Timber Gap to Hamilton Lake

[Nozmo King]

Has anyone done this hike in the last year or so? We did it five years ago & really enjoyed it, especially the hike from Hamilton Lake to Kaweah Gap. However, I'm wondering if there is still much fire damage to the lower elevation areas of this hike. We're thinking of going on the hike again in mid-August.

[sunnyvalley]

I have a permit for the Timber Gap trailhead and also want to visit Kaweah Gap. When I hiked to Hamilton Lake last September, there was a fire in Redwood Meadow. I think the area is still closed, but I will need to check with the rangers. So, I am contemplating hiking via Five Little Lakes and doing a day hike to Kaweah Gap.

[Wandering Daisy]

I agree. Go to Little Five Lakes and then day-hike to Keweah Gap. Short distance down to Precipice Lake which should also not be missed. Depending on the date of your trip, Middle Fork Keweah could be difficult to cross, and lots of elevation loss and re-gain. Yes, it makes an aesthetic loop, only justified if you really have to see Hamilton Lake. Add a day or two to accommodate the extra distance and elevation gains.

A Timber Gap permit does not require that you come out to Timber Gap. You could designate exit via Lost Canyon and Sawtooth Pass.

[Nozmo King]

Thanks for your input. We found our 2019 hike from Bearpaw Meadow, over Kaweah Gap & into upper Big Arroyo to be incredibly scenic & dramatic. We did have to do a steep plunge after crossing Paradise Ridge & then had to regain all that elevation, although it was kind of fun hiking thru oak forest, cooling off in the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, etc. I checked the Sequoia Kings Canyon NP website & per their map, the trails thru Redwood Meadow Grove between Timber Gap & Bearpaw Meadow are open. There is a Redwood Meadow that is closed, but it appears to be somewhere else in the park (not sure where Redwood Canyon is, but it sounds like people day-hike there, or at least used to before the 2021 fire). Left a voice mail at the Mineral King ranger station & if I hear that the trail thru this Redwood Meadow Grove is closed, I'll update this post.

[Nozmo King]

I heard back from a SEKI ranger & the trails thru Redwood Meadow near Mineral King are open.

[sunnyvalley]

Thank you for the update.