Spent a few days up in Sequoia N.P. with the family. Has been on my hitlist for a few years now, so I am glad I finally got up there. Stayed at a little vacation home in 3 rivers about 4 miles from the park entrance.
Day 1.
It's hot out there. Didn't really know what to expect as we began our drive up the winding road to the sequoia groves. Temps at the top were a decent 80 degrees. This was also a huge test for my 2 year old son who gets notoriously car sick, especially on twisty roads. Added a static strap to the car, got him some "sea bands" wristbands that supposedly help with motion sickness, and a homeopathic tablet that many swear by. In the end, I kept him on low doses of Dramamine. Entire trip was puke free. (exciting news for me, because now we can explore some of the local goods). First stop was Moro rock. Found parking right at the lot, crowds were not too bad. Definitely the views of Yosemite without the crowds. Moro rock, was a bit too crowded though when considering the current Covid situation. Not much room to move around out of the way for oncoming traffic. Stuck to less dense areas after this. Kudos to my 70+ mother in law for making it up all the steps to the top.
From there, we drove through the tunnel tree, and picnicked at Crescent meadows. Let my son out of the backpack here to run around and burn some energy.
It was now his nap time, so the plan was to scoot across to Kings Canyon, and get in some of the scenic byway while he napped, then stop at a few places after he woke. We ended up waiting for road construction on General's Highway for 1 hour 20 minutes between the parks. This put a major damper on the plans. So we instead checked out "General Grant".
The original plan was to go back to Sequoia side and stop at Sherman, before leaving the park for the day. Rather than sit in Traffic, we headed down HWY 180, then down the 245 to tour the back country on our way back to the cottage.
Day 2.
Really wanted to see General Sherman. But rather than head back to the crowds (even though small crowds) we headed up the Mineral King Hwy. For those of you who have never been, this is a SERIOUS road. Very steep. Very twisty. Very narrow. Very large cliffs on the edge. We crept up this hwy to the small section of Sequoia Park at the top. (stopping at a cool granite cascade halfway up)
We travelled to the Atwell Hockett trail, and descended 500 ft, the mile and a half to the bridge and waterfall across the East fork of the Kaweah. Hung out on the bridge and relaxed. Then headed back up.
AMAZING views up there.
Back to the car, guzzled some liquids. Then back down the twisty death road, and onward back to L.A....