Big SEKI Loop (Seqouia-Kings)

In the summer of 2018 I hiked my own 8-day variant of the SEKI Loop.

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

read more
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.

read more
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.

read more
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. 

read more
SEKI Loop Day 1: to Upper Vidette Meadow

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. 

read more
My High Sierra Gear List

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.

read more