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Sequoia National Park (4 spaces available) Descriptive Itinerary We meet at our departure site Friday morning at 8:30 AM, pack up quickly and get on the road. Arriving near 2 PM we set up camp and take off on our first hike to Tokopah Falls. This is an easy 4 mile round trip hike along the beautiful Kaweah River. Plan to hike in your water clothes for a ceremonial dip into these icy pools for instantaneous rejuvenation from “van lag” plus a truly memorable moment of pure exhilaration. What a great way to kick off the weekend you will soon not forget. After enjoying the hike and the Falls (they should be really big right now!) we will settle into camp for an early dinner trying to finish up by 9:00 PM and in time for our first adventure into the night. First stop, Moro Rock, for an evening of Absolutely Amazing Star Agazing. After a short 20 minute drive we will walk into the darkness up two hundred or so steep steps and out onto a perch poised several thousand feet above the surrounding valley! The exposure of this site alone just makes you want to get onto the ground and cower for safety - we just arrive at the perfect time to do so. Bring warm, comfy clothes because you’re just going to lie down and stare and stare and stare....astonishingly. Bring something to rest your head upon, maybe even a pillow and be prepared for an evening spectacular. As the stars come out by the billions we will spend the next hour spotting satellites, shouting hoots and hollers for every “shooting star” and other astronomical delights. Warning: The short ¼ mile hike up onto Moro Rocks is steep and arrives on a small landing (with railings) several thousand feet above the valley floor in almost every direction. Good thing it will be dark. If you think a late night Friday will earn you a little rest Saturday morning, think again. STRONG coffee will ready by 7:30 AM and by 9:00 AM you will be heading for the Giant Forest, home to most of the top ten largest trees in the world. On this day you will pack a lunch in the morning and eat on the trail. Bring plenty of water at least ½ gallon per person. We will be able to refill at the Giant Forest but have plenty of water onboard! Whether we stay in the trees or hike to high alpine lakes (beyond the tree line) will be decided by the group. Either way, the day will be filled with a much bigger hike and spectacular sights again. The hike will be up to 10 miles round trip and a possible 2500 feet elevation gain. If lucky, we will return to camp by 5:00 PM. Rest a moment and then cook another early dinner to make way for the Saturday festivities – Wine at Sunset on nowhere else but Sunset Rock. Arriving shortly before sunset this amazing rock out- cropping seemingly was formed just for groups like ours. A natural “seat” accommodates everyone as they Ooo and Ahh the sometimes brilliant colors of the setting sun at this more than natural theatre. Your next party location will pail greatly to this pad I assure you. Sunday morning you will awaken tired but stunned by how much you have seen and done in just a very short time. Extra sleep will be granted on this day but sleeping in a campground usually only last between 12 – 6 so we will pack by 9:00. Our itinerary will remain soft for this day but we can make a stop or two on the way out. Regardless, our journey will end in San Jose by 6:00 PM. Don’t be surprised if you arrive in body only - mind and spirit still in Sequoia wanting more. Meal plan Friday night dinner – group BBQ, bring something to share Saturday breakfast – no cooking, boiling water only –bring your own Saturday lunch – on the trail Saturday night dinner – group BBQ – bring something to share – easy on the meat please. Sunday breakfast – same as Saturday – quick and easy meals-no cooking boiled water provided
Travel details
Friday June 4 at 8:30 AM Departing from South San Jose - site provided after registration. Packing It is important that everyone be diligent in following as best as they can these packing guidelines. Excessive gear will not be accepted due to limitation in space and weight. Minimize the number of bags. Each person should have two bags - one large duffle bag (20”X36”) and one carry-in-the-van day-pack.
Food and cooler items will be placed into the group coolers and kitchen boxes. Keep personal travel snacks in the day pack. You will not have access to other packed food/drinks in route.
If space allows, you may bring a small personal cooler. But be prepared to leave it behind if space does not allow.
Please compact all of your gear - roll up sleeping bags and ground pads tightly and place them in the large duffle bag. There should be no loose items and no paper or plastic bags.
Remove any new items from packaging and repack into smaller containers. Do not bring excessive liquids for example a large 24 ounce bottle of shampoo when a 6 ounce bottle would do. Do not bring more food than you expect to consume. There is a store in Sequoia should you need to purchase additional – but not enough food seems never to be a problem. So pack light. Losing a pound or two on this trip probably would not be a bad thing anyways.
Condiments – no large bottles of ketchup, mustard, mayo…stop at your local fast food restaurant and grab a few extra mini-size condiments and save much weight and space.
Cooking The campsites will have BBQ grills and a fire will be made each night. Group meals should include mostly BBQ items or whatever you can do without pots and pans. The “kitchen” supplies that will be available include: two gas burners, fire grill, BBQ utensils, two large tea pots (for boiling water only). One large pot and one large coffee maker. Also, all paper goods will be provided – plates, cups, napkins, plastic silverware and garbage bags.
Any other items needed for your food you should bring. Suggestions: food that can be cooked directly or in foil on the grill, veggies that can be wrapped in foil (foil not provided), breads, corn, potatoes, keep it simple and easy on the meat.
Breakfast and lunch are on your own. There will be boiling water and coffee provided in the morning.
Items to bring…
Items NOT to bring if travelling in Dirtyshirt’s van:
Any additional camp supplies not listed here you are responsible to bring. If there are items you need and do not have such as a sleeping bag, tent or ground pad contact me. Campers are expected to contribute to group meals, firewood gathering and/or purchase. If you have a favorite DVD you want to share on the way bring it along.
Campground info: Lodgepole campground, Sequoia National Park, June 4/5. Ranger Office, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (559)565-3341 As of today weather is forecasted warm (70’s) next weekend in Sequoia.
Finally There always seem to be a few surprises on these trips so stay prepared for the unexpected too. As always, anything and everything in this communication is subject to change. Oh, and expect to see a bear or two before you return (not in cages). Looking forward to adding a few more “wow’s” together, see you Friday, call, text or email if you have any questions, Randy dirtyshirt@me.com or randy@dirtyshirt.com email 408-221-1861 text/phone Camping, guided hikes, transportation, entrance fee $75
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