Going over the Sierra Nevada through Sequoia
I have 8 days in August to get from SF to Sequoia National Park/Kings Canyon and back again.I was thinking of taking the 99 south, stopping a few places, staying in the park for a night or two, and then trying to get across the mountains to the 395 (one of my all-time faves).I can't tell from my maps if it's doable or will take 50 hours or what. On my map the road is shown as originating around California Hot Springs (southern part of Sequoia) and going over SHerman pass. Does anyone know?
Actually, you can drive over the Sierras on that road!!!!!!!
The road that goes over Sherman Pass is known as Kennedy Meadows Road east of the pass and Sherman Pass Road on the west side (also county road-41) and it does cross the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range on the southern end of the Sequoia National Monument. After intersecting with Nine Mile Road on the eastern side of the Sierras you will reach US-395 a couple of miles south of Little Lake.
It is not a road for the faint of heart -- radical switchbacks and rather amazing cliffside views but it would surely make any roadtrip memorable. Last August, heavy rainstorms washed out several sections of the roadway and I am not sure of the current status of the route.
Before driving it, I would suggest calling the Kernville Ranger Station at (760) 376-3781 or the Lake Isabella Visitor Center at (760) 379-5646 and see what the current conditions are like.
I would LOVE TO KNOW what the road is like in 2004. If you go, please write and let us know!
Thanks,
Mark