Thru-Hikes
All Thru-hikes in Europe and the USA.
SEKI Loop Day 5: to Hamilton Lake
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 Hamilton Lake with a view of the vertical wall of Valhalla.
SEKI Loop Day 4: a climb to Moraine Lake
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.
SEKI Loop day 3: to Kern Hot Springs
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. During the high temperatures in the canyon, the lure of the hot springs at the end kept me going during the 17.5 miles of trail.
SEKI Loop Day 2: Forester Pass and beyond
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 and the border of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park.
SEKI Loop Day 1: to Upper Vidette Meadow
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 spreadsheets, vlogs or gearlists can prepare you for the devastating beauty and power of the High Sierra.
My High Sierra Gear List
Preparing my thru-hike in California’s High Sierra, I have read and viewed many gear lists that have inspired me to compile my own. Except for my hiking pants and shirt, my boots and my iPhone, everything I will carry in the High Sierra this summer is on the above photograph. Read on for the complete list.
Planning the Big SEKI Loop
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 different than usual, making it a Big SEKI Flip.
The Big Bad Bear canister
The Sierra Nevada is bear country. Bears are usually found between 3000 to 7000 feet, where they can find their natural foods. But black bears like human food as well: anything from a Snickers bar to toothpaste.
Wilderness Permits (and a Devastated Bridge)
I had a dream. Hiking the John Muir Trail (JMT): the 210.4 miles (339 km) long trail trough the Sierra Nevada. But because the required wilderness permit is extremely hard to obtain, I looked for an alternative.