Copper Creek Trail, Kings Canyon National Park
May 2001
Kings Canyon, carved out of the Sierra Nevada mountains by the Kings River can reach depths of 8000 feet at its deepest point, considerably higher than even the Grand Canyon. From the bottom of this canyon, I began my hike up the Copper Creek Trail, climbing quickly and steeply along the many switchbacks. Finding myself sadly out of shape, I stopped often to catch my breath and to admire the views across the canyon. About a mile and a half into the hike, I came across a solitary mule deer snacking on some bushes along the side of the trail. I stopped dead in my tracks and crouched down to make myself look smaller so as not to alarm the deer. I slowly crept forward, stopping every few inches, to try to get closer. The deer was more curious than alarmed at my presence, and would take a few tentative steps towards me to get a better look and a better sniff. After several minutes, the deer lost interest and ambled off into the woods. I continued climbing the trail, thankful for the much needed rest.
Lakes Trail, Sequoia National Park
May 2001
Sequoia National Park, although named for and famous for the groves of giant Sequoia trees, has a lot more to offer, especially in the backcountry. I started my hike on the Lakes Trail from the Wolverton area, near Giant Grove. The trail wound through a forest for the first 1.8 miles until reaching a junction. From there, the trail turned abruptly upward. There was still about a foot of snow on the ground at this altitude even though it was well into May, and that made it incredibly difficult to follow the trail. The only guide was the blazes on the trees which were just far enough apart to make it difficult. Stopping every now and again to locate the next blaze, I slowly made my way up the hill to the highest point of the hike, around 9300 feet. I descended down the backside for a short while before a magnificent view opened up in front of me. I was looking out across a valley to massive granite peaks, melting snowcaps feeding streams and waterfalls. The snow was much deeper here due to the northern exposure. I made my way down a steep incline, sometimes sinking down to my knees in the soft, deep snow, to the shores of Heather Lake. The lake was still frozen over for the most part, showing only glimpses of the crystal clear water below the layer of ice. I had my lunch while I rested on a rock, admiring the view. I made my way back up the hill, fighting against the deep snow, and returned to the trailhead to finish off a great day of hiking.
