Best Chance For Wildlife Kings Canyon?

InsaneBoost · Post by **InsaneBoost** » Sun Jul 27, 2014 6:36 pm

Going to be taking a family member to Kings Canyon tomorrow and was wondering where the best place or places are for wildlife. I've only been once and that was in early February so the Park was mainly closed off.

I've heard it's the better place to see bears between it and Yosemite.

Thanks for any help.

AlmostThere · Post by **AlmostThere** » Sun Jul 27, 2014 7:24 pm

The Lakes Trail or Twin Lakes - the positioning of the Lodgepole campground raises the probability of bears on the road or on these two trails. We often see bear on the trail from Wolverton to Alta or to Pear Lake. Also in spring we hear and see grouse around that elevation.

I also almost walked into a bear on the way back from Mist Falls - they use the trails and bear poop is a common occurence on the trail into Paradise Valley.

Lower elevations are really hot right now - early early mornings and plenty of water help.

evilgenius32 · Post by **evilgenius32** » Sun Jul 27, 2014 7:57 pm

Agree with AT. The Lodgepole area is a great place to see bears. Lots of bear scat on the trails and we ran into one ~3 miles from the TH.

InsaneBoost · Post by **InsaneBoost** » Mon Jul 28, 2014 8:52 pm

You all nailed it. Saw five bears, three of them cubs. Got some really awesome pictures and a cub was really showing off. Sitting on a log and looking at everyone. Some people literally got within touching distance. Not so sure that's a good idea. But momma bear didn't seem to be mad at all so I guess they lucked out. I won't be doing that ever.

Thanks again

evilgenius32 · Post by **evilgenius32** » Mon Jul 28, 2014 8:54 pm

Sounds like you had a great time! Any pictures?

Post by **maverick** » Mon Jul 28, 2014 10:04 pm

InsaneBoost wrote:
Some people literally got within touching distance.

Sheesh, when will people ever learn, these animals are wild and not your teddy
bears that you grew up with. $:\$

InsaneBoost · Post by **InsaneBoost** » Mon Jul 28, 2014 10:13 pm

evilgenius32 wrote:Sounds like you had a great time! Any pictures?

I got quite a few, I'll post the one I think is best tomorrow. We literally were there from 8am until about 8pm. Just got in a bit ago.

InsaneBoost · Post by **InsaneBoost** » Mon Jul 28, 2014 10:14 pm

maverick wrote:
InsaneBoost wrote:
Some people literally got within touching distance.
Sheesh, when will people ever learn, these animals are wild and not your teddy
bears that you grew up with. $:\$

Yeah no kidding. I always make sure to get ahead of them by a good 20+ yards to get a good angle, then enough time to move out of the way to give them enough space.

Guess their iPhones couldn't get close enough

InsaneBoost · Post by **InsaneBoost** » Tue Jul 29, 2014 12:32 pm

Here are two photos of the cubs. I'll mess with other photos later tonight and tomorrow possibly.

High Sierra Topix