My First Sequoia Adventure (And What I Wish I’d Known)
The first time I set foot in Sequoia National Park, I was completely unprepared for what awaited me. It wasn’t just the towering giants that took my breath away (though trust me, no photo can capture the feeling of standing next to a 2,000-year-old sequoia). It was the overwhelming sense of my own tininess in the grand scheme of things.
I remember standing at the Alta Trail trailhead, my borrowed backpack already digging into my shoulders, wondering if I’d made a terrible mistake. I’d convinced my more experienced friend Jamie to take me on what was supposed to be an “easy” overnight trip. Four miles in, with blisters forming and the weight of my overpacked bag (did I really need three paperback books?), I was silently cursing him.
But then we reached Pear Lake as the sun was starting to set. The alpenglow on the Sierra peaks, the crystal-clear water, and the absolute silence except for the whisper of wind through the trees… I was hooked for life.
That trip taught me so much about what to do—and what definitely NOT to do—when backpacking in Sequoia. So I’m writing the guide I wish I’d had before my first trip. Let’s dive in!
Planning Your Sequoia National Park Backpacking Adventure
When to Go: Seasonal Considerations
Sequoia National Park transforms dramatically throughout the year. Your experience in July will be completely different from an October visit.
Summer (June-August): This is peak season for a reason! Trails are generally snow-free, temperatures are pleasant (though afternoon thunderstorms are common), and all facilities are open. The downside? Crowds and competition for permits.
Fall (September-October): My personal favorite time to visit. The summer crowds thin out, fall colors begin to appear, and temperatures are ideal for hiking. Wildlife becomes more active as they prepare for winter.
Winter/Spring (November-May): Much of the park is covered in snow, making backpacking routes inaccessible to all but the most experienced winter campers. Some roads close entirely.
Pro tip: For the sweet spot of good weather and fewer crowds, aim for weekdays in late September or early October.
Understanding the Permit System (Don’t Skip This!)
Here’s where so many beginners mess up (myself included). You CANNOT just show up and hit the trails for an overnight adventure. Sequoia National Park operates on a permit system to protect the wilderness and manage visitor impact.
Wilderness Permits: Required for all overnight stays in the wilderness (not campgrounds). During the quota season (late May through late September), permits are limited and competition can be fierce.
How to Get a Permit:
- Reservation window: Permits become available 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov.
- Quota season: 75% of permits can be reserved in advance, with 25% held for walk-ups.
- Walk-up permits: Available starting at 1:00 PM the day before your trip at the wilderness permit station.
I learned this the hard way when Jamie and I had to completely reroute our trip because our preferred trailhead was fully booked. Don’t make the same mistake!
Popular Backpacking Routes for Beginners
If you’re new to backpacking, these routes offer the perfect balance of challenge and reward:
- Lakes Trail to Pear Lake (12 miles round trip)
This was my first trip and remains one of my favorites. The trail passes Heather, Emerald, and Aster Lakes before reaching the stunning Pear Lake. Moderate difficulty with significant elevation gain. - Twin Lakes from Lodgepole (13 miles round trip)
A beautiful out-and-back with less elevation gain than the Lakes Trail. Great for fishing enthusiasts. - Alta Trail to Alta Meadow (7 miles round trip)
Shorter distance makes this perfect for true beginners, with spectacular views of the Great Western Divide.
Essential Gear for Sequoia Backpacking
Let’s talk about what you actually need to bring. I’m not going to recommend specific brands (except where I’ve had exceptional experiences), but instead focus on the essentials.
The Big Four
These four items will be your biggest investments and the core of your backpacking setup:
- Backpack (55-65 liters) – Make sure it fits properly! Visit an outdoor retailer like REI to get fitted before purchasing.
- Shelter – For beginners, I recommend a freestanding 2-person tent even if you’re solo. The extra space is worth the slight weight penalty.
- Sleeping Bag – For Sequoia, a 20-30°F rated bag is versatile for most of the backpacking season. Remember, temperatures at elevation can drop dramatically at night, even in summer.
- Sleeping Pad – Don’t skimp here! This provides both comfort and crucial insulation from the cold ground.
Clothing Systems
The secret to backpacking comfort is layering. Here’s what to pack:
- Base layers (synthetic or merino wool, NOT cotton)
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
- Waterproof/windproof outer layer
- Quick-dry hiking pants (convertible pants with zip-off legs are super versatile)
- 2-3 pairs of good hiking socks (I swear by Darn Tough socks – check them out on Amazon)
- Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners (break them in BEFORE your trip!)
- Hat for sun protection
- Beanie for cold evenings
Kitchen & Food
- Lightweight backpacking stove and fuel
- One pot for cooking
- Spork or utensil
- Water filter or purification method
- Food storage (bear canister REQUIRED in Sequoia)
- 2-3 liters water capacity
- Lightweight bowl/mug
For food, aim for 2,500-3,500 calories per day depending on your size and trip difficulty. Dehydrated meals are convenient but pricey. I like to bring a mix of backpacker meals and my own concoctions.
My go-to breakfast is instant oatmeal with dried fruit and nuts. For lunch, tortillas with tuna packets or peanut butter. Dinner is either a Mountain House meal or ramen upgraded with dehydrated vegetables and powdered coconut milk.
Safety Equipment (Non-Negotiable)
- First aid kit
- Map AND compass (don’t rely solely on electronic devices)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Whistle
- Fire starter
- Multi-tool or knife
- Emergency shelter (even a heavy-duty trash bag works)
- Water purification backup (tablets or drops)
- Personal locator beacon or satellite messenger for remote routes
A Real-Life Lesson: My Pear Lake Mishap
During my third trip to Sequoia, I decided to revisit Pear Lake—this time solo. I felt confident in my abilities after a few successful trips. The weather forecast was perfect, and I’d secured my permit well in advance.
The hike up was glorious. I passed day hikers struggling with the elevation, feeling somewhat smug with my ultralight gear and trail-hardened legs. I reached Pear Lake by early afternoon, set up camp, and spent the remainder of the day exploring, reading, and soaking in the alpine stillness.
Around sunset, clouds began rolling in—fast. Within an hour, my perfect blue sky transformed into a menacing blanket of dark clouds, and the first raindrops hit my tent. What followed was one of the most intense thunderstorms I’ve ever experienced in the backcountry.
Lightning struck so close that the thunder was instantaneous, making my tent vibrate. Rain came in sideways, finding its way under my rain fly. As water began pooling underneath my tent, I realized my mistake: I’d set up camp in a slight depression that was quickly becoming a puddle.
By midnight, my sleeping bag was damp, I was shivering, and I was mentally calculating how quickly I could hike out at first light. When morning finally came, the storm had passed, but everything I owned was soaked through. I packed up my soggy gear and made the miserable hike back to civilization, learning several valuable lessons:
- Always, ALWAYS check the weather forecast the day of your trip (not just days in advance)
- Pay close attention to campsite selection—avoid depressions where water might collect
- Bring extra waterproofing (pack liner, stuff sacks) even when rain isn’t in the forecast
- Always have a backup plan and extra emergency supplies
This experience taught me more about backpacking safety than any guidebook could have. Which brings me to…
Safety in Sequoia’s Backcountry
Wildlife Safety (Yes, Bears)
Sequoia National Park is home to black bears, and they’re intelligent opportunists when it comes to human food. Bear canisters are not just recommended—they’re required throughout the park’s wilderness.
Bear Safety Tips:
- Store ALL scented items in your bear canister (food, toiletries, trash)
- Keep your canister 100 feet from your campsite
- Never leave food unattended, even during the day
- If you encounter a bear, make yourself look big, make noise, and back away slowly
- NEVER run from a bear—this triggers their chase instinct
Weather and High-Altitude Challenges
Sequoia’s wilderness areas reach significant elevations, with many popular destinations above 9,000 feet. This creates unique safety challenges:
Altitude Sickness: Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Prevention is key—acclimate gradually by spending a night at Lodgepole or another intermediate elevation before heading to higher camps.
Lightning Safety: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. If caught in a storm:
- Get below treeline
- Avoid isolated trees and open areas
- Stay away from summits and ridgelines
- Assume the “lightning position” if in an exposed area (crouched on the balls of your feet, head down, hands over ears)
Hypothermia: Can occur even in summer! Always pack an extra insulating layer and rain gear, regardless of the forecast.
Water Safety
Most Sequoia streams and lakes contain Giardia and other harmful microorganisms. ALWAYS treat your water using one of these methods:
- Backpacking water filter (I use the Sawyer Squeeze, available on Amazon)
- Chemical treatment (tablets or drops)
- UV purification devices
- Boiling (rolling boil for at least one minute)
Leave No Trace Principles
Protecting Sequoia’s fragile ecosystem is everyone’s responsibility. Follow these principles:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly (pack it out!)
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts (use established fire rings where allowed)
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
What Makes Sequoia Unique (And Worth the Effort)
After all this talk of permits, gear, and safety considerations, you might be wondering if backpacking in Sequoia is worth the effort. Let me assure you—absolutely yes!
The ancient sequoia groves are just the beginning. The park’s dramatic elevation range creates incredible ecological diversity, from foothills chaparral to alpine tundra. In a single backpacking trip, you can experience:
- The world’s largest trees by volume
- Crystal-clear alpine lakes
- Dramatic granite peaks and formations
- Breathtaking meadows exploding with wildflowers (June-July)
- Some of the darkest night skies in California
- Incredible wildlife from black bears to marmots to the occasional bobcat
And perhaps most valuable of all: genuine solitude and disconnection from our increasingly connected world. There’s something deeply restorative about being alone with your thoughts in a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years.
Final Thoughts and Planning Resources
Backpacking in Sequoia National Park requires more preparation than your average outdoor adventure, but the rewards far outweigh the effort. Start with shorter trips to build confidence and gradually work your way up to more ambitious routes.
My first shaky steps on the Lakes Trail have led to countless wilderness adventures, not just in Sequoia but throughout the Sierra Nevada and beyond. The skills and confidence I gained from those early experiences have enriched my life immeasurably.
For more information as you plan your trip, I recommend these resources:
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Official Website
- Recreation.gov for permits
- National Weather Service for detailed forecasts
- AllTrails for trail reviews and conditions
What backpacking adventure are you planning in Sequoia? Drop a comment below with your questions, and I’ll do my best to help you prepare for an unforgettable wilderness experience!
Remember: The mountains will always be there. There’s no shame in turning back if conditions aren’t right or you’re not feeling well. Safety first, always.
This article was last updated April 2025 and contains affiliate links to products I personally use and recommend. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Leave a Reply