We chose the 5-mile to hike up-and-down Little Baldy, a somewhat remote hike a short drive from our campsite. The primary attraction at Sequoia is within the Giant Forest confines and intersecting trails, so Little Baldy was a pleasantly quiet first hike compared to the Grand Canyon crowds. We did not encounter anyone on our entire way up the peak, and passed just three small groups on our way back down.
Not seeing another peak anywhere in sight, we stopped here, at a snack, and enjoyed the decent hike up what seemed littler than we expected. We picnicked among a very friendly hummingbird who wurred by several times, floating within a few years from my face before zipping under a nearly pine for repose.
Wanting more, we continued along a trail for perhaps 1/4 mile, until we saw this climb...
...then this walk...
...and this view...
We were standing on top of the world, looking across the wilderness tumbling into desert on our west; Great Western Divide to our east, glittered with a few remnants of winter along the peaks. To embrace my family from atop this mountain peak was the most glorious time of this trip, hands down.
For our evening hike, we ventured to Muir Grove, a small grove of old-growth sequoias...
The hike was longer than either of us had expected but totally worth it. Standing among these giants, I felt as though I was among royalty - as though I was not worthy to be in their presence. Their bark was surprisingly soft and felt hollow. Looking up toward the canopy, I was captivated by the thought of the amount of life that each single tree sustained: the variety of tiny insects, birds, mammals, fungus, microorganisms, etc. lead my brain to overload and the catharsis that follows.
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