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Kaweah Basin
Kaweah Basin is located in Sequoia National Park, located in southern portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Perhaps one of the most remote locations in Sequoia National Park, Kaweah Basin is visited by only a few determined parties each year. As a result, Kaweah Basin can be argued one of the most pristine basins in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
There are approximately three routes into the Basin, all of which are un-trailed and potentially dangerous cross country routes. Kaweah Pass traverses over the shoulder of Mount Kaweah, and consists of large, loose, and sharp rock. Pyra-queen col enters the basin from Nine Lakes Basin to the west, and similar to Kaweah Pass consists of loose rock. Lastly, and technically the easiest route into the basin is from Picket Creek (however the route into Picket Creek itself poses its own problems). The route I chose to approach the basin was from the west out of Rowell Meadow. Several long days of hiking led me to Roaring River, through Cloud Canyon, up to and over Colby Pass, and finally cross country into Picket Creek Basin and Kaweah Basin. While the basin itself is an attraction of its own, the plateau to the south along the Red Spur is a must see for anyone investing the time and energy to reach the area.
Visit the High Sierra Topix Forums for my trip report to the area.
