Unforgettable Destinations

Unforgettable Destinations Creating Travel Guides to Avoid Tourist Traps and Experience the Authentic Greatness of the World's Best Places.

This book has been a year in the making and has been reviewed by numerous editors and travel experts. So glad to announ...
10/15/2024

This book has been a year in the making and has been reviewed by numerous editors and travel experts. So glad to announce that it is ready for publication and will be available on Amazon on November 1, 2024. If you would like an early free copy and are willing to write us a review shortly after publication, send us a direct message DM with the word "Book"

A lot of people wonder - when is the best time to visit Giant Sequoia National Monument?The answer is… it depends!The ch...
11/03/2023

A lot of people wonder - when is the best time to visit Giant Sequoia National Monument?
The answer is… it depends!
The changes in elevation throughout the area create different micro-climates and bring a great variety of experiences depending on how high up you are and what time of year it is.
Our absolute favorite time of year at the Sequoia Trails Cabin which sits at 5,000 feet in elevation is May and June. The winter snow has melted from the higher elevations and the forests are green and lush, with spring-like temperatures and wildflowers everywhere. Sequoia Groves nearby are at their very best in appearance and vibrancy. The Nelson Trail through the Belknap Grove is an excellent choice for this time of year. The rivers are running swift and high so this is not the best time of year for swimming and fishing. However, the rafting companies are enjoying their peak season on the Kern River
In July and August, it is prime time at 7,000 feet where the same green lushness and spring like temperatures have moved up the hill. The Alder Creek Grove and Trail of 100 Giants and best visited during this time. The Rivers are still good for rafting but have calmed down enough for the many area swimmers, cliff jumpers and fishermen to enjoy their activities. The lower elevations are hot at this time of year and that draws many to jump into the cool swimming holes along the Tule that you can reach from Highway 190.
In the fall, the rivers are at their lowest and this is the best time for fishing the Tule and Kings Rivers, as well as the many streams that feed into them. By this time the fish have been growing all summer and are their largest size. In addition to great trout fishing, the fall colors are on full display as the variety of deciduous oak trees are turning golden yellow. This is especially beautiful as you walk through the lower elevation Sequoia Groves. Wild Turkeys run up and down the roads, there is an abundance of nature and animal life to view.
Since this is California, and most residents of this state don’t live in a place that receives winter snow, this is a popular place for visiting. The cabin receives several feet of snow each year and there are flat areas on the property with small hills ideal for sledding and snow play. The park at Camp Nelson offers larger fields of snow and a large sledding hill. When snow levels are low at this elevation, you need only drive up to Sequoia Crest for a good sledding hill or a popular spot at Quaking Aspen. Both areas have plenty of snow all winter. Holidays are well-celebrated by residents of this area and offer our family particularly cherished memories.

The Trail of 100 Giants is the most popular destination for travelers coming to Giant Sequoia National Monument, and it ...
11/03/2023

The Trail of 100 Giants is the most popular destination for travelers coming to Giant Sequoia National Monument, and it is certainly a must-see place. However, there is, what we believe to be, an even better Sequoia Grove that often goes unvisited. I am talking about the Alder Creek Grove in Sequoia Crest, just 25 minutes away from the Sequoia Trails Cabin.
Reaching the end of Redwood Drive and the expansive views of the Tule River Valley and Slate Mountain visible on the way, you’ll reach the quaint collection of cabins nestled among a large group of Sequoia Trees. This is one of the only places in the world where private cabins were allowed to be constructed inside of a grove like this and it has created a surreal dichotomy of people and nature.
Parking your car at one of the many dirt roads that lead from the community into the larger mass of ancient trees and their supporting habitat you will have a web of trails all over the tree-covered hilltop from which you can explore in serenity, the majesty of the giants. It is here that the Friends of the Sequoia non-profit organization have set up their camp for volunteers who charge themselves with the care and protection of this grove and just a half mile hike beyond it the main event……the Alonzo Stagg Tree, clocking in as the 5th largest tree in the world, and the largest outside of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
Sitting at 7,000 feet in elevation, the air is a little thinner and cleaner than what you’ll find in the other groves of the area and the views of the Mountain Home State Forest groves of Sequoias across the canyon blend into the towering hillsides of Moses and Maggie Mountains, home to other lesser-known groves and alpine lakes that can be reached by the Summit Trail which passes the ridge above the Stagg Tree where you are standing. It is the majestic mountain views of this grove that make it special and a preferred alternative to the Trail of 100 Giants.
Adding to the appeal over the more traveled and trampled groves are the smaller crowds, larger trees and more lush supporting fauna which create a paradisical backdrop to the ancient trees themselves. At this elevation in the summer, hiking temperatures are perfect and cool. In the winter abundant snow draws in many visitors from the warm lowlands who enjoy a day of sledding and snowball fights.
For more information, check out:
https://www.redwoodhikes.com/SequoiaNM/StaggTree.html

Trail of 100 Giants is the most popular attraction in the Sequoia National Monument as is a must-see destination for peo...
11/03/2023

Trail of 100 Giants is the most popular attraction in the Sequoia National Monument as is a must-see destination for people all over the world. A parking lot located off the Great Divide Highway, known officially as the Long Meadow Grove, gives you access to a one mile loop trail through a well-preserved grove of giant sequoias. Saved by firefighters during the recent windy fire, the grove is open again to visitors and the crowds have been pouring in all summer. There is a gift shop and restrooms available for your convenience.
For more information, check out:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sequoia/recarea/?recid=79825
https://www.redwoodhikes.com/SequoiaNM/TrailOf100Giants.html

The Needles are an iconic landmark in the Sequoia National Monument and are made up of granitic dome intrusions that hav...
11/03/2023

The Needles are an iconic landmark in the Sequoia National Monument and are made up of granitic dome intrusions that have been eroded away over time. In the past, a wildfire lookout tower sat on top of one of the peaks and had a trail and a staircase that the public could use to visit it. Ironically, the fire lookout station was destroyed by a fire years ago, but the rocks and the trail remain. This area is used as one of the greatest rock-climbing places anywhere and is very popular by those who climb. It is also visited by those who want to hike the 2.5 miles in and enjoy the many viewpoints, with some visitors braving the abandoned stairs.
For more information, check out:
https://www.summitpost.org/the-needles/151043

Grab your paddles and sign up for an adventurous rafting trip down the popular Kern River. Once the training river of t...
11/03/2023

Grab your paddles and sign up for an adventurous rafting trip down the popular Kern River. Once the training river of the US Olympic Team, outfitters provide runs for all skill levels. There are several outfitters to choose from.
For more information, check out:
https://www.sierrasouth.com/
https://kernrafting.com/

Peppermint Falls is a top family favorite for us. The short one-mile hike leads to a beautiful, multi-staged waterfall ...
11/03/2023

Peppermint Falls is a top family favorite for us. The short one-mile hike leads to a beautiful, multi-staged waterfall cascading down to the Kern River. We like spending time in the scenic pools above the falls, and taking the steep trail to the base of the falls and back up. The cool mist and water relieve the summer heat. It is especially spectacular in spring when the snowmelt is at its highest and the falls are roaring. Bring family and friends and enjoy a great half day.
For more information, check out:
http://kernriversierra.com/hike/Peppermint_Creek_Falls_Hike.html?fbclid=IwAR1NEdky4AFUsJdr_XGISd9M3oaP99owMASC65zcaL7VSh2U83kTcGjkdko

Dome Rock is just 25 minutes from the cabin and offers exceptional views of the Kern River Valley. A granitic intrusion...
11/03/2023

Dome Rock is just 25 minutes from the cabin and offers exceptional views of the Kern River Valley. A granitic intrusion sticking out of the side of the mountain can be accessed from Highway 190 and a dirt road that leads to a parking area. A short trail takes you to the top. This is one of several excellent rock climbing areas that offers climbing opportunities for all skill levels. All my children have enjoyed rappelling here as have many others we've gone with.
For more information, check out:
https://www.summitpost.org/dome-rock-ca/153955

The Freeman Creek Grove is a large grove for the area and is home to the famous George Bush Tree, one of the biggest out...
11/03/2023

The Freeman Creek Grove is a large grove for the area and is home to the famous George Bush Tree, one of the biggest out there. You can access a trailhead that leads down the mountain through the grove from a parking area near Quaking Aspen, or can drive north from Johnsondale, turn off along a dirt road and reach a parking area near the Bush Tree.
For more information, check out:
https://www.redwoodhikes.com/SequoiaNM/Freeman.html

Just below Johnsondale, before you reach the Kern River is a trailhead that leads to the Seven Teacups. People come fro...
11/03/2023

Just below Johnsondale, before you reach the Kern River is a trailhead that leads to the Seven Teacups. People come from distant places to see this natural phenomenon, who enjoy canyoneering down the gorge, jumping from pool to pool, fishing or just enjoying the scenery.
The trail to this site is a few miles long, so bring plenty of water and sun protection when you go. The reward at the end, is very much worth the effort though.
For more information, check out:
ernhiker.com/hike/canyoneering-the-seven-teacups/

Our family hiked a portion of the Nelson Trail this past summer and found it to be one of our favorite places in the are...
11/03/2023

Our family hiked a portion of the Nelson Trail this past summer and found it to be one of our favorite places in the area. Beginning at the Belknap Campground, a trail runs along the south side of the Tule River, past historic cabins and excellent river scenery with giant sequoia trees all around. Further up the trail it moves to the north side of the river and passes through several other groves that combine to form what is called the Belknap Complex.
This is the closest Sequoia Trailhead to the cabin and is highly recommended.
For more information, check out:
https://www.redwoodhikes.com/SequoiaNM/Nelson.html

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