to plan your tour. All in all a very memorable and enjoyable visit and highly recommended.

Although we camped in Sequoia National Park, CA for a few days in June of 2008; it was not as picturesque as anticipated. It afforded view location; with wide open view, or vast expanses of natural beauty; especially when compared to many of the other national parks in both Washington State, and near Calgary, Alberta, Canada! We hiked several miles of trails, and occasionally found an enjoyable view along one of the many streams, and rivers in the park. The real highlight of our few days here was encountering a black bear along a trail; however, and fortunately I think it was as startled, and afraid of us; as we were of it. And the bear lumbered off into some trees, and we went the opposite direction! One National Park pass provides you with multiple entries at any park in the US, for a year from date of purchase; so we had no fee to pay this time!

When you visit the park make a point to take the 400 stair hike up to Morrow Rock. There are plenty of places to sit and catch your breath plus the stairs are in good condition. It is really worth the hike for the view and to be able to say you did it.next there is an EASY walk (not even a hike) to Crescent Meadow. There are various trails even one that is totally paved and wheelchair accessible. The meadow is beautiful and there is a cabin made right into a tree from the late 1800s that is pretty amazing. All the trails are pretty easy. It is 1/2-1 mile to the end of the trail depending on which trail you take.It is fun to take one trail going and another trail coming back.i always love walking through the trees, it truly makes you feel small and the peace is a great place to reflect on your everyday life.

Phenomenal! I hiked to pear lake and spent the night. You have to get a back country pass first and have a safety briefing at the visitor center first.It's a 6.2 mile hike to pear lake with a gross elevation gain of 2800 ft. The thin air makes you work for it, but it's all worth it in the end, especially if you camp. On the way up, take the watchtower route if it is open. You'll be rewarded by a stunning view of thousand foot cliffs. At certain points I felt like a Bagginses ascending Mount Doom. There are bears in the area so take the necessary precautions, though bear spray is not allowed. I carried all my water since I was only staying overnight. If you bring a filter, you can use the lake water, while it didn't look too bad it is pretty stagnant.Go. You won't regret it.

Visited early January and the narrow winding route to the park was smooth and no traffic at all however once inside found that most of place of attractions are closed. We only got to see the huge redwoods and sequoia trees which are truly ancient and for me, mind boggling. Were able to talk to some park rangers inside who kindly explained places in photographs inside the museum. Foods available for purchase but a bit expensive, my 85years old mother able to use the bathroom facilities despite the cold but not too sure about wheel chair access.

The tall and huge redwood and sequoia trees was beautiful!Looking at the biggest tree on earth "General Sherman Tree" is just simply awesome!This place is a must see even once in your life....

We have traveled thousands of miles to see the wonderful trees and it was the highlights of our trip. The National Park is well organised, the ranges offer an excellent advise , the toilet facilities are excellent and the entry price is very reasonable. Naturally the cost of food is a little bit high. If possible try to camp even for one night!

Even though I have previously lived in Northern California, this was my first visit to Sequoia National Park. We visited on Labor Day Weekend, so needless to say it was a heavy traffic day. Despite the heavy traffic on the extreme winding, narrow roadway to the big trees, everything kep moving and the Park Rangers did an excellent job of keeping the visitors in the flow and preventing blockages and back ups as much as possible. So kudos to the Park Rangers for help and environmental stewardship.We were visiting family in Bakersfield who took us up to the Park, and they had not been in a long time. With that perspective we learned that the trails, such as those around the biggest tree in the world, the General Sherman Tree, had been upgraded and were sporting walls and pavement and stairs not there a few years ago. The Sherman Tree alone is worth the trip — and seeing all the happy faces of visitors from all over the world is worth it too . . . seeing the joy of nature come alive on the faces of visitors is really a gift to behold. There are numerous trails to choose from in the park, and on this visit, the skies were incredibly clear and the view of the Sierra just spectacular. Cost is $20 per vehicle, or $10 per walk in or bike in. High elevations and keep in mind the road is SO windy that even the heartiest can get motion sickness from the ride — two of our group suffered that back-seat malady. I have visited Muir Woods and loved the Redwoods, and always wondered what exactly the difference between a Redwood and a Sequoia was . . . find out right here. Redwoods are supremely tall and majestic. Sequoia are supremely wide, full girth like no other. They don't grow as high as Redwoods, but Redwoods look skinny next to a Sequoia. The largest tree in the world is the Sherman Tree, according to the postings. Not the oldest. Not the tallest. But the BIGGEST.There are picnic areas and campsites . . . choose your way to see the Park, but don's miss it if you are in this part of California.

We hiked the Lakes Trail to Heather Lake. We used the Watchtower trail on our approach and the Hump trail on our descent. The last quarter of the Watchtower trail is harrowing in that the trail is carved out of a rock face providing you with a few feet of width. Do not look over the edge, just keep walking forward. Heather Lake was a beautiful setting for lunch. There are trout in the lake that you can easily see. The Hump trail is nearly all downhill covering 1,000 vertical feet in a short distance. I highly recommend using this trail on the descent. If you have limited time in the park and want a challenging day hike on a trail that exposes you to alpine lakes, wildlife, scenery you can't drive to and limited numbers of people this is for you. Take lots of water and some food. The hike starts around 7,000 feet in elevation. Heather Lake is around 9,100 feet in elevation. The trail head can be found at the Wolverton parking area.

We had a family reunion at this beautiful national park and had a great time. We stayed at the Wuksachi Lodge. If you want to enjoy the park, I suggest you reserve early! Don't miss the Sherman Tree, tunnel lag, giant forest and Morro rock climbing. Places to eat in the park are expensive and not good so be creative with food supply.

Travel along the Generals' Highway in Sequoia National Park. Check out the General Sherman Tree(the tallest Sequoia known) and then visit the General Grant Tree(greatest by volume) at the opposite end. Along the way, you'll see some impressive big ones.

Everything about this place is remarkable. Be aware when driving into the parks that there will be a lot of travelers and the roads are very curvy. Although I have never encountered animals I would want to mention that you may either on the trails or on the road so be prepared so you and the wildlife stay say. Enjoy your visit and keep plenty of time set aside for relaxation because it's a lot to take in.

I hiked the Lakes Trail en route to Alta Peak and was rewarded by a great wilderness experience and amazing vistas. Depending upon your final destination it can be a long, challenging trip. Just make sure you are prepared before setting out. Its definitely a voyage worth taking so carpe diem!