Sequoia National Forest - Jennie Lakes Wilderness

A 17.5 mile loop with an additional 2+ miles with alternate start.

One of the great things about the hike was due to a midweek start with the road just opening a few days before. I saw very few people and enjoyed the solitude at 8 to 9,000 feet. The Sierras in this region had a combination of open vistas and large, semi-open forests.

This was one of the most challenging hikes I have done due to a combination of factors on the second day.

Prep

Figuring out a solo backpacking trip can and should take a bit of planning. Check weather. Check food. Check Gear. Check Permits. In this case I luckily was going to be on Forest Service land, no permits needed. And, the road had just opened up… And it was just days before Memorial Weekend (crowds). For 3 days I saw, 3 people the first day, a group at camp the 2nd night and a handful of people on day three coming out.

2 Lakes

The sub-alpine lakes are situated at 9,000 and 8,000 feet, making it a bit of a challenge. Speaking of- day 2 provided heat, blisters and route finding challenges, plus the bulk of the mileage and elevation gain and loss over 10 miles to camp 2. Tough day. It happens. Not having other factors like a weather issue or injury kept things on the plus side.

It was a great trip. I enjoyed getting out of the van for a few day for some solitude and wildness in the Sierras. If you can get it without snowpack, bugs or heat, I’d highly recommend it.