“Bathed in such beauty, watching the expressions ever varying on the faces of the mountains, watching the stars, which here have a glory that the lowlander never dreams of, watching the circling seasons, listening to the songs of the waters and winds and birds, … [Read more...] about Exploring the Canyon of the Kings
Hiking the Parks
Backpacking with Kids: Yes, it’s possible
And what views there were… our front door opened toward the lake. To the east was the outlet stream filled with marsh-loving wildflowers, including shooting stars and a few showy leopard lilies. To the west was the rocky knoll that hides a couple more of the … [Read more...] about Backpacking with Kids: Yes, it’s possible
Mineral King’s Nature Trail
The trail meanders along the south side of the East Fork of the Kaweah River through green high country meadows brimming with wildflowers, willows, and aspens. The Nature Trail is a mile, mile-and-a-half, easy trail that takes hikers of all levels from … [Read more...] about Mineral King’s Nature Trail
A 19th century summit of Sawtooth Peak
This article was written by Phil Winser of the Kaweah Colony about a trip to Mineral King in August 1891. After supper, on the evening of August 15, Comrades Westervelt, Clark, Winser, Al Redstone, Albie Martin, Ralph Hopping, and Willie Purdy, … [Read more...] about A 19th century summit of Sawtooth Peak
Kings Canyon National Park: Hiking and touring
What to see in Kings Canyon whether walking or driving... HIKING Grant Tree parking lot to North Grove Loop This is a 1.5-mile trail that escapes the busy-ness of the General Grant Tree area. It offers a close look at the giant sequoias as well as a … [Read more...] about Kings Canyon National Park: Hiking and touring
Sequoia National Park: Hiking and touring
What to see in Sequoia whether walking or driving… HIKING Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are 95 percent wilderness, meaning there are more trees and trails than roads and buildings. In total, there are more than 800 miles of trails within the … [Read more...] about Sequoia National Park: Hiking and touring
10 reasons to explore the Mineral King Road
The Mineral King Road is 141 years old as of 2020. When it first opened on August 21, 1879, it was a toll road; a horse and buggy had to pay $1.50 for the privilege of traveling the steep, rugged, narrow road. Fast forward to 2020 and a carload of visitors … [Read more...] about 10 reasons to explore the Mineral King Road