Generally: We will camp in the lush Big Meadow U.S. Forest Service campground located between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Activities will include hiking and exploration of the stunning Kings Canyon and Grant Grove area, and hiking in the lovely Jennie Lakes Wilderness located near the campground. We will tour the iconic Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park as we leave the parks on July 18.
NOTE: THERE IS NO POTABLE WATER AT THE CAMPGROUND; EACH CAMPER MUST BRING AT LEAST 12 GALLONS OF WATER.Campground details: We have reserved four (4) campsites at the Big Meadow Campground, which is located in the Big Meadows / Jennie Lakes Wilderness area between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. (The campground is off of Highway 180 (Generals Highway) and is accessed via Forest Road 14S11, south of Grant Grove Village.). The campground is a U.S. Forest Service campground, and has vault toilets (very clean) and no potable water.
EACH CAMPER MUST BRING AT LEAST 12 GALLONS OF WATER. Our campsites can accommodate 6 people and 1 vehicle per site (with 1 more vehicle allowed per site, extra vehicle fee of $8 per night) for a total of 24 people and 8 vehicles in our group. Dogs are allowed and must be on 6-foot leash; note that dogs are not allowed on trails in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.
Travel details: On Tuesday, July 15, at 7:00 AM we will meet at the McDonald's off of Interstate 15 (Silverwood Lake / Highway 138 exit (Exit 131); McDonald's and Chevron directly overlook the freeway from the frontage road at 3230 Wagon Train Road, Phalan, CA 92371). We will gather and caucus; those who wish to caravan up to Sequoia / Kings Canyon with me may do so; others may wish to drive individually and meet at the Big Meadow Campground. We will set up camp in the afternoon, begin exploring the area, eat dinner together, and share a campfire.
Activity details: On Wednesday, July 16, we will breakfast together early and then drive to Kings Canyon. We will hike and explore the canyon and Wild and Scenic River area. In the afternoon, time permitting, we will tour the sobering pre-park clearcut of giant sequoias in the Converse Basin, and tour the protected and iconic grove of sequoias at the peaceful Grant Grove (where the General Grant tree is the second-largest sequoia in the world). We will return to camp to dine together and share a campfire.
On Thursday, July 17, we will breakfast together and then hike in the Jennie Lakes Wilderness (lovely Weaver Lake, 6.8 miles out-and-back, 1200' elev. gain, moderate hike). Dog-friendly trail; dogs must be on 6-foot leash.
On Friday, July 18, we will break camp early, drive south on the Generals Highway, and tour the breathtaking Giant Forest (with the world's largest tree by volume, the General Sherman tree). We will stop at the Visitors Center at Lodgepole and the Giant Forest Museum before we head home.
To bring: 10 essentials, daypack, layered clothing, hiking boots, tent, sleeping bag, camp chair, lantern / headlamp, stove, cooking / eating utensils, and your individual food for July 15, 16, 17, and 18 (with extra to share with the party).
Level: Easy
Signup Instructions: Please sign up online.
Bring: Ten essentials, daypack, boots, hiking poles, tent, sleeping bag, lantern / headlamp, stove, individual food for July 15, 16, 17, and 18 (plus extra to share with the group).
Signup Restrictions: Cutoff date for sign up is July 8.
Additional Directions: We will meet at the McDonald's overlooking Interstate 15 at the Silverwood Lake / Highway 138 exit (Exit 131) at 7:00 AM on July 15. Campers will check in and may caravan north with me or drive individually and meet the group at the Big Meadow Campground.
Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather