Seqouia, Kings Canyon, & Yosemite

I had decided I wanted to take a week off in between my two contracts and take advantage to drive up to Seqouia and Yosemite. I packed everything up in my car and headed out in the morning!

Day 1- Drove from San Diego to the Sequoia. *Tip: Get gas before entering sequoia no gas stations inside. The first thing I did after the long drive was to drop off my luggage at the Airbnb. I had been recommended to take a tour of Crystal Cave so I did just that and it was well worth it!! I took the discovery tour at 4:30 pm.

Good to Know: Allow 60 min from the visitor center to the cave parking lot and plan to be in the parking lot 20 mins before hand. Put food/scented items in Bear boxes in parking lot. Pee before hitting up the tour! No backpack allowed bring drinking water. Bring jacket!- Cool inside

After the tour I stopped by and took a walk around Hospital Rock.

The I grabbed a yummy burger and beer at Ol' Buckaroo. It was a really beautiful spot I stumbled on. I definitely advise checking it out!

Day 2- I woke up early and had planned to be out all day! I brought a bunch of snacks lol

The first thing I did was to hike Tokopah Falls. It is a 4 miles out and back hike that was a beautiful hike. I definitely advise to go in the morning before it’s too hot. I also parked at Lodgepole which was not packed or anything. I think there was like 5 other cars when I arrived in the morning.

-My second stop of the day was to check Congress Trail/General Sherman tree, Crescent Meadow- Tharps Log/Chimney Tree, Tunnel Log, and Parker Group. It was a lot to see but I was able to get all of this done by 4:11 pm. To say the least I was definitely done for the day haha! I got dinner at Pizza Factory which was essential after the long day of sight seeing.

Day 3- I went and hiked Moro Rock Trail- 0.4 miles out and back. I did it in the morning and it was lovely there weren't a lot of people and it was quiet. One heck of an experience haha I am not afraid of heights but that one definitely tested that haha! I had intentions of checking out Hanging Rock Trail just to the left of it- 0.5 mile out and back. But I had a later start to my day and just continued on. =]

Initially when I planned this trip I didn't think I was going to stop in Kings Canyon but then I found Grizzly Falls and I knew I couldn't pass it. Grizzly Falls (0.1 miles out and back). It was a cute spot for lunch I actually had bought a cold meat sandwich from Pizza Factory the day before and ate it there. Cool spot definitely! I continued the drive and stopped a couple times in along the Kings Canyon Scenic Bypass. Before leaving completely from Sequoia I wanted to go to General Grant Grove (0.5 miles loop). It was extremely impressive! I couldn't wrap my mind around how impressive these trees were! It really doesn't do just until you are standing looking at them.

-I continued to head on out to Yosemite. I had my first view of tunnel view (see Bridal Veil Falls, El Cap, and Half dome). It was extremely breath taking I hadn't known that when you drive through the tunnel you stumble upon the view. My breathe was taking away. I stopped and soaked it in. It was amazing. I drove to the Yosemite Valley and watched the sunset. There was a deer perfectly grazing infant of me which was amazing! So much nature! It's overwhelming.

Day 4- I planned to take a Big Hike! I initially had planned to go do upper and lower Yosemite falls but while I was at Tokopah Falls I ran into two other hikers that suggested I take a different hike. I took thier suggestion and I am so happy I did! I ended up hiking the Vernal & Nevada falls via the mist trail. It was spectacular! They call it the mist trail with serious reasoning haha!! I got drenched passing by Vernal falls! It was the most exhilarating things I've ever experienced in nature! Half way through the trail I met a Kiwi who accompanied me on some of the hike. Its amazing how open people become when traveling solo. It is an amazing feeling! After my hike I was starving of course so I got linner at Yosemite lodge then went to see El Cap. I went up to the base and it was another expirence that you are reminded how incredibly small we are in nature. From the base I saw four rock climbers. It was close to 8 pm and they had only been half way but it's a heck of a defeat I am sure. I had just played around at the base trying to climb on whatever I could grab and it definitely gave me an appreciation for what they do!

Day 5- I had intended to watch the sunrise over Glacier Point ( a 0.6 mile trail) but had set the alarm for the wrong time. Soo I missed sunrise lol but I did wake up at 5:30am and got moving as fast as I could. I didn't get the magical sunrise but it was still an awesome view to see. After this I headed on back to my Airbnb, packed, ate breakfast, then headed out to Napa, CA. =]

And that was my trip to Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite! As a side note I am super excited I became a National Park member! I would consider it if you are going to stop in these places within one calendar year. =]