Popular Topics

Trip Report

BACKPACKING SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST

Bears, lakes, huge trees, magic!

  • High Sierra Trailhead+ 7
  • High Sierra Trailhead
  • High Sierra Trailhead
  • BACKPACKING SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST
dorapereli
About Me:
AtlasGuru Contributor

North AmericaUnited States2 days / July 2020

Highs & Lows

Swimming in Hamilton Lake

Not bringing an extra water filter

Itinerary Overview

This is one of the most STUNNING hikes ever. 

DAY 1: We started at Crescent Meadow trailhead and camped at 9 mile campground (9 miles from the trailhead). We were thinking of camping at Crescent Meadow but by the time we hit 9 miles, we were SO tired and our backs killed (we packed way to much), so it was a perfect place to stop. The site is so beautiful. We made a little fire, found a watering hole, made our backpacking dinners, and shared stories from the day. 

DAY 2: We decided to hike to Hamilton Lake, which was 6 miles from the campground. We didn't need to bring our packs, cause we would be sleeping there again that night! It still took us about 4 hours to get there. The elevation is high and the mountains uphills do not mess around! When we finally arrived at Hamilton, it was SO worth it. Oh my gosh. I have never been anywhere more beautiful. Because it is 15 miles out in the middle of no where, it is in perfect condition and not crowded at all. We swam, laid on the rocks, ate lunch, and took naps in the sun.  We also met a group there that came to fish for a couple of days. We headed back down the mountain to make it before dark. On our way back, we saw a BEAR! It was a teenager bear. It was the coolest thing EVER. It was picking at some food, and then ran away. 

DAY 3: We headed out, the same way we came, a much easier hike walking out. We saw a baby bear, climbing a tree! Another highlight of the trip. By the time we got back to the trailhead, our feet were exhausted, and our souls were happy. 

  • Day trip: High Sierra Trailhead
    adventure
  • 2 Nights: Bearpaw High Sierra Camp
    adventure
  • Day trip: Hamilton Lakes
    adventure
High Sierra Trailhead - adventure
1

High Sierra Trailhead adventure

High Sierra Trailhead - adventure - null
High Sierra Trailhead - adventure - null
High Sierra Trailhead - adventure - null1+

DAY 1: We started at High Sierra trailhead, toward Bearpaw Campground, and camped at 9 mile campground (9 miles from the trailhead). The road up to the trailhead is about 1 hour long and very twisty. So if you easily get car sick (like me), prepare for that. Having said that, the views are BEAUTIFUL as you start getting up into the trees. You will know that you are close when you hit the gigantic tree tunnel that you can drive your car through! Many tourists are stopped here to take pictures. 

We arrived at the parking lot, made sandwiches for lunch, threw any extra food in the bear lockers, and headed off! 

Bearpaw High Sierra Camp - adventure
2

Bearpaw High Sierra Camp adventure

Bearpaw High Sierra Camp - adventure - null
Bearpaw High Sierra Camp - adventure - null
Bearpaw High Sierra Camp - adventure - null

9 MILE CAMPGROUND: We were thinking of camping at Bearpaw but by the time we hit 9 miles, we were SO tired and our backs killed (we packed way to much), so it was a perfect place to stop. You will know you hit 9 mile campground because you will see a big bear locker. 

The site is so beautiful. We made a little fire, found a watering hole, made our backpacking dinners, and shared stories from the day. The watering hole was freezing but so healing to our sore feet!  It got a bit chilly at night so make sure to pack warm clothes and a warm sleeping bag. 

Hamilton Lakes - adventure
3

Hamilton Lakes adventure

Hamilton Lakes - adventure - null
Hamilton Lakes - adventure - null
Hamilton Lakes - adventure - null

DAY 2: We decided to hike to Hamilton Lake, which was 6 miles from the campground. We didn't need to bring our packs, cause we would be sleeping there again that night! It still took us about 4 hours to get there. The elevation is high and the mountains uphills do not mess around! When we finally arrived at Hamilton, it was SO worth it. Oh my gosh. I have never been anywhere more beautiful. Because it is 15 miles out in the middle of no where, it is in perfect condition and not crowded at all. We swam, laid on the rocks, ate lunch, and took naps in the sun.  We also met a group there that came to fish for a couple of days. We headed back down the mountain to make it before dark. On our way back, we saw a BEAR! It was a teenager bear. It was the coolest thing EVER. It was picking at some food, and then ran away. 

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    I would have stayed an extra night! It is too beautiful not to.
  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    Nope, going in July, the weather was absolutely perfect.
  • Packing tips?

    Don't forget to bring bear spray, and an extra water filter.
  • Any surprises?

    The elevation is high, so i recommend training with some steep hikes before hand.
  • Booking details?

    You do need a permit, so I recommend applying as early as you can.