SA Report: Speechless in Sequoia - Day 2
Trip Date: 7/5/2014
Location: Sequoia National Park
Permit/Pass: $20 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.
$10 Individual Entry Pass - valid 1 through 7 days. Per person entrance fee for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group.
Trail Map: NPS, AmericanSouthwest.net
Directions: Hike from the Lakes Trail trailhead on Wolverton Rd. in Sequoia National Park to Emerald Lake (5.2 miles).
Synopsis: A great little dayhike from Emerald Lake to two of the other lakes in the area. The hike to Pear Lake offers spell-binding views into the Tablelands backcountry of the park. Pear Lake itself is set in a ring of granite cliffs and watched over by Alta Peak to the south. Return by dropping down to little but beautiful Aster Lake before climbing back up to Emerald.
Trail sequence: Lakes Trail / off-trail
Type: Out and back
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation: Min. - 9024', Max. - 9608'
Profile:
Rating: Easy-Moderate (factors: altitude, off-trail, route-finding)
Trail Notes: Some rocky sections, but generally good trail. Views are wide open so route-finding to Aster Lake and back isn't a problem.
Pear Lake / Aster Lake - Sequoia National Park
Turn by Turn:
-- Make sure all food and scented items are stored in the bear box (or a canister) before leaving camp. Head out toward the toilet but before crossing the stream follow the sign for Pear Lake on the right (north).
-- The trail works up and around the ridge to the west of Emerald Lake. At a little over a half-mile there is a junction with the trail to the Ranger hut off to the left. Stay right to remain on the Lakes Trail.
-- Just over a mile brings you to Pear Lake, an excellent place to rest, swim and just be amazed at the view. When ready, head back the way you came.
-- As you near Emerald Lake again find a decent-looking route down to Aster Lake. There are several small waterfalls along the creek dropping down from Emerald into Aster that offer a good target and bring the hiker down to the lake. This is yet another spot for excellent scenery and relaxation.
-- Work your way back up the granite slabs toward the Lakes Trail and your campsite.
Campsite info: 10 Assigned sites (Emerald Lake)
| Restroom - Composting toilets | Grill/Fire pit - none | ||
| Showers - none | Seating - none | ||
| Water - lake and stream (bring filter) | Shade - tree cover | ||
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Aesthetics/Privacy/Cleanliness: Lake and surroundings are stunning. Sites are all very nice, though close to each other. Bear boxes are shared, otherwise a bear can is required. Bring bug spray and a net if you can, the mosquitoes here are relentless. Our original destination was Pear Lake, but the permitting range advised us that Emerald was quieter. After visiting Pear Lake the next day, we came to understand. Although it is perhaps the more spectacular spot, it seems to be a day-hiking destination and draws a louder and more active crowd. |
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Photo Gallery: Flickr
Video: Youtube