TR: More bears than backpackers: a vacant Kings Canyon 2023
Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2023 10:46 am
The only road into Kings Canyon was closed during 2023 due to winter storm damage. Thus reaching the popular trails that start from the canyon floor was a much more challenging proposition. The shortest way into the canyon was via the Don Cecil trail from the south rim, a 5 mile hike that descends 3400 feet.
In late September I took a solo trip into the canyon for five days and it was really special to see this stunning national park without any cars. I saw three bears and only two other backpackers, thus, more bears than backpackers. The weather was terrific, the mosquitos minimal (though there were quite a few gnats in certain places), and the scenery was magnificent. The solitude was sublime. It was wonderful to enjoy the normally crowded Paradise Valley trail without any other hikers.
The hike out, going back up the Don Cecil trail, was not as arduous as I expected. The trail has a very even gradient and is never too steep. There are three stream crossings along the way so you don't have to overload yourself with water.
Mama bear on the trail
Mist Falls
In late September I took a solo trip into the canyon for five days and it was really special to see this stunning national park without any cars. I saw three bears and only two other backpackers, thus, more bears than backpackers. The weather was terrific, the mosquitos minimal (though there were quite a few gnats in certain places), and the scenery was magnificent. The solitude was sublime. It was wonderful to enjoy the normally crowded Paradise Valley trail without any other hikers.
The hike out, going back up the Don Cecil trail, was not as arduous as I expected. The trail has a very even gradient and is never too steep. There are three stream crossings along the way so you don't have to overload yourself with water.
Mama bear on the trail
Mist Falls