Summary of Sequoia High Sierra Camp
Our Rating: Five Stars
At Sequoia High Sierra Camp, you can enjoy all the pleasure of camping in the wilderness with none of the inconvenience. We seldom give any property a five-star rating, but the Sequoia High Sierra Camp earns our highest praise in every aspect. Not only are the accommodations comfortable, the views stellar and the cuisine tasty, but it’s an excellent value for your money as well.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Beautiful location in the mountains
- Close proximity to a trailhead for easy access
- Comfortable beds to ensure a good night’s sleep
- Delicious meals provided
- Friendly and helpful hosts
Cons
- Wet weather can make the trail into camp quite muddy, requiring good hiking boots
- Due to the remote location, guest provisions are ordered and transported in advance. Your credit card will be charged in full when you reserve, and cancellations or changes must be made at least 30 days prior to your arrival date to avoid forfeiting payment. If you’re uncertain about your plans, it’s advisable to consider travel insurance.
Description
- 30 tent cabins nestled in a forested area at an elevation of 8,282 feet
- Satellite telephone and internet access available in emergencies only
- All meals are included in the daily rate
- Seasonal operation from mid-June to early October
- Rates are subject to change; an entrance fee for the national park will apply.
Hiking In
Reaching Sequoia High Sierra Camp can be achieved through two routes:
- The Easy Way: Drive to the Marvin Pass trailhead parking lot and hike a well-marked one-mile trail that gains 300 feet in elevation. While experienced hikers can make it quickly, high elevation may slow some travelers down; for instance, one visitor took approximately 45 minutes with rest breaks.
- The Long Way: Begin at Lodgepole Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park and embark on a 12-mile trek with a 1,500-foot elevation gain via a park system trail. This route demands at least nine hours, so early departure is essential.
Although camp owners have reported no bear sightings, taking precautions is always wise. Be aware that if you hike in via the longer route, the return trip will require retracing your steps, as no shuttle service is available between trailheads.
Things to Do
Most visitors are drawn to the Sequoia High Sierra Camp for its hiking opportunities, thanks to its prime location. Within a day’s hike, you can explore destinations such as Mitchell Peak, Rowell Meadow, and Seville Lake. During some visits, a shuttle hike to Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon was available, featuring a downhill hike with transportation provided back to camp (for a small fee).
This tranquil camp serves as a perfect retreat, with no electricity in the tent cabins and no modern distractions. This serene environment invites guests to simply relax, enjoy a good book, or take a refreshing nap. It also presents abundant opportunities for photography and birdwatching.
Sleeping and Meals
Tent bungalows are spacious at 330 square feet, constructed on a cement platform with canvas sides and roof, complemented by rustic wooden shutters. The decoration incorporates earthy tones reflecting the natural surroundings, featuring rich-toned wool rugs and comfortable furnishings.
Beds are outfitted with down feather pillows, plush mattresses, high thread-count sheets, and a cozy Pendleton blanket. To aid evening reading, each cabin is equipped with a propane lantern.
Each tent cabin can comfortably accommodate up to four guests and is adequately spaced for privacy.
Meals
Sequoia High Sierra Camp ensures that camping does not compromise comfort. Breakfast features a buffet with fresh fruits, cereals, pastries, and warm dishes like vegetable frittatas and bacon. Lunch offers choices for creating your own picnic from an assortment of imported meats and cheeses.
Dinner is served in the main pavilion, with a limit of eight guests per table, showcasing an impressive menu crafted despite the logistical challenges of remote camping. Recent five-course meals have delighted guests with dishes ranging from mussels to farm-fresh salads and dessert delights. Notably, weekly Italian family-style dinners and hickory-smoked BBQ flown in from Memphis add to the culinary experience. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, accommodating most dietary restrictions, although it’s recommended to discuss preferences with the chef in advance.
Basic Needs
The main bathhouse maintains immaculate facilities with hot and cold running water and private toilet areas featuring flushing commodes. Amenities such as towels, lotions, soap, shampoos, and hairdryers are provided. Additionally, an electrical outlet is available for personal grooming needs.
Private shower stalls ensure modesty yet are open at the top and bottom, which might result in a draft.
Tips for a Great Visit
Hosts provide a comprehensive list of essentials to bring, and it’s beneficial to heed their advice. Consider these additional tips to enhance your experience:
- Insect repellent is advised, as camping in the mountains means insects may be prevalent.
- Electricity is limited to the pavilion and bathhouse; therefore, consider leaving electronic devices behind.
- The camp requires a hike of one mile along an uphill dirt path. A backpack is recommended instead of a suitcase due to this terrain.
- If children are unaccustomed to hiking and camping, this location may present challenges, and refunds cannot be issued for early departures.
Getting There
Sequoia High Sierra Camp is strategically located within the Giant Sequoia National Monument, positioned between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and roughly midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. From Fresno, follow Hwy 180 east; the journey includes about 30 miles on main roads, followed by an additional 10 miles on side roads, some of which may be unpaved, leading you to Marvin Pass Trailhead.
For those traveling from afar, the nearest airport is located in Fresno.
