The entire upper watershed of the Kern River, and the widely known Kern Canyon, added to the park in 1926, is a spectacular area containing the roughest and loftiest peaks of the entire Sierra Nevada, with Mount Whitney at 14,494.7 feet elevation, the highest point in continental United States, only barely thrusting its head above many others of nearly equal height. In the center of this mass of mountain wonderland is the Kern Canyon, with its colorful walls 3,000 feet high extending north and south 25 miles. Hot springs and mineral springs are added attractions, while fishing is unsurpassed anywhere in the Sierra. A minimum of 2 weeks for a trip either by pack or foot is necessary adequately to cover the wonders of this region, but it may be reached in 1 day from Mineral King to Kern Canyon Station (Camp Lewis or Soda Springs). The new High Sierra Trail has linked the Big Trees of Giant Forest to the Kern Canyon by a graded trail. It is a good 2-day journey from Giant Forest to Kern Canyon.
MOUNTAINEERING
The peaks of the Sierra Nevada and Great Western Divide, as well as the Kaweah Peaks, in Sequoia National Park, offer excellent opportunities for mountaineering. Devotees of this greatest of outdoor sports are visiting the park in increasing numbers. Those interested in mountaineering in the park should communicate with the Sierra Club. Members of that club have made some notable ascents and are fully conversant with the technique of climbing in the Sierra of California.
Among the high peaks in the park, many of them over 14,000 feet, which offer opportunities for mountaineering may be mentioned Mount Whitney, highest in the United States outside of Alaska, Muir, Langley, Russell, Tyndall, Williamson, Junction, Stanford, Table, Milestone, Kaweah, Sawtooth, and Silliman.
THE VALHALLA AS SEEN FROM THE HIGH SIERRA TRAIL
Padilla Studios photo.
Of the approximately 60 peaks in the United States over 14,000 feet, 13 are in California; and of these, 6—Whitney, Muir, Langley, Russell, Barnard, and Tyndall—are in Sequoia National Park.
Information about mountaineering may be obtained by applying to the superintendent of the park, or at any ranger station therein. Full information about equipment and types of climbs may be obtained by writing to the secretary of the Sierra Club, Mills Tower, San Francisco.