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Sequoia NP - Twin Lakes Trail


Highlights:

Lovely lakes in stunning setting, deep forest and meadows along trail
Near:Three Rivers, CA
Scenery:
Distance:13.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:2700 ft
Hike Time:7 hours
Difficulty:Strenuous
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: This is a wonderful hike that can be done in a single day or spread over two days staying at Clover Creek or Twin Lakes backcountry camps. From the Lodgepole Campground, the trail ascends steadily through deep forest with occasional small meadows blooming with wildflowers. About 2 miles along the trail you will reach Cahoon meadow, a perfect spot for a break and some picture taking. The next waypoint is at Clover Creek, 4 miles in, where you will reach a trail junction and several lovely campsites. Head right towards Twin Lakes, up a somewhat steep section of trail another 1.7 miles over Cahoon Gap and into Twin Lakes.

Twin lakes is perfect for an overnight stay if you are backpacking, but note that you cannot have campfires at this site. If you fish, make sure to bring your gear. There are countless brook trout in the smaller of the two Twin Lakes. Beyond Twin lakes, the turn around point for this hike, lie the stunning vistas of Sillman pass.


Trailhead: Sequoia National Park is located in Central California, east of the town of Visalia. Take highway 198 into Sequoia Park and follow it to the LodgePole Campground. You can park you car in a large parking lot near the campfire amphitheater. Cross the bridge over the Kaweah River and you will see the trailhead on the right. Take the trailhead to Twin Lakes. Make sure to remove all food and items that have a scent from your car and put them in the bear lockers next to the parking area. (Lat:36.60494 Lon:-118.72292)
Trail Guides for Sequoia NP - Twin Lakes Trail:
California Hiking
by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown  (Foghorn Press)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Sequoia National Park Wilderness Office (559)565-3766
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted  105 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Charles P. on 5/29/2007
Hiked it with my wife and our three kids, ages 7, 9 and 11 over the Memorial Day weekend. It was our first backpacking trip. My recommendation for the less daring (or those overloaded with equipment or kids) - hike up slowly (funeral procession style), lunch at Cahoon Meadows and set up base camp at Clover Creek (approximately 4.8 miles into it). Next day, leave gear at Clover Creek and day hike up to Twin Lakes - it's relatively all up hill to Twin lakes 4 miles round trip). You can have a fire at Clover Creek and there's a bear locker there. Third day, return to Lodgepole. There was some snow on the ground near the Cahoon Pass as well as snow up at Twin Lakes. Wonderful views and well worth the effort!

Reviewed by Steve T. on 6/26/2005
Driving from LA to Lodgepole with a 2 and 3 year old was very trying. I'm on vacation for a week and all stressed with crying kids. My wife tells me to take a hike! In the morning (5AM) I walk towards twin lakes. I didn't want to leave the family all day so I only went to Cahoon pass. Pictures and words don't do it justice, you have to see it. Still etched in my memory is Stillman meadow. I only saw one other person on the hike. That was ten years ago and we are going back next month and I can't wait to walk it again, this time the complete hike and take my now 13 year old son with me!

Reviewed by Wade M. on 2/13/2004
One of the best day hikes ever, met not a soul, Wife told me of a childhood experience that took two day, a near death night and a lot of anxiety. Told her I'd go up and come down with a limit of trout by 3:00 pm. Well didn't make it down till dusk. Saw marmot, spruce grouse the size of a turkey, walked up on a sleeping deer. It was first week of July(2000)My impression of the big lake is that it's an embrace from above. You'd have to go there to understand, but the feeling is there. Snow on ground and 70 plus degrees. Difficulty would be a 6 on scale of 10. Went two time to the Twin Lakes in 1 week. Easy Limits of Brook Trout to 13 inches. To be at a place like Twin Lakes on a day hike is a great outdoor experience.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Tulare County Hiking, Tulare County Trails, Tulare County Hikes

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