Sequoia National Park, Nr. Three Rivers, Ca

May 14th, 2016

We were going to explore Sequoia National Forest today.  I had found a one mile trail through some giant sequoias called Trail of 100 Giants.  I thought it would ease us in to some walking again and see some big trees.  We headed to the ranger station to get more information.  After finding the ranger station closed we went to a visitor center in nearby Springville.  We found out that the trail is closed as some of the trees are diseased and there is a danger of them falling.  They do not know when it will reopen as they work to ensure safety and inspect the trees.  There are no other large trees in the forest that are easily accessible, you have to hike a distance to see them.

We were told the nearest Sequoias with short trails were in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. I knew about these but because they were over an hour drive away I had planned on visiting them on another trip, however I did want to see some big trees and so we decided to drive there.

It took us just over an hour to get to the south entrance of Sequoia National Park.  After a short time in a line of cars to get in, and after showing my America the Beautiful Pass we got in for free.                We went to the Visitor Centre where we were told of a short 1 mile circular trail, called "The Big Trees Trail".  She told us that the General Sherman tree was a little further away and we decided we didn't have enough time to get to it today, we will have to return.

We started the drive to the trail, it turned out to be further away than we thought but through some amazing scenery with a lot of parking turnouts where you could stop.

                            

                            

There was a mist, low clouds, hanging over the mountains.

Water tumbling over the rocks

The start of the "Big Trees"

The Big Trees Trail is a short circular trail.  We tried to get pictures with other people or myself in, so you can see just how huge these Sequoia's are!!!!  Here is a LINK with some information on Sequoia's if you would like to learn more.

We were told that this was one area where bear sightings were possible and we kept our eyes open but unfortunately didn't see any.

                                                    

The trees are so tall you can't get them all in the picture!!!

The mist hung around this trail.  For some reason it reminded me of the last Harry Potter book and movie and the forest they hid in.  Very eerie!!!

Some trees had fallen.

This tree is 23 ft. wide!!!

We thought this looked like a seal

Look at the base of this tree and the roots.

This Sequoia had grown around this huge rock.

Here's a close up view

                                       

This looks like snow but was the color of the rock with moss growing on it.

Small remnant of snow

At a quick glance looks like a bear!!

National Forest Museum

We got back to the car that we had parked at the Forest Museum.  We had waited until we returned to the car to have a late lunch, as it was a little cold to sit outside.

We discussed whether to try and visit the General Sherman tree, we were so close and yet we really didn't have the time.  We had got a late start as we tried to go to the other park first and then it took an hour to get to the entrance to the park, about 30 minutes wait to get in the park and a further one hour to the trail.  It would take us at least another 2 hours to get home.  Needless to say we will have to come back.  There is so much to see in these parks and one day is just not enough.  We will try and find a campground nearer and stay longer when we return.  We will be driving back along the eastern side of the park on our way back to Santee in August but there are no roads into into it from that side.

It took us about an hour to get to the trail from the visitor centre and a little quicker getting back as we didn't stop as often.

Large bird in flight

Small waterfall

Tunnel Rock

On the way home we stopped at Pumpkin Hollow Bridge at Three Rivers, Tulare.

Look carefully at the right hand center of the picture below and you will see a table and chairs.  We're not sure how you reach these or if people dine out there but it was a little different.  There is a restaurant on the left hand side.

We stopped at Lake Keweah, another COE lake.

Lake Keweah

We stopped at a fruit stand/store and bought some fruit and preserves. The olive trees that were growing there were the first commercial planting in Tulare County back in 1894.  

                                                 

                            

I also spotted these but refrained from buying them.

Pickled Brussel Sprouts

We got back to Success Lake and there was a sheriff out on the lake.

Wow, what a day.  It's days like these that we realize how fortunate we are to be able to travel this great country.

Tomorrow we hit the road again.