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Kings Canyon National Park Research Paper

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This is the final installment of a series of three reports about the Monarch Divide, a chain of mountains in Kings Canyon National Park.
Today we shall continue over a mountain pass, and delve into northern reaches of the Monarch Divide. We shall explore a wild canyon, and follow a spotty trail for miles, using a creek as a handrail to remain on track. The ultimate goal is an off-trail overlook, where we shall enjoy a splendid view of a deeper and more rugged canyon! Note that the wild conclusion of this trip is for expert hikers only. An altimeter is good to have, to safely explore this seldom-trod corner of the park.
To start with, we reshoulder our packs at Kennedy Pass. (For details on how to reach this pass, please refer to the previous issue of the California Explorer.) The trail down the north side is poorly maintained. Erosion gullies have …show more content…

The raucous call of Nucifraga columbiana is usually the loudest sound in Kennedy Canyon. Such birds can be counted as friends, too, if you do not mind their rowdy behavior.
A great campsite can be found at the 9450 ft. level. The site is sheltered by lodgepole pines, close to a cascade, and is situated just upstream of another scenic meadow. If a storm is brewing, this camp is ideal.
As you move north, the canyon floor becomes more wooded, and the path becomes intermittent. There are ducks, a few, but the established trail pretty much vanishes by the time you reach the outlet coming down from West Kennedy Lake (a dry run of cobbles in late season). But what do you care? For a travelling companion you have Kennedy Creek, which chuckles along merrily even in autumn of drought years. Just follow the creek as you like, veering away from the water to avoid willow thickets, and picking up remnants of trail every now and again. Trees often limit the long-range views, but it is impossible to get truly lost around

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