Resort style
vacations in the forests --visit Wuksachi Lodge, world's biggest tree,
and
Sequoia National Park, California
 Check Rates Wuksachi Lodge
Sequoia National Park,
Calif.—If a little snow tickles your imagination,
you can leave the California beaches and be up in the
Sierra Nevada Mountains enjoying the biggest and best
vacation you'd ever imagine. Tucked inside the Sequoia
Redwood forests are the world's biggest trees (including
the absolute biggest,) America's tallest mountain in the
contiguous U.S. at Mt. Whitney, and a beautiful lodge
where you can book rooms offering all the creature
comforts to enjoy this amazing vacation.
California really has
it all when it comes to trees. While tourists from
around the globe think of California as the trend-setter
(we just heard that on Washington Week in Review when
they discussed our state's budget shortfall), the
biggest, tallest and oldest trees in the world all live
in Central and Northern California. What is it about
California living that makes them survive up to 5,000
years, grow to weigh over 12 million pounds, and stand
close to 380 feet tall? Is it that healthy living that
Californians know about? Absolutely!
It seems that plenty
of rain and moisture are key to helping the trees
grow--and leaving them alone is important, as well. For
instance, the biggest trees actually are strengthened by
forest fires burning off the bark that contains predator
plants, but fences had to be put around the giants when
it was discovered that the human feet trampling on their
root systems weekend their defense.
You can experience
the giants that take an hour's drive up the mountain to
access from Three Rivers outside Visalia. The road is
windy and narrow, and once you arrive, you realize it
would be really nice to stick around and see all the
sights. That's where Wuksachi Lodge comes in for us city
folks and beach people. The rooms are nice, comfortable,
and affordable during the winter and early spring.
That's your best time to snap into action and enjoy the
park in all its splendor, minus the heavy crowds that
wake like hibernation black bears living in the forests
there. We highly recommend the winter (we went in
February) for your first adventure. We waited and
watched the weather reports, heading in and out on a
three day stay just before a storm brought fresh, new
show to the mountain. Otherwise, you will need tire
chains for your drive up the hill.
What you should know before you go:
Do not bring food and leave it in your car. Bears are around,
even during the winter months, and may smash your car
windows, taking food that they smell with their razor
sharp senses.
Snow chains are required if there's snow on the roads. We
purposefully waited to book a trip until the roads were
clear, and in fact, we enjoyed 55 degree days with
sunshine during our stay.
You have to pay to enter the National Park. It's $20 for a
multi-day pass, allowing you to visit two national
parks, Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
There is no gas station in the park. You can fill up at the base
of the mountains, but cheaper gas is available in cities
such as Tulare. With a full tank, you should have enough
gas to last you comfortably throughout your stay.
Winter activities such as ranger led hikes generally occur on
weekends. During the week, you are on your own,
exploring the countryside and mountain trails. It's
likely that you will be without cell service during your
stay, so plan accordingly.
|
