Hiking in California

Read all about my hikes Sequoia-Kings National Parks: SEKI-Loop, John Muir Trail and High Sierra route.

Kings Canyon Sunset Trail

Kings Canyon Sunset Trail

Before I started my eight-day SEKI Loop trail, I spent two days in Kings Canyon National Park to acclimatize to the elevation and do some preliminary hiking. I combined the Sunset Trail with the General Grant Loop Trail, the North Grove Trail and the Dead Giant Loop to a beautiful half day hike.

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Cathedral Lakes trail, Yosemite

Cathedral Lakes trail, Yosemite

After my eight-day SEKI Loop trail, I headed north to Yosemite National Park for one last day hike. I chose the Cathedral Lakes trail – part of the John Muir Trail – because it combines alpine lakes, a magnificent peak and relative solitude.

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SEKI Loop Day 7: Elizabeth Pass

SEKI Loop Day 7: Elizabeth Pass

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 station

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SEKI Loop Day 5: to Hamilton Lake

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.

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SEKI Loop day 3: to Kern Hot Springs

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.

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SEKI Loop Day 2: Forester Pass and beyond

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. 

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