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The National parks of Sequoia and Kings Canyon actually start in the San Joaquin Valley foothills and ends in the Sierra Nevada. Hiking and visiting this National park which is also close to Yosemite National Park, is similar to visiting the realms of the movie Lord of the Rings.
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Even if you`re not a brave hiker, you can enjoy the Giant Forest. A free shuttle to and from Lodgepole is available to all. And I recommend it even if you`re planning to hike. By shuttle you`ll be able to visit more than 5 areas. You`ll get to see the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree in the world. You`ll also see a sequoia tree trunk with a circumference of over 100feet. The Sequoia trees and the Costal Redwoods are the oldest remaining trees from the Ice Age, about 10 000 years ago.
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We took a taxi from Fresno to close to Lodgepole village (I do not recommend hiring a taxi, hiking to the National Parks and hitchiking is not permitted.. from personal experience and safety one should rent a vehicule) where we were to hike 70miles in the forest to Mount Whitney (14 494ft) due to an unplanned illness we had to return home less than 5 days after our departure which was to last 14days.
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We did visit the Giant Forest and were quite impressed by the scenery. We felt like tiny elves beside those giants of an average of 315ft high. Their base can be up to 40ft in diameter.
Within the parks you also find and be able to visit a large amount of caves. This area contains the largest caves in California. Don`t forget to visit the Crystal Cave which you`re sure to enjoy.
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Markets, restaurants and accomodations are available close and within the National Parks. Lodgepole is available with facilities and a restaurant, this is close to the Giant Forest. Also there`s Giant Forest Village which is situated nearby. You can also reach Stony Creek lodge situated between the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
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We spotted wildlife gallore from our tents, which included deer, bears and squirels. We were also witness to a lizard fight on one of the trails. One has to watch for the bears as they can become quite dangerous, and always keep an eye out for snakes, which are poisonous.
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Published on Tuesday September 30th, 2003
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