After our vibrant stay in San Francisco, we hit the road and made our way to the tranquil town of Three Rivers, our gateway to exploring Sequoia National Park.
We rented a charming house right off the Kaweah River, which quickly became our peaceful haven. The serenity of the rushing river was mesmerizing; we spent our evenings by the firepit, listening to the water while staring at the night sky. Local restaurants were scarce, but we still found a couple great spots, including one spot that had the best chili I’ve ever tried (to my Texan heart’s surprise). Mornings were equally delightful, enjoying coffee by the fire with the fresh sourdough bread we had picked up in San Francisco, shaped like an adorable turtle.
On our first morning, we set out on the winding drive into Sequoia National Park. The road twisted and turned as we ascended the Sierra Nevada mountain ridge, and soon we were surrounded by a winter wonderland of snow. As we climbed higher, the mighty Sequoias began to appear, rising majestically from the earth. Their sheer size left us all in awe, a sight so grand it felt almost surreal.
We met our guide, Krista, at the visitor center, where she introduced us to snowshoeing, something entirely new to us Houstonians! The boys were thrilled, as it was Evey’s first real experience with snow. They couldn’t get enough of it, eager to eat the snow, make snow angels, and, of course, engage in a good snowball fight.
Our snowshoe hike took us deep into the forest, where Krista shared fascinating insights about the park, including the importance of controlled fires in ensuring the reproduction of Sequoias. The forest, draped in snow and veiled in a light fog, was breathtaking. One of the most memorable moments was sipping hot coffee under the towering Sequoias, surrounded by the serene beauty of the snow-covered landscape.
This snowshoe hike proved to be a challenge for all of us. Evey had a mild breakdown in the last stretch and cried the whole way to the car. He is still learning to love hiking I suppose. We coaxed him on with promises of ice-cream and a chance to explore the warm visitor center. Even still, by the end of it we were all ready to go home and rest.
The next day, we made the drive up the ridge once again. We couldn’t miss visiting the famous General Sherman Tree. Standing at over 275 feet tall and more than 36 feet in diameter at the base, this giant Sequoia is the largest living tree on Earth by volume. It was humbling to stand before such an ancient and massive tree, a true testament to the power and resilience of nature. The boys had renewed their energy and were ready to play in the snow once again.
After our snowy adventure, we descended back down to warmer ground and continued to explore the park. We hiked to see ancient petroglyphs and a beautiful waterfall, immersing ourselves in the natural and cultural history of the area. That evening, back at the house, we took a leisurely walk along the river, searching for the best rocks to add to our collection for the rock tumbler back home.
The next day, we decided to venture onto BLM land near the river, a local hiking spot recommended by our Airbnb host. We were thrilled to spot wild horses, including a foal, grazing in the distance. The hike was peaceful and offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape, a perfect way to close out our time in Three Rivers.
This trip to Sequoia National Park was a beautiful blend of adventure and tranquility. Our cozy house by the river felt like a home away from home, and we could easily have spent weeks soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. But the boys were already buzzing with excitement for our next destination… LEGOLAND! As we said farewell to Three Rivers, we carried with us the hope of returning one day to this serene and majestic place.
Until next time,
