Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Talo Pinto on April 13, 2010 at 9:56am

With the winter that the Sierras have had so far, Sequoia NP won't be accessible until June at the earliest, depending how high you want to go. High country probably not till early July. Definitely not May, unfortunately. This is good time for desert or coast camping.

Permalink Reply by Sandra on April 19, 2010 at 2:40pm

Expect snow in April in Sequoia... but I have camped in Sequoia in February before. The roads were passable, but definitely required chains, even for 4WD. Camping was free, but only the Lodgepole Campground parking lot was accessible. Expect to have it to yourself in February.

Alternatively, camp at a lower campground and take a day journey into Sequoia. There are a few really good lower elevation campgrounds in that area, and this time of year they are just right temperature wise.

Permalink Reply by Carol Skalsky on April 20, 2010 at 2:43am

We camped at Mather campground at Grand Canyon around March 12. Since we have the winter gear, we were thinking of a quick getaway the end of April. Don't have snowshoes though...was hoping for patchy snow. Will Big Bear Lake area be as snowy as Sequoia? I kind of like winter camping as long as it isn't stormy/windy. I am thinking with Big Bear being more well-traveled, the chains may not be necessary as it would be in Sequoia. I have this fascination with the big trees though... Would love to see what it looks like end of winter season...

However, hubby and I have never seen Big Bear. Hmmm.... decisions.

Permalink Reply by Sandra on April 26, 2010 at 6:28pm

You can't even go into Sequoia? In years before, I could get up there on semi-plowed roads. I say "semi" because they had had a plow run over them but the road surface still had a thin layer of snow and ice on it. Have they just totally discontinued plowing during the winter months up there? What about the lodge/motel? I worked up there one winter; that's why I went up there in Feb. I camped up there in the winter after that, knowing I would survive.

Permalink Reply by Carol Skalsky on April 26, 2010 at 7:27pm

We've never been to Big Bear, so Big Bear it is. We'll be taking our kayaks as well.