Backpacking Among the Sequoias?

[Scott Winkleman]

I'm looking for recommendations for a backpacking trip primarily through an old growth Sequoia or Giant Redwood forest in California. Nothing too strenuous, in the 3 day range (give or take).

I live in Colorado and most of my trips have taken place here or in a neighboring state. I've done a little searching here with limited results and thought there's surely someone who can recommend an outstanding trail or location.

Any suggestions would be appreciated along with best time of year to do it.

Thanks!

[Jim W.]

Mostly day hikes. I think a backpack trip would need to creatively avoid civilization to spend much distance in the redwoods.

Winter is easier because even the most popular groves are mostly empty. A few hundred yards off the road in the Sequoias and it's just you and your snowshoes or skis.

For the coast redwoods winter is beautiful and damp. In Redwood National Park I once left the Redwood Creek/Tall Trees trailhead in Orick, forded the waist-deep river, and hiked to the tallest known tree in the world. I slept in my bivy cuddled against the base. Each time I woke I was amazed at the height- hundreds of feet to the first branch. Then headed out the next day in a gentle rain. Never saw another person.

Try Redwood Hikes- Redwood National Park
and Redwood Hikes- Main Page for lots of good ideas.

[Paul Young]

In the Santa Cruz mountains you could easily make a few days backpacking trip in the redwoods. There is 29.5 mile the skyline to the sea trail. It goes mostly through big basin park. There is also trail camps at Pescadero Creek County Park, and castle rock state park. There are trails between all of those parks.

Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyline-to-the-Sea_Trail
http://www.redwoodhikes.com/Portola/Portola.html

[Jack H.]

Which one? Sierra Big Trees or Coast Redwoods?

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