Logbook: A Snow Day in The Sequoias
Frolicking amongst giants, and lessons from the forest.
We’re back in the beautiful state of California for this one! Cruising along in the Honda Element, Kirk and I are working our way from L.A. back home to the PNW through a few of our favorite beach towns, and visiting some pals along the way. And this time we’re visiting some of California’s most iconic national parks— all new ones to me!
We figured now— being the tail end of off-season— was a decent time to squeeze in some day trips before the parks become overwhelmed due to lack of workers and impending crowds.
Jade’s Travels convinced us to pay a visit to Sequoia National Park on our way up to Yosemite, and as always, her recommendation did not disappoint. We had one day to explore this incredible forest, and made the most of it!
Here’s a snapshot of our beautiful sunny-snow day amongst nature’s most gracious giants.
Getting There
We took the southern entrance, Ash Mountain, into the park. A sunrise drive up the 198 out of Visalia seamlessly transported us from farmland, to green-hilled orange groves, to lush, rocky, and winding hills along the Kaweah River. It honestly looks like how I imagine the country roads of Spain or Italy. Once in the park, General’s Highway switchbacks up to higher elevations. Around every corner, the trees get increasingly large and the snow more dense. Deer, squirrels, and roadside snowmen lead the way.
We had to leave this same way we came, due to seasonal road closures, including the road connecting Sequoia to King’s Canyon was also closed. But it was just as beautiful the way down as it was the way up.
What We Did
With a single day and limited road access, you’d think there wasn’t much we could accomplish. And we thought so too, at first. But it was a pleasant surprise to easily to fill the day with the sights and snow-day fun.
Starting with a quick jaunt to Beetle Rock, we took sinking steps through a couple feet of snow to get to this cliffside lookout. A beautiful, brisk start to the day. From there, we hit up the Giant Forest Museum. Lallygagged there for a while, chatting with a ranger and learning about this truly one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
Just outside the museum is the Sentinel Tree— the perfect introduction to the sequoias. After taking some photos, we headed down the road to the Giant Forest grove to see the massive General Sherman. It’s thought to be the largest tree in the world by volume, and it’s not hard to imagine that’s so. From there to Congress Trail, we stood beneath the “Tough Twins”. This is a resilient pair of massive trunks beside one another, likely born at the same time. Their burn scars at their base are incredible proof of the sequoias’ resilience to the elements. You can stand inside of them and marvel at the density of the bark.
After a midday visit to the cozy Wuksachi Lodge and a parking lot picnic, we walked through Big Tree Trail. This takes you along the expansive Round Meadow. The gorgeous snow-laden field is lined with giants. We took a beat off the trail to build some snowmen and check out some more trees.
As impressive as the individual highlighted trees are, I think it was pausing to look across this meadow that really got me. To see people from a distance in relation to one of these humongous trunks is mind-boggling.
Weather Watch
We had quite the close eye on the forecast a few days leading up to this weekend. I’m so grateful we went when we did. It turned out to be a clear pocket in the weekend. Part of General’s Highway had been cleared the day before— which allowed us access in the first place. The day itself ended up being dry and sunny (I even got a bit of a burn!). The snow was packed powder— not slushy at all. Apparently the days to follow would experience even more snow and rain, affecting accessibility. Thus is the gamble of springtime adventures!
What I Wore
Since I flew down, I had to be strategic about packing for a month in a duffle bag. That meant I left behind my beloved Teva Ridgeviews, amongst other things. So the Fresno REI came in clutch for some weekend essentials.
I snagged an extra pair of my favorite Darn Tough wool socks (I can’t seem to have enough of these) and these on-sale fleece pants for over my base layers.
I’ll admit I sort of dislike being that guest at an outdoor retailer. The one who just flew in, is hiking the very next day, and wants a brand new boot that’s never been broken in. But, I wouldn’t be able to do these park visits without a waterproof shoe, so you gotta do what you gotta do.
Luckily, I knew just the boot for this situation. You probably know Merrell’s— one of the most comfortable and affordable boots on the market. It’s a cushy shoe with a neutral enough sole that most people find it to be a great starter boot that doesn’t need much breaking in. You get a lot of bang for your buck with a Merrell. They’re known for their durability, tread, and longevity.
Initially, I was going to go for the basic Moab 3 Mid Waterproof boot, as I’ve hiked in a secondhand pair of the lows last summer. But ended up with the Speed Strike 2 Mid Waterproof boot. Ultimately, I was sold on how lightweight the shoe is— which, hiking in the snow, seriously pays off.
I could’ve benefitted from the fleece-lined Speed 2 Thermo boot, as snow often snuck down the tongue of this boot. But I was impressed with the overall quality of the boot I chose, and would recommend!
While we were without spikes and snowshoes, our trekking was limited to what we could accomplish just in our boots— which was more than you’d think! Luckily, the dry day and packed powder was easy to traverse on foot.
Now had we brought skis or snowshoes, we would’ve had better access to Moro Rock trail and getting deeper in the forest. So I’d say if you’re planning a March or early spring trip to sequoia or neighboring parks, look into rentals or bring your own snow-trek gear!
What We Listened To
Our drive through these monstrous beauties wouldn’t have been complete without the perfect tunes. What I love about scenic drives like this is that you can really listen to whatever you please and fully set the tone for a cinematic ride. For us, having just seen absolute legend, Masayoshi Takanaka, in L.A., we were on a funk-fusion kick. It was the perfect energetic vibe for us!
I can’t recommend enough taking time to slow down amongst the attractions, photo ops, and trails. You stand in a living, breathing world much older and wiser than you are. An ancient, intricate society of the earth’s rare and splendid wonders.
The sequoias only exist at a specific elevation under very certain conditions. It’s an absolute wonder they are here, and that we can be here, too, if we so please. They’ve known many versions of this world. They’ve thrived through fires, survived disasters, and the various endeavors of man. I wonder how many more versions of this world— of the fleeting refuge of their national park— they will know.
What’s a favorite National Park that you’ve visited? What parks are on your bucket list?