It was my first time going up to Sequoia this weekend. It was a great way to avoid the heat, but also a nice chance to get away from everything. Very enjoyable going off the grid with good friends and family this weekend, but it was too short. ~40 of us camped for three nights and saw some 5 black bear cubs, and two deers. One of the deers were grazing 15 feet away from us, which was pretty amazing. It was so fascinating seeing the kids enjoying nature and just having a blast playing, rather than being stuck to ipads and iphones. I loved going back to simpler times just having good food and company! Mosquitos were out with a vengeance and most of us got stung a few times, even after spraying bug spray everywhere! Originally we were planning for a wet camping trip since the forecasts said it was going to be raining, luckily we didn't have any rain, but we were prepared for it.
Went to Moro Rock, which had a great view. Clear skies and no thunderstorms, so there was no worry about being struck by lightning.
Crystal Cave was fascinating to see, but the tour was too short. Half our group too the 5PM tour because our group was too large. Remember to buy your tour tickets online 48 hours in advance, or get to the visitor center at 7AM and be the first to choose your time slots! Wish we had more time in there. If you're ever planning on visiting, I'd suggest taking a later tour, since it's a lot less rushed. You should be able to spend a bit more time enjoying the cave. Oh, walking down to the cave was easy... but your trip up will take a lot of energy fighting the uphill walk and elevation! Take it easy and enjoy the sights! Just beware of pesky mosquito and poison ivy/oak.
Haven't gone through my photos yet, but here's a few quick ones from my phone:
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We're the early birds! Most of us drive Land Cruisers, but there's a few others :P
This dandelion was HUGE!!! There were so many of them too, which was so cool to see.
One of the deers just hanging out with us
Amazing Sequoias
On the side of the Crystal Cave enterance
Quick inside cave shots
One side of Crescent Meadow which was beautiful! So glad I stopped and checked it out.
One of the views from Moro Rock
The last stop before going home
So I also bought an America The Beautiful annual pass, and we're planning our next getaways. Anyone have any suggestions on where to go visit? Might try to do one every month or two!