Snowshoeing in Sequoia National Park, Part 3

Mark and his two bowls
at breakfast at
Wuksachi Lodge

In all my previous stays in National Parks, I have always stayed in tents, or primitive tent cabins.  However, lodging doesn't always have to be so rugged. Many National Parks have famous and historical lodges in which to stay (the luxurious Ahwahnee at Yosemite National Park comes to mind). Up until this trip, however, we had never stayed in the National Park Lodge before.      

Luckily enough, the Wuksachi lodge within Sequoia National Park was offering a very attractive winter deal through TravelZoo.  For once, I decided to spoil ourselves with the comforts of a warm bed, private shower and cable television to go with our wilderness experience.  Having these creature comforts gave us the reserves to go confidently out into the snow everyday.  

Little did I know, but food options within the park are limited to the Wuksachi dining hall. Food at Wuksachi, particularly dinner, was fantastic, and I was even impressed with the wine pairing at one meal. However, the prices can be a little steep. But I loved the family atmosphere in the dining room.  There was no formality, despite the incredible food and setting. At meal times, it was not uncommon for children to run around, and for babies to be crawling around on the carpeted floor. 

All in all, I think our Sequoia Kings Canyon trip exceeded my expectations.  I knew I would be awed by the Giant Sequoias, but I did not expect to feel love towards these huge trees as I did.  It is a special place that uplifted me. And I  highly recommend others to see this place for themselves.

When to Go

Winter is a great time to visit Sequoia National Park. The snow accentuates the Giant Sequoia's outstanding orange bark, the park is less crowded, and lodging is inexpensive.

Where to Go/What to Do

1. Visit General Sherman Tree (.5 miles).  

2. Snowshoe Congress Loop Trail (1.0 miles)

3. Visit Lodgepole Visitor Center - there's a great exhibit on the history of the park

4. Visit Grant Grove and General Grant Tree

5. Snowshoe to Topokah Falls (3.4 miles)

6. Attend a ranger led snowshoe hike

Where to Stay

Wuksachi Lodge

What to Wear

A ski jacket with a removable liner, snow pants or gaiters, waterproof boots (hiking boots don't count), and snowshoes are recommended.  My hiking boots weren't waterproof, and as a result I got some minor frost bite on the first day.  On the second day, however, I rectified the situation by wearing plastic bags over my socks underneath my hiking boots.