Canceled: Camping, Hiking, & Tree Hugging @ Sequoia [Start Fri or Sat]

Update:

Sorry everyone.

The campground we planned on staying at will be closed until June, so I won't be going anymore.

Another group member might still want to go, so please feel free to look for alternative lodging / campsite if anyone else wants to go.

I'll try for next year.

This is what they said,

"The Winter of 2022-2023 produced an enormous amount of rain and snow in the Central Sierra. The storms deposited an unprecedented amount of snow and caused significant damage to many roads in the parks. There are numerous sections of the Generals Highway that need to be rebuilt and many park facilities that need to be cleared of snow.
Due to the damage and ongoing snow clearing the Campground will remain closed until June 9, 2023."

Hi.

To avoid confusion, misunderstandings, problems, etc...please read this description carefully. Thank you.

I plan on camping at Sequoia during Memorial Day weekend.

Then maybe after Sequoia, I might go to Kings Canyon for 2.5 days (Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday; May 29 - 31).

Kings Canyon is north of and next door to Sequoia (approximately 1 - 1.5 hour drive).

Okay, let's discuss this trip for visiting Sequoia during Memorial Day weekend.

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This year's snowpack appears significant -- so we need to wait & see how conditions are in May.

In early April, they announced "Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have been experiencing record amounts of snowfall and precipitation, leading to several road closures due to rock/mudslides and flooding covering and undercutting the roads. Significant snowpack has delayed some operations. Crews are working diligently to restore access to some areas of the parks."

So let's keep an eye on their updates:

https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

If road conditions, trails, and campground are all open -- then this trip can happen.

I reserved a campsite for Friday, Saturday, & Sunday nights (check out on Monday, Memorial Day). There might be space to share campsite for a few people. Parking space is limited at campsite, but campground has overflow parking available.

Holiday weekdays can be crowded, congested traffic, delays while driving & waiting for shuttle bus, etc., so if anyone else attends, please be open-minded with reasonable expectations.

To reiterate -- holiday weekends can be chaotic with driving / traffic, crowds at national parks, etc.

For trip, my guess is it'll be a small group.

Maybe 2 - 6 people, but possibly maybe a few more. I don't know yet.

Sequoia is a beautiful place to enjoy the solitude, peace & quiet, and tranquility of being in nature, and it can be relaxing, calming, and stress-relieving to enjoy the great outdoors.

Breathe some fresh, crisp air...and marvel in the towering, sequoia trees.

This trip is flexible, so other attendees can arrive on Friday or Saturday...and leave on Sunday or Monday.

FYI: If arriving on Saturday -- the entrance will likely be crowded with long wait times, so something to take into consideration when planning driving.

I plan on hiking alone and going bear-watching alone, so you and other attendees are welcome to do stuff together or on your own.

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Drive time is around:

5 - 5.5 hours from OC - https://goo.gl/maps/YqVHxb7pZhzjtXoR7

4.5 - 5 hours from LA - https://goo.gl/maps/FPkgghoD6kE2

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If anyone has never gone to Sequoia before, maybe check out websites, youtube videos, social media, etc.

FYI: Some websites combine info for both Sequoia and Kings Canyon -- so try to look for Cedar Grove area or Grant Grove.

And if anyone is confused by seeing / reading "SEKI" - that refers to (abbreviation for) SEquoia and KIngs Canyon = SEKI.

Hiking:

Sequoia has easy walks & moderate hikes to choose from:

https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/dayhikes.htm

https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/gfdayhikesum.htm

https://www.hikespeak.com/sierras/sequoia

http://www.redwoodhikes.com/SequoiaNP/SEKI.html

https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/sequoia-national-park

Photos:

https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32440133

https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/32027511

https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/31002617

https://www.meetup.com/oc_camping/photos/29007351

https://www.meetup.com/socalvolunteers/photos/27065536

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sequoianationalpark

https://www.flickr.com/groups/sequoianationalpark/pool

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Maps:

https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/maps.htm

http://www.sierradayhikes.com/regions/sequoia_map.html

Weather:

https://www.visitsequoia.com/explore/trip-planner/weather

https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/weather.htm

Other resources for info, updates, photos, etc:

https://www.facebook.com/SequoiaKingsNPS

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1615712192020194

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sequoia-National-Park-California/113329265344839

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g143050-i904-Sequoia_and_Kings_Canyon_National_Park_California.html

https://www.reddit.com/r/SEKI

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The campground has potable water, restrooms with flush toilets, sinks with running water, and bear lockers for food storage.

In previous years, showers were closed due to Covid. When I have more time, I'll check how things are for this year.

The free shuttle bus operated last year, but was busy during Memorial Day weekend -- so my guess is it'll be similar this year.

I'll finish this description when I have more time, and explain how to sign up if anyone is serious about attending (and/or sharing a campsite).

Examples of recommended items to bring:

Trash bags, disinfectant spray/wipes, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, etc.

Bug Spray / Insect Repellent / Head or Face Net

Sleeping bag (or bed sheet & blanket)

Pillow

Sleeping pad / mat or air mattress

Tent (or sleep in your vehicle if parking space at campsite is available)

Tarp, stakes, guy lines, and rain fly for tent

Appropriate clothes, socks, & shoes

Toothbrush, toothpaste, & other hygiene items / toiletries

Lip balm / chapstick

Hand sanitizer or baby wipes / wet naps

Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat

Earplugs

Flashlight / Headlamp / Lantern

Portable chair

Cell phone charger cable (car adapter) or portable charger

Water (or water filter)

Water bottles or hydration pack

Food (and cookware)

Music or games

First aid kit & whistle

Towel, soap, shampoo, & flip flops / water sandals (if showering)

Swimwear (if going in the river)

Misc items (e.g. bowl, cooking utensils, cup, eating utensils, foil, napkins, paper towels, plate, trash bags, ziploc bags, etc.)

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html

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