I'm heading to Sequoia and kings canyon at the end of this month and want to do a short overnight backpacking trip while I'm there. This is my first time there so I'm wondering what trail should I do for the best experience.
I’d say Rae lakes if you had a little more time. Evolution Valley is pretty spectacular.
There will be significant snow left at elevation, so keep that in mind.
What side of the park will you be entering from? Late may is still gonna have a shitload of snow
I'm entering from the foothills area. I have heard conflicting reports about the amount of snow, I'm looking for a trail with minimal snow for this time of year
Foothills on the eastern or western side? Like coming from 395 or coming from the Fresno side?
If you are entering from the west, Pear Lake might be snow free by the end of May. It all depends on how hot it gets in the next few weeks and if any more snow comes down. Mammoth just got several feet of snow last week. If you are entering from the eastern side, something like Big Pine Lakes might be snow free by then. Any of the passes are up around 11.5 - 12k feet and will still have snow.
It would take some seriously warm weather for Pear Lake to melt out by the end of the month. Looking at the Sentinel imagery from a few days ago, there is still snow down to Generals Highway 2800' lower.
You’re gonna have a lot of snow up around 6k-7k feet right now. Middlefork trail will probably be your best bet. It starts at 3k and meets with redwood meadow at about 7k. Lots of campsites along the way at varying distances and great views of the great western divide, Moro rock and castle rocks on the way up (however I believe a lot of the south side of the river was burned in 2020, afaik the fire didn’t hop middlefork very much)
Other options would be lady bug camp or whiskey log camp along lady bug trail, or Garfield grove - however these trails are remote and last I was there the road was in very rough shape, but doable if your vehicle has clearance. Fires and floods also recently went through there so I’d really look into conditions.
There’s not a ton available until the snow melts more. If I were you, middlefork would be the best option.
Also, check on r/SEKI, tons of knowledgeable people there.
It might be a long shot but by the end of the month it’s possible you could get to weaver lake without a ton of snow, but I wouldn’t hold my breath too hard. The road to big meadows trailhead isn’t likely to be open, the road walk would be 4miles + 3.5 to weaver.
You can also ask in r/seki