{"product_id":"guide-backpacking-sequoia-national-park","title":"Guide Backpacking Sequoia \u0026 Kings Canyon","description":"\u003cp\u003eSequoia and Kings Canyon hold two very different kinds of wilderness in one park, and this guide is built around both of them. On one side, the biggest living things on earth - giant sequoias so wide and so tall that standing beneath them rearranges your sense of scale. On the other, some of the finest high granite country in the Sierra Nevada - glacial lakes tucked under colourful peaks, foxtail pines twisted by centuries of wind, and passes that open onto whole ranges at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eMost people see these parks from the road, on a paved half-mile stroll to a famous tree. This guide is about the other side of them: two multi-day backpacking loops that carry you deep into the backcountry, away from the crowds, and link together the very best of what Sequoia and Kings Canyon have to offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eRather than a single point-to-point traverse, the guide covers two complete loops, one in each park, so you can pick the one that fits your time and experience - or, ideally, do both on one trip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoute 1 - the Rae Lakes Loop (Kings Canyon).\u003c\/strong\u003e 39.7mi \/ 63.9km, and the more accessible of the two. A classic, beautifully graded loop on maintained trail that strings together roaring waterfalls, deep river canyons, the famous Rae Lakes basin beneath the Painted Lady, and a single high pass at Glen Pass (11,978ft \/ 3,650m). It is one of the best multi-day loops in California and a perfect introduction to the High Sierra. Best done in 3 to 5 nights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"_chunkWrapper_6ta1u_30\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"2\"\u003eRoute 2 - the High Sierra Trail loop (Sequoia).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"2\"\u003e 54.4mi \/ 87.5km, and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"77\"\u003ebigger, wilder \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"92\"\u003eundertaking. My own loop \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"117\"\u003evariant keeps you on the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"142\"\u003emost spectacular stretch \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"167\"\u003eof the legendary High \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"189\"\u003eSierra Trail - a route blasted into \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"225\"\u003esheer granite in the 1930s, complete \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"262\"\u003ewith a tunnel through the cliff - then \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"301\"\u003ebreaks away onto quiet, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"325\"\u003eremote trails where you'll \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"352\"\u003elikely have the place to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"377\"\u003eyourself. Expect a night camped beneath \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"417\"\u003egiant sequoias in a remote backcountry \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"456\"\u003egrove, a demanding high pass with views \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"496\"\u003eacross whole ranges, foxtail-pine \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"530\"\u003ebasins along the Great Western Divide, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"569\"\u003eone of the most \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"585\"\u003ephotographed alpine lakes in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"618\"\u003eSierra, and a granite cathedral \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"650\"\u003eof a lake beneath a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"670\"\u003elegendary big-wall face. More \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"700\"\u003eclimbing, more solitude, more \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"730\"\u003evariety - from sequoia groves to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"763\"\u003ealpine passes. Best done in 3 to 6 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"_animating_6ta1u_10\" data-newtext-seq=\"798\"\u003enights.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eI've hiked this ground, and spent a long time planning, refining, and verifying every detail - distances and elevation pulled from GPS tracks, logistics checked against the latest park regulations. This is a practical field guide, not a generic overview: it's shaped around the decisions that actually matter out there - which direction to hike, where to camp, where the water is (and isn't), how to time the passes and river crossings, and how to link the finest parts of these parks into two coherent trips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's inside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTwo complete backpacking loops through Sequoia \u0026amp; Kings Canyon National Parks, one in each park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDetailed, stage-by-stage route descriptions with continuous mileage, elevation gain and loss, and difficulty ratings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCampsite notes throughout - my own sites plus the best alternatives, with bear-box and permit-limit details\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWater guidance for every stage, including reliable sources and the long dry stretches to plan around\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClear notes on route options, side trips, and how to shorten either loop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA custom Google Maps with over 200 waypoints - campsites, water sources, junctions, viewpoints, passes, trailheads, and the full route\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDownloadable GPX files for both loops and detours (plus a KML file)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eFull permit information - quota season, the reservation system, off-season self-registration, and how availability shapes your trip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTransportation and logistics - airports, driving, gas, the in-park shuttle, parking, frontcountry campgrounds, and lodges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSafety and hazards - altitude, snow and high water, wildlife and bear-canister rules, navigation, and communication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSEKI-specific regulations - permits, camping limits, campfires, and Leave No Trace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSeasonal guidance on when to go, and why I love the shoulder season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA \"things to see \u0026amp; do\" chapter for the roadside highlights - General Sherman, Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow, General Grant, and more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eShort field notes woven through the route on the trees, peaks, and history you're walking past - foxtail and ponderosa pines, the Painted Lady, Triple Divide Peak, the building of the High Sierra Trail, and more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHonest advice on choosing between the two loops, and on doing both back to back\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eGuidance for first-time Sierra backpackers and seasoned hikers alike\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA layout designed to read easily on a phone, for planning at home or checking on the trail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThe whole guide is built to be read on any phone without constant zooming - text, maps, and layout optimised for small screens, at home or in the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThis isn't a beginner stroll and it isn't an extreme expedition. It's two of the most rewarding backpacking loops in the Sierra, made straightforward to plan and navigate - the giant trees, the granite, the alpine lakes, and the high passes, linked into trips you'll remember for a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eIf you want to experience Sequoia and Kings Canyon the way they're meant to be experienced - on foot, deep in the backcountry - this is the guide I'd hand you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eWatch this route here: https:\/\/youtu.be\/5KRuKhUUNqM\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harmen Hoek Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48878988525785,"sku":"500","price":18.15,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0744\/0469\/2185\/files\/P1038328_cropped50.jpg?v=1782947004","url":"https:\/\/store.harmenhoek.com\/products\/guide-backpacking-sequoia-national-park","provider":"Harmen Hoek Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}