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The Sierra National forest stretches from
the southern border of Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon National
Park and comprises 1.3
million acres of gentle rolling foothills, the majestic peaks of the
Sierra Nevada waterfalls, eleven reservoirs, 411 lakes, 100 campgrounds
and 1,100 miles of trails. There are bear, bobcat, deer,
fox and good fishing in the forest. Mt. Humphrey is the highest peak
in the forest at 13, 986 feet. The largest sequoia trees are in
McKinley Grove.
The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway passes
through the forest's most scenic areas. It begins at Minarets Road,
from Road 223 in north Fork and is paved for seventy-six of its 100 miles.
The Byway passes geologic features, Arch Rock, Globe Rock and the
Balls and Nelder Grove where there are the giant sequoias. It also
passes stunning views of the Sierra Nevada and many campgrounds.
Sierra National Forest
1600 Tollhouse Road
Clovis, CA 93611-0532
(559) 297-0706
he following trails have been suggested to
us as particularly scenic. All mileage is round trip.:
Easy:
The"
Shadow of the Giants" trail is only about 1 mile not two and Nelder
Grove also has several other hikes in the Nelder Grove Historic Area
that are available."
Brenda
Negley
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Maxson Trail: Except for the distance, it is considered an easy 15-mile day hike. The trail offers good views of the high sierra
mountains. You will need a permit for overnight stays. From
Hwy. 168, go toward Shaver Lake, right on Dinkey Creek which becomes
McKinley Grove Road Road. Left at the Courtright-Wishon Reservoir
sign on Forest Road 40. Make a left at Courtright Rd. then 8 miles
to Courtright Reservoir.
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Rancheria Falls: An easy 2-mile hike that goes to spectacular falls
150 high by 50 feet wide. The trailhead is 1.2 miles up Rancheria
Falls Road.
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Crater Lake: This 3-mile hike starts at Dutch Lake on Florence
Lake Road. This scenic lake is surrounded by jutting mountain tops.
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Florence Lake: This pleasant 8-mile hike around the lake
offers flowers, plants and woods.
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Devil's Table: The 5-mile trail leaving from Mono Hot Springs
will provide panoramic views of area mountains after reaching the top. The
Devil's Table is a lava formation and volcanic ash covers the surface.
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Doris Lake: The 2-mile trail begins at Mono Hot Springs.
Good for the family and offers good fishing.
Moderate:
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Woodchuck Trail: Follow the directions for the Maxson Trail for the
trailhead except at the junction for McKinley Grove and Courtright Roads,
continue on McKinley 2 miles to the trailhead. The trail is twelve
miles, but the best scenery is in the first three miles. It provides great
views of Mt. Hoffman (9,622 feet), Lost Peak (8,476 feet) and Looper Peak
(10,059 feet) but the first three miles also have the greatest elevation
gain.
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Nellie Lake: 10-miles and a 2,300 foot elevation change.
Nellie Lake is a scenic sub-alpine lake. It is a day hike but a good
place to spend a few nights. The trailhead is at Huntington Lake,
behind Upper Billy Creek Campground.
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George Lake: The lake is at the base of a high peak surrounded
by granite slabs and boulders offering a beautiful setting. The trailhead
is along Kaiser Pass Road and George Lake is 2 miles from Upper Twin Lake.
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Edison Lake: A 9-mile hike that begins at the northwest end of
Edison Lake. Good views of the lake and surrounding meadows and
forests.
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Mono Creek: This 10-mile hike starts on the south side of Edison Lake
and goes to Mono Hot Springs. The Mono Dam Diversion about halfway
is a good place to watch animals and go fishing.
Strenuous:
- College Rock: A steep 5-mile hike
that offers a view of the Huntington Lake Basin. The trailhead is
at Huntington Lake.
- Kaiser Peak: A 10-mile and
3,000 foot climb with a spectacular view from the Minarets Range to
Kings Canyon National Park. The trailhead is at Huntington Lake.
- Twin Lakes: A steep 6-mile
trail offering views of the high sierras and Huntington Lake that passes
fields of blue lupine. The trailhead is on Kaiser Pass Road, 1/4 mile
from Badger Flat Campground.
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