This was my dad’s first backpacking trip. We decided to combine it with a parallel camping and day trips for those staying behind. For the backpackers, we did a lollipop loop through three wilderness areas: first from Lodgepole within Sequoia National Park, then into the Jennie Lakes Wilderness, then through Kings Canyon National Park, and back into Sequoia.
Our Wednesday warm-up hike to Little Baldy gave us sweeping views of the terrain of JO Pass, Mt. Silliman, and the entire Lodgepole valley.
On the Fourth of July, Thursday, we checked in at the Wilderness Office in Lodgepole, got our permits, rented bear canisters, and began our hike. After five miles, we arrived at the junction of JO Pass Trail and the Twin Lakes Trail where we set up camp.
Beyond the junction, we took the left for in the morning and went uphill to JO Pass, entering Jennie Lakes Wilderness. The trail flattened out to a gradual downhill. After crossing several creeks, we arrived at beautiful expansive Rowell Meadow. Wildflowers blanketed the fields around our campsite. This was the perfect spot.
Friday morning, we ascended to the boundary of Kings Canyon National Park, continued past the trail junctions to Seville Lake and Lost Lake. Ranger Lake was the next perfect spot to spend the night.
In the early dawn, Ranger Lake was a mirror, reflecting the stately peaks. This was one of the most beautiful lakes on the hike. This day’s hike was short. We left our camp spot and walked hup a series of switchbacks to Silliman Pass. We’re in the Tablelands! Granite slabs, peaks, and domes stretched in all directions. Soon, we arrived at Twin Lakes in the early afternoon.
The hike out on Monday retraced some of the trail from our first day: down to the trail junction, then back along the straight part of the lollipop. Before long, we’re back at Lodgepole!
