I'm 36 and have summited Shasta a few times backpacked a few hundred miles, I know my way around snow and rivers. I'm taking my 15 yr old nephew on his first backpacking trip Monday June 19 (not to be postponed). We have 3 nights 3.5 days if we start mid-day Monday. I'm thinking destination to be SEKI as we're driving from San Luis Obispo area and its closest.
I'm anticipating lots of snow and heavy afternoon creeks/rivers and hearing reports of bridges out etc. I hope to hear your "trip report" about the goods and bads for how you got along on the route you took, sketchy areas, unexpected turn-arounds, bugs, temps etc. Safety #1 and Enjoyable first backcountry experience #2 ... Possible areas/routes pending permits & your friendly advice:
- - High Sierra Trail to Hamilton Lake and back (Lodgepole)
- Bubbs Creek or Woods Canyon / Paradise Valley out & back (Roads End)
- Jennie Lakes Loop
- Stony Creek to Jenny lake out & back
- Atwell-Hockett in Mineral King
Thanks in advance ! Open to other ideas especially near Sequoia/Kings Canyon which is a 5 hour drive on Day 1.