Black & White tree on in the Giant Forest.
In July 2021, Alex and I set off on an incredible West Coast road trip. We flew into Las Vegas and rented a car to travel around Nevada, California, and Utah for about two weeks. Our first stop was a few days at Sequoia NP. We camped just outside the park in the town of Three Rivers. We spent our time day hiking and had a brush of excitement after our rental car nearly ran out of gas on the first day driving within the park. Here are some of the hikes we did:
Tokopah Falls via the Tokopah Valley Trail (4.5 miles)
Giant Forest Loop Trail (8.1)
Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake (11.7 miles)
The Lakes Trail was my favorite and my first true taste of hiking in the Sierra. I really psyched myself up for this trail because the online reviews said there was some exposure as the trail passed along a cliff. I was very intimidated at the time, but it’s funny to think back and remember after all the hiking I’ve done since then. I also remember being completely winded hiking from lake to lake and realizing it was probably because we were so high up. Typical flatlander.
Another notable first of this trip was hearing coyotes howling at twilight. I thought it was a group of wild ladies having a bachelorette party, but Alex laughed in my face when I said, “Oh, wow. It sounds like someone out there is having a great time!”
Alex and wildflowers on the Tokopah Valley Trail.
“Cliff Exposure”
Hammock at Brewster’s place.
View of Aster Lake.
Trying to rock a bucket hat.