hikespeak

A remote and picturesque basin on the west side of Sequoia National Park rises to a large lake with waters so deep and blue you will think you are staring up at the heavens. The trek up Miter Basin begins at Rock Creek Meadow, nine miles from the nearest trailhead. Those making the hike typically stay overnight in the area, and nearby Lower Soldier Lake offers great camping for... Read more.

New Army Pass lies at the end of Cottonwood Lakes Trail, 7.5 miles from Horseshoe Meadow. The pass provides off-trail ascents to two nearby summits, Mount Langley and Cirque Peak. A trail down the northwest side of the pass ventures into Sequoia National Park with access to countless backcountry destinations including Lower Soldier Lake, Sky Blue Lake, and Mount Pickering. Lower Soldier... Read more.

Lower Soldier Lake lies at 10,800 feet on the eastern edge of Sequoia National Park. This is a favored place for backpackers to bed down, and for good reason. A host of trails and off-trail targets make this a prime base camp. The nearest trailhead is Horseshoe Meadow in the Golden Trout Wilderness, which offers two routes to Lower Soldier Lake. About half a mile separates the start of the... Read more.

Old Cottonwood Creek Trail breaks from the popular Cottonwood Lakes Trail for a more secluded hike into Cottonwood Basin, visiting pristine meadows, alpine lakes, flowing creeks, and amber forests. The trail provides a lovely 8-mile day hike to South Fork Lake, with several options to extend to nearby lakes and peaks. Take Cottonwood Lakes Trail from Horseshoe Meadow as it runs downhill... Read more.

Cottonwood Lakes Trail provides a scenic romp through the Southeastern Sierra with alpine lakes and mountain views. Located south of Mount Whitney and west of the city of Lone Pine, the trail travels through the Golden Trout Wilderness and the John Muir Wilderness to end at the border of Sequoia National Park. This is a superb trail for day hikers and backpackers alike. The first mile... Read more.

This mountain lake is 0.6 miles from Cottonwood Pass, making it an easy 8.2-mile round trip hike from Horseshoe Meadow. With just 1,330 feet of elevation gain en route to the lake, this is a desirable destination for day-hikers and a good first camp for backpackers. Follow Cottonwood Pass Trail to a junction at the pass with Pacific Crest Trail. Turn right and continue through a rocky... Read more.

The beautiful Monarch Lakes grace the Sierra in an alpine cradle beneath Sawtooth Peak in the Mineral King Region of Sequoia National Park. A 9.4-mile round trip hike climbs over 2,500 feet to visit the picturesque pair of high-elevation lakes. Make your way to the Sawtooth Trailhead near the end of Mineral King and start up the trail. The first 0.7 miles get your heart beating with a... Read more.

Eagle Lake is nestled within a high-elevation granite cirque in the Mineral King region of Sequoia National Park. The robust hike to the lake climbs 2,200 feet over 3.6 miles and delivers a steady climb with expanding views. Start from Eagle-Mosquito Trailhead at the end of Mineral King Road and commence hiking up the west rim of the valley. Cross the wooden footbridge that has been built... Read more.