Kings Canyon Backpacking - 4 day trip recs?

[lauralai627]

Three friends and I are heading to Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks for a four day, three night backpacking trip (8/4-8/7). We would be open to driving down from San Francisco late Wednesday night or very early Thursday morning to get on the trail as early as possible on Thursday 8/4.

We are moderately experienced backpackers (probably level 2-3) but have never been to Sequoia or Kings before (we’ve done more packing in Yosemite and Desolation Wilderness). We would like to do about 8-12 miles a day (depending on how steep the trail is) and would prefer a loop to an out-and-back. We'd also like to avoid too much snow, if possible.

Does anyone have any trail / route recommendations?

Thanks!

[Wandering Daisy]

Are you willing to go off-trail? And what is "too much snow"?

[maverick]

Welcome to HST!
Beautiful loop trail, especially Lost Lake.
Sunset Meadow Trailhead>Lost Lake from Seville Lake via cross country thru Sheep Camp
Lakes>Twin Lakes from Lost Lake to Ranger via cross country over Silliman Pass> Jennie
Lake from Twin Lakes via JO Pass>Trailhead
You can use the trail also on this hike, but Sheep Camp Lakes are pretty, but you could do
a day hike from Lost Lake.

[lauralai627]

Thanks for your replies! WD - we are willing to go off-trail but probably not for the whole time. We'd like to avoid any areas where we'd be hiking in snow up to our knees or anything like that. We will not be carrying snowshoes or ice gear.

Maverick - thanks so much for the tip on the Lost Lakes Loop - I'll be sure to check it out!