W6/SS-354 Park Ridge

 We had gone to Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks for the weekend, and before heading home decided to grab an easy SOTA peak. The choice was the nearby Park Ridge. We packed up the campsite, then drove up to the Panoramic Point parking lot. 

What a nice view.

There is a short paved trail up to the viewpoint. Definitely worth the trip up. From the viewpoint, it is a pleasant walk along the ridge. The ridge has open forest along it, and there are some nice views as you hike along. 

Another view from Panoramic Point.

Just below the high point there is an obvious hill. The trail has a switchback or two up this last climb. On top, there is more open forest. I stuck my pole in some of the bushes, and ran out the antenna. Since I was planning a quick activation, I only extended it to the 20m link. I had a little service on top, enough to put out a spot. I quickly got some contacts, including Germany.

General Grant tree, the third largest in the world!

It was a quick hike back down to the car, with another stop to enjoy the viewpoint. Back at the car we drove down the hill and made one last stop at the Grant Grove to enjoy the giant sequoias before heading back home. 

Trailhead: Panoramic Point Parking Lot.

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Follow the paved trail to the view point, then the regular trail to the summit.

Red Tape: None.

Video: Coming Soon!