The towering giants that give Sequoia Nationwide Park its identify are mesmerizing.
Astonishing.
Unbelievable.
Standing subsequent to a sequoia fills you with marvel, making you understand that there are certainly issues in life a lot greater than you.
However not many individuals understand that Sequoia Nationwide Park is greater than its sequoias. It is usually a gateway to the western portion of the Sierra Nevadas, a mountain vary in California and Nevada. By the way in which, in the event you haven’t accomplished it, mountaineering within the Sierra Nevada mountains is really an inspiring expertise.
Due to this, Sequoia Nationwide Park has a whole bunch of exceptional mountaineering trails. But many guests choose to see the sequoias after which spend the remainder of their time within the close by Yosemite Nationwide Park mountaineering Sentinel Dome to Glacier Level, the Nevada Falls Loop, and Columbia Rock (the proper Yosemite 3 day itinerary!) or climbing Mt Whitney — and even heading to Northern California to hike the James Irvine Path to Fern Canyon.
My various advice:
Put in your mountaineering boots and choose to see one other facet to Sequoia Nationwide Park that few see, significantly by embarking on the Lakes Path, one of many finest hikes in Sequoia Nationwide Park and the most effective mountaineering trails on the planet!
You’ll quickly see why this needs to be in your California street journey itinerary or a cease in your subsequent solo street journey!
About Sequoia Nationwide Park
When speaking about sights in Sequoia Nationwide Park, the sequoia timber are actually the explanation folks go to.
Sequoia timber are the world’s largest residing organism and may reside for over 3,000 years. These exceptional timber are solely present in a small portion of the Sierra Nevadas in California.
That space of Sequoia grew to become a U.S. nationwide park in 1890. Its close by neighbor, Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, joined in 1940.
These two parks are linked by Freeway 198, higher generally known as the Generals Freeway.
It’s on the Generals Freeway — a street stuffed with infinite curves and bends providing journey at each flip — that you simply get to know Sequoia Nationwide Park. That being stated, in the event you keep on the Generals Freeway, you might be lacking half of what makes Sequoia so particular.
Why?
As a result of mountaineering in Sequoia Nationwide Park helps you to see the assorted landscapes discovered within the park.
And nowhere is that extra evident than when mountaineering the Lakes Path, the place you’ll be able to expertise one of many nation’s gorgeous lively journey adventures. Even in the event you solely have in the future in Sequoia Nationwide Park, this hike needs to be in your itinerary.
An attractive sequoia tree
Getting To The Lakes Path
To get to the beginning of the Lakes Path, flip off the Generals Freeway at Wolverton Street. It’s the identical street marked for the Basic Sherman Tree/Congress Path.
Nonetheless, proceed on the Wolverton Street passing the flip to the Basic Sherman Tree. And keep on it till the very finish — a few five-minute drive. The street terminates at a big car parking zone.
To be near the trailhead, you’ll want to park on the left facet. Restrooms can be found within the parking space. Bear bins are additionally obtainable and needs to be used for any meals you could have in your automobile.
The trailhead is situated in the course of the left facet of the car parking zone.
The start of The Lakes Path
What To Know Earlier than Climbing The Lakes Path
An journey awaits any hiker who tackles the Lakes Path, really the most effective hikes in Sequoia Nationwide Park and a must-do when touring California.
That being stated, there are a few issues that want consideration earlier than beginning out, particularly when it comes to heights and altitude.
Personally, I had experiences with each whereas making an attempt to hike the Lakes Path. That is the one path that has taken me three makes an attempt to finish.
As you’ll be able to inform, I’m barely cussed and decided.
First off, let’s discuss heights in terms of mountaineering the Lakes Path in Sequoia Nationwide Park.
For individuals who could have a concern of heights, there’s one portion of the path that follows an uncovered cliff face, proper alongside the large rock function generally known as the Watchtower.
This is likely one of the most epic Sequoia Nationwide Park sights, with a chicken’s eye vista of the Tokopah Valley stretching out in entrance of you.
The epic first view from close to the Watchtower
An uncovered ledge alongside the Watchtower Path
Nonetheless, there is a crucial warning right here:
The path has no guard rail nor a protecting wall. It’s a straight 1,000-foot drop to the valley flooring. The primary time I tried the path, I needed to flip again as I discovered myself badly shaking from my concern of heights.
Are you afraid of heights, too?
You may nonetheless hike the total Lakes Path with out happening the uncovered cliff face portion. There’s a connector path that bypasses that half known as the Hump Path. Somewhat than go alongside the Watchtower, the Hump Path goes behind it.
However take care! Although the path is thru a forest, this can be very steep — gaining an additional 200 ft in elevation — and you’ll burn plenty of power mountaineering it.
It was on my second try that I hiked the Hump Path. The exertion from mountaineering the steep path rapidly introduced on signs for altitude illness. So, I circled after reaching the primary lake.
It’s essential to notice that the Watchtower portion of the path could also be closed because of ice or snow throughout components of the 12 months. In that case, all hikers should take the Hump Path. It’s finest to test at a customer heart for path situations earlier than setting out.
The Hump Path in Sequoia Nationwide Park
The second consideration when mountaineering The Lakes Path in Sequoia Nationwide Park is altitude.
The Lakes Path begins at an elevation of seven,294 ft and reaches 9,555 ft on the finish for a complete elevation acquire of two,792 ft.
If in case you have by no means been at such elevation, it’s finest to take a day exploring the smaller trails of Sequoia Nationwide Park to acclimate.
Altitude illness is a critical situation that needs to be not be ignored if signs seem whereas on the path. Signs embody dizziness, pounding headache, and nausea. If you happen to begin to expertise any of those situations, don’t proceed. Head again down instantly.
Hydrating correctly the evening earlier than and staying hydrated on the path helps with altitude illness, so be sure to have loads of water with you earlier than beginning out.
Observe that there isn’t a consuming water on The Lakes Path, so that you’ll have to carry your personal.
The Lakes Path Overview
Complete Distance: 12.2 miles
Path Stage: Troublesome
Greatest Time To Hike The Lakes Path: June to October
Period: 6 to 10 hours
Climbing the Lakes Path is a strenuous day hike that takes you to a few mountain lakes in Sequoia Nationwide Park:
- Heather Lake
- Emerald Lake
- and Pear Lake
Now, in terms of issues to see in Sequoia Nationwide Park, a serious spotlight of the Lakes Path contains the epic views of the Tokopah Valley and granite peaks of the Sierra Nevadas alongside the way in which.
On the path, it’s possible you’ll encounter black bears, coyotes, deer, and marmots.
A coyote on The Lakes Path
Climbing The Lakes Path In Sequoia Nationwide Park
The Lakes Path begins simply sufficient, providing you with an opportunity to heat up earlier than it actually will get going. A brief connector path from the car parking zone takes you to a junction. Making a proper, you proceed on the Lakes Path.
Throughout you is a forest — sorry, no sequoias on this path.
The sound of branches falling and squirrels scampering fill the air. And on this preliminary portion of the path, try to be looking out for black bears.
The path slowly begins its ascent as you make your manner deeper within the forest. At round two miles, you come across one other junction, this one with the path to Alta Peak. To remain on the Lakes Path, make a left.
And now the Lakes Path actually begins to climb.
You may’t assist however discover the incline now as you make your manner by means of the forest in direction of the Watchtower. Alongside the way in which, there are giant boulders and fallen timber that make for excellent makeshift picnic websites.
Quickly, you’ll come across the junction with the Hump Path. If situations are excellent and heights don’t have any impact on you, proceed straight. Strolling on, the path snakes its manner uphill. The timber slowly start to skinny out as you emerge out onto the Watchtower portion.
And that is when mountaineering the Lakes Path will get good, as you emerge onto a lookout with an epic panoramic vista throughout the Tokopah Valley.
Right here, you must cease for a second and actually respect being in the most effective locations in Sequoia Nationwide Park!
View of Watchtower from the Tokopah Valley flooring
Welcome to the Sierra Nevadas! Now it’s really clear why that is really the most effective trails in Sequoia Nationwide Park.
This mountainous panorama of granite peaks is your playground for the remainder of the Lakes Path.
And in the event you’re hungry, this overlook is the proper spot for a picnic — and a spot to present your self a much-deserved relaxation.
If you’re able to proceed, it’s time for some jaw-dropping views as you make your manner across the Watchtower. This uncovered part lasts for a half-mile.
Observe that the path does get fairly rocky in locations so just be sure you watch your step!
The views of the valley change and open up the additional you stroll alongside.
Feeling courageous?
Then take a look on the valley under. It’s a dizzying sight!
A dizzying view on the Watchtower Path
Heather Lake In Sequoia Nationwide Park
Fortunately the path grade ranges off right here so you’ll be able to simply breathe within the views. Quickly, you end up with strong floor on each side of you. And also you additionally come across the opposite facet of the Hump Path.
Now, very quickly, you arrive on the first of the three Sequoia Nationwide Park lakes, Heather Lake, sitting at 9,280 ft.
Heather Lake sitting superbly alongside the Lakes Path
This picturesque lake is surrounded by timber and willows and is cradled by a granite slope.
As many hikers plan solely to go so far as Heather Lake, it’s the most crowded of all of the lakes.
Although there isn’t a tenting permitted at this lake, one of the vital pleasurable issues to do in Sequoia Nationwide Park is taking a dip within the water of this lake to chill down.
Path between Heather and Emerald Lakes
Persevering with alongside the Lakes Path, there are some superb views, together with that of Aster Lake, as you make your manner in direction of Emerald Lake.
Now you begin to really feel such as you’re doing a back-country path as fewer hikers proceed to the top of the Lakes Path.
And the panorama — an infinite sea of granite — offers you a sense of being faraway from civilization. For me, the remoteness is a really welcome feeling, as connecting with nature can really show you how to uncover your self.
The primary view of Aster Lake on the way in which to Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake In Sequoia Nationwide Park
The Lakes Path then begins a slight descent by means of rocky terrain with Alta Peak towering within the distance. Because the path flattens out, you go a spur path to the shore of Aster Lake.
And, earlier than reaching Emerald Lake, the second lake, there’s a fantastic sight:
A pit bathroom!
Bathrooms are uncommon on the path, so positively take the chance to make use of the restroom right here.
To get to Emerald Lake, you could take a brief facet path to its shore. Really, this lovely lake lies hidden till you attain its shores.
Emerald Lake, sitting at 9,230 ft, is gorgeous. Truthfully, it’s probably one of the vital lovely lakes in Sequoia Nationwide Park — and even your complete United States.
Emerald Lake alongside The Lakes Path
Possibly it’s since you by no means get a glimpse of it earlier than you arrive at its shores, however there’s something really particular about Emerald Lake.
A sense of serenity floods you.
Visually, it’s essentially the most interesting lake on the path with timber and willows completely lining the shore.
Pear Lake In Sequoia Nationwide Park
When you’ll be able to tear your self away from Emerald Lake, it’s only one extra mile till the top of the path at Pear Lake.
Alas, that final mile is all uphill; however, fortunately, it’s a light grade.
As you start your ascent, there are phenomenal vistas over Aster Lake with views of the Watchtower within the distance.
View of Aster Lake heading in direction of Pear Lake
The path curves its manner additional uphill taking you deeper into the granite surroundings. Mountain peaks encompass you as you hike alongside the rocky terrain. Very like Emerald Lake, you don’t see Pear Lake — which sits at 9,550 ft — till you’re close to the shore.
Concurrently, you might be stuffed with pleasure at reaching the top and by seeing the lake with Alta Peak towering over it.
Vegetation shouldn’t be as lush at Pear Lake as the opposite lakes, offering you loads of granite slabs to format on, relaxation, and soak within the views.
After mountaineering for simply over six miles, you doubtless received’t be in a rush to go away Pear Lake.
Pear Lake alongside The Lakes Path
When you find yourself prepared, return the way in which you got here again to the car parking zone on the finish of Wolverton Street.
The Lakes Path could be accomplished as a full day hike.
Alternatively, you can also make it into an in a single day keep. Campsites can be found at Emerald and Pear Lakes (permits required). Pit bogs are situated at each lakes, too.
What To Carry When Climbing The Lakes Path
Professional tip: You may also hire gear from REI and different manufacturers for a extra sustainable journey.
You’ll want:
A Climbing Backpack – Fortunately there are numerous nice reasonably priced choices. Here’s a checklist that includes among the finest reasonably priced mountaineering backpacks below $100!
Climbing Boots – In the case of what to put on once you go mountaineering, footwear is extraordinarily essential. As a result of size and rocky terrain, you want correct mountaineering boots for mountaineering the Lakes Path, defending your ft and ankles as finest you’ll be able to from damage. Climbing boots will will let you keep snug whereas having fun with all the Sequoia Nationwide Park must-see views and experiences alongside the path.
Water – Staying hydrated on the path is critical to be sure to can end it, so have loads of water with you. This massive BPA-free Nalgene is a brilliant choice. Take into accout, in keeping with REI you must carry 0.5-to-1 liter of water per hour, relying on the climate and the way strenuous the hike is.
Meals – Be sure to have extra meals than you will have with you on the path, from packed meals to snacks. You may be out on the path all day, and you will have to replenish your physique’s power alongside the way in which. These meal bars provide a fantastic choice.
Solar Safety – After reaching the Watchtower portion of the path, the remainder of the hike is uncovered. And on the excessive elevation, the solar’s rays are a lot stronger. It’s finest to have a hat in addition to sunscreen with you. Make certain to use sunscreen usually.
Views between Heather and Emerald Lakes
Insect Repellent – Relying on the time of 12 months, there could also be mosquitoes within the forested space of the Lakes Path in addition to at Heather Lake. So, it’s finest to be ready and have insect repellent with you.
Climbing Poles (non-obligatory) – One other strategy to defend your knees alongside the rocky terrain of the Lakes Path is to make use of mountaineering poles, like these. It helps to alleviate the stress of the hike in your physique.
Bear Spray (non-obligatory) – If you’re feeling unsure about encountering a black bear on the path, you’ll be able to carry a can of bear spray with you. However you’d solely want to make use of it if a bear begins to cost you, which is unlikely.
First Support Equipment – You might be by yourself when mountaineering the Lakes Path. I’ve solely been capable of obtain a sign on the path close to the Watchtower. The remainder of the time, don’t anticipate a sign. However there’s entry to a ranger station close to Pear Lake. Here’s a good transportable choice.
A black bear alongside The Lakes Path in Sequoia Nationwide Park
Security When Climbing The Lakes Path In Sequoia Nationwide Park
Sequoia Nationwide Park is house to black bears. Although they’re known as black, they will also be brown or cinnamon in colour. Typically, they’ve little interest in people, however you must know your bear security suggestions earlier than hitting the path:
- All the time hold not less than 100 yards away from bears.
- Whereas mountaineering, shout out each jiffy so close by bears are conscious of your presence. You by no means know the way a startled bear will react. Twice, whereas mountaineering this path, I’ve encountered a black bear. The primary time was inside the first minute of beginning out. So, all the time remember.
- Ought to a bear come close to you, do NOT run. Slowly again away to a secure distance.
Lastly, don’t enable bears entry to any of your meals, each on the path or in your automobile.
Bear bins can be found on the Lakes Path trailhead, so place all meals out of your automobile into the bear bins.
Bears have an incredible sense of scent, and so they can simply break into automobiles seeking meals — which insurance coverage is not going to cowl!
Past security, additionally do not forget that you’re on Indigenous land.
The Mono (Monache), Yokut, Tübatulabal, Paiute, and Western Shoshone had been the unique inhabitants of the land that Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Parks reside on. These Indigenous peoples had been displaced and/or compelled to relocate.
Together with educating your self on the historical past and tradition of those tribes, contemplate making a donation to causes and charities that immediately assist them. Furthermore, the place potential rent Indigenous guides and buy from Indigenous-owned companies.
The Lakes Path: One Of The Greatest Hikes In Sequoia Nationwide Park
Although there are numerous mountaineering trails in Sequoia Nationwide Park, the Lakes Path is in a category of its personal.
If you happen to love journey and escaping into nature, no go to will probably be full with out mountaineering The Lakes Path, really an expertise that needs to be in your Sequoia Nationwide Park issues to do checklist and your USA bucket checklist!