UNCLE: SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE

May 16, 2023

UNCLE is our partner guide to the outdoors, here’s their latest California Adventure guide:

PACK LIGHT AND LIGHTEN THE LOAD WITH 2 DAYS IN PURE WILDERNESS IN THE HEART OF SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

Directions: Google Maps destination Lodgepole Visitors Center, Generals Highway, Sequoia. Drive north up the 5 freeway past Bakersfield then north up the 65 through Lindsay. Turn right on the 190 towards Three Rivers and straight into the park.
Time from LA to Trailhead: 5 hours
Total adventure time: 3 days (2 nights camping)
When to go: Late spring and early summer are ideal. Late summer and fall are also decent although sometimes hot and dry. Winter is usually snow-covered, very cold with regular road closures. Always keep an eye on fire warnings and closures via the Sequoia & Kings Canyon Website.

Treats along the way:

  • Three Rivers Cafe does a mean coffee and burrito/sandwich
  • Three Rivers Brewing for post wilderness refreshment
  • River swim spot to wash off the dust and float downstream

KIT LIST

Camping:

  • Hiking backpack
  • Lightweight tent
  • Roll mat
  • Sleeping bag
  • Camping towel

Clothing:

  • Hiking shoes
  • Hiking socks + spare
  • Hiking shorts
  • Lightweight t-shirt for daytime
  • Sun hat
  • Trousers (evening)
  • Fleece (evening)
  • Clean (evening) t-shirt
  • Beanie (evening)

Food & Drink:

  • Water filter
  • Water bottle and/or camel pack (3 ltrs total)
  • Thermal mug for coffee
  • Food:
  • Lunch on the trail: pre-made sandwiches, nuts, cheese, bagels, apples, nut butter, dates, biltong, Larabar
  • Dinner x2 - freeze-dried - meal-in-a-bag
  • Breakfast x2 - freeze-dried meal-in-a-bag
  • Instant coffee

Toiletries (Keep Ya Clean & Protected):

Entertainment:

  • A good book

WILDERNESS INFO

Permits:

During summer permits are essential. Book your permits at recreation.gov. Collect pre-booked permit on the day of departure from the Wilderness Office located at Giant Forest Museum right off Generals Hwy (on your way through the park). During winter and early spring, permits are not needed.

Pooping:

Dig a 6-inch deep (minimum) hole at least 100 yards from any water or train. Squat. Poop. Place paper in smell proof bag and carry out.

Fires:

Check restrictions when you pick up your permit. Typically fires are not permitted throughout Summer and Fall.

Litter:

Take a bin bag and pack everything out. Never burn litter in case it contains plastic

RECOMMENDED Entertainment

  • Album: War on Drugs
  • Book: The Last Great Mountain
  • Audio: Breath, James Nestor
  • Camera: Fijifilm