Middle Fork Kaweah, Sequoia NP

[lambertiana]

Today I had about half of a day to spare before I had to be home, so I decided to check out the trail on the Middle Fork Kaweah in Sequoia NP. This trail starts in the foothills, so it is very hot in the summer; hence the fact that I haven't visited it yet. But today was a cool winter day and it is a relatively close trailhead (one hour drive from my house).

At the trailhead looking up at Moro Rock. I am used to looking down on these features from much higher, so this is a different perspective for me.

I soon crossed the first of several creeks

And then another

The start of the trail is in an area with grassy slopes with scattered oaks, and the large yuccas.

A little farther, looking back at Moro Rock

See all that chaparral in the last picture? This is what it looks like up close. There is no way I would try to make my way through that stuff.

Looking down canyon

And up - you can see Alta Peak on the far left. That was my last summit of the summer, it would be more challenging now.

As I got higher I started walking in snow, there's a lot more up higher

There are some interesting manzanitas there. And from the looks of the plentiful bear scat that I saw, they have been enjoying the manzanita berries

 

[lambertiana]

At one of the stream crossings, I could see that it opened up a little below the trail with some granite slabs, so I made my way down there. This was the reward

But that was only the beginning. From that spot looking up, you can see the top of Moro Rock

And then for the real payoff - looking across the canyon toward Castle Rocks

This is a great spot to stop for a while, eat lunch, and relax. A little creek on the slabs with a great view

As I made my way back down, a few more shots

 

[lambertiana]

Close to the trailhead I dropped down to the bottom of the canyon to check out the Middle Fork Kaweah River. It's no secret that I love places with water flowing over big rocks, so you can imagine how I felt about this spot. This is all from that area.

I'm going to have to go back there when I have time to just sit and watch the water go by.

I wouldn't recommend going there in the middle of the summer unless you plan on going in the water, but this makes a great winter hike.

 

[eisman]

Thank you for the pictures. Lots of heavy brush and with that manzanita you hope it never catches fire.

 

[Don M]

No true hiker worth his salt would deny himself the pleasure of cross country travel through that chaparral.

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Another set of OUTSTANDING photos

Thanks for posting!!!!!!!!!!

 

[lambertiana]

I'll go through the chaparral, and the manzanita thickets at higher elevation, as soon as you spend some time walking off trail through the rhododendron thickets in the Smokies.

 

[OwenM]

I love what you do with "half a day"! Awesome:thumbup:

 

[Hammer67]

The Sequoia is fantastic country. Great pics!

 

[milani74]

Looks like a really nice hike around a truly fantastic area. I've been really wanting to hit the JMT to see the Sequoia NP. I just need to sit down and plan it one of these years.

 

[Gevonovich]

Fantastic photos!! Looks like a great hike through a very beautiful area.

 

[ROCK6]

Looks like a really nice hike around a truly fantastic area. I've been really wanting to hit the JMT to see the Sequoia NP. I just need to sit down and plan it one of these years.

I have to agree...beautiful looking area. My wife was just talking about planning a JMT hike down the road. That area is just stunning! Thanks for sharing Lambertiana!

ROCK6