Sequoia and Kings in late June?

[Pietro257]

My son wants to go backpacking in Sequoia or Kings in late June. Is this doable? Are the creeks too high? Is the snow still present?

He wants to go two nights, June 29 and June 30. Does anybody have any recommendations for this area?

[AlmostThere]

This year I'd expect it to be fine by late June. Tho there will still be mosquitoes aplenty.

With just three days, you might look at Jennie Lakes loop, for something less ambitious and no permit necessary if you stay in that tiny wilderness area. If you want more high elevation scenery and more strenuous hiking, go get a permit for Pear Lake and set up camp, and spend the layover day exploring Table Meadows.

[balzaccom]

I agree about Jennie Lakes. Some nice loops there, not too many stream crossings, beautiful country...

[LMBSGV]

Along with Jennie Lakes and Pear Lake (no reservations, walk-in permit the day before, very popular), there is Seville Lake (my wife and I did this June 21-22, 2016), and in Kings Canyon, there is Paradise Valley (Woods Creek tralhead reservations are full, but a walk-up permit the day before may be possible). Also, while not alpine, Redwood Canyon is a great two-day backpack. And if you’re feeling more adventurous there is also one of the trails out of Mineral King. And, yes, the mosquitoes will probably be bad.

[TurboHike]

Although not part of SEKI, Cottonwood Lakes would make for a nice and relatively easy two-night trip. This is eastern Sierra, not sure if this makes a difference to you.

[creekfeet]

Instead of hiking in Jennie Lakes proper, I'd recommend starting at the Rowell Meadow trailhead and lighting out to Seville Lake which I believe is 6-7 miles away. Then on the second day you can do a day hike over to Lost, Sheep Camp, Ranger, and Beville Lakes which are all fantastic. I've hiked a lot in this area early in the season, and especially this year snow and creek crossings shouldn't be an issue. Go on a weekday and you're unlikely to see more than a person or two, but that area can get crowded on weekends. Prepare for lots of mosquitoes.

If you choose to go to Pear Lake, you'll see a lot of people, but it's an incredibly beautiful route. If making camp at Pear, you should do a day hike up the Marble Fork to its headwaters on Day 2. To get there, backtrack a half mile to where the trail forks towards the ranger station. This will take you to the river. There's no trail, but it's an easy route to follow since you're just following water, you're mostly walking on granite slabs, and there's almost no bushwhacking. I"m not sure how much snow there was this year, but early in the season there's generally some spectacular swimming holes and waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls on this route. For my money it's the most scenic part of Sequoia.

[maverick]

I'd recommend starting at the Rowell Meadow trailhead and lighting out to Seville Lake which I believe is 6-7 miles away. Then on the second day you can do a day hike over to Lost, Sheep Camp, Ranger, and Beville Lakes which are all fantastic.

Especially Lost Lake and Sheep Camp (fishing).

[Pietro257]

Thanks for all the advice. Really appreciate it.