by Pieter@Overseashiker | Jan 12, 2019 | Big SEKI Loop, California
In the late summer of 2018 I hiked the SEKI loop (in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park), an eight day hike that combines the John Muir Trail, the High Sierra Trail and some other trails. Here are five things I learned hiking the SEKI loop. 1. Good Trail Food is...
by Pieter@Overseashiker | Nov 1, 2018 | Big SEKI Loop, California
Day 8 – the final day of my SEKI Loop: back to Road’s End. A fairly easy climb up Avalanche Pass, back into the Kings River Canyon. But before I got there, I encountered a very steep surprise just before the cool waters of good old Bubbs Creek. Day 8:...
by Pieter@Overseashiker | Oct 19, 2018 | Big SEKI Loop, California
SEKI Loop day 7: going up Elizabeth pass I conquered the steepest stretch of trail so far. With the spectacular views soon obscured by clouds, I hurried down Deadman Canyon. Then I hiked in the rain for a few hours until I found shelter at the Roaring River rangers...
by Pieter@Overseashiker | Oct 17, 2018 | Big SEKI Loop, California
Day 6 of my SEKI Loop had a bad weather forecast for the afternoon. I decided to split the Elizabeth Trail Pass in two parts. So I enjoyed a relaxed morning at Hamilton Lake and then hiked up as high as possible towards the pass. Day 6: Hamilton Lake to...
by Pieter@Overseashiker | Oct 12, 2018 | Big SEKI Loop, California
Day five of my SEKI Loop was the most impressive part of the trail so far. From the tranquil Moraine Lake through the valley of the Big Arroyo, and crossing the Kaweah Gap at more than 10.000 feet to the stunning Precipice Lake. Then descending all the way down to...
by Pieter@Overseashiker | Oct 3, 2018 | Big SEKI Loop, California
Day four of my SEKI Loop trail took me to the amazing Moraine Lake, one of the true highlights of the High Sierra Trail. Just a half day climb from the Kern Hotspring, I decided to stay there and enjoy the silence, the cool water and the shady trees. Day 4:...
by Pieter@Overseashiker | Oct 3, 2018 | Big SEKI Loop, California
After two days of steady climbing, the third day of my SEKI Loop led me from the Bighorn Plateau to the lower elevations of Kern Canyon. As temperatures were rising in the canyon, the lure of the refreshing springs at the end kept me going during the 17.5 miles of...
by Pieter@Overseashiker | Sep 22, 2018 | Big SEKI Loop, California
The second day of my SEKI Loop took me to the really High Sierra. Despite four days of acclimatization, the altitude still slowed me down to half my normal hiking speed. But I did climb Forester Pass: the highest point on the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail...
by Pieter@Overseashiker | Sep 21, 2018 | Big SEKI Loop, California
The Sequoia Kings / SEKI Loop is a less crowded alternative for the John Muir Trail, without the difficulty to get a permit. I had been planning my SEKI-Loop trail thoroughly last year. But of course, everything went completely different. Because not a million...
by Pieter@Overseashiker | Apr 29, 2018 | Big SEKI Loop, California
With less crowds and no permit stress, The Big SEKI Loop is a great alternative to the John Muir Trail (JMT). And because it’s a loop, you don’t need additional transport back to your car. That makes planning much easier. For better resupply options I planned a route...
