| About Sequoia Kings Canyon |
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| The Lakes Trail |
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Length, One-way:
6.7 Miles
Vehicle Accessibility:
Passenger Vehicle
Usage:
Heavy
Point of Interest:
Watchtower formation
Elevation Gain, One-way:
2,250 Feet
Difficulty:
Moderate to Difficult
Beginning Elevation:
7,250 Feet
Recommended Season:
Early Fall
Ending Elevation:
9,500 Feet
Reservation:
No
Season:
June - Mid-October
From Ash Mountain Entrance, Follow Generals Highway northward 20 miles to the turn off for Wolverton. Turn right and drive two miles to the trailhead.
Location Information
The Lakes Trail begins from the Wolverton Trailhead. It is the most popular backpacking trail in Sequoia National Park. So, if solitude is what your seeking this isn't the trail for you. Despite the crowds its a beautifully scenic tromp through a sequoia grove and outcropping granite to a series of alpine lakes.The trail begins by climbing from the 7,250 foot trailhead. Follow the trail eastward from the trailhead on the northern bank of Wolverton Creek. You'll reach a trail junction two miles from the trailhead. Take the left fork, the right side leads to Panther Gap. Approximately a quarter mile from this trail junction the trail splits. This is the beginning of the loop that leads past the Watchtower rock formation to Heather Lake. Either side of the fork will bring you back to this point. The left side has a more gradual ascent and leads past the Watchtower and along a granite shelf that provides great views of the valley to the east. The loop is approximately two miles on each side. Heather Lake lies at the far end of the loop about four miles from the trailhead. There is no camping permitted at Heather Lake. Continue walking eastward from Heather Lake to reach Aster and Emerald Lakes. The one mile trek to these lakes is relatively flat and too easy to miss these alpine lakes. Backpackers will want to continue hiking another half mile and 400 feet to Pear Lake and the backcountry campsites. To return to the trailhead simply turn around and follow the trail westward.
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