Sequoia Sojourn
Details
Rating:
4+ miles and 1300 feet of climbing on an old mountainside trail. Altitude is around 6400 feet.
This hike is in conjunction with Red Rock Hiking.
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This time we're traveling up the east side of Pine Valley Mountain to Browse, a National Forest research cabin built many decades ago for the purpose of observing wildlife.
What makes the place really unique is that a lone sequoia tree is growing next to the cabin, and it's over 100 feet tall. Further, there's a wonderful noisy creek running right past it.
And if that's not good enough, there is also an old horse trail that runs past that spot as well. This trail used to stretch all the way from New Harmony to Blake Ranch on Highway 18, hitting every mountain spring along the way.
We're not going THAT far, but we are going to attempt the trip north to Syler Spring, which is 1200 feet higher than the cabin and 2 miles away. And if we're still able, maybe we'll explore the trail south just to find out its current condition.
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In short it's a great car ride waaay up the side of a huge mountain, a visit with a BIG tree, and some ruff and ready trail hiking as well, and all in a place that's a lot cooler than Dixie. What's not to love!
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Be aware that we have not actually hiked on this trail before, at least not on this section of it. So this outing is an exploratory, other than the visit to the mighty tree.
About the trail, it's likely to be rocky and bushy, so if it's really bad we may shorten the hiking a little.
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Drive: We meet near the cattle guard at the beginning of the road up to Browse. On I-15, go to exit 30. Coming from the north, the end of the offramp is the meet point. Coming from the south, you need to travel along side, the highway a little bit and then turn left over the overpass to the west side of I-15.
The Browse road is about 7 miles long. The first half is fairly good but the second half requires four-wheel-drive. If you haven't got one, mention that you need a ride in the comments for this event, we can hold three extra people ourselves. :) no
Prep:
2-3 bottles of water and some food.
It may be a little cool at the beginning of the hike. We expected to get a little warm due to the high sun exposure. Bring light clothing, lots of extra water for the car. Footwear suitable for a rough trail and possibly long pants and sleeves to ward off bushes. Leather gloves, and a big hat or a very good idea.
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See you there! M+J :)
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Notice:
Meetup organizers are not touring guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event. All attendees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.