I am unexpectedly in the Antelope Valley on business, will have the weekend off. I am looking for a cool place to (rental)car camp this weekend, possibly up in Sequoia or Kings Canyon. I am not familiar with this area. Day hiking gear and tent/bag only. Suggestions? Thanks
-chiefduffy (temporarily displaced AT hiker)
chiefduffy
I live in Ridgecrest and spend as much time as possible in the Sierra and Death Valley.
If you want to see the Sierra, Horseshow Meadow out of Lone Pine has superb car camping facilities - but because of the altitude (~ 10K) it will be cold.
Death Valley is a nice option - or rather, Panamint Valley. You avoid the National Park hassles, restrictions and crowds. A favorite car camping spot in Panamint Valley (a 60mi X 10+ Mi valley with approximately 13 full time residents - 12 at Panamint Springs and one caretaker at Ballarat): go through Ridgecrest and Trona into Panamint V. At the road junction for Wildrose Canyon (about 2/3rds of the way to the hgwy 190 intersection, bear left. Continue north for several miles til just past a knoll on the left and a dirt road intersection with a road sign the says “Manzinita Mine” or something similar. Turn right (east) and continue to a “T”. Turn left to the dry lake or right onto rising terrain with pull-offs and spectacular views after a couple miles.
You can car camp anywhere in Panamint Valley.
booger
If you want to see very old trees, maybe the oldest on earth, take a walk to Ancient Bristlecone pine forest, just before Big Pine, turn right to enter the park, i was there after i quit Kennedy Meadows on the PCT.
You should find very good free car camps at 10000 feet just before the park entrance with awesome views of the Sierra Range.
If you like death valley, wildrose peak camp is a free car campgound at 4000 feet something.
greetings from france
french bob
Thanks all. Ended up day hiking in the Giant Forest. Spent some time with the largest living thing on earth, saw some giants sunbathing in a cool mist, camped in the rain on a dry foothill (Potwisha). Woke up to camp coffee under a billion stars, an owl hooting quietly, then a gray glow giving way to timid sunshine. I think I may be in love - with the Sierras!!!
-chiefduffy
chiefduffy