The 52 Hike Challenge introduces me to new corners of California — this one was the hardest

SFgate ^ | Oct. 19, 2022 | Katie Restrepo

[nickcarraway]

A travel writer sees the peaks and valleys during a unique weekly challenge

My husband and I were on a camping trip with our two little girls and a friend. We had just finished Tokopah Falls, a 3.5-mile trek to a beautiful waterfall not far from the base of Mount Whitney. Following the park ranger’s recommendation, we decided to jump from Sequoia National Park to Kings Canyon National Park, and were rewarded with an unexpected bear sighting along the way.

A 7.2-mile loop? Animals? Sure – bring it on! The plan was that we’d hike until we found a good spot to sit for lunch, and then decide to either turn back or finish the Redwood Creek Loop in Kings Canyon National Park. This was our 29th hike of the year in the state, and we thought we had developed an effective system.

The Redwood Creek Loop, however, would prove to be one of the most difficult in a year’s worth of challenging hikes. (Keep in mind that the Redwood Creek Trail is currently closed following the KNP Complex wildfire. For updates, visit the NPS wesbite.)

Our first 28 hikes ranged from one to five miles. Our eldest had developed strong legs already, and was easily walking 4-5 miles without needing to be carried. I could hike 3 miles with our youngest in the hiking carrier before starting to get slightly sore shoulders, and up to 5 miles before really needing a short break from carrying her.

Since my husband was the one carrying our toddler on the first hike, I thought 7 miles would be tough but totally possible. We soon tested our limits.