Winter Trip to Sequoia National Park | Can't Find a Parking Spot! | and Where to Camp

[@pattiamaya4671]

I just adopted two puppies (sisters) who are now 12 weeks and one of the girls (Stella) got up and went to the TV when she saw Jasper and started wagging her tail and started whining. I was so cute and of course I don’t have it on camera. Jasper has a groupie ☺️🐾

[@TailsofWanderlust]

How cute!! 😍 Thank you so much for watching, Patti & Stella!

[@mikestone9839]

Yep going back again is a great idea. Longer hikes more solitude. Spent the afternoon in my trailer reading and listening to the rain...

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Solitude and relaxation. Sounds perfect, Mike!

[@patriciamartin1626]

Hi from Tennessee. Thank for sharing your journey and hike around the beautiful trees. What a beautiful place. Have a great day.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you so much for watching, Patricia!

[@Banagal]

Such a beautiful Sequoia National Park that everyone wants to go there.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

That's the truth! Thank you so much for watching, Ramona. 😀

[@duathlete827]

I hate the crowds of people and cars. Not that everyone doesn't have a right to be there but just can't stand crowds. Especially when wanting to enjoy the outdoors. The cute little "running out of patience and not enjoying myself" look with head in hand and tongue sticking out said it all. Glad you took the walk on the trail to give us the views. Really brought their size into perspective when you put the camera down and walked up to one of them.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

I’ve always found the trick is to pick some of the more remote spots of national parks to get away from crowds. But those are usually shut down in the winter making it a lot harder. Thanks for watching Brian!

[@Flap999]

My parents made several trips through the park in the 90s. Both said you can't imagine it unless you see them in person. Turns out Alaska was that way too at least for me. Everywhere I looked just left me speechless with a tightness in my chest. This was a great video entry. Just think what those massive beauties have seen.......

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you so much for watching, Jutt!

[@whitleyrobertson7070]

Kings canyon NPS is also stunning and does not seem to get as populated. The rock formations and ranges in both parks are also spectacular……so much to see.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Really good to know, thank you Whitley!

[@tarac5137]

Whoa, that is a lot of winter crowds. Thanks for the tips on visiting Sequoia. Stay strong trees, don’t burn down! Dogs are the best. 🌳

[@TailsofWanderlust]

I’m with you! Hope they stick around for a long time!

[@MikeB-in1nd]

I'm glad you got to see Sequoia it's so beautiful there

[@TailsofWanderlust]

They really are, Mike!

[@forkintherode8236]

We had to postpone Sequoia due the fires last year. The destruction to these tress is mind-blowing. Kudos for the effort. Thank you

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@glenlittlefield9869]

Early and on weekdays....is the best time to visit ANYTHING these days, LOL! I would assume Summer would be just as challenging even with more parking. I grew up out West and my visits back there have shown how times have changed in our National Parks. Especially in Cali where there are so many people and everyone needs an escape. Still beautiful there, even with all of the fire damage. Hopefully, the forests of Cali will be around for many generations to see and witness mother nature in all her glory. Thanks for sharing and bringing back memories of my life back there.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you so much for watching, Glen!

[@HectorGonzalez-lg9rd]

Thank you for sharing this vlog! This is one of my bucket list destinations that I hope to experience soon. There’s is something that attracts me to seeing those magnificent Sequoia’s 🌲. I appreciate the insider tips on visiting a National Park!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you for watching, Hector!

[@HectorGonzalez-lg9rd]

@@TailsofWanderlust absolutely! I really enjoy all your videos, tips and destinations. Can’t wait til your next adventure!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

I am so glad you enjoy my content, Hector. Thank you so much for watching!

[@HectorGonzalez-lg9rd]

@@TailsofWanderlust 👍🏼👍🏼 Any updates on your truck camper remodel and Alaska trip?

[@jeffb9444]

Agree with your comment that if someone wants your RV they will find a way to steal it, however I have a T@b 400 and like the Baseline is small and easily stolen. I use a long shank padlock through the hitch pin hole to lock up my safety chains. Locks up the chains when unhitched, serves as the hitch pin when towing, and locks the hitch to the truck. I am more worried when parked in an urban environment than when boondocking. Love your videos.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Great tip on the lock thank you!

[@azxp]

I am really happy that cool people like you make awesome videos like this, because what you went through is my nightmare. I cannot sit in my car for that long not moving. I will never go to a national park for that reason. I am one less person you have to worry about in front of you in that line. I enjoy watching the trees that you watch. Thanks for the video, the trees are amazing!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for watching, azxp!

[@jeromejccheung7032]

Happy Puppy are the best puppies!!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Absolutely agree with that!

[@gigimc6640]

I was just there last weekend. The windy road up and down was something else.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

That one is quite the road!

[@arkpolice]

So love Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. You can camp at Buckie Campground (Sequoia National Forest) near Big Meadows Campground and it's free camping. You have to go through the park to get there. Have camped there many times while growing up (from Tulare, Ca).

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for the tips!

[@georgelucas6720]

I'm not ready. I'm just not ready. I think I was in love with the BaseCamp, lol. It was you. You were it. I guess it'll take time to get over this. *sigh*

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Hahah! Thanks George. If my plans for the truck camper come true there may be a few Basecamp elements on the inside to bring back the memories :)

[@leeeverett8109]

yay! You made it to California. I just love these trees! And the Coastal Red Woods OMGOSHHHHH! hehehe

[@TailsofWanderlust]

They're, beautiful, Lee!

[@zmarko]

It's been probably 40 years since I've been there. I do want to go again. Amazing scenery there.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Oh wow! Hope you can make it out there again!

[@RacerX766]

Jasper loves his Mommy

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Very mutual! Thanks for watching!

[@chelseab5467]

That was beautiful and informative! There is no way people can be there in person and not be impressed by some "big trees." Awe poor Jasper! He's like "Mom you left me!" Thank you Tails of Wanderlust!!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you for watching, Chelsea!

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

My Charlie loves hiking... probably why I'll avoid National Parks till she gets older. Love your videos. I have a 4Runner and I built out a 5x10 cargo trailer...love being compact for sure 😊

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Love that you’re building out your own trailer! Check out state parks near national parks. A lot of times still ver beautiful and dog friendly.

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

My goodness! That was worth the wait in line! Thanks for taking us along.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

It definitely was! Such an incredible park. Thanks for watching!

[@posteroonie]

What a great park. A nice long hike that doesn't pass sequoias, but has beautiful Sierra scenery and a lot of altitude gain, is the trail to Pear Lake. Part of it goes near the edge of a cliff but it's safe enough if there's no ice or wind. The short hike you took around the cove, the Big Trees trail, is wonderful, very pretty with the sunlight and green of the cove. Another good rather short hike is the loop around the Giant Forest, with the awesome President Tree next to the trail, just ½ mile from the General Sherman.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you so much for the info!

[@wesmccoy7061]

Thanks for this video Cass. You have so much patience. Such a beautiful area still. The trees are amazing. No wonder u wanted to go. I’m in awe of their size. I miss Jasper tho

[@TailsofWanderlust]

I’ll make sure there’s a lot more Jasper once I get through this backlog of videos :). Thanks for stopping by again Wes!

[@imeabmusic]

Jasper was so happy to see you... ah, I remember when my Jasper would be so excited after I came home from an sans Jasper excursion. I want to make a long ambling cross country trip soon.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

One of the best parts of a trip is coming home to them. Hope you can make that trip!

[@anaislake]

my name is cas i use an online moniker. my first stop in california was sequoia, when i moved here from kentucky... please go visit more ! sequois amazing!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

I certainly will, Cas!

[@brunnie]

Got a big laugh when you stuck out your tongue while waiting in line. What insanity!! What an incredible place to see, even with all the crowdedness, so Thank you for teh quick look. Until next time... Travel safe.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Haha glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks Brunnie!

[@dnonya5208]

@@TailsofWanderlust....so beautiful 😍 thank you for sharing ❤️

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you for watching, D!

[@vanlifeish5465]

Been wanting to go for awhile, looks like I’ll have to go soon!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Hope you can make it out there!

[@mojavemike6522]

Thank you for the quick tour! I was 4 years old when first seeing these massive trees.. Yes I do remember them from that age, I'm 67 now. Might take the Geopro this fall if the fuel prices ever go down.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching, Mojave.

[@cesarcuevas9669]

If you want to see big trees and avoid crowds, you should try Calaveras big Trees State Park it is gorgeous and is not too far from that area. Note: reservations required for camping, no dogs allowed on trails either 😔. Check it out is worth the time, been there a few times with my dog and so far so good.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

I'll have to check it out. Thanks, Cesar!

[@jamesbaker9539]

Hi Cass, I appreciate your tips on best viewing times for national parks. It's been a long time since I have been to any. Nowadays I have a dog and will have to take her into consideration and appreciate your sponsors product that may give me some peace of mind with her comfort if I can't take her on a short hike with me. Jim

[@TailsofWanderlust]

I'm glad you found it helpful. Thank you for watching, James!

[@oldmillrd8153]

This is such an amazing Park. You will really love a summer time hike in the back country. What surprised me on my hike was not only the Sequoias being so large but many other species of conifers (pines) were gigantic as well. I remember standing at the base and looking up and it blew me away of how big in diameter they were 100+ feet up. Awesome place.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

It's breathtaking!

[@soynwasabi]

Avenue of the giants is also impressive up north in Humboldt county

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Good to know thank you! Added to my list for next time.

[@neofx22]

Congratulations on 50k subs!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jimgam730]

So glad you had that parting shot with Jasper. Those sequoia's were nice just not sure I'd want to go there if I couldn't take my dog.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Agree, National Park trips are always so much better with Jasper. Thanks for watching again Jim!

[@martyevans8162]

Due to SO many wildfires & so little rain in SW & NW, will you be moving your travels further NE for the summer? You always maximize what can be done in whatever time you have. This was another wonderful episode and those trees are breathtaking in just

[@TailsofWanderlust]

That's a great question Marty, as the fires are already taking off this year. I need to get the truck camper renovated, then I plan to head to Alaska. For future summers, we'll see how it impacts travel plans.

[@sheilaedwards5942]

Cass thank you for sharing, this looked majestic and look forward to checking off my bucket list, and in my basecamp for sure.....hahah

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Sheila, you'll love it!

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Great video

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks, Alvin!

[@HawaiianStyle1994]

As long as Jasper has some treats and Napoleon has his minty mint leaves, they're all set...

[@TailsofWanderlust]

That is absolutely true!

[@Dave-fr6bw]

Thanks for sharing! I wish there where more dog friendly places. Love your videos!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Dave! Appreciate you watching!

[@carls4552]

Great video Cass. Too bad Jasper wasn't able to go.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you Carl!! Once I start filming more with the truck camper, he'll be around a lot more!

[@LCLand]

Did you see general Sherman? I didn’t see it in the video. I moved to visalia 4 years ago and have only been twice. I need to go more frequently! Saw the general and I think it’s called Moro rock hike. Gorgeous

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Sadly no. That parking area was so full I couldn't get in to see it.

[@robp3431]

Wow, was it a weekend ? That is just too busy ! Yeah, for sure go 6AM to beat the crowds.....

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Yes, this was on a Saturday or Sunday (can't recall). Thankfully the 6am trick still works for now!

[@jasonsandifer3250]

Happy Thanksgiving and Have and Merry Christmas *Newly Updated Safety Suggestions: for Campers, Explorers, Travelers* I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living. Although, I just noticed your KZbin channel, and other similar channels, displaying van living. I just wanted to remind everyone to Aware Be of your surroundings and Alert, I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc... People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living. I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself. Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this. I feel that you , and others KZbinrs sharing this with your viewers will be very helpful. I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors. I shared this with several other travelers, as I watched their KZbin channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others. Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety tips, and items that may help you, or others in your viewing audience. Although, you may have knowledge of this already, I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone. *Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle. You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage Do your research for the best fit for you Consider Carrying Several Extra portable cellphone phone chargers, and cables. Consider theses items: *Mini portable power charging station. I have also seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, that can be recharged from sunlight this may be very useful to have, to power your devices. *Invest in a Cellular signal booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost or amplify your cell signal and reception. Consider also the purchase of a WiFi signal booster to also boost your WiFi signal. Research to see what you prefer. *Very Inportant: Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location. There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating, or camping situations. *Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts, and location updates that can be sent to your family, and emergency first responders. Some can be synchronized with your smart watch or phone. There are some satellite SOS texting messaging, locator devices that will send messages with your phone even if there isn’t any cellular signal, or WiFi. With this device your can still text, and communicate with others in a emergency satellite transmission. Check online, for various emergency SOS products, some are small to fit in the palm of your hand. You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you. *Mini portable vehicle battery jumper charger *vehicle battery jumper cables *Vehicle Jumper cables *PLEASE BE AWARE* that in the *WINTER* *vehicle *Batteries fail* many times in very cold weather conditions. Vehicle batteries drain more often in the winter months. Please Keep a vehicle battery portable jumper pack, this is a device that can jumper or boost your vehicles battery yourself without another vehicle. If you have a older battery in your vehicle, Please have it tested or replace it, and consider the purchase a new vehicle battery with higher Cold Cranking Amps rating. Be Aware that Sometimes even a battery that is a few years old can fail in the Winter months, and extremely cold temperatures. Some alternatives to Winter Camping, Travelers, Explorers, etc, if you can find a Warmer Climate Location to stay during Extreme Winter months, or stay with family for a few weeks. Another alternative is renting somewhere, Hotel, Apartment, although it can probably get expensive. What ever you decide, or choose to do or as a possible alternative, Please Be Careful, Alert, Aware, Safe, and Informed... *Keep a Fire extinguisher handy *Smoke detectors, and Carbon monoxide detectors can be helpful Consider installing; *Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly. *Exterior vehicle mounted camera for the front, rear, and both sides of your vehicle. Some can be activated by motion, Including spotlights. *Interior vehicle cameras *Flashlights or pluggin spotlights *Portable spotlights, and lanterns Keep a few whistles around with you, and in your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console *Keep a Sound horn, for hiking this can service, as a deterrent, and a emergency signal alert for others. *A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, to communicate with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies, you can keep with you when hiking. Use your own discretion regarding the use carrying of any weapons. Don’t forget to bring Bear Spray Pepper spray Where is allowed Purchase a couple canisters just in case and keep it with you If you own a drone you can use it to survey your area for animals etc. However, Please Be Safe and Beware of your Surroundings. Stay Alert, and Be Safe even when stopping at Rest stops, Truck Stops, and conducting your various tasks. Keep in often contact with your family, friends etc. Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions. *VERY IMPORTANT* I would suggest *NOT* to travel to locations without internet, cellular service in the Winter, the reason is that weather conditions can change very quickly, and you absolutely DO NOT want have a vehicle break down, or malfunction, or emergency, and not have the availability to communicate, and contact your family, and or, emergency road assistance, or emergency services. *Safety is Paramount* *Your Life is Important* *You want to Live to Travel another Day* *So Be Safe* *Stay Alert* *Keep your vehicle gas filled* Don’t ride on fumes, or on Empty. Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle fuel or gas too close to Empty. Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time, and headache later on. Remember to keep up on routine maintenance, check your tires for wear, keep up with your fluids for your vehicle, like oil levels, antifreeze coolant, Please carry extra (oil)(washer fluid), (brake fluid), (antifreeze). You will need extra Winshield Washer fluid because of the ever changing Weather conditions, dustly roads, especially in slushy wet roads. Furthermore, you will need extra Windshield Washer Fluid, Because you will Be driving more often in dusty, dirty, windy, and varying weather conditions. Your windshield will gather dust and debris from long term driving. Also, Remember Because you are on the road riding for sometimes very long distances, and long periods of time, I would suggest investing in 2 sets of tires, and a spare, the extra set to rotate. Check the mileage ratings on your tires they all very. Conduct visual inspections of your tires often, check for damage, wearing, air pressure, etc Keep a pressure gauge to check your tires pressure and a tire pump. Electric, Portable tire pump. Keep towing insurance to Be Safe if you ever need it. It Doesn’t cost much try to get National coverage if available, or where you will be traveling. Keep Extra financing, and savings for any unexpected issues, vehicle repairs, and overnight stays, in a emergency or if you need to rest indoors. Keep Enjoying Yourself, Keep Enjoying the outdoors, and Nature Just..Please continue to Be Positive, Safe, and Alert.. Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All. God Bless You, and everyone Traveling, or living in their vehicles, Vans, RVs, etc. Please Be Safe..... God Be With You..... Author Advocate for Humanity, Jason Sandifer, Michigan, 11/15/2022, 11/18/2022

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you for sharing Jason! You have put a lot of great tips in one spot, so really appreciate you taking the time to do that for everyone. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!

[@jasonsandifer3250]

@@TailsofWanderlust Thank your so much for your reply, I appreciate your response. You Very Welcome, I listed in longer list form so it would Be easier for people to find and review it if they needed to. I wrote all these Safety suggestions to Be of Help and service to People who Travel, Stay, and or Live in their Vehicle’s. I have made some more suggestions where that came from, my mind is constantly Thinking how to Be a Help to others. Anyway, I Hope that someone will Benefit from these Safety suggestions. Take Care and God Bless You, your family and All Happy Thanksgiving and Merry and you and your viewing audience.

[@natwandering]

Wow that is crazy with the parking! I was there in October 2017 and had no issues whatsoever with parking but I also arrived around noon or so, so maybe that was weirdly less busy?! But this was also pre-covid, so there may be more American visitors now.. I remember doing a really nice hike and getting lost lol because the signage didn't make sense, I even asked some people who always go to sequoia and they didn't get it either lol. I found my way thankfully because of knowing that moss grows on the north side of the tree, so I knew what direction to follow and then made it back to the trail thankfully. So just as a little fyi for when you do go for a longer hike ;)

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank for the tip, Natalie!

[@nathankelly7259]

Sequoia is on my list to see one day soon…hopefully not so crowded tho. The trees must be jaw dropping in person! I made the mistake of going to Rocky Mt NP on July 4th a few years ago. Crazy crowded! I hope you can make it to Wrangell St Elias & Denali one day…they’re incredible! Thanks Cass you’re awesome 👍🏼

[@TailsofWanderlust]

I hope so! Actually didn’t have Wrangell St Elias on my map so just added. Thank you!

[@nathankelly7259]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for the great content! Both Denali & Wrangell are very remote, so it’s best to have a hiking partner.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for the tip, Nathan!

[@dwight2812]

hi Cass, For a while you would not go too far west because the time difference for your work. Are you on work break?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Hi Dwight - nope still working on parts of this trip. But my job is more flexible Now with hours

[@rickdreibelbis]

As President of the Jasper Fan Club, thanks for the cameo appearance of our boy Jasper at the end!! Would have hated to call you out for dissing the real star of the channel!!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

😂😂. If we ever start a fan club for him I’m giving you a call!

[@AmericanPatriot-bp7cu]

Cass, check out the video Toyota Hilux RV 2022 if you haven't already.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

I'm absolutely in love. Just wish they would manufacture it!

[@traveller9625]

Beautiful park but it does get filled up. BTW is that a Dixie neck knife you got there?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

It’s a MT Knife. I’m not sure what a Dixie knife is?

[@50spudman]

👍✌️

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for watching!

[@kathyk-d1802]

What No Furry ones???? Lol that’s okay once in a while. Even without them your videos are enjoyable informative and entertaining. Thanks for sharing!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Kathy! Always a sad day without those two. Once we're all in the truck camper, they will always be there hahah!

[@davec9244]

crowded and going to get worst! soon you will have a lottery, to reserve your day and time. But that may be better thank you, ALL stay safe

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks, Dave!

[@situated4]

What an absolute nightmare. Sad really.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

National parks have become so crowded in the last few years

[@TailsofWanderlust]

That is so true!! Just hope they learn to respect and take care of it.