a small camping trip for the long weekend

July 4th weekend is coming up and we have booked a campground near Porterville(Am I rt with the name; somewhere close to Springville, CA). Guess, its a part of Sequoia National Forest.
We had to stay out of the Park, as those were the only campground with showers. I am more comfi with a bath :)
We initially planned to reach our destination exploring the amazing Mono lake and other stuff along CA 395. But, during long weekends, we need to stay for 3 days. I do not know why they do that.
So, we would rush up there on Fri night. 2 days hiking and exploring Sequoia and Kings. Is 395 a good option on our way back? guess Tioga is still closed. No idea when they would open it.

Any suggestive hikes or stop by there or around?

thanks in advance.
Cool :)

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Originally Posted by cool

July 4th weekend is coming up and we have booked a campground near Porterville(Am I rt with the name; somewhere close to Springville, CA). Guess, its a part of Sequoia National Forest.

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Porterville is in the eastern edge of the San Joaquin Valley -- I am guessing you are staying at Eagles Nest which is right near the river -- but not inside the forest boundaries. Springville, on the other hand is inside the forest.

It should be a fun time to be at Sequoia -- there will be a few thousand fellow campers as well -- but it is still relatively easy to get away from the crowd.

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We initially planned to reach our destination exploring the amazing Mono lake and other stuff along CA 395. But, during long weekends, we need to stay for 3 days. I do not know why they do that.

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Because.... they can. A little secret -- they only require 3 days if you arrive at the start of the weekend -- moteliers will always rent a room -- if one is available when you arrive -- no matter what the official policy is -- but the 3-day requirement provides a sense of security to all parties.

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So, we would rush up there on Fri night. 2 days hiking and exploring Sequoia and Kings. Is 395 a good option on our way back? guess Tioga is still closed. No idea when they would open it.

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Yes, Tioga is still closed -- most of the snow on the road is gone, but there is still significant chance of rockslides and avalanches and highway folks HATE having cars swept off the road for some reason.
Utahtea reported that Tioga Pass will be open on Friday -- June 24th at 8:00 am

However there is an awesome road that connects with Sequoia and US-395 and although I am not positive it is open (inquire locally) it is a stunning way to cross the southern Nevada mountains. Basically you take the Western Divide Highway south from the park and turn east on Sherman Pass Road up to Kennedy Meadows (check out the Grumpy Bear resort) and then follow Kennedy Meadows road (it just changes its name) farther east and as it begins the descent into the Owens Lake Valley it changes its name again to Nine Mile Canyon Road (county road J41). This route is all paved and travels about 75 miles across the Sierras. You will reach US-395 a few miles north of Pearsonville, California. This highway and others in southern california is detailed in a new book by David Wyman that we absolutely love. The author of this book also has a company that conducts family campground experiences and they are doing one at Sequoia over the 4th of July that sounds pretty darn fun.

Looking to hear about your experiences!

Mark

We are staying at Tule Campground. Closer to Porterville, I guess.
So, I cannot do Mono lake?
I got reservations at Quaking Aspen, but dropped it due to lack of showers. Guess a mistake!!!

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Originally Posted by cool

So, I cannot do Mono lake?

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I don't understand -- which way is home for you? Yes, you can "do" Mono Lake -- I guess I don't understand the question...

I stay in the bay area. I just now chked that Mono lake was on 395.(Thought it was on Tioga Road, Sorry!)

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Originally Posted by cool

I stay in the bay area. I just now chked that Mono lake was on 395.(Thought it was on Tioga Road, Sorry!)

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Oh, that explains it --- in earlier post you mentioned coming down US-395 and seeing Mono Lake, (which is correct) so I was a bit confused. But the good news is that Tioga Pass opens this week!

Yup. But since we booked the campground for 3 nights, guess, we would have to depend on I5. On our way back, we plan to leave monday morning and see Mono lake on our way back. And yes! Tioga Road is opened. :)

I'd make a note of the routes you mentioned.
Thanks a lot. It really helped.

Cool

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Originally Posted by cool

And yes! Tioga Road is opened. :)l

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Not quite -- it opens on Friday.