Giant Escape

Fires devastated large areas of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks this past summer, but things are clearing up for their 125th anniversary and there's still plenty to see and do. From spooky spelunking and stargazing beneath giant sequoias to hikes less traveled and lovely lodges, here's a day-and-night itinerary.

Week: 10.20.2015
Regions: Southern CA

Nature's Royal Treatment

John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon

Dwarfed beneath a ring of behemoth sequoias sits Kings Canyon National Park's iconic John Muir Lodge. All 36 rooms in the secluded stone and timber retreat have eco-friendly décor yet retain a rustic ambience. The lobby's rough-hewn open beam ceilings and an oft-lit stone firepla
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Crystal Caving

Explore Crystal Cave in Sequoia

Not all stunning vantage points are above the tree line. Sometimes it’s what lies beneath that’s really interesting! Venture below Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park’s soil and discover an extensive underground system of nearly 300 caves, including the park's hidden gem—Cryst
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Big Baldy

Hike Big Baldy in Kings Canyon

Giant sequoias are the main attraction in Kings Canyon National Park, but the granite peaks around here aren’t too shabby either. In fact, they’re epic. Venture down Generals Highway in Kings Canyon to prominent Big Baldy, the area's highest point, at 8,209 feet. Here you can acc
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Adventure Challenge Wrap Up

2015 Adventure Challenge Wrap Up

This past summer we hosted the 4th annual Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge, sponsored by Alaska Airlines. Your mission: Get outdoors! Do any three adventures from Weekend Sherpa, post photos to our Facebook page or on Instagram (#WeekendSherpa) and get a free Weekend Sherpa wic
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

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  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

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  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

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  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

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  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

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  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

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  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

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