Overview

We were incredibly fortunate with our timing and the fires burning in the surrounding areas. Day one started off pretty smoky, but as we climbed higher and neared the Great Western Divide, we left most of it behind and below us. Smoke settled around us at camp on night two, but when we woke up the next morning it had all cleared out. We wouldn't hike through any more smoke until descending to Whitney Portal on day five. The day after we finished the hike, all of the National Forests closed due to the fires. You are still required to carry a bear can, even if you are camping where there are bear boxes. You also need to carry and use a WAG bag for any poops in the Mt. Whitney Zone (begins at Crabtree Meadow and extends up and over Whitney til you near the Portal). We purchased ours from REI.

Logistics

The day before our hike, we drove two cars (our own + a one-way rental) to Whitney Portal and dropped off our car there. We then drove the rental to Visalia, dropped it off, and stayed the night. We went into Sequoia early the following morning to begin the hike.

Conditions

Clear skies. Highs in the 70s, lows in the 40s. No bugs. Some smoke beginning of day one, end of day two, and end of day five.

Day 3

Moraine Lake to Junction Meadow

Woke up to bluebird skies that we would enjoy for the rest of the trail. Greeted by the incredible Sky Parlor Meadow shortly after leaving camp with Mt. Kaweah looming in the distance. Began our descent into the Kern River Canyon after a few miles, and would follow it north for the rest of the day. It's humbling walking along the mighty Kern and seeing just how deep it has carved over millions of years. The towering granite on either side of us didn't stand a chance. Probably our easiest day on the trail, but oppressively hot in the canyon. Stopped by the natural hot springs, but the weather didn't call for a hot soak. Opted for a dip in the icy Kern instead. I started experiencing pain in my right foot this day that would nag at me occasionally for the rest of the trip. Tried stretching it and soaking it in a few streams with mild success. Wish I had brought a ball or something to roll it out. Still made good time to camp and set an early alarm for a pre-dawn hike up and east out of the canyon the next day. Bear boxes are available at Junction Meadow.