Sequoia/King's Canyon in Late Oct?

[jpm1665]

Hi All,

I've been toying with the idea of going somewhere in the Sierras for some riding (road cycling) sometime in the next few weeks, most likely near the end of October. I just posted a very similar message in the Northern California forum about the eastern Sierras and it looks like due to weather this might not be the best place to go this time of year. So, I've been looking at some places that are further south. In particular, I've been considering some places further south like Sequoia National Park or King's Canyon.

I have a few questions that I hope people with experience would be able to answer:

1) Is this even feasible at this time of year, i.e. what are the chances of it being snowy and overly cold?

2) Any recommendations of "base camps"? I will stay in a hotel and then go riding either directly from the hotel or drive a few miles, park my car, then ride from there. I've been looking at the Three Rivers area, but am very much open to other suggestions.

3) Any recommendations for routes? This will be a weekend trip and so will consist of two long rides: one on Saturday and the other on Sunday. I'd like these to be about 50-80 miles each with a fair amount of climbing - say 5000+' feet but nothing absurd.

4) Are there any cycling specific websites that have information about riding in the Sierras?

Thanks -

[jpm1665]

42 views without one reply?! No one knows anything about cycling in Sequoia?

Bump ...

[Drew12]

42 views without one reply?! No one knows anything about cycling in Sequoia?

Bump ...

I've backpacked all over the southern Sierras as a teenager ( back when a
15-18 yr old could go a week or two w/o parents, and they didn't get arrested)
But never ridden them.

IIRC, kings canyon is a awesome sight, but the road is WAY to narrow to safely bike to the end of.

I would think there would be some great Mtb rides though..

[nesdog]

42 views without one reply?! No one knows anything about cycling in Sequoia?

Bump ...


I've ridden the roads closer to Reedly, down the mountain. have been up to the lakes and around some of the valleys as well. It's pretty nice in spots. But I've not been on the bike in the National Park.

Sheldon

[gr@sshopper]

I've seen people on bikes in the park. I know that doesn't help much, but...

It looks like it could be huge fun, and I wouldn't think that the roads are too narrow, but they are tight. I was in the comfort inn in three rivers in august, it was ok.

Why not call a bike shop in Visalia?

[DanteB]

I've ridden out of King's Canyon from Cedar Grove to Grant's Grove. The road dead-ends in King's Canyon at Cedar Grove. The ride out is 28 miles to Grant's Grove with one good climb, if I remember right it's about 12 miles and 4,000'. That's the only riding I've done in the area.

[curiouskid55]

My wife and I rode Yosemite Valley one day and Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon on another this summer. Both are spectacularily gorgeous and the only way to tour the roads in the parks in my opinion. We did them both as day trips from fresno where we were staying. We were planning to hit the Tuolumne Meadows area also but didn't have time. Weather will be brisk, near frezzing in the morning that time of year but should warm up during the day. The rides are not that long however. The valley was about 25 miles and cedar grove was about 30 without starting to climb out of there back towards Grants Grove. But both are world class scenery ane will be practically deserted.

[Jeff262]

I just got done riding the Grizzly Century a little North of Sequoia. The day started with me having to scrape a thick layer of ice off of all the windows on my car. It was 35 degrees at 8am when I started and they had to change the route because of ice on the road at the higher elevations. It warmed up to about 45 at higher elevations around Noon. My recommendation would be to do rides no earlier than mid morning to miss some of the cold and to bring lots of warm clothing. The first snows have already hit the Sierras and have stuck for the season. Traditionally late October is the real start of moisture.

I have done a little bit of off season riding on both sides of the Sierras. In my experience everything is manageable (cold and snow) except for ice. Ice sucks and its usually in the nice dark shady spots kicking back looking like water waiting to take you down. That isn't so bad on the ascents as you just spin out and maybe fall down but it could kill you going downhill. If there is any amount of moisture on the roads be careful.