SA Report: The little things
Trip Date: 7/31/2016
Location: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Permit/Pass: $30 Vehicle Pass - valid 1 through 7 days. Valid for Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and the Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument.
$15 Individual Entry Pass - valid 1 through 7 days. Per person entrance fee for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, or for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group.
Trail Map: NPS Map, AmericanSouthwest.net
Directions: From California Highway 198 in Visalia take California Highway 63 north for 29 and a half miles to a junction with CA Hwy 180 (Kings Canyon Road). Turn right on 180 and proceed about 25 miles to a junction with in CA Hwy 198 on the right. Continue on Hwy 180 as it veers left (north) and travels a bit over a mile and a half to a signed left turn for the General Grant Tree area. After turning follow the road about 0.7 miles to the large parking lot. Continue straight toward the trailhead, then look for the sign for Bus and RV parking which points to the left. Turn left and head to the end of the overflow lot where you will find the trailhead for this hike.
Synopsis: If the General Grant Tree trail area is overcrowded, head to the north parking lot annex and enjoy yourself on this lightly used trail. You won't find named trees along this path, but you will be amazed at this wonderful grove of giants. As almost the entire hike travels under forest canopy, this is an especially good choice for hot, sunny days.
Trail sequence: (Sunset/North Grove) Trail / North Grove Trail / (S/NG) Trail
Type: Lasso loop
Distance: 1.8 miles
Elevation: Min. - 5910', Max. - 6285'
Profile:
Rating: Easy-Moderate (factors: altitude)
Notes: Take note of the fact that this hike drops continually for the first half, then climbs all the way back to the trailhead.
Track: North Grove Loop - Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP: GaiaGPS, Everytrail
Turn by Turn:
-- The hike begins next to the closed gate just past the signboard. Take a moment to look at the trail map on the signboard and think about the possibilities of extending this short trip into a longer dayhike, then head down the road to begin.
-- Very soon after heading out you turn to the west and come to a fork in the road. To the left is your return path. Take the right fork to continue on the North Grove Loop trail.
-- The trail winds back and forth as it trends north and descends gradually but constantly. Eventually you circle around and head south as the path begins its continual climb to the trailhead.
-- Soon after the trail turns back to the east you merge with the Sunset Trail heading up and back to trailhead. From here you ascend another few tenths of a mile, passing your outbound fork on the left, then veer to the right and return to the parking area.
Photos: Flickr