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