Lakes Trail, Sequoia

hike - wilderness camp - mountain lake swim

lakes trail - sequoia national park

the journey from la

Directions: Parking is located just past Lodgepole Visitors Center, Generals Highway, Sequoia. Drive north up the 5 freeway from LA past Bakersfield then north up the 65 through Lindsay. Turn right on the 190 towards Three Rivers and straight into the park.

When to go: Late spring and early summer are ideal. Late summer and fall are also decent although sometimes hot and dry. Winter and early spring are usually snow-covered, and very cold with regular road closures. Always keep an eye on fire warnings and closures via the Sequoia & Kings Canyon Website.

Time from LA to trailhead: 5 hours

Total adventure time: 3 days including 2 nights camping. Amend as you wish.

Along the way:

Sequoia Coffee Co is right in the center of Three Rivers just before the park entrance. Serves a mean coffee and burrito/sandwich. Pick an extra one up for the trail!
Three Rivers Brewing Co is ideal for a post-wilderness refreshment
Slick Rock Recreation Area is a perfect river swim spot just out of Three Rivers. Wash off the dust and float downstream.

what to pack

Accommodation:

Lightweight tent
Roll mat
Sleeping bag
Head torch + spare batteries

Clothing:

Hiking backpack
Hiking shoes
Hiking socks + spare for evenings
Hiking shorts
Lightweight t-shirt for daytime + spare for evenings
Sun hat
Trousers (evening)
Fleece (evening)
Beanie (evening)

Food, drink, sanitation:

Water filter
Water bottle and/or camel pack (2-3 ltrs per person)
Thermal mug for coffee
Food:
- Lunch on the trail: pre-made sandwiches, nuts, cheese, apples, nut butter sache, dates, biltong, Larabar
- Dinner x2 - freeze-dried - meal-in-a-bag
- Breakfast x2 - freeze-dried meal-in-a-bag
- Instant coffee
Sanitation:
- Sun lotion
- Toothbrush + paste
- Loo roll + trowel
- Smell-proof bag for used loo paper (carry out)
- Camping towel

Entertainment:

A good book

WILDERNESS INFO

Permits: During summer permits are essential. Book your permits at recreation.gov. Collect pre-booked permit on the day of departure from the Wilderness Office located at Giant Forest Museum right off Generals Hwy (on your way through the park). During winter and early spring, permits are not needed.

Pooping: Dig a 6-inch deep (minimum) hole at least 100 yards from any water or any trail. Squat. Poop. Place paper in smell proof bag and carry out. Cover the hole with displaced dirt. Walk away as if nothing happened…

Fires: Check restrictions when you pick up your permit. Typically fires are not permitted throughout Summer and Fall.

Litter: Take a bin bag and pack everything out. Never burn litter in case it contains plastic.