Great trail. Would do again for the views. Bears were out and about. Kaweah Gap is a pass that looks like a pass should -- a route through a narrow cut. In the Kaweah and Tule River drainages of Sequoia NP fires are prohibited above 9,000 ft and at Pinto Lake, Summit Lake, Hamilton Lakes, Dillonwood, and the Mineral King Valley. I did this hike in early July 2017, it is by far one of the most beautiful hikes I've been on. It was a particularly wet rainy season, so the river crossings were very dangerous. One of the best backpacking trails on the planet. Pick a granite shelf on the northwest corner of the bigger (eastern) of the two lakes for your tent, and skip the fly on a clear night. Plenty of water sources along the trail, just not at Bear Paw camp. The cliffs are appropriately named Vahallah. Beautiful views but were slightly inhibited by smoke from regional fires (in late August). Crescent Meadow has bathrooms and paved parking. You just might feel like you’ve tiptoed into the living room of the mountain gods. Areas in Hamilton Lakes and Valhalla. 4. Drive up HWY 198 to Giants Forest. Upper Hamilton Lake sits nested in an enormous rocky bowl surrounded by sheer cliffs and several prominent mountain peaks. However the incline to precipice is more challenging. ... Crescent Meadow is a good entry point for the High Sierra Trail through Bearpaw Meadow and Hamilton Lakes to Kaweah Gap. 9:23 am. For 24-hour recorded information. This hike is full of breath taking views the entire way through. You can try go further but there is a lot of snow starting 0.5 mile before precipice lakes. Enjoy the trail! After a very wet year for California in late May the trail was still partially covered in snow on and off starting at about 10 miles in. Fishing licenses are required for anglers age 16 and older. We had a few first-time backpackers with us and it wasn't too bad. Be prepare to make a lot of noise and they’ll quickly be on their way. I have never seen a more beautiful part of the world and will be absolutely be coming back when I can. Day One on the High Sierra Trail we hiked 11.5 miles east-bound, from Crescent Meadow to Bearpaw. I know about Panther Gap but looking for the next one after that. The trail was well maintained and there were frequent opportunities to filter water from running streams. West Winds 25 to 35 Mph over higher Elevations. Didn't need to carry more than 1 liter at a time though, due to having water filter. The wildflowers, butterflies and spectacular views :). Did this as a day hike. I did a loop out of Cresent Meadows, going over Black Rock Pass, Kaweah Gap, and past the Hamilton Lakes area. Prepare for a gorgeous hike with breath taking views. It lacks the views of the tent cabins next door, but it’s a lot cheaper. You will get a taste of the "high sierra" on your way to a beautiful pristine lake. Access member exclusive content + more benefits →, Access member exclusive content + more benefits →, Have the Best Night of Your Life at These 10 National Park Campsites, Forest Road Wilderness: Why You Should Try Bikepacking, Lose the Crowds at these Stellar Second-Bests, Living in the Present on a Hike Up Mauna Loa, Ten Spring Wildflower Hikes to See Gorgeous Blooms, Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails, Hike This, Not That: 15 Epic Alternatives to Crowded Trails. So if you’re planning to do this trail take your time and don’t rush. Don't bring too much water. The rock faces, wildlife and trees made this a hike to remember. 559-565-3730. Most people I met along the way including myself packed in heaps of food. Made an initial effort with a group of boys to make Hamilton Lakes in 2015, got hit with hail storm and rain 9 miles in. A pit toilet is located at Hamilton Lake to keep human wasted concentrated to one area. It was an easy day hike to reach Hamilton lakes where snow was still present in July. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until November. The final ascent is a mellow winding granite staircase and then, voila, you will see a few wilderness campsites and a beautiful high alpine lake. Sequoia National Park charges a fee to enter. We did this hike as a nice, leisurely 4-day out and back. There is so much water due to the big rain season. There are mosquitos in the evening, but not bad during the day. You descend downhill from 1.5 miles and climb up to the lake the last 1.5 miles. We were surrounded 360 degrees by snowcapped mountains. If you have more time, try to make it to Bearpaw camp. Mosquitoes were out in force during the night, especially near Mehrten creek so make sure to bring bug spray. This trail is amazing. Fri 13 Nov Sequoia Kings. One of the most beautiful hikes I've ever done. Did a 2 night backpacking trip this weekend. If you are entering on foot or bike the fee is $20 per person. Simply the most beautiful hike I've ever done. Making lots of noise and making ourselves big, did not move him. I don’t know how tomorrow could possibly be better, but I suspect it might be. A clearly marked trail but the rocks made my decision to wear trail runners questionable. After running up the bottom of the Kern Canyon, it turns east, climbing parallel to Wallace Creek up to the junction with the John Muir Trail, 49 miles (79 km) from the starting point. When you arrive at Crescent Meadow, park and start on the High Sierra Trail. Tree cover is on and off. Offering resort style amenities including outdoor pool, fitness center, movement studio, rejuvenation center, theater, computer nook, board room, pet spa, and indoor social lounge opening to a 3-season patio equipped with outdoor kitchen and fireplace. We stood in the shallows of the lake and had 12" rainbow trout swimming around our feet. Good plan: Buy a sunset beer at the adjacent High Sierra Camp and toast all that money you saved. Thanks! Valhalla is amazing. Oct 31 2015 - We (4 men, ages 20-30) started out at Bearpaw around 10am and made it to Lower Hamilton Lake around 12pm. Day 1 hiked Crescent Meadows to Hamilton lakes, day 2 Hamilton up to precipice lake and then back down to Merton Creek, and day 3 back down to Crescent. There were 2 bears on this trail on the way up so make sure you take the necessary precautions. There is a lot of up-and-down hiking but plenty of places to stop and cool off in a beautiful mountain creek. The first 11 miles are relatively easy as elevation gain is slow. The Area: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI) is a land of giants. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks In the Kern River drainage of Sequoia NP fires are prohibited above 10,000 ft. Use existing fire rings; do not add rocks. Staring up at the face of Valhalla was something special. All Locations > California > Sequoia & Kings Canyo… Hamilton Lakes and Valhalla Rock Climbing. We had to cross an ice bridge as well. ... Hamilton Lakes weather forecast issued today at 8:23 am. Wolverton Trailhead. At this time of year there were a few rivers that were tough to get across but are doable if you are in good physical condition (be okay with getting wet and jumping). Graph Plots Open in Graphs. Fourth is bucks creek - bridge. The trail is longer than what is posted on this app. She says to me, “A glacier used to be right there?” Probably having an ice axe is a good idea. From there, the challenges continue as you will ascend more than 1,000 feet to the Chagoopa Plateau before descending into the Kern River, which is the lowest point on the Trail. But it’s nothing—nothing—compared to the Hamilton Lakes basin. Loved this hike. A parade of summer blooms smears the meadows along this bit of the High Sierra Trail; look for purple and blue lupines, red Applegate’s paintbrushes, and unique crimson Western columbines. The full trail is the 3rd most popularly hiked trail and for good reason. The trail slowly climbs about 1000 feet in 11 miles to Bearpaw Meadow. It descends into Big Arroyo, then climbs up to the Chagoopa Plateau, and drops down again into the Kern River Canyon. I made my way back to Bear Creek for the 2nd night of camping and finished early afternoon back at Crescent Meadows. This last week I took a six day trip with some friends. It was stunning! Also, I did this back and forth in a day hike, about 36 miles. A permit will be needed and can be picked up at Lodgepole. Sure, Precipice Lake is a beauty—Ansel Adams agreed when he made it famous in his iconic photograph. It was amazing. I'm looking to return again next year and I rarely will do a hike more than once. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until November. A must do bucket list Backpacking trip! You don't want to surprise a bear if you are close to them. You just might feel like you’ve tiptoed into the living room of the mountain gods. Key Backcountry Regulations for Sequoia National Parks. It passes over the Great Western Divide at Kaweah Gap, climbing some 3,000 feet (910 m) in 4 miles (6.4 km). If you will be accessing the park through the Jennie Lakes wilderness (Sequoia National Forest), obtain a permit through recreation.gov following the steps above for the JO Pass, Belle Canyon, or Sugarloaf entry points. Paid Subscribers don't see ads! In reality, dense food like oats and nuts goes a long way. A pit toilet is located at Hamilton Lake to keep human wasted concentrated to one area. Visiting: High Sierra Trail, Bearpaw, Hamilton Lakes, Kaweah Gap, Great Western Divide, Big Arroyo, Little Five Lakes, Black Rock Pass, Redwood Meadow Grove, Mehrten Meadow, Panther Gap, and Congress Group of Sequoia in Sequoia National Park Pick a granite shelf on the northwest corner of the bigger (eastern) of the two lakes for your tent, and skip the fly on a clear night. But location counts a lot, too, and icy Precipice, which sits at 10,300 feet inside a bowl of sheer granite, couldn’t be better situated: at the end of … The trip to Hamilton Lakes is part of the High Sierra Trail. DO IT Distance 28.6 miles Trailhead 36.5547, -118.7493; 25 miles northeast of Three Rivers on Crescent Meadow Rd. Enjoy. Luckily, we are all young and agile, so we were able to climb the giant blocks of ice, but it wasn't easy. 47050 Generals Highway As of late May, it was still fully covered with snow to go this far, but no snow if you only reach Hamilton lake. The trail is straightforward and clear the whole way to Hamilton Lakes. Shoes to cross the creeks. Very doable since up to Hamilton lake (and even later - up to where there was snow) the trail is extremely well marked and easy to follow, you can do 3 miles/hour easily. After Hamilton Lake (the larger one), you have Kaweah Gap (10700ft), the long descent into the Kern, then the seemingly longer climb out with Whitney at the end. Join Active Pass to get Backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. If you are returning to Bear Paw meadow, start early so you can enjoy the lake. I would recommend a 2 night stay in the high altitude before starting this hike. Once you arrive at Bearpaw Meadow and High Sierra Camp, the trail continues downhill towards a bridge crossing. We also had deer wander into the camp and acted like they were there to visit with us. 1. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are large parks, managed jointly. Season June to October Permit Required ($10 + $5/person); reservations recommended in high season. You can then follo… Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. Another option is to start this trail in Wolverton (Alta trailhead) and meet up with the HST via the Wolverton Cutoff trail - which takes you through groves of giant sequoias! Jul 7, 2000. Lucky you: Perhaps the world’s most scenic pit toilet is 100 yards northwest, facing 2,500-foot-tall Valhalla, an El Capitan look-alike. Second one is 8 mile creek (there are logs to cross). They dried in less than an hour. Plenty of water along the entire trail. The sun can get strong against the white granite walls, but the reward of some shade under the canopy of the trees is beautiful. 1) Take the High Sierra Trail 10.6 miles east, threading together lodgepole pine forest, alpine meadows, and big views of the Great Western Divide high above the Middle Fork Kaweah River gorge, to Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp. The Kaweah River bridge (30 minute hike from Bear Paw meadow) is a nice stopping point and if memory serves, it is the point where the trail becomes completely uphill until Hamilton Lakes. Length 32.4 miElevation gain 6,847 ftRoute type Out & back A couple of things are very important to do on this trail. A long hike to Hamilton Lakes on the High Sierra Trail. Hiking boots would be my recommendation for the last half of this trail. We went pass Hamilton lake to precipice lake and beyond to the great divide. Camping is available too just below the lake. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. This file addresses only trailheads on the western side of the parks. These are the highlights from a very smoky backpacking trip into Sequoia National Park, part of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. First one is Mehrten creek. Take a right towards Crescent Meadow / Morro Rock. The trip to Hamilton Lakes is part of the High Sierra Trail. Completed this hike in 2.5 days, but could easily be done in 2 full days comfortably. It's difficult to overstate the importance of montane meadows. Fifth is hamilton falls - there is a massive log upstream, get on it and walk to the end and then jump onto the trail. There Hamilton Lakes Basin along the High Sierra Trail is super beautiful! 3) Cross the wooden bridge over Lone Pine Creek and veer east to stay on the High Sierra Trail, which steadily climbs 900 feet in 1.9 miles to the Hamilton Lakes basin. Campfires are prohibited in Hamilton Lakes area … We only stayed 1 night prior but the altitude did get to me. The solitude up there is absolutely spectacular and the views of the Kaweahs on the way are breath taking. High Sierra Trail Day 3 (Part 1) – Hamilton Lake to Kaweah Gap Sequoia National Park, California “Well, okay. It’s some amazing memories. High Sierra Trail to Hamilton Lakes is a 32.4 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Sequoia National Park, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Never been on anything like it. Third is 9 mile creek - use the log available and perhaps a stick / hiking poles. This is Yosemite on steroids, a glacial cirque cut deep in the Great Western Divide. We made camp and returned back. Once past Bearpaw Meadow the views rival (and even surpass in my opinion) those of Yosemite. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. We had a late start at about 6 pm and we made it to 9-mile camp just as it was getting dark We woke up, and the views were amazing. Just know this, you aren't close to Hamilton Lakes until you encounter tide pool like areas from the outflow of the lower lake. 3. Don't bring too much food. Highlight. There is no snow up to Hamilton lakes. Trip Report - Hamilton Lake, Sequoia NP Discussion in 'Wilderness & Survival Skills' started by lambertiana, Aug 3, 2008. 1-Day 3-Day 5-Day. I would not have done this trail any earlier in the season than I did because the conditions were barely passable. You will get a taste of the "high sierra" on your way to a beautiful pristine lake. Each tick of the clock improves our already-awesome situation, as sunset turns the rock coral, then starlight begins to fleck the sky and, before I know it, I’ve got a front-row seat to the best dinner show in the Sierra. Plus it is ice cold! Mostly sunny. I made a 3 day trip from Sequoia and Crecent Meadows up to Hamilton lakes and Elizabeth pass and back. I greatly enjoyed it. According to the Yosemite Decimal System, the HST is a Class 1/Class 2 trail, which means simple scrambling, with the possibility of occasional use of the hands for balance. Nature calling? The creek crossings are pretty dangerous and super cold - there are 5 main crossings on this trail. I busted my knee on this portion of the trail, so if you are prone to knee pain, brace up, bring trekking poles and have fun. The views on this trail are phenomenal. We camped at Hamilton Lakes one night , and I witnessed perhaps the most mosquitos I've ever seen in my life. Here is the trip report: https://backpackersreview.wordpress.com/trip-reports/sequoia-mineral-king/, June 25th - June 27th 2017 Once you pass Bear paw meadow the views really open up. Wow, spectacular hike! Trail is pretty easy to follow. Also, if you leave early the creeks are significantly calmer. 559-565-3341 Next forecast at approx. 2) Next day, stay on the trail 1.6 miles. There are two options to cross this creek a) go straight across (very exposed) b) go upstream 50 feet and cross a log. Day 2 I hiked Elizabeth pass was still covered in snow and I'm glad I have crampons to get up there. Great camp with bear bins. You will then be on a south facing slopes for the next 10 miles. Once he ran, so did we down the trail. The first half or less is essentially down hill, the second half or more is all uphill on blasted granite and hardpack. High Sierra Trail to Hamilton Lakes is a 52.1 kilometer lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Sequoia National Park, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. 2. The High Sierra Trail has switchbacks above Hamilton Lake. I would definitely do this trip again. Right off the ledge. 4) Retrace your steps 14.3 miles to the trailhead. I did a little more than this, reaching precipice lake and the pass after. The rivers, lakes and creeks found in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks delight anglers of all ages and abilities. Cool bridge you pass after high Sierra camp. The Kaweah Gap will take a good 5 hours from Hamilton lakes. I brought trail runners and just took off my socks and soles before going into the water. Breezy. Welcome to Hamilton Lakes Swim & Tennis Club Hamilton Lakes Swim & Tennis Club Hamilton Lakes Swim & Tennis Club provides our members with the highest quality, environmentally sensitive swim and tennis facilities in an inviting, relaxed family atmosphere. Three Rivers, CA 93271-9700 Speak with park staff on weekdays only 8:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. After passing Hamilton Lakes and its beautiful waterfalls, the next phase of the journey is a difficult one as you pass over Kaweah Gap and down to Big Arroyo Junction. The Hamilton Lakes in-and-out trail in Sequoia National Park begins at the Crescent Meadow Trailhead and follows the first 15 miles of the High Sierra trail, where it winds its way through towering old-growth forests, over streams of glacial runoff, and up into the ice-carved peaks that surround Hamilton Lake. We could not get a reservation for a 2nd night so we hiked back the very next day. Moderately Paced Itinerary. This is life now.” The third day on the High Sierra Trail was easily the most memorable day and the highlight of the entire trail for me, both for good and bad. Access member exclusive content + more benefits → You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Experience exceptional living and location at The Residences at Hamilton Lakes. This hike’s pièce de résistance, the Hamilton Lakes basin at mile 14.3 is truly a can’t-go-wrong sort of heaven. Kings Canyon's Lewis Creek, Bubbs Creek and the Motor Nature Trail (Cedar Grove) are popular spots, as is Hume Lake, where the U.S. Forest Service stocks trout. It was mindblowing how quickly the trail conditions changed. The High Sierra Trail leads from Crescent Meadow up the canyon of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, crossing the Great Western Divide by the 10,700' (3261 meters) pass known as Kaweah Gap. These high-elevation ecosystems support a tremendous variety of plant and animal life and function as wetlands that stabilize and purify seasonal water flows. Would recommend precipice lake for a quick day hike too! Kaweah Gap (10700ft) leads to the Nine Lakes Basin. Breathtaking and really a taste of what the Sequioa's have to offer, would love to return again! You really have to experience it to understand just how awesome it is. Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 feet in western Sequoia. Sequoia National Park We were going to camp one night at Bear Paw HS Camp but decided to keep going to Buck Creek because there was no place to "cool off" at Bear Paw. From Alta TH, what campgrounds with water are available as I hike towards the HST? It was a great lunch stop between 9-mile and Hamilton Lake. Burn only dead wood from the ground. Did a 3 nights backpacking trip on this trail.